We’re nearing the halfway mark of Project Runway Season 21, and with such a mixed group of designers remaining, it’s anyone’s guess who will be crowned the victor of the series. The reality TV show is back on Hulu with a few notable changes, including the return of Heidi Klum and the addition of a spicy new panel judge.

Another change that is less visible to the eye has been the way that the judges offer feedback to the contestants. Fans have noted that, unlike in past seasons, this season the judges appear to be tougher than ever with the criticism. When their words can veer on being personal, is it possible they’ve gone a bridge too far?

Law Roach Has Proven Particularly Harsh

Perhaps the toughest critic so far this season has been the newest judge on the panel, celebrity stylist and image architect Law Roach. Those who have been keeping up with the season will know that Law has had a love-hate relationship with two particular contestants, twins Jesus and Antonio, one of whom he made cry in the first episode.

In the season’s second challenge, the contestants were tasked with designing a line of athleisure wear, the winner of which would have their design actually manufactured for sale by the activewear brand Calia. While the designers were excited about the potential prize, many of them missed the mark, failing to make looks that were actually practical for exercise.

The judges were largely disappointed with the resulting runway show, noting it was not what they were expecting. Law appeared genuinely angry and was extremely tough with his feedback:

The Other Judges Have Also Been Cutting

This isn’t to say that the other judges have held back their criticism, either. While in the past, supermodel Heidi Klum was often the softest with her feedback, this season she’s quick to point out when she hates a look or finds it ridiculous. Another veteran from the judging panel, Nina Garcia, has also had her share of snipping remarks.

In the Episode 5 challenge, Antonio created a look that was almost entirely sheer, sending his model down the runway with see-through leggings and a small pink G-string. Though Heidi liked the look, Nina was so repulsed by the design that she found it almost offensive. In her feedback to Antonio, she went beyond his runway design and said some scathing words about his place in the competition overall:

Her words were cutting, and it was little surprise that Antonio once again found himself tearing up during the judging portion of the episode.

An interesting development in Season 21 has been that the judges have begun to critique not just the designers’ looks, but also their behavior. That is, there have been multiple instances when the judges have called designers out for having a bad attitude on the runway. Twins Antonio and Jesus have found themselves on the receiving end of this, particularly for being overly defensive of their work.

In Episode 5, contestant Belania was also put in the hot seat for defending a dress she’d made and had to alter at the last moment to fit a different model. “I was trying to make my model feel comfortable and beautiful,” she said, to which the judges called her out for not “staying true” to herself. Weighing in on the designers’ mood is certainly a new development this season, and only time will tell if the harshness and personal remarks make viewers lean in or tune out.