Jeffrey vs. Angela's Mom

In season 3 of Runway, there was an episode where the designers were to design for an "everyday woman". This translated to having the other designers' mothers, sisters, and aunts for their models! Two of the designers, Jeffrey and Angela, already didn't like each other, and then Jeffrey ended up with Angela's mother for his model. She was, to say the least, a bit dowdy and a bit frumpy, and certainly not a good option for a model. She had little poise, little self-esteem, and all that is necessary for showcasing a garment. It's easy to understand why Jeffrey was so frustrated with her.
The clip that I want to focus on occurred right in the middle of the show. It was the second day of construct, and Jeffrey had started working on his garment. Darlene, Angela's mother, begins complaining that she's not comfortable with the garment and she doesn't like the color, and the cut isn't complimentary, and on and on. Jeffrey explains that it's the fabric she wanted, and when she keeps complaining, he asks her to please leave because he's irritated with her and he doesn't want her near him.

Naturally, this upsets Darlene and she goes to Angela very upset. There follow shots of Darlene snuffling and crying to Angela, "Nobody talks to me like that! I'm just so hurt. So hurt and so insulted." Angela, in turn, goes to Jeffrey and tells him he should be ashamed for treating the poor woman like that.

It's hard to tell where this was meant to be seen. Obviously, we are shown precisely what is meant to be seen. However, I'm a very confrontational person and I have little sympathy for people who like to reside in their own pathetic puddle, while asking other people to come sit with them and moan. I don't like people who can't stand for themselves, who try to speak in small voices and hope to make their opponent feel stupid. I don't have any sympathy for people who just sit and bemoan their own situations but don't try to speak up for themselves. So, yeah, I do feel like this is something shot in Jeffrey's court. He comes off as a jerk, but we are shown how annoying Darlene was being. All of the shots of her were uncomplimentary, and we're reminded again and again that Jeffrey got to choose his model last and was therefore stuck with her.

It seems like we're supposed to side with Darlene because she's the one crying, and she's a woman and a mom, and people are saying Jeffrey is being a jerk. But, like I said, all of the build-up pushes to the side of Angela being a wacko and then, apple and tree, assuming that Darlene is just as crazy. So it's a bit of an ironic thing when you side with Jeffrey, but I totally do.

Granted, the garment he ends up making is hideous and totally suits her, but still. It's hard to deal with someone who is so against you and against working with you.