Refusing to meet the challenge

My wife and I have just watched 3rd episode of season 2 and we are a bit disturbed. The challenge was to create a cartoon character. One contestant, Chris we believe, made a glass full of crayon pencils with a single red pencil lying next to it, broken in half and with some little blood drops.

During the judge's interview portion he says its meant to illustrate the difference between free speech and a free press. When pressed that there is no character he says it supposed to illustrate solidarity. During the private interview segment he said he didn't come to make something goofy or to make googly eyes.

He wasn't the one eliminated. The one who was made a, granted, somewhat stiff "post apocalyptic rat" with a pet cockroach which didn't look at all apocalyptic.

So why are we disturbed? Because he did not, and in fact refused to, follow the challenge. My wife and I compete in artistic competitions. (Our medium is fabric). We've judged many competitions.

If the contest has a theme, then, we believe, you have to follow the theme. There are a whole host of ways to follow the theme and still follow your own vision. Chris didn't have to make googly eyes. (in fact another contestant's character didn't have them. It was rather understated and subtle.)

If we had been judging this competition we would have kicked out even if his piece showed the absolutely best skill and technique. The purpose of a theme is to channel the artist's creativity. To, rather rudely, simply ignore it is, in our view, is showing contempt for the competition and deserves nothing less then elimination.