Ep 4. Tat's My Mom

In the fourth episode of the second season of Bad Ink, titled "Tat's My Mom," the duo of tattoo artist Rob Ruckus and "junkyard genius" Dirk Vermin set out to fix some of Las Vegas' worst tattoos once again. The episode starts with the twin sisters, Ashley and Amber, seeking help from Rob and Dirk to fix their matching tattoos that they got in honor of their mother. The sisters confess that their tattoos are not only poorly executed but have also started to fade and become blurry over time.

The sisters explain that their mother was the main support system for them and their siblings growing up, and they wanted to honor her by getting matching tattoos. The tattoo design is meant to depict two hands holding a heart with the word "Mom" etched above it. However, things did not go as planned, and they ended up with crooked lines, uneven color, and a heart that looks more like a "butt" than an actual heart.

As Rob and Dirk examine the tattoos, they find that the design is poorly executed, and the ink has started to fade due to a lack of proper aftercare. The sisters are emotional as they tell the story behind the tattoos and how much their mother means to them. Rob and Dirk empathize with their emotional turmoil and assure them that they will do their best to fix the tattoos.

Next up, we see Jason, a bodybuilder, who got a tattoo of a skull with wings on his chest after losing his friend due to a motorcycle accident. According to Jason, the tattoo was supposed to be a tribute to his friend, but it turned out nothing like he had hoped. The tattoo design is crooked and has uneven lines, making it look more like a deformed bird than a skull with wings.

Rob and Dirk examine the tattoo and realize that the design is too big for Jason's chest, making it look even more distorted. They also question the choice of colors, which clash with Jason's skin tone. Jason is disappointed and embarrassed that he has to show his tattoo in public, even in the gym where he works out.

Lastly, the duo meets with Brittany, a woman who got a tattoo of her boyfriend's name, Michael, on her upper back. Brittany and Michael have been in a long-distance relationship for three years and decided to get this tattoo as a symbol of their love and commitment.

The tattoo, however, turned out to be not so impressive. The ink has smudged, the lines are shaky, and the spelling is incorrect, reading "Micheal" instead of Michael. Brittany is ashamed of the tattoo and covers it up every time she goes out in public, as she says, "I don't want people to think I am an idiot."

As Rob and Dirk examine the tattoo, they realize that it was done in haste by an inexperienced artist. They explain to Brittany that her tattoo can be fixed, though it will take time and patience.

Throughout the episode, Rob and Dirk work their magic, giving the three clients stunning new tattoos to replace their old ones. The sisters are overjoyed with their new matching tattoos, which have fixed the crooked lines and added beautiful color to the design. Jason's new tattoo is reduced in size, giving it more definition, and the colors have been changed to complement his skin tone. Brittany's new tattoo is a complete overhaul, with the correct spelling of Michael and vibrant colors making it look beautiful.

In the end, the trio expresses their gratitude to Rob and Dirk for giving them stunning new tattoos that not only have a better design but also carry emotional significance. The episode ends with a happy note, with the three clients leaving the studio with big smiles on their faces and newfound confidence.