I did not watch last season but am watching this one. i must have missed the whole using the other drawers thing. I remember doors/knobs not lining up and thought he should have been eliminated for the sloppy work. It's a little odd that random drawers on the set would have fit into his piece. I'll have to go back and watch that episode. Vivian should win...her work is amazing.

I watched the first season and was appalled at the poor due diligence on the part of the show (the project that was the inspiration for the "first" winner could not have been that difficult to vet if the show, or viewers, had spotted it even late in the show's run). At first, I thought it was something they rigged up to build up excitement for the show. So I wasn't interested in continuing to follow it this year. And after reading your synopsis of this recent incident? It's one thing to "make do" when you're in a jam and find a creative alternative, but to put forth a creation that doesn't even function properly and smoothly and be highly rewarded for it?

I added a link to a blog about the episode and the comments of people at the bottom. Every one agrees he cheated and should have gotten eliminated.

I doubt I will watch it in the future after this fiasco.

Not watching. After the travesty of taking back the win from the true winner and giving it to the very copycat designer, I have no desire to watch it. I lost lots of respect for Ellen and now don't even watch her daytime show.

I watched the show with the draw switch, could not believe that he shrugged it off as he was doing it. Kind of reminded me of a person that if he found someone else doing the same thing would be calling FOUL to the top of his lungs. I also do not believe that the judges were not informed of this by someone after watching the show especially with this insert aired about the switching and attitude of the contestant. Rigged, fixed, Keep Calm and cheat on. Honesty just doesn't seem to fit in the picture I guess.

That should have been "drawer" switch for the politically correct people who seem to search and pick up on errors and make sure they are heard. Sorry, a mistake I caught after submitting.

I started watching the first season because the concept of the show was something I found fascinating. Unfortunately, the way the show was set up left the process I most interested in on the cutting room floor, and the trash talk and interaction lead the way. Yawn. Half way through, I began just picking up the final designs on recap write-ups of the show. I didn't even bother doing that for the subsequent season. That they would allow such cheating, especially in light of the previous fiasco, says a lot, sadly.

I think Ellen has too much on her plate these days. I used to enjoy watching/listening to her afternoon show while I was preparing dinner but have given it up for several reasons...not the least of which is the ear splitting gallery screaming that goes on for too long [ego stroking time] during her shows. IMO the entertaining substance of the show has been traded for silly games and even sillier participant antics. I, too, have lost respect for Ellen.

Never heard of it, had to google it..

"Ellen's Design Challenge, which ranked as one of the highest-rated series in HGTV history, returns to the network in January 2016 with several surprise guests .."

I have watched from the beginning. The first season result was sad but I understood the reasoning. I did watch the drawer show you speak of. As I understand the rules ....the contestants can use anything in the areas for their projects. The drawers were in the atea. So it's not a rule violation. His design didn't win that episode if I remember correctly. I liked all three of this past weeks designers and was sad they couldn't all compete. I love the show. Will see where it goes.

Threejs, you can go back at any time and edit or delete your own posts after you've submitted the post. You will see edit delete at the top of your post and are free to make any kind of changes you wish. Just hit submit again after you're finished editing.

I don't know how long the editing function remains.....days, weeks, I don't know.

If you start a new thread, you have an hour to edit or delete it before it stays for good.

I doubt very seriously that pulling the drawers out of the furnished work benches falls under the category of use stuff, that would mean the piles of woods available and nuts and bolts etc but not claiming that you made every thing in the project when he clearly had not. That question was even asked and he said yes he made everything, that was his chance to show some character and honesty and explain the situation but he lied there as well. So cheat, check, liar, check, absolute scumbag, check.! I think if they screw up and let him win it will be the end of the show, this was their second chance for many people, like me, there won't be another.

I guess next season they will have to build new drawers for the person that gets Sef's station,since the work station now has none.

I've watched it a few times, I like it, I just don't care for Ellen.