Popularity Contest, Episode 7: Pie In the Sky

Popularity Contest - A show where ten city clickers invade a small town in Texas, in hopes of winning the residents over. The entire town of Vega, population 936, is involved in the show, and it’s the town folks themselves who will decide who will be voted the most popular new resident of Vega. The contestants are competing for $100,000, which they will split with the townsperson of their choice. Every three days a town vote will be held at the County Barn and the losing contestant will be escorted out of town by the sheriff.

The remaining contestants, in order of current most popular are:

1. Alex - Baseball Scout
2. Rory – Chef
3. Ali – Cheerleader
4. Jose – Model

There is one matter of business left before the Town Meeting can adjourn. Contestants must be matched with a new host family. A Vega child, Hadley, is brought to the stage to pull host family names from a cowboy hat. The first family called is Fairchild, who snatches up Ali, followed by the Walker family, who chooses Alex. Rory goes with the Kirklands, leaving Jose the unpicked contestant. The Jackson name is pulled and nothing happens.

Myrna Jackson says that the only way she would ever pick Jose is if he were the last contestant standing and she had no choice. She gets her wish! Paul Jackson doesn't even go to greet Jose. An awkward moment is being had by all. I actually feel sorry for Jose. (Don't worry, my sympathy will be short lived!) Finally Myrna steps up to the plate and gathers up Jose. Paul Jackson is going to take him home and tell him the rules. If he doesn't like them, Jose can go unpack his bags someplace else.

The contestants go to settle in with their new host families. Alex wants to try Mom Walker's fried chicken. It's the best in town. Ali just wants to dig up some dirt on Jose. Rory plans on making spinach dip for a party being held at the Kirkland home while Jose gets to feel the big chill at the Jackson home. He has learned that life in Vega isn't as easy as he thought it would be. If you do something wrong, the town can be very unforgiving.

This is the first time that the Jackson home hasn't been filled with family and neighbors after a vote. No one seems to want to meet and greet Jose. Meanwhile, at the Kirkland home, Rory knows she is in Alex voting territory. They like Rory but she's a real big city, strong willed, forceful type. Alex just fits in better. They have the same values. He's a hometown kinda guy. The Kirklands are rich but not snobby. They love their community and Rory is grateful that they took the opportunity to get to know her. She feels a bit defeated, a little scared and asks permission to call her friend Klay. As he wasn't at the voting ceremony, she lets him know she's still around and that all is well.

Alex has a similar situation at the Walker home. He is in Rory territory. Mom Walker is surprised he is so quiet. She expected the contestants to be more outspoken. Ya learn something new everyday! She has been voting for Rory since day one and unless Rory really messes up, will continue to do so.

Meanwhile, Jose knows he has to start doing damage control. He scoots over to visit with his last host mom, Carolyn Richardson. She is going to help him make fliers that he can pass around town. "Vote for Jose!" Carolyn voted for Marthia, then supported Mandell. She doesn't think she will be voting for Jose. She wants someone representing or living in Vega that's a little more mature.

Jose is trying to portray a different look. He wants to be rejuvenated, awakened, a cleaner and more innocent kind of person. He's going to be a nice guy for a while and see if he can win back some of the voters. Jose hits the snow covered streets targeting the south side of Vega. The north side is filled with the power people of the town. These folks already have their favorite contestants. Jose goes door to door, handing out fliers and takes the time to visit with the residents who invite him in from the cold. Seems that Alex sticks with the business and rich side of Vega, while Ali doesn't even say hello. Rory is only a person standing on a stage at the County Barn. Jose secures a new vote!

As snow falls, two of the contestants are indoors holding a cheerleading/baseball clinic for the young folks of Vega. Alex and Ali split the gym at the school. On one side Ali is teaching twelve girls rhythm, basic dance moves and all the things one needs to know to become a good cheerleader. On the other side Alex works with the boys. Hey batter... batter... batter! The boys hit balls into the rafters as Alex pumps 'em up with "it's a home run" banter.

The contestants meet to finish up their Community Service Project. Last week they got the Kiwanis Club Hall prepped for painting. This week they will be painting. (I thought they had finished this last recap! My bad!) With rollers in hand Alex is trying not to send paint streaks down Ali's hair. Ali is sitting on the floor painstakingly dabbing little paint spots here and there. Kent Birdsong, the Service Project Supervisor, says that it's funny to watch her being detail-oriented like nobody's business. With the last splash of paint applied, the contestants finish their project (this time for real). Would the Kiwanis Club ever hire these guys to paint? Nope.

Host Jonathan rounds the group for an announcement. The contestants have one day to find a Vega resident with good aim to partner up with for tomorrow’s mystery challenge. Robby Kirkland, son of Rory's host family, is having a football party. Rory wastes no time snagging him as her partner. As Robby is an ex-baseball player, Alex wants him too. The Kirklands tell Alex that Rory has already asked Rob, but that doesn't mean nothin' to Alex. He pulls Robby behind closed doors for a secret meeting and asks him to blow Rory off. They sneak out, one by one from their hiding place, hoping no one saw their scheming. With his tail between his legs, Robby explains the situation to Rory saying well... like... duh... If you REALLY want me... but Alex is my pal kinda BS, (that is really kinda pansy-assed if you ask me). Rory, being no fool, lets him off the hook but makes sure she tattles, in a happy smiling kinda way, to his folks. "Alex is a great guy, but he stole my partner!" Tate has been telling her all along that Alex isn't what he seems but she chose to give Alex the benefit of the doubt... until now. Game on!