Trading Spaces back to the good ol' days

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I was plesantly surprised to see that the original upstart renovations show is back to it's old ways again.  I must admit that for years I I haven't tuned in to the new format mainly because there was no host and I didn't like the game show attitude they put in it. Before that however I used to watch the show religiously, taking in all the creative ideas and info they had to offer.  Then they got rid of the host...

Paige

Fortunatley for this new season they got Paige Davis back.  I don't know the whole story but you can read it here.  She was the bubble of the whole show and should have never left.  Of course I was bummed when Vern left and then Ty, but now that these guys have their own shows and Ty is doing better than everyone I might add.  Anyhoo, even with all those changes Paige was always able to keep the energy and drama going.  Then she left and kaput.  Ratings sank to a new low. 

Now they have the return of Paige, Frank, Hildi, Doug, Laurie, Edward, and Faber.  They have new faces Lauren, Goil ( I'll get to him later), Thad (new carpenter, get to him later), Brandon (new carpenter) and DIY star Amy Devers (this chick can do it all).

Well about the designer Goil...can you say irritating?  Can someone please tell this flame job that he doesn't need to laugh in every segment of the show?  I always thought HIldi was off the wall when it came to design but Goil is right there with her.  If you saw his latest room, you would understand.  I felt so bad for the lady working with him.  She would tell him his honest opinion and he would laugh in her face.  Someone shut this guy up.  BTW, can he flirt a little bit more with Faber?

So then we come to the new carpenter guy, Thad.  Was Trading Spaces so desperate for a carpenter that they went to the nearest red neck bar and looked for the guy with the most tatoos who could work with wood?  Is it just me or does this guy give you the creeps too?  He's just not the nice clean cut carpenters we used to see with Ty, Carter, Amy, or Faber.  Not only that, he can't finish his projects (see Franks design in the premiere show of this season).

In all though, I've become a faithful watcher again.  Now that they went back to the 2 days and $1000 budget things seem right again.  That and the fact that Paige Davis is rocking the hosting position.  BTW, anyone know what ever happen to Trading Spaces: Family?  Oh well.