LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Alas, Katie and Luke, we hardly knew ye . . . in fact, who were ye? Perhaps they should have been mindful of the old adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease." As the fourth team eliminated from Beauty and the Geek, Katie, a 25 year-old retail store manager and Luke, a 23 year-old robotics engineer, weren’t at the center of drama or a mismatch of partners. In fact, they were downright invisible. Well, at least until they were gracious enough to talk to me while held at gunpoint. Oh, I kid . . about the gunpoint, anyway!
How did you become interested in trying out for Beauty and the Geek?
One of my friends saw that there was going to be an open casting in Columbus and suggested someone from my robotics group should try out. My friends in robotics got together and said I had the best chance within the group to go on. Initially, I said no, but after talking with other people I work with, I tried out and made it on to the show.
Had you watched previous seasons?
I watched previous seasons during the casting process to see what I was getting in to exactly.
How do you feel the two of you meshed as a team, and if you had the chance, would you have paired up with anyone else?
Katie and I meshed really well. In fact, we came up with a little nickname for each other—BPE, which stands for best partner ever. I can't imagine going through this experience with anyone else. With Katie I've found a friend for life.
The stereotyping of being a geek or a beauty generally labels a person with (or without) certain traits, yet, Luke, you are active in sports. So, what makes you a geek, and how do you feel about being referred to as a geek?
I wouldn't consider myself active in sports. If you are referring to racquetball and boxing, I do that sparingly, maybe once a week, if that often. I consider myself a geek because I’m heavily involved in robotics. Every winter I get together with my robotics group, and we build washing machine size robots. I think most people would consider that geeky.
You probably had a preconceived notion of what the show was going to be like before you appeared on it. Was the experience as you envisioned it to be?
I thought more of the beauties would be a little bit more mean, or condescending, and look at us geeks as if we were the only ones who needed changing, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Did you accomplish what you wanted to in terms of personal growth and transformation, and, if so, what were those changes?
I felt like I did find myself after the transformation. When looking back on the show, it’s almost like looking at a different person. My confidence, posture, and self image have all improved drastically.
How did you help each other during the course of the show toward that growth and transformation?
Katie was always there for me. Whenever I was worried, or anxious, or got stressed, Katie calmed me down and reminded me what was truly important. Katie really brings out the best in people; I know that with her help I was becoming a better person.
How did you feel about the twist of the male beauty and the female geek, and how did that affect the group dynamic in the house?
A lot of teams didn't really like Sam and Nicole, however, I think Katie and I were the one exception to the rule. Sam did a lot to help the geeks out. Whenever we had questions, we could just come up to him, and he would show us what to do. You would think that for a Hollywood club promoter Sam would be a lot more aloof/condescending, but he was a really great guy. Sam was my best guy-friend on the show.
One of the contestants stated that this was not a dating show, rather a learning experience. What are your thoughts on the Rebecca and Sam romance, and what kind of impact did it have on the other contestants during the show?
While some people may not have liked it, I really didn't think it mattered all that much. I mean, it wasn't really our business, Sam and Rebecca are both adults, and Katie and I were not affected by it.
How much input did you (Luke and Katie) have in the makeovers because it seemed the stylists took over and gave you what they wanted, and I know Katie was advising you on the show.
It was funny, because even though the stylists took over for the makeover, they pretty much did exactly what Katie had in mind. I think both Katie and the stylists had the same thing in mind.
What did you think of the makeover, and is it something you are keeping?
I am keeping the look. I actually go to a hair salon now, and have kept up the look, with a minor alteration or two. I’m probably going to get it dyed again soon.
You got the awkwardness of asking--and getting asked--to go to a prom. How were your prom dates, and what was that whole experience like?
My prom date was amazing. Erin was a really nice person, really sweet, and I was happy to have her as my date. Not to mention she's really attractive!
The Derek Zoolander thing was hilarious!
Thanks, I’ve been workin’ on Magnum also. It’s not done yet though!
I couldn’t help but think that the elimination challenge was unfair. Nicole may be a geek, but she is still a woman and would have an edge for studying the beauties material. What are your thoughts on that?
Those questions were out of our hands. Fair or not, we had no control over those questions or who we went up against. All we had to do is decide what to do with the time we were given, and Katie and I made the most out of it, and used it not for our modeling or acting careers, but to truly become better people.
I’m curious about the study materials you receive. Could all the questions they ask be found there?
No, some questions are considered common knowledge. Neither of Katie’s questions was in the study materials.
Do you think it’s possible to study enough so that you could win every challenge?
No. In the elimination room, it’s a combination of both studying and a lucky selection pick.
What was your favorite moment on the show?
My favorite moment on the show was actually right after we got voted off. Not because we wanted to go, mind you, but because that was the first chance we got to pause, and look back, and realize what an amazing time and experience that we had. Everyone in the house was amazing, we learned a lot about ourselves, and have improved drastically. Even though we only spent weeks together, it feels like years. I've made some lifelong friends.
What was the most challenging thing you had to do on the show?
The most challenging thing was making a gift basket. I have no artistic talent whatsoever.
What’s in the future for you?
I don't really know what’s in my future. I am definitely keeping up with my new look, though.
Do you have any final words you'd like to leave with our readers?
If anyone from the show is reading this, we miss you, and can't wait to see all of you again. And thanks to all the other fans, who have messaged your support/goodwill. The incredible fan base is part of the reason this show is such a success.
Many thanks to the CW and Luke for this interview opportunity! Extra special thanks to Luke for graciously E-mailing his responses back to me after technical difficulties.
Photo credit: THE CW
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by AshleyPSU;2617930; 
