The Pickleball Court That Broke the Internet
One of the most talked-about design fails of Rock the Block Season 6 Episode 5 was the infamous pickleball court. Instead of being a fun, functional space, it ended up a cramped joke — jammed against a wall with barely enough room to swing a paddle. Viewers couldn’t believe it made it past the planning stage. To make matters worse, a bizarre mural of a paddle-wielding figure loomed over the space, giving the whole room an unsettling, off-theme vibe. Add a random soaking tub with no towel rack or robe hook, and fans were left wondering if the designers were trolling everyone.
Bathrooms? Who Needs ‘Em Apparently
It didn’t take long for fans to notice that not a single team added a bathroom to their massive basement spaces. In homes priced for luxury buyers, the lack of even a powder room felt like a major design misstep. While there may have been structural reasons — no sewer lines or egress windows — viewers weren’t buying it. With large budgets and creative freedom, fans argued there was still a way to make it happen. In a space meant for entertaining, the idea that guests would need to sprint upstairs just to use the bathroom felt absurd.
Why Did Every Basement Get a Full Kitchen?
If the no-bathroom decision puzzled fans, the choice to install full-scale kitchens in every basement left them downright frustrated. Most felt a small kitchenette with a microwave and mini fridge would’ve made more sense, especially when there’s already a full kitchen upstairs. The prevailing theory? HGTV might be pushing the double-kitchen narrative across multiple shows. But viewers weren’t buying into it — calling it a waste of budget and space, especially when key elements like bathrooms were skipped.
The Arcade Dreams That Turned Into Rental Cabin Nightmares
Some viewers initially loved the throwback arcade concept, but once the details settled in — the loud carpet, mismatched aesthetics, and clunky machines — it felt more like a discount vacation rental than a luxury home. The design was called offensive to the eyes by some, with several saying the arcade lacked polish and cohesion. A fun space? Maybe. A smart use of budget and square footage? Not quite. And if you’re nostalgic for the ’90s, that doesn’t mean you want your basement to scream it.
The Music Studio That Played the Wrong Tune
The Knight brothers built a sleek-looking music studio — and while a few viewers appreciated the craftsmanship, the overwhelming consensus was that it was far too niche. Sure, Utah has a growing influencer and podcast community, but most buyers aren’t looking for a soundproof room in the basement. The sentiment was clear: if you’re designing for resale value, focus on versatility, not specialty.
Alison and Michel’s Dysfunction Is Showing – On and Off the Screen
Fans couldn’t ignore the growing tension between Alison and Michel. From their body language to the total lack of cohesion in their spaces, something felt off. They were rarely filmed together, and when they were, they often stood feet apart. At one point, Michel literally stepped away when Alison touched his arm. Their rooms reflected the disconnect — design styles clashed, the layout felt fragmented, and the entire pickleball concept (which many blamed on Alison) became the face of this week’s disappointment.
The Kalamas Impressed… But Did They Really Deserve the Win?
Tristyn and Kamohai walked away with the win this week, but even that sparked debate. Their layout was praised for being practical and well thought out — but viewers took issue with the use of peel-and-stick tile and other budget compromises. Some questioned how a design with visible shortcuts beat out competitors who used high-end materials. That said, others argued the Kalamas were the only team that seemed to design a livable, usable space. Budget blunders aside, theirs was at least functional.
Design for Resale or Instagram? Fans Say the Show Has Lost the Plot
A growing number of fans feel Rock the Block is more about aesthetics and HGTV trends than real-world functionality. From shuffleboards placed awkwardly in kitchens to mismatched color schemes and wasted storage space, Episode 5 felt more like a competition for flashy moments than thoughtful design. Many questioned whether the teams were designing for potential buyers or simply trying to go viral.
Was This Episode a Turning Point for the Season?
The Reddit community didn’t hold back: this episode marked a low point for what many hoped would be a standout season. Utah’s stunning landscape promised gorgeous backdrops, but the interiors failed to live up. Viewers described Episode 5 as chaotic, mismatched, and confusing. From questionable room choices to clear personality clashes, it’s clear this season isn’t delivering the cohesive, innovative design fans were expecting. One user summed it up best: “What a weak crop this season has turned out to be.”
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