DONALD: When I talked with Fresno's Jason Glover earlier this week, he mentioned that this week's "So You Think You Can Dance" competition would be his toughest yet. (He couldn't say anything specific about his routine.) I was assuming that meant he'd get stuck with yet another wacko-bizarre dance genre and choreographer, like last week's impregnating space-alien routine. Turns out that he was probably referring more to how MUCH he had to dance -- as in two complete numbers with partner Caitlin Kinney. They ended up doing a foxtrot and a lyrical jazz number. I can see why, in the midst of rehearsals, he was overwhelmed.
But the hardest thing for the couple didn't turn out to be the dancing. (I thought both numbers were strong.) It was running the gauntlet of those increasingly prissy and obnoxious judges, who have become less an impartial and consistent panel and more a mercurial body that swings between a caterwauling fan club for those dancers they like and a somber sentencing board for those who aren't in their favor. Though the judges acknowledged that Jason and Caitlin danced well, they're obviously quite weak on their prospects. What do you think, Kathy?
KATHY: I agree, Donald. The judges seem to have already picked who they want to see in the top 10 (and on a national dance tour). Based on the lack of enthusiasm for Jason and Caitlin last night, I would say they aren't on the popularity train. The judges did say they danced well, but their response was so subdued. Compare that to their response to weaker dancing by, say Philip (who I thought was awful in both dances last night), and it is clear the judges are no longer commenting based on performance. I think they're fixated on who they like overall and who they think will sell tickets out on the road show. I don't believe Jason and Caitlin are the best on the show. But I do think that last night they danced the best they have all season, on both dances, and out-performed other couples. I fear the lack of sexual chemistry between Jason and Caitlin (where's the spark?), coupled with the judges lack of enthusiasm, could equal bad news for our home-town dancer.
DONALD: This is the point where I usually ask who your favorite dancers were, Kathy, but I'm finding it hard to even work up much enthusiasm for that part of our routine. I did like Brandon Bryant and Janette Manrara's tango and pop jazz performances last night, but even they aren't exciting me all that much. As for Jason, I predict Bottom 3 for him once again -- and if he manages to survive, at least he'll get to dump Caitlin as partner next week when the big partner-change mandate goes into effect. (I think Jason has a fairly decent chance of making it into the Top 10, because I think Kupono or Evan will go home before him.)
I'm trying to figure out why I felt so lukewarm about the show last night. I'm sure part of it is because I'm fixated on our Fresno contestant -- and he seems to be barely hanging on by a thread. But even if there weren't the Fresno connection, I'm pretty sure I'd be losing interest. I'm getting so sick of the judges' schtick, from Nigel Lythgoe's smug Simon-Cowell-wannabe routine to Mary Murphy's predictable banshee act. (I don't mind when she is so genuinely moved by a performance that she overemotes, but it's the thought that she's doing it out of habit -- and with little joy -- that makes her so annoying. For someone who lectures the dancers so much about "acting," she doesn't do a very good job of it herself.) I'm not alone. The overnight TV ratings from last night are down a significant 28% from the year-ago evening. How much you want to bet, Kathy, that frantic emergency producer meetings are going on at this very moment to try to stop the show's slide?
KATHY: I'm getting bored with the Nigel and Mary, too. They seem to no longer TRY to be objective. They make the same comments repeatedly. The overly praise the choreographers. They take out errors in behind-the-scene decisions like costumes and dance style on the dancers, who really have no choice. It's like they forgot they are supposed to be giving criticism on dance moves, not stroking the egos of professional dances hired by the show to WORK. The only redeeming quality to the show regulars right now is Cat Deeley, who knocks everyone dead with her charm and gutsy fashion choices.
I did enjoy most of the dancing, though. I agree about Brandon and Janette. They are hot, hot, hot! It will be interesting to see them split apart. And, I still really like Ade Obayomi and Melissa Sandvig. They are the top 4, in my book.
I've given up on the show, which, for me is pretty unusual.
I love the talent this year, but I cannot take the judges at all.
My updates will have to come from you guys, and I'll wait at home for Project Runway to come on.
Agreed. I have never watched this show, and Kathy's and Donald's posts have convinced me that I never will, thanks to that screaming banshee judge who looks like Marie Osmond's demonic cousin.
I used to love this show -- now, meh. It's on the DVR and I still have no interest. Would rather watch "CSI: Las Vegas" episodes that have been recorded.
I'm so excited that Jason was able to make it into the top 10!
I was never a fan of the show, but it's great to see someone from Fresno on the show and to be able to support him.
i was also so disappointed in wednesday's show. i am a huge fan and always look forward to it, and i have usually respected the judges. last night, i didn't. i thought also it was my lack of objectivity with jason involved, but it really did seem clear the judges were working to hand-pick the final group. for some couples, mary couched criticism with slobbering praise, and for jason and caitlyn, it was just a deathly somber 'you danced that well.' i felt downright surly by the end, too!
i still think the basics of the show are great, though, and i am happy it gives some young dancers the opportunity it does, and perhaps inspires some even younger people to give dance a try.
Mary is driving me away. She is so loud and high-pitched that I have to grab the remote and pound the volume button done every time she shrieks (which is every other minute, seemingly). That's just too much effort.