Picks and Pans Review: Upgraded Model

By TOM GLIATTO, MONICA RIZZO, CYNTHIA WANG

UPDATED 02/28/2011 at 01:00 AM EST • Originally published 02/28/2011 at 01:00 AM EST

For the Feb. 23 return of the CW's America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks pares back the selection process, sparing us the usual sob-tinged backstories from the girls. The show, now in cycle 16, moves with a brisker confidence, and that's better.