Cat looks like a Bavarian princess whose dress is slowly moving up her body to swallow her head. That may be a bizarre description, but I’m just calling it like I see it. Tonight’s group number is a Mia Michaels bizarre take on what seemed like Alice in Wonderland. This pains me to say since I love all things Mia Michaels, but this falls a lot more in the bizarre column than the brilliant/inspired/all sorts of awesome column. I dunno, but there was something that just wasn’t there for me. The audience seemed to agree, as there was no applause after the number ended. Mark absolutely shines though, partially because Mia seems to have hand picked him for the biggest role. And, while the editing was markedly better than the top 20 Nigel routine, it was still a little disjointed.
Tangent: Going into the show tonight, I’m betting on Jessica and either Thayne or Chris going home. It depends on which new power couple the show wants to form: Will and Chelsea T. or Will and Comfort.
The results start very quickly, and Chelsea and Thayne are up first, and I have no doubt about their place in the bottom three. They are, without any sort of drama attempted, sent to the bottom. Katee and Joshua are up next and they are gonna be safe, no question about it. So I’m utterly not surprised when they are safe. The final couple in the first group is Mark and Chelsie, who everyone (including me, kind of) loved last night, who are also, unquestionably safe.
Another Tangent: Not to toot my own horn or anything, but last season, something stood out to me about Sabra from day one (actually, it was from the top 20 intro happy dancers, but whatever). There was just something about her that imprinted her as one of my favorites from the second she hit the stage. Mark is that for me this year. I honestly think he is a serious, serious contender to win this thing. Anyone else feeling me on this?
As we come back, there are another three couples on stage. Kherington and Twitch are up first, and I was unimpressed by them last night. But I’m guessing they’ve got enough personality and already loyal fans to make it through a weak week (hehe, rhyming!). They are, in fact, safe. Courtney and Gev are up next, and they were great and the judges loved them, so again, I’m guessing safe. I also have to say that this couple is really growing on me. So I’m glad when they are decreed safe. Comfort and Chris, the lone couple left on stage, wowed me last night but apparently no one else, so I’m not surprised when they are shunted off to the bottom three to join Chelsea and Thayne.
We return with the final two couples, Kourtni/Matt and Will/Jessica on stage. I thought Kourtni and Matt were much better than Jessica and Will were, and the judges seem to agree with me, although both got good reviews. The final couple in the bottom three is Kourtni and Matt, which is surprising, since I had them as the second best of the night, and disco is usually a weak sauce style. Nigel expresses doubt in Kourtni’s personality and Matt’s performance. I disagree with Nigel on Matt though, since he says Matt doesn’t immerse himself in the dance but he absolutely did last night. I think Nigel just has something against Matt, continuing his streak of disliking the less masculine dancers (No offense to Matt, he’s a great dancer but he doesn’t exude masculinity).
It’s time for our weekly lesson in what is supposed to be truly great dance. This week, it’s Quest, what SYTYCD considers America’s Best Dance Crew (Take that Shane Sparks!). The crew has Hok, Ryan, and Dominic, so there’s a bunch of SYTYCD in loving going on. That, however, doesn’t detract from what is a mostly awesome routine. I say mostly awesome because it could have had a little more energy in spots for me. But, for the most part, it’s awesome.
I’m going to ignore the Snuggle Happy Dance videos in the hope that they go away. That is all.
Solo Time!
Chelsea- Chelsea has lots of beautiful spins, but her personality isn’t coming through to me. It kind of seems like your standard contemporary solo. Nothing extraordinary.
Thayne- Thayne makes the most of the big stage and seems pretty fluid, but his leaps are a little weak. But overall, he’s pretty darned good. He has to get rid of his perma-smile though.
Comfort- Comfort is really good in her style, there’s no doubt about that. She could have used the stage more, but her personality is visible and, as stated, she is good in her style. She should be worried though, because of how weak she’s been in other styles.
Chris- Ok, well, this is now the second straight week where Chris has come across as nothing more than a weaker version of Thayne. His movement is good, but Thayne’s was better. Chris should be worried. But I’m sure the judges will inexplicably love him again.
Kourtni- Kourtni lights up the stage, but I have the feeling that the judges are gonna call her for not doing a lot of dancing. Personally, I think she has the best solos of the girls.
Matt- Matt’s movement is different than Chris and Thayne’s and it’s a welcome refreshment to not have a contemporary boy just twirl and leap. I think he’s the best boy.
The musical guest tonight is Jordin Sparks, who seems to actually be happy to be there, interacting with the crowd. She doesn’t really exhibit anything like dance though. She stands there, and every so often walks a few paces. Still, though, she’s better than those atrocious, screechy dancing prostitutes and Flo Rida. Put Together. She’s also kind of endearing when she’s with Cat.
We come back and it’s eliminatin’ time. The girls are up first. Nigel tells all the couples in the bottom to step up their game because they need to get out of the bottom. They very quickly cut Chelsea, which I think is the wrong decision, because Comfort (who is a weaker overall dancer) is just going to end up in the bottom again and they’re gonna have to cut her next week. The boys are brought to center stage. Nigel quickly calls Matt forward and tricks him but tells him that he’s safe and he’s sorry for picking on him. It’s the end of the road for Chris tonight, which means next week ushers in Thayne and Comfort, which is likely to be a mismatch. Do people agree? Who should have gone tonight?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance 6/25- The Top 16 Perform
Cat is up on the balcony looking all happy and Barbarella-ish and welcomes us to the show. In the intro dances, Will, Gev, Twitch, and Mark are the standouts, only furthering my belief that this season is gonna be won by a boy (My money is on Joshua, Twitch, or Mark). Adam Shankman is the guest judge tonight, and also judging are Mary and Nigel, whom Cat very cutely salutes. Adam uses many words beginning with Cat, including some non-words, like Cat-tastic. Mary thinks this gonna be an unbelievable seeeeeeeeeeeeeason (She holds that word like she was channeling Oprah). Oh, and she screeches too. Just what my eardrums were asking for. And they very nicely eulogize Cyd Charisse, who made many of Gene Kelly’s movies even more memorable. Oh, and apparently Nigel was just as pervy 40 years ago when he worked with Charisse.
Sidenote: Does anyone else find the Sprint Instinct (“The greatest product placement movie of all time”) ad to be incredibly sexist? The woman appears to be a complete idiot.
Kherington and Twitch- Twitch laughs like a bear. Kherington is a shopping addict, especially with shoes. Seriously, in terms of personality, this couple is tops. They’ve got a Napoleon and Tabitha hip hop routine, and I hope that Napoleon and Tabitha actually prove that they are better choreographers than I think they are. I don’t know. They’re good, but the choreography, unfortunately, is not all that good. It’s fun, but I like my hip-hop a lot harder, and, true to N&T form, it’s all kind of soft-ish. There were moments that were hard, and those were the standouts for me, but overall, I found it a little soft, especially for supposedly dancing convicts. Oh, and Kherington needs to stop smiling during numbers where she shouldn’t be. Nigel thinks there’s a lot of good in the dancing and the choreography, and has nothing to critique. Mary puts them on the top 10 most wanted for SYTYCD (which would put them in the top 20, wouldn’t it Mary?). She loved them both and they get an old Murphy proverb, screaming at the top of your lungs. Those must be interesting family reunions. Adam kisses Mary on the lips to stop her from screaming more (Thank you, Adam) and calls it awesome.
Courtney and Gev- Gev looked like a girl when he was a kid. Hahahaha. Courtney was gonna be a special ed teacher. This week, they’ve got a Tony Meredith Rumba. This is another close contact dance, which is good for them, since they’ve got serious sexual chemistry (I’ve seen it both weeks now). They’re good and the sexiness is there in heaps. But I have to say, the beginning seemed very labored. But they got their rhythm about halfway through and it got really good. Although, I think of the rumba as being faster. Nigel makes the good comparison of Gev and Dominic and compliments Courtney on her half a dress (seriously, it draws the focus). Mary thought it was great and they had great chemistry and nailed all the tough ballroom stuff. Adam really, really loved it and gives them critiques for the future. I’m officially calling Gev and Courtney as the underdog couple of the season, and I am totally over Gev taking the last spot in the top 20. He’s proved that he deserved it.
Comfort and Chris- Chris is a food moocher. Comfort was a creepy child beauty contestant. They’ve got a Tyce (*Nate audibly groans*) jazz routine. I’m really not sure if it's just me, but I seriously think Tyce is one of the weakest choreographers there. I am almost never impressed by his routines. He’s still much better than I could be, but compared to the others, he’s ain't much, at least in my opinion. Well, color me seriously impressed, but it was bizarre and all sorts of awesome. Chris seriously brought it; the intensity in his eyes was ridiculous. I have to quibble with the fact that it doesn’t really seem like African Jazz as advertised, but the routine is still all sorts of cool. Nigel didn’t care for it much and thinks Chris was soft (Seriously, was Nigel watching the same routine). Mary wanted more animalism, and she felt it lose steam as it went on. Adam didn’t feel the music moving through them and thought they lacked the necessary aggression.
Digression: Hold on folks. So last week, they cut Marquis, most likely to protect Comfort. Chris has arguably the weakest solo but they laud his personality for finally showing itself. This week, he shows intensity and presence, making me think that keeping him may not have been a really bad decision. And they call him soft. Seriously, what? Was I in an abnormally good mood for this dance? Were the judges not? Huh?
Jessica and Will- Jessica has the nickname Ariel. Will is an absolute gentleman. This week they’ve got a Doriana Sanchez disco routine, which likely spells another trip to the bottom three for Will and Jessica. I have to say, this is probably one of the best disco routines I’ve seen on the show. But man does Will continue to blow Jessica out of the water. I mean, he’s got soul and technique, and she’s just kinda of, as Mary put it, cheerleadery. Nigel thought they danced it very well, but there were a few areas that were kind of disastrous. But Nigel says they carried off the mistakes. Mary thinks they did really well and they both kind of owned it. Adam thought that the routine was really fantastic and thinks they both danced it really well.
Kourtni and Matt- Kourtni has a tattoo on the back of her neck. Matt has a ninja mask. Also, Matt’s mom is a tougher judge than Nigel. They’ve got a contemporary routine by new choreographer Sonja Tayeh. I really kind of dig this. It’s like a Mandy Moore routine with some Mia Michaels inflections, but there’s a seriously playful streak to it. Which is a very good thing, because it kind of compensates for the over-seriousness that Mia and Mandy’s routines sometimes have. Lets hope they keep Sonja around for a while. Matt is a lot better than Kourtni, but they’re both real fun to watch. Nigel liked it, but worries about accessibility to the public. He also still thinks Matt needs to relax a little. Mary thinks there was something weird for sale on stage and she’s buying it. She thought it really showcased their talents.
Sidenote: Sweetness, is there a new set of vitamin water ads? The first set was awesome, except for that Kelly Clarkson one. The Carrie Underwood miniature horse whisperer one that I just saw was great though.
Chelsea and Thayne- Thayne wants to be a fashion designer. Chelsea is a flower thief. They’ve got a Heather Smith quickstep, aka SYTYCD kryptonite. Seriously, has anyone ever gotten a boost from having the quickstep? No. So I’m worried. I would describe this as pleasant. It’s nice to watch (Chelsea knows how to own that stage), and there’s no sort of bad aftertaste, but it’s not gonna be memorable. Nigel liked it but it was too bouncy and there was a distinct lack of personality. He calls it a better attempt than he thought it was going to be. He tells them to get their solos ready. Mary calls it OK, which she said is really good by quickstep standards. She says it fell short of past SYTYCD quicksteps. And she commends them for trying but tells Chelsea that she let Thayne down. Adam tells them they’re great dancers but says they didn’t look comfortable and they need to make it look like they are, even if they aren’t.
Chelsie and Mark- Mark has crooked pinkies. Chelsie is a tomboy off-stage. I’ve decided Mark is my favorite dancer, because his style is just so bizarre and awesome. They’ve got a Napoleon and Tabitha hip-hop routine that they describe as not really hip-hop. Uh oh. If they let me down again, I’m gonna be, well, disappointed, because the show seems to be putting all its hip-hop chips behind N&T, and they’re not really choreographing hip-hop routines. It’s good, but again, it ain’t hip-hop. It’s all a little soft, and I like my hip-hop hard, like Shane Sparks routines used to be (even if he was losing his edge last season). I’m convinced that N&T are hip-hop/contemporary hybrids. There are little bits of hip-hop, but overall, it’s more like a contemporary routine. The routine is danced well though, and Mark outdanced Chelsie. But they were both good. Nigel is loving N&T and takes what I can only assume is a dig at Shane Sparks. He liked them both a lot. Mary agrees and loved them too. Adam loves that the show is moving to lyrical hip-hop (I KNEW IT! It’s not the same hip-hop!) and he loved the routine. Adam calls them the couple to beat.
Katee and Joshua- Joshua is a big ol’ softie. Katee screams like a boy. They’ve got a Tony Meredith samba. Joshua is scared. So is Katee. They’re really good. Sexy, masculine, connected, and seemingly technically really good. Really, really good. It may be a little too clean, but it’s really really good. Nigel says Tony and Melanie made a great routine and that they rocked it. He also, very predictably, makes a comment about Katee having the other half of Courtney’s dress. And then makes one about Joshua’s pants. Mary says they rocked it personality-wise and they rocked it technical-wise too. Mary puts them on the Hot Tamale train, with first class tickets to boot. Adam tells them that THAT was competing.
My Rankings Of The Night
1)Katee and Joshua
2)Kourtni and Matt
3/4) TIE- Comfort and Chris/Courtney and Gev
5)Chelsie and Mark
6)Jessica and Will
7)Chelsea and Thayne
8)Kherington and Twitch
Everyone was good tonight, but Chelsea and Thayne should be prepping solos. Will and Jessica should too. Kherington and Twitch and Comfort and Chris should maybe too. Also, I have to say, the editing was a lot better tonight. Kudos, SYTYCD editors…
Sidenote: Does anyone else find the Sprint Instinct (“The greatest product placement movie of all time”) ad to be incredibly sexist? The woman appears to be a complete idiot.
Kherington and Twitch- Twitch laughs like a bear. Kherington is a shopping addict, especially with shoes. Seriously, in terms of personality, this couple is tops. They’ve got a Napoleon and Tabitha hip hop routine, and I hope that Napoleon and Tabitha actually prove that they are better choreographers than I think they are. I don’t know. They’re good, but the choreography, unfortunately, is not all that good. It’s fun, but I like my hip-hop a lot harder, and, true to N&T form, it’s all kind of soft-ish. There were moments that were hard, and those were the standouts for me, but overall, I found it a little soft, especially for supposedly dancing convicts. Oh, and Kherington needs to stop smiling during numbers where she shouldn’t be. Nigel thinks there’s a lot of good in the dancing and the choreography, and has nothing to critique. Mary puts them on the top 10 most wanted for SYTYCD (which would put them in the top 20, wouldn’t it Mary?). She loved them both and they get an old Murphy proverb, screaming at the top of your lungs. Those must be interesting family reunions. Adam kisses Mary on the lips to stop her from screaming more (Thank you, Adam) and calls it awesome.
Courtney and Gev- Gev looked like a girl when he was a kid. Hahahaha. Courtney was gonna be a special ed teacher. This week, they’ve got a Tony Meredith Rumba. This is another close contact dance, which is good for them, since they’ve got serious sexual chemistry (I’ve seen it both weeks now). They’re good and the sexiness is there in heaps. But I have to say, the beginning seemed very labored. But they got their rhythm about halfway through and it got really good. Although, I think of the rumba as being faster. Nigel makes the good comparison of Gev and Dominic and compliments Courtney on her half a dress (seriously, it draws the focus). Mary thought it was great and they had great chemistry and nailed all the tough ballroom stuff. Adam really, really loved it and gives them critiques for the future. I’m officially calling Gev and Courtney as the underdog couple of the season, and I am totally over Gev taking the last spot in the top 20. He’s proved that he deserved it.
Comfort and Chris- Chris is a food moocher. Comfort was a creepy child beauty contestant. They’ve got a Tyce (*Nate audibly groans*) jazz routine. I’m really not sure if it's just me, but I seriously think Tyce is one of the weakest choreographers there. I am almost never impressed by his routines. He’s still much better than I could be, but compared to the others, he’s ain't much, at least in my opinion. Well, color me seriously impressed, but it was bizarre and all sorts of awesome. Chris seriously brought it; the intensity in his eyes was ridiculous. I have to quibble with the fact that it doesn’t really seem like African Jazz as advertised, but the routine is still all sorts of cool. Nigel didn’t care for it much and thinks Chris was soft (Seriously, was Nigel watching the same routine). Mary wanted more animalism, and she felt it lose steam as it went on. Adam didn’t feel the music moving through them and thought they lacked the necessary aggression.
Digression: Hold on folks. So last week, they cut Marquis, most likely to protect Comfort. Chris has arguably the weakest solo but they laud his personality for finally showing itself. This week, he shows intensity and presence, making me think that keeping him may not have been a really bad decision. And they call him soft. Seriously, what? Was I in an abnormally good mood for this dance? Were the judges not? Huh?
Jessica and Will- Jessica has the nickname Ariel. Will is an absolute gentleman. This week they’ve got a Doriana Sanchez disco routine, which likely spells another trip to the bottom three for Will and Jessica. I have to say, this is probably one of the best disco routines I’ve seen on the show. But man does Will continue to blow Jessica out of the water. I mean, he’s got soul and technique, and she’s just kinda of, as Mary put it, cheerleadery. Nigel thought they danced it very well, but there were a few areas that were kind of disastrous. But Nigel says they carried off the mistakes. Mary thinks they did really well and they both kind of owned it. Adam thought that the routine was really fantastic and thinks they both danced it really well.
Kourtni and Matt- Kourtni has a tattoo on the back of her neck. Matt has a ninja mask. Also, Matt’s mom is a tougher judge than Nigel. They’ve got a contemporary routine by new choreographer Sonja Tayeh. I really kind of dig this. It’s like a Mandy Moore routine with some Mia Michaels inflections, but there’s a seriously playful streak to it. Which is a very good thing, because it kind of compensates for the over-seriousness that Mia and Mandy’s routines sometimes have. Lets hope they keep Sonja around for a while. Matt is a lot better than Kourtni, but they’re both real fun to watch. Nigel liked it, but worries about accessibility to the public. He also still thinks Matt needs to relax a little. Mary thinks there was something weird for sale on stage and she’s buying it. She thought it really showcased their talents.
Sidenote: Sweetness, is there a new set of vitamin water ads? The first set was awesome, except for that Kelly Clarkson one. The Carrie Underwood miniature horse whisperer one that I just saw was great though.
Chelsea and Thayne- Thayne wants to be a fashion designer. Chelsea is a flower thief. They’ve got a Heather Smith quickstep, aka SYTYCD kryptonite. Seriously, has anyone ever gotten a boost from having the quickstep? No. So I’m worried. I would describe this as pleasant. It’s nice to watch (Chelsea knows how to own that stage), and there’s no sort of bad aftertaste, but it’s not gonna be memorable. Nigel liked it but it was too bouncy and there was a distinct lack of personality. He calls it a better attempt than he thought it was going to be. He tells them to get their solos ready. Mary calls it OK, which she said is really good by quickstep standards. She says it fell short of past SYTYCD quicksteps. And she commends them for trying but tells Chelsea that she let Thayne down. Adam tells them they’re great dancers but says they didn’t look comfortable and they need to make it look like they are, even if they aren’t.
Chelsie and Mark- Mark has crooked pinkies. Chelsie is a tomboy off-stage. I’ve decided Mark is my favorite dancer, because his style is just so bizarre and awesome. They’ve got a Napoleon and Tabitha hip-hop routine that they describe as not really hip-hop. Uh oh. If they let me down again, I’m gonna be, well, disappointed, because the show seems to be putting all its hip-hop chips behind N&T, and they’re not really choreographing hip-hop routines. It’s good, but again, it ain’t hip-hop. It’s all a little soft, and I like my hip-hop hard, like Shane Sparks routines used to be (even if he was losing his edge last season). I’m convinced that N&T are hip-hop/contemporary hybrids. There are little bits of hip-hop, but overall, it’s more like a contemporary routine. The routine is danced well though, and Mark outdanced Chelsie. But they were both good. Nigel is loving N&T and takes what I can only assume is a dig at Shane Sparks. He liked them both a lot. Mary agrees and loved them too. Adam loves that the show is moving to lyrical hip-hop (I KNEW IT! It’s not the same hip-hop!) and he loved the routine. Adam calls them the couple to beat.
Katee and Joshua- Joshua is a big ol’ softie. Katee screams like a boy. They’ve got a Tony Meredith samba. Joshua is scared. So is Katee. They’re really good. Sexy, masculine, connected, and seemingly technically really good. Really, really good. It may be a little too clean, but it’s really really good. Nigel says Tony and Melanie made a great routine and that they rocked it. He also, very predictably, makes a comment about Katee having the other half of Courtney’s dress. And then makes one about Joshua’s pants. Mary says they rocked it personality-wise and they rocked it technical-wise too. Mary puts them on the Hot Tamale train, with first class tickets to boot. Adam tells them that THAT was competing.
My Rankings Of The Night
1)Katee and Joshua
2)Kourtni and Matt
3/4) TIE- Comfort and Chris/Courtney and Gev
5)Chelsie and Mark
6)Jessica and Will
7)Chelsea and Thayne
8)Kherington and Twitch
Everyone was good tonight, but Chelsea and Thayne should be prepping solos. Will and Jessica should too. Kherington and Twitch and Comfort and Chris should maybe too. Also, I have to say, the editing was a lot better tonight. Kudos, SYTYCD editors…
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
LevyOnTV Will Feed You!
I'm proud to introduce the newest feature of what is your favorite TV blog run by a sarcastic, New York college student named Nate (I made that specific enough so that it has to be true. I hope.) LevyOnTV now has a feed! In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure what it does. Hopefully, it will make you all love me even more. Or at least subscribe to my words. If you want me to feed you (fyi, by hand costs extra), click on that big orange thing on the side. Enjoy, and don't forget to read the not one, not two, but three (!) new posts below this. Slow work days are fun!
PS: Thanks to Ted over at BloggingSYTYCD for the feed idea. To quote How I Met Your Mother, "Hey, haaaave you met Ted?". If not (which I doubt, since the lions share of my readers come from him and his other SYTYCD bloggers), you should definitely check out BloggingSYTYCD. Oodles of good stuff over there...
PS: Thanks to Ted over at BloggingSYTYCD for the feed idea. To quote How I Met Your Mother, "Hey, haaaave you met Ted?". If not (which I doubt, since the lions share of my readers come from him and his other SYTYCD bloggers), you should definitely check out BloggingSYTYCD. Oodles of good stuff over there...
I’m Calling You Out: Editors and Lighting People of So You Think You Can Dance
Ok, listen editors and lighting people from So You Think You Can Dance, we’ve gotta talk. CALM DOWN. Seriously, you’re starting to ruin some of the dances this season. And that’s really not a good thing for a show that showcases, well, dancing. So you’ve gotta chill out. I’m gonna break this down into two sections.
Lighting People: So, my gripe with you is nowhere near as big. I know that you’ve always been a little over the top in terms of lighting the numbers, but this season, you’re really starting to go overboard. I’m trying to focus on the dancing, and its really hard to do when you’re strobing what seems like 10 different colored lights all at once. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit, but you’re still overdoing the lighting. Just tone it down. I get that you’re trying to further the themes of the dances, but, for a program about dance, shouldn’t you let the dances speak for themselves?
Editors: Ok, you’re the ones who are really grinding my gears this season. Because, frankly, you’re hacking the show to death. If I’m watching a show called “So You Think You Can Dance”, chances are I’m watching to, you know, see people dance. So why, editors, must you cut the numbers to within an inch of their life. I’m not talking about duration here, I’m talking about the fact that there doesn’t seem to be a shot that lasts longer than two seconds this year. Dance is all about movement, flow, rhythm. So why are you cutting it so that I can’t observe any of those things in the dances? My other big gripe with you guys is that, well, these are partner dances. And I get that what one dancer is doing is probably more interesting than the other at times, but there’s still two dancers on stage. So why do you seem content to only show one a lot of the time? So many times this season, you’ve cut to show only one dancer’s movements. Unless the other dancer is standing absolutely still, this is kind of unacceptable. The choreographers have made these routines for two people. Both dancers have moves. So show both of them for gods sake.
If you don’t believe me, watch the freaking show. So far this season, there have been a total of 3 dances that truly stuck out to me: Katee and Joshua’s week one hip-hop, Courtney and Gev’s week two contemporary, and Kherington and Twitch’s week two Viennese Waltz (see youtube links below). And you know what’s interesting? All three are probably the most minimalist dances you’ve presented. While Katee and Joshua’s piece was overedited, the lighting was absolutely subdued. While Kherington and Twitch’s piece was overlit, the piece was presented simply, with very few cuts. Courtney and Gev’s was neither overlit nor overcut. And those are by far, in my opinion, the three best things I’ve seen this season.
But the proof isn’t just in the good pudding, it’s in the bad pudding too. No matter how bizarre he is, Wade Robson always turns in interesting choreography. Which is why I was super pumped that he was doing the top 20 group number (also see youtube link below). But then, you had to go and make it virtually unwatchable. Because I think there was about 15 seconds of actual dancing shown, versus like a minute of rapidly cut close-ups of Nigel overacting (If you didn’t see it, he was a part of the number). To me, this is completely inexcusable. I’m watching this show to see the dance, not to see Nigel Lythgoe ham it up. But you had a different agenda, and thus ruined what looked to be a very cool number.
So, seriously, tone it down. I’m starting to have major problems focusing on the dances. Especially in terms of my recapping, it’s hard to critique a dance when we can’t see the whole thing. Stop focusing on one dancer, stop cutting too much, stop overlighting, just stop. Present the dances without overdoing them. I’m watching for the dances, not for the editing.
Katee and Joshua’s Hip-Hop
Courtney and Gev’s Contemporary
Kherington and Twitch’s Viennese Waltz
Top 20 Group Routine
Lighting People: So, my gripe with you is nowhere near as big. I know that you’ve always been a little over the top in terms of lighting the numbers, but this season, you’re really starting to go overboard. I’m trying to focus on the dancing, and its really hard to do when you’re strobing what seems like 10 different colored lights all at once. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit, but you’re still overdoing the lighting. Just tone it down. I get that you’re trying to further the themes of the dances, but, for a program about dance, shouldn’t you let the dances speak for themselves?
Editors: Ok, you’re the ones who are really grinding my gears this season. Because, frankly, you’re hacking the show to death. If I’m watching a show called “So You Think You Can Dance”, chances are I’m watching to, you know, see people dance. So why, editors, must you cut the numbers to within an inch of their life. I’m not talking about duration here, I’m talking about the fact that there doesn’t seem to be a shot that lasts longer than two seconds this year. Dance is all about movement, flow, rhythm. So why are you cutting it so that I can’t observe any of those things in the dances? My other big gripe with you guys is that, well, these are partner dances. And I get that what one dancer is doing is probably more interesting than the other at times, but there’s still two dancers on stage. So why do you seem content to only show one a lot of the time? So many times this season, you’ve cut to show only one dancer’s movements. Unless the other dancer is standing absolutely still, this is kind of unacceptable. The choreographers have made these routines for two people. Both dancers have moves. So show both of them for gods sake.
If you don’t believe me, watch the freaking show. So far this season, there have been a total of 3 dances that truly stuck out to me: Katee and Joshua’s week one hip-hop, Courtney and Gev’s week two contemporary, and Kherington and Twitch’s week two Viennese Waltz (see youtube links below). And you know what’s interesting? All three are probably the most minimalist dances you’ve presented. While Katee and Joshua’s piece was overedited, the lighting was absolutely subdued. While Kherington and Twitch’s piece was overlit, the piece was presented simply, with very few cuts. Courtney and Gev’s was neither overlit nor overcut. And those are by far, in my opinion, the three best things I’ve seen this season.
But the proof isn’t just in the good pudding, it’s in the bad pudding too. No matter how bizarre he is, Wade Robson always turns in interesting choreography. Which is why I was super pumped that he was doing the top 20 group number (also see youtube link below). But then, you had to go and make it virtually unwatchable. Because I think there was about 15 seconds of actual dancing shown, versus like a minute of rapidly cut close-ups of Nigel overacting (If you didn’t see it, he was a part of the number). To me, this is completely inexcusable. I’m watching this show to see the dance, not to see Nigel Lythgoe ham it up. But you had a different agenda, and thus ruined what looked to be a very cool number.
So, seriously, tone it down. I’m starting to have major problems focusing on the dances. Especially in terms of my recapping, it’s hard to critique a dance when we can’t see the whole thing. Stop focusing on one dancer, stop cutting too much, stop overlighting, just stop. Present the dances without overdoing them. I’m watching for the dances, not for the editing.
Katee and Joshua’s Hip-Hop
Courtney and Gev’s Contemporary
Kherington and Twitch’s Viennese Waltz
Top 20 Group Routine
You Should Be Watching The Middleman
So, this past weekend, I had a very unique viewing experience. I finally got around to watching The Middleman, the new show on ABC Family (Mondays at 8) about a straight laced superhero. The reason that my viewing experience with “The Middleman” was unique was because, after 5 minutes of the pilot, I was ready to turn it off. I hated everything about it. But, due to a combination of laziness, inertia, and faith in executive producer/creator Javier Grillo-Marxauch, I kept watching. And by the end of the hour, I was kind of in love with the show.
How does a show go from hatred to love in one hour? Simple: Play to your strengths. One of the things I hate is when TV shows and movies strive to be something they’re not. I absolutely love the movie “Cellular”, simply because it clearly wants to be nothing more than a B-movie. I own “Snakes On A Plane” for the same reason. And this is the real strength of “The Middleman.” It knows how bizarre and oddball a show it is, and it fully embraces that.
Now, I’m a fan of bizarre humor. I have a recurring joke with my dad where I tell him he looks like the combination of an obscure celebrity and a random object (a recent example was Rae Dawn Chong and a defective toaster oven). And “The Middleman” fully shares my sense of humor. The first episode dealt with the Middleman battling a super-intelligent Gorilla who wanted to control the mafia. And it felt completely natural.
And that’s the other real strength of the show: It’s funny. Really, really funny. When his new sidekick, Wendy Watson (referred to variously as Dubs, DubDub, or Dubby), comments on the fact that The Middleman used to be a Navy SEAL but he never curses, the show bleeps her cursing. And then they discover that the gorilla has hidden himself in a Gorilla sanctuary. And then the Middleman curses. (It’s funnier than I’m describing it). The brilliance and comedy lie in the details of the show. And it’s really, really detailed.
So you should totally be watching it. Or at least give it a chance. I was completely won over by the first hour. And, while the show has some problems, they are all overlookable, considering how great the show is in all its other facets. So please, give it a chance.
PS: In case you (Yes, you) were wondering, I’ve decided to keep watching Swingtown. After three episodes, I’m still digging the show, and the actors are all suitably charming.
Pilot Review: Do Not Disturb (Formerly, The Inn)
Do Not Disturb
Fox. Wednesdays at 9:30.
Starring: Jerry O'Connell, Niecy Nash, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brando Eaton, Jolene Purdy, and Molly Stanton
So, I know I’ve only seen two pilots for next season so far, but I’m starting to seriously get worried about next years crop of new shows. Now, granted, two is a very small number. There are heaps more new shows next season. But I was majorly disappointed by Fringe, and now, with Do Not Distub, one of my reliable comedic performers has let me down. Niecy Nash, what happened here?
I should preface this by saying that I absolutely love Reno 911. I’ve never seen an episode where I’ve laughed out loud less than five times. I look forward to it each week. And Niecy Nash is so great on it. But, while she’s far and away the best thing about Do Not Distub, she is disappointing here. Her delivery is good, but the material sucks.
Which brings me to the biggest of Do Not Distub’s many problems: the material blows. I can see the actors trying to make the stereotypes and unfunny lines they’ve been giving work, but it’s hard to make gold out of a much suckier element, like boron. I’ve seen every character on this show before (many of them on shows that are still on the air), and they were all funnier before. While there’s the occasional line that registers a chuckle, overall, the lines and situations aren’t funny. The plot of the pilot, an overweight girl who works in reservations wants to work at the front desk, but she can’t because she’s fat and only rail thin model types can work the front desk, has no zip. It all just feels tired. Which is a really big problem when this is the first episode of your show.
That’s not to say that the pilot is a complete and utter trainwreck. Occasionally, the actors succeed in elevating their material. Nash, in particular, gets in a few good moments. And there’s some decent stuff from the rail-thin model type who works at the front desk. But Jerry O’Connell continues to underachieve as an actor, and everyone else just can’t sell the bad material. I really don’t blame them, I can see that they tried their hardest. But you can’t do much when what you’re given sucks. So, despite the effort that, I’ve got to suggest heeding the shows title. Sorry, Do Not Disturb, but I gotta give you:
Rating: Not Worth Your Time
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Mole 6/23- Hypothermia Can Be Combatted By Burning Journals
I'm gonna apologize in advance. This ain't one of my best recaps. Everyone has off nights though, right? Right? I'm gonna take your collective silence as a yes. Thank you for understanding.
Previously on The Mole, people wore underwear, Paul was an ass, Ali took a bribe, and Bobby was eliminated. Craig is unhappy that two people he liked left. Nicole is upset that her prime suspect is gone and she needs to start again. The players all leave Chile and head to the Andes in Argentina. It reminds Victoria of how insignificant she is. Jon welcomes them to the base of a mountain and tells them to split into two teams of four, selfish and selfless. Victoria doesn’t think she’s selfish, but she ends up on that team, with Nicole, Kristen, and Clay. The other four boys are the selfless ones. The teams have to carry “gold” bricks up a 10,000-foot mountain, with the first team making it up the mountain getting an exemption.
The selfish team takes less bricks and starts to head up, while the selfless team is packing more bricks. Nicole starts to give up like 50 feet from base camp, but she confessionals that it’s all a ruse. Craig feels like the weakest player now that Bobby is gone. Everyone actually seems to be struggling. Jon intercepts them and tells them that they have to carry a scale too. This task is not exactly entertaining to watch, with people walking. For a long time. The selfish team has a very big lead with 15 minutes to go. Craig is having a lot of trouble, and he’s seemingly not in very good shape. Ominous music and woozy camera angles take us into the break.
The selfish team makes it up first, and are told to hold tight and wait for the second group before discussing the exemption. The second team makes it up with 30 seconds to spare, and Craig successfully makes it up. The group adds $14,250, but there’s only one exemption and the selfish team has to decide on one person or the entire team forfeit their prize. The team initially wants Kristen, but Clay lawyers his way to the exemption. Clay offers to make it up to her on another mission. When the team makes it down to the bottom of the mountain, it turns out Craig is suffering from hypothermia, and has to go to the hospital. Well, he’s officially off my list of Mole suspects. I really don’t think ABC would pick someone who’s physically that weak to be the mole.
Everyone is worried about Craig, but he’s OK, as long as he stays warm. Craig, however, is worried that people will think he’s the mole because he’s so sick. Victoria announces that very suspicion. Mark is showing signs of Corbin Bernsen like craziness in terms of journaling. At dinner, Jon collects everyone’s journals. Everyone freaks out.
Jon returns quickly with everyone’s journals, assuaging their freak-outs. But, he wrote down some of his favorite comments and it’s time for a new mission “Who Said That?” Victoria apologizes in advance. Victoria correctly answers her question about her own alcoholism. Clay gets his right too, noticing that Kristen likes his vibes. Paul incorrectly answers his, but his answer was very valid. Kristen correctly answers her question because Nicole is blatantly signaling (which is against the rules). Alex botches his, but Mark correctly answers his. Nicole, further overacting, gets hers wrong, but Victoria fesses up and they get credit. Jon docks them for Kristen’s right answer though, since Nicole was way too blatant.
Everyone gets Crème Brulee for dessert and then goes for a drive with Jon. It turns out Jon is looking for someone to sacrifice their journal. After deciding on Alex, the group finds out that everyone else is losing their journals. Mark is hardcore pissed, and he wanders off into the Argentine wilderness, because apparently he is THAT upset. That’s a little overboard.
Mark wanders back, and Clay starts to question their coalition. Everyone is really worried about Mark going off the deep end, but they focus on themselves because it’s quiz time. Craig is back and everyone is happy. Craig also gets to keep his journal, which upsets Mark even further. Craig is briefed on what happened. Jon and the players toast to whoever is going home next.
QUIZ RUNDOWN
I still suspect Kristen, Victoria, and, newly, Alex.
Nicole suspects Victoria and speeds through the quiz.
Victoria maybe suspects Clay.
Paul suspects Victoria too.
Kristen will be upset if she gets eliminated because she had an exemption in her grasp.
Mark maybe suspects Craig (He’s at least pissed at him).
I’m starting to question my suspicion of Victoria now, because, even though she’s moley, I don’t think ABC would advertise multiple players as believing she is the Mole.
There’s a tie tonight, which means the player of the slower time will be executed. The difference, it turns out, is five seconds. All reality editing makes me believe Kristen (please, don’t kill my hopes of getting The Mole right off the bat) or Mark. Paul is up first, and he’s safe. Alex is next, and he too is safe. Mark is next, and, despite freaking out like no other, he’s safe. Victoria is next, and she’s executed. Meaning that she is not the Mole. Which means one of my suspicions is finally off (although, you don’t have to believe me, I honestly wrote that I didn’t suspect her before she was eliminated). Clay is incredibly surprised. Craig will really miss her. Next week on The Mole, Nicole and Paul share a llama costume (with Paul, fittingly, being the ass) and everyone (including me), continues to hate Paul.
Previously on The Mole, people wore underwear, Paul was an ass, Ali took a bribe, and Bobby was eliminated. Craig is unhappy that two people he liked left. Nicole is upset that her prime suspect is gone and she needs to start again. The players all leave Chile and head to the Andes in Argentina. It reminds Victoria of how insignificant she is. Jon welcomes them to the base of a mountain and tells them to split into two teams of four, selfish and selfless. Victoria doesn’t think she’s selfish, but she ends up on that team, with Nicole, Kristen, and Clay. The other four boys are the selfless ones. The teams have to carry “gold” bricks up a 10,000-foot mountain, with the first team making it up the mountain getting an exemption.
The selfish team takes less bricks and starts to head up, while the selfless team is packing more bricks. Nicole starts to give up like 50 feet from base camp, but she confessionals that it’s all a ruse. Craig feels like the weakest player now that Bobby is gone. Everyone actually seems to be struggling. Jon intercepts them and tells them that they have to carry a scale too. This task is not exactly entertaining to watch, with people walking. For a long time. The selfish team has a very big lead with 15 minutes to go. Craig is having a lot of trouble, and he’s seemingly not in very good shape. Ominous music and woozy camera angles take us into the break.
The selfish team makes it up first, and are told to hold tight and wait for the second group before discussing the exemption. The second team makes it up with 30 seconds to spare, and Craig successfully makes it up. The group adds $14,250, but there’s only one exemption and the selfish team has to decide on one person or the entire team forfeit their prize. The team initially wants Kristen, but Clay lawyers his way to the exemption. Clay offers to make it up to her on another mission. When the team makes it down to the bottom of the mountain, it turns out Craig is suffering from hypothermia, and has to go to the hospital. Well, he’s officially off my list of Mole suspects. I really don’t think ABC would pick someone who’s physically that weak to be the mole.
Everyone is worried about Craig, but he’s OK, as long as he stays warm. Craig, however, is worried that people will think he’s the mole because he’s so sick. Victoria announces that very suspicion. Mark is showing signs of Corbin Bernsen like craziness in terms of journaling. At dinner, Jon collects everyone’s journals. Everyone freaks out.
Jon returns quickly with everyone’s journals, assuaging their freak-outs. But, he wrote down some of his favorite comments and it’s time for a new mission “Who Said That?” Victoria apologizes in advance. Victoria correctly answers her question about her own alcoholism. Clay gets his right too, noticing that Kristen likes his vibes. Paul incorrectly answers his, but his answer was very valid. Kristen correctly answers her question because Nicole is blatantly signaling (which is against the rules). Alex botches his, but Mark correctly answers his. Nicole, further overacting, gets hers wrong, but Victoria fesses up and they get credit. Jon docks them for Kristen’s right answer though, since Nicole was way too blatant.
Everyone gets Crème Brulee for dessert and then goes for a drive with Jon. It turns out Jon is looking for someone to sacrifice their journal. After deciding on Alex, the group finds out that everyone else is losing their journals. Mark is hardcore pissed, and he wanders off into the Argentine wilderness, because apparently he is THAT upset. That’s a little overboard.
Mark wanders back, and Clay starts to question their coalition. Everyone is really worried about Mark going off the deep end, but they focus on themselves because it’s quiz time. Craig is back and everyone is happy. Craig also gets to keep his journal, which upsets Mark even further. Craig is briefed on what happened. Jon and the players toast to whoever is going home next.
QUIZ RUNDOWN
I still suspect Kristen, Victoria, and, newly, Alex.
Nicole suspects Victoria and speeds through the quiz.
Victoria maybe suspects Clay.
Paul suspects Victoria too.
Kristen will be upset if she gets eliminated because she had an exemption in her grasp.
Mark maybe suspects Craig (He’s at least pissed at him).
I’m starting to question my suspicion of Victoria now, because, even though she’s moley, I don’t think ABC would advertise multiple players as believing she is the Mole.
There’s a tie tonight, which means the player of the slower time will be executed. The difference, it turns out, is five seconds. All reality editing makes me believe Kristen (please, don’t kill my hopes of getting The Mole right off the bat) or Mark. Paul is up first, and he’s safe. Alex is next, and he too is safe. Mark is next, and, despite freaking out like no other, he’s safe. Victoria is next, and she’s executed. Meaning that she is not the Mole. Which means one of my suspicions is finally off (although, you don’t have to believe me, I honestly wrote that I didn’t suspect her before she was eliminated). Clay is incredibly surprised. Craig will really miss her. Next week on The Mole, Nicole and Paul share a llama costume (with Paul, fittingly, being the ass) and everyone (including me), continues to hate Paul.
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