Two teams of artists construct original alien animals that incorporate two models into one large creation.

The artists arrive at the Port of Long Beach and board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter U.S.S. George Cobb, which is where they learn they'll be making beautiful but deadly sirens based on unique sea creatures. Included: Working in teams of two, one group feels compelled to start from scratch on Day 2; at the same time, another duo struggles with streamlining different visions into one makeup.

The artists turn engaged couples into whimsically undead duos; McKenzie Westmore performs wedding ceremonies.

The artists have two days to create and apply a clean, detailed face makeup based upon literary mash-ups.

The artists compete for immunity in a Foundation Challenge based on a classic Rorschach inkblot test. Later, they pair off and use a unique gateway as inspiration for two makeups.

Some retro-style alien characters made for a Foundation Challenge are featured after the artists are given their Spotlight Challenge.

The artists face the challenge of taking a male model and turning him into a female character from a classic Shakespearean play.

The nine remaining artists have their skills put to the ultimate test when faced with a grueling set of three increasingly difficult challenges called "The Gauntlet".

The remaining artists add their own twist to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

A "barbaric" Foundation Challenge is judged by Oscar-winning makeup artist Robin Matthews. That's followed by a trip to the circus as the seven remaining artists compete to dazzle the judges with their freak show-inspired makeups.

With inspiration from the show The Expanse, the artists must create a human that has evolved to adapt to an environment that has been affected by a catastrophic event.

In a double elimination before the finale, the final five artists must create a macabre family member inspired by shows like The Munsters and The Addams Family.

Part 1 of 2. The finalists learn their last challenge is to work with a real-life Hollywood director and full production crew to create three stunning short films on location.

A winner is crowned in the conclusion of the two-part Season 9 finale. But first, the finalists finish work on their characters for the short films they're making with director and creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos.