Bravo's Real Housewives isn't the only franchise hitting President Obama's backyard. Yes, Top Chef has hit Washington D.C. The current crop of 17 cheftestants is an eclectic group and that's a very good thing. I haven't blogged Top Chef since Season 2 when Ilan won. That was also the season of Marcel. I'm hoping this year we'll get plenty of highly skilled chefs who simply make great food. I don't mind drama, just please don't be anywhere near as much drama as there was during the Ilan, Marcel, Cliff, Sam and Betty era. Each year, I find that right off the bat there's one chef that may cook fabulously, but his or her personality instantly gets on my last nerve. This year's choice: Angelo Sosa from New York. Obviously this guy can definitely cook. But what set me off was this line:
"I want to be the first contestant to win every single challenge."
Seriously? I think everyone who goes on Top Chef would love to do that, but it's not going to happen. And if it does happen, then kill me now because I don't want to see a show where one person dominates entirely. There are others who did contend for this honor (or dishonor since I'm talking about making a bad impression) like Tracey Bloom. I'm keeping my eye on Kenny Gilbert too. He's clearly a great chef but I'm wondering how cocky he's going to get as the season rolls on. But no worries I'm someone who has an open mind so while this week Angelo may have annoyed a lot, in three weeks he may be my favorite. It's happened many times.
Quickfire: Mis En Place Tournament
-Peel 10 Potatoes: 12 fastest will move on
-Brunoise 10 cups of Onions: 4 chefs will be eliminated
-Break down 4 chickens into 8 parts: 4 fastest chefs will move on to the finals
-Finals: Use the potatoes, chicken and onions to make a dish
High Stakes Challenge: $20,000 prize
This is such a good Quickfire to start things off because the competition's fierce from the very beginning. It seems like many chefs have great resumes so to fail is not going to be good for their egos. And we know chefs have some massive egos.
During the Quickfire, Kenny from Colorado is the man. He finishes first in all three rounds before the finals. He's set the tone and everybody realizes the guy has some mad skills. However, it's Angelo who wins the high stakes Quickfire and pockets 20 thou. Not bad for the first day of the competition.
Elimination Challenge: Create a dish that reflects where you're from
-The chefs will be cooking at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival for 300 young, successful Washingtonians
-There will be four groups and the individuals within each group will be going head to head. One person from each group will be up for the win, one chef will be up for elimination.
Angelo, Kevin, Kenny and Timothy get to choose who they go up against. Angelo picks Tiffany and Kenny picks Tracey. They obviously don't think Tiffany and Tracey have what it takes to win. All four guys select chefs they think will be easy to beat. The ones that get chosen last can sort of feel good about their skills being more of a threat than the ones that get chosen first. Angelo also gets to choose the team that takes the last guy standing, so he sends Ed to Kenny's team. Kenny's team is the only one to have five chefs. Here's how the teams break down:
-Tim's Group: Tim, Alex, Tamesha, Andrea
-Kevin's Group: Kevin, Amanda, Jacqueline, Arnold
-Angelo's Group: Angelo, John, Tiffany, Kelly
-Kenny's Group: Kenny, Tracey, Lynne, Ed, Stephen
Kevin is going with a lamb sous vide. Good luck with that buddy. It never seems like those that go the sous vide route have a lot of success with the dish. John's going to make a dessert. He scares me the most during this prep time for the elimination challenge.
The Event
I love when Padma introduces the judges because not only are Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons once again in attendance, but renowned chef and former Top Chef guest judge Eric Ripert has joined the show as a full-fledged judge! Yes, that deserves an exclamation point. I'm beyond excited he's part of the show. Does that mean we will no longer be seeing that English Simon Cowell-type judge anymore? Awesome.
Weird crossover thing going on: Dr. Andy Baldwin, U.S. Navy, formerly of The Bachelor (he was the officer AND a gentleman) was part of the young and successful Washingtonians tasting the Top Chef cuisine. He's very much into all things healthy so Steven's potato-crusted rib-eye (basically fried rib-eye) didn't sit too well with him. He said he wouldn't serve that dish to his kids.
It seems like Kenny chose his group the best. He's the only one in his group that received great reviews.
The Judges' Table
Padma calls one guy from each group to come stand before the judges: Kevin, Alex, Kenny and Angelo. They represent the top dish from each group. So Kevin's lamb sous vide and Alex's deconstructed borscht are both super successful as are Angelo's arctic char and Kenny's cinnamon-coffee rubbed trout. There you have Kenny vs. Angelo once again and it's only the first episode. The rivalry is on. Eric announces the winner: Angelo. Boo. I'm glad his food was good, but Angelo taking both challenges is frustrating.
The ones up for elimination are: Steven, John, Jacqueline and Timothy. Timothy's shocked. Is he going to be one of those that can't see the flaws of his dish? Eric says Steven's fried rib-eye looked like chicken nuggets (ouch!); Gail is wondering what Jacqueline was thinking when she admitted to trying to make low-fat chicken liver mousse. Jacqueline also admitted not having memorized her recipe. Meanwhile, John says he bought the puff pastry already prepared which doesn't bode well since that means he really wasn't responsible for a third of his dish. Eric had issues with Timothy's rockfish and more specifically the skin on the fish. It was chewy. I'm glad Timothy owned up to his disappointing dish. The judges expected more from Timothy since he was one of the final four in the Quickfire.
The 1st cheftestant going home: John the dessert guy. I'm kind of upset. He's a personality that I would have loved to have seen a couple more episodes.
I had high hopes from the quickfire; things didn't turn out so well in the first elimination challenge but I'm excited to see where the season goes from here. For me the first episode is usually extremely difficult to keep things straight because there are so many names and faces to remember. It'll be great when we get down to the top ten so we really get to know these wannabe Top Chefs.
Random Thoughts
-One of my favorite parts of the entire hour is when the top finalists enter the judges' room. I love the dramatic music cue and I love the way the editors cut the scene. We already know these guys are going to be praised for their delicious food, but I like that I can expect this same entrance every episode. It's much better than when those up for elimination enter the room.
-I love John. He's odd. But I love him. I love his oddness. Too bad he's already gone.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance: Results Show, The Top 10 Revealed by Kara Howland
I’m still thinking about some of the performances from Wednesday night and feeling energized. I’m confident Alex and Robert are safe but I’m not sure about anyone else. Who do you think is in the bottom three? Let’s find out.
You know I have to take a moment to discuss my Cat Deeley. I love her tartan-inspired look. The hair and makeup are flawless.
You know how the results shows play out. If you want to see who is going home tonight, skip ahead to the end. But first, let’s group dance.
Acapella / Kelis
Cat says the name of the choreographer but I didn’t catch it – even after I TIVOed back. It sounded French. I’ll update the name if I can find it online.
This group dance is with our Top 11 only. Shiny outfits…I likey. There’s some nice acrobatics going on. I’m loving the fact that a lot of this season’s dancers are so physical. They really go after it and throw their bodies into it. Most people are 100% committed and that’s what I want to see. Some great spotlight moments. Interesting. It seemed a little all over the place but it definitely had moments.
According to Nigel July 31st is “National Dance Day” in the US. It’s not just for dancers though. It’s for everyone to get up and move. NappyTabs has created a routine for everyone that can be downloaded from the Dizzy Feet website or from the SYTYCD Facebook page.
The first group up for elimination includes Alex, Robert, Lauren, and Kent. They’re all safe – no surprise there.
The next group up for elimination includes Melinda, Billy, Ashley, and Alexie.
Melinda will be dancing for her life. Nigel isn’t surprised. He doesn’t think the routine helped, it doesn’t make people pick up the telephone. Nigel thinks there may be a lack of warmth with her, wants more honesty in her performance. We’ve got to see the heart.
Alexie will also be dancing for her life. Mia says cute will only take her so far. Her performance last night didn’t show people how hard and long she’s been working to be on this show. She let it slide last night. The show is about growth and stepping into potential. Now she needs to download.
The last group up for elimination includes Jose, Adechike, and Cristina.
Cristina is the last performer who will be dancing for their life tonight. I’m not pleased. I think her performance Wednesday night was really great and I’m not happy that the judges don’t get to add their two bits before the commercial break. Cristina doesn’t deserve to be in the bottom.
Featured Dance Performance: Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away
That’s Life / Frank Sinatra
Tony-nominated dancers Karine Plantadit and Keith Roberts
Great character work. Great partner work. Nice strength in both dancers. Keith is so there for her. I’m seeing body positions I’ve never seen before and I’m really enjoying it. Great job. I almost didn’t think Keith would get his jacket on fast enough to catch her. Drama!
The Solos
Melinda
I Got The Feelin’ / James Brown
She’s great in her style. Nice performance level. Great feet. Great personality.
Alexie
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long / Otis Redding
She’s a great performer. Contemporary is absolutely a strong suit. She’s putting great emotion in there but I’m not feeling it as much as I want to be.
Cristina
La Guarachera / Celia Cruz & Tito Puente
She’s got great fire. She makes salsa fun. I’m not familiar with this style of dance as much as others but I think she got out there and had fun. She’d better be safe. Really.
I don’t believe in critiquing musical performances during the show unless they’ve got a serious performance element. And Usher has that; he’s a great dancer and performer. I’m not too upset when he shows up to perform O.M.G. I could watch Usher dance all night. I wanted the female dancers to actually be dancing – not just humping the stage (or whatever they were doing) – but I guess I can’t have it all. The male dancers were great but they can’t hold a candle to Usher.
I don’t know about you but I don’t have Bieber Fever and would never usually talk about a music video here. But I have to admit there was some really cool dancing going on. Different styles, cultures, etc. I liked it.
It’s about that time. What do the judge’s think about the bottom 3? Nigel says they’ve made up their minds and they’re unanimous. Melinda gets her critique first. Her style is cool and cute. She needs to bring some fire. That really helps them decide whether or not to keep the dancer in the competition. Cristina brings the fire but not the steps. For sure, they all felt she was dancing for her life tonight. Alexie is very contained in her movement tonight. She must learn to dance to the extent of her movement. She’s somewhat juvenile in her dance style.
And Alexie is the first one to leave the competition. Adam tells Alexie she’s so talented and so beautiful and so hire-able. They love her. She didn’t throw enough light and shade into it. Mia wants her to know they love her and support her and she’ll always be a part of this family. She will work.
I’m sad but I can see how the judges think Cristina and Melinda have more potential. I’m very happy Cristina didn’t go home. Her performance on Wednesday should have kept her out of the bottom.
What did you think about tonight’s show? Did the right person go home?
You know I have to take a moment to discuss my Cat Deeley. I love her tartan-inspired look. The hair and makeup are flawless.
You know how the results shows play out. If you want to see who is going home tonight, skip ahead to the end. But first, let’s group dance.
Acapella / Kelis
Cat says the name of the choreographer but I didn’t catch it – even after I TIVOed back. It sounded French. I’ll update the name if I can find it online.
This group dance is with our Top 11 only. Shiny outfits…I likey. There’s some nice acrobatics going on. I’m loving the fact that a lot of this season’s dancers are so physical. They really go after it and throw their bodies into it. Most people are 100% committed and that’s what I want to see. Some great spotlight moments. Interesting. It seemed a little all over the place but it definitely had moments.
According to Nigel July 31st is “National Dance Day” in the US. It’s not just for dancers though. It’s for everyone to get up and move. NappyTabs has created a routine for everyone that can be downloaded from the Dizzy Feet website or from the SYTYCD Facebook page.
The first group up for elimination includes Alex, Robert, Lauren, and Kent. They’re all safe – no surprise there.
The next group up for elimination includes Melinda, Billy, Ashley, and Alexie.
Melinda will be dancing for her life. Nigel isn’t surprised. He doesn’t think the routine helped, it doesn’t make people pick up the telephone. Nigel thinks there may be a lack of warmth with her, wants more honesty in her performance. We’ve got to see the heart.
Alexie will also be dancing for her life. Mia says cute will only take her so far. Her performance last night didn’t show people how hard and long she’s been working to be on this show. She let it slide last night. The show is about growth and stepping into potential. Now she needs to download.
The last group up for elimination includes Jose, Adechike, and Cristina.
Cristina is the last performer who will be dancing for their life tonight. I’m not pleased. I think her performance Wednesday night was really great and I’m not happy that the judges don’t get to add their two bits before the commercial break. Cristina doesn’t deserve to be in the bottom.
Featured Dance Performance: Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away
That’s Life / Frank Sinatra
Tony-nominated dancers Karine Plantadit and Keith Roberts
Great character work. Great partner work. Nice strength in both dancers. Keith is so there for her. I’m seeing body positions I’ve never seen before and I’m really enjoying it. Great job. I almost didn’t think Keith would get his jacket on fast enough to catch her. Drama!
The Solos
Melinda
I Got The Feelin’ / James Brown
She’s great in her style. Nice performance level. Great feet. Great personality.
Alexie
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long / Otis Redding
She’s a great performer. Contemporary is absolutely a strong suit. She’s putting great emotion in there but I’m not feeling it as much as I want to be.
Cristina
La Guarachera / Celia Cruz & Tito Puente
She’s got great fire. She makes salsa fun. I’m not familiar with this style of dance as much as others but I think she got out there and had fun. She’d better be safe. Really.
I don’t believe in critiquing musical performances during the show unless they’ve got a serious performance element. And Usher has that; he’s a great dancer and performer. I’m not too upset when he shows up to perform O.M.G. I could watch Usher dance all night. I wanted the female dancers to actually be dancing – not just humping the stage (or whatever they were doing) – but I guess I can’t have it all. The male dancers were great but they can’t hold a candle to Usher.
I don’t know about you but I don’t have Bieber Fever and would never usually talk about a music video here. But I have to admit there was some really cool dancing going on. Different styles, cultures, etc. I liked it.
It’s about that time. What do the judge’s think about the bottom 3? Nigel says they’ve made up their minds and they’re unanimous. Melinda gets her critique first. Her style is cool and cute. She needs to bring some fire. That really helps them decide whether or not to keep the dancer in the competition. Cristina brings the fire but not the steps. For sure, they all felt she was dancing for her life tonight. Alexie is very contained in her movement tonight. She must learn to dance to the extent of her movement. She’s somewhat juvenile in her dance style.
And Alexie is the first one to leave the competition. Adam tells Alexie she’s so talented and so beautiful and so hire-able. They love her. She didn’t throw enough light and shade into it. Mia wants her to know they love her and support her and she’ll always be a part of this family. She will work.
I’m sad but I can see how the judges think Cristina and Melinda have more potential. I’m very happy Cristina didn’t go home. Her performance on Wednesday should have kept her out of the bottom.
What did you think about tonight’s show? Did the right person go home?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 11 Perform by Kara Howland
As I mentioned in last week’s blog, I like to give a quick little shout out to Cat in ever “episode.” I like to acknowledge that she’s a fantastic host – why, oh why hasn’t she been nominated for an Emmy already? – and I like to evaluate her look. This week Cat’s hair is a little too much for me but I’m digging the dress. And she’s radiant, as always.
I think a lot of people enjoy all the personal tidbits we learn about the dancers – me included – but this blog will be focused on the dancing. I just needed to get that out there. Sometimes I’m genuinely touched by or interested in what the dancers reveal but at the end of the day I know the producers are just trying to fill up some space. Wow, that seemed jaded. Yet true.
And don’t forget this season is all about live, live, live…as in, the show isn’t pre-taped like it has been in every previous season. It’s actually LIVE. I’m excited about that. It leaves a lot more room for error. And brilliance. I already feel the difference.
Our judges for tonight (and the entire season) are Adam, Mia, and Nigel. I love Adam and Nigel on the panel but I must admit I’m a bit worried about Mia. I think she’s a brilliant choreographer but sometimes I think she’s unnessecarily harsh – yes, I’m taking about Brandon from season 5. I know that dancers will have to endure an intense about of criticism over the span of their careers but sometimes I think she takes it too far. That said, I think must of her critiques are spot on and meant to be helpful for the dancers. So without further delay, let’s get to it.
Ok, I’m already caving. Something America doesn’t know about Billy is he’s very in to do-it-yourself projects. This week he’s teamed up with All-star Lauren.
Tyce Diorio / Broadway
Footloose / Kenny Loggins
Rehearsal: Billy’s character needs to dance, loves to dance. The routine is very fast. Keep pushing it, gotta keep going.
Performance: Really fun music. Great energy. Billy is such a rock star. I heart Lauren; she’s rocking it too. Great timing, nice form. They aren’t totally together but I’m not caring. A great way to start off the night. Very well done!
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Tyce was using longer movements and it suited Billy. Be careful with chemistry; had a good buddy relationship. Good start.
Mia: So proud of him. Loved seeing Billy dance like this. Tackled it, did an awesome job. Did focus on length instead of bounce and frenetics. Wants him to dance like a man. Awesome job.
Adam: Dancing is too easy for him. For Billy to grow, focus on inhabiting the character; it’s what’s in-between the steps he needs to fill out. Congrats. He’s killing it.
Cristina once auditioned for a singing competition in Mexico but she got cut. She doesn’t sing anymore. She is paired with All-star Mark.
Sonja Tayeh / Jazz
Starstruck / Santigold
Rehearsal: Sonja is really inspired by the snake. Cristina has to be loser with her body. She’s gonna push it and get her head into the body of the snake.
Performance: I love their starting position. Very Sonja and I’ve loving it. Great body positions – so interesting. I feel Cristina being loose with her body, which is great. Mark is such a great partner for her to have. Loved it.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: That routine was all about the coming together of Sonja and Mark. That style is fabulous to see. Cristina is tremendous in it. She “filled the spaces.” Nigel can only complement her. Well done.
Mia: Oye Mama. She partnered with a genius of twisted and dark. Did an awesome job. Would have liked to see the twisted in her face. Didn’t expect it from Christina and she’s so proud.
Adam: He’s stunned. Adam thought it might be a disaster and he’s so wrong. What was so incredible is he saw no trace of a salsa dancer. Fully inhabited the character. Gives complete performance. Tremendous.
It’s important for Jose to stay flexible so he does yoga every day. He’s is partnered with All-star Comfort this week.
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip-Hop
Beautiful Monster / Ne-Yo
Rehearsal: This isn’t your traditional hip hop and it’s not approved for all audiences. Two predators ready to attack but don’t know who’s the prey.
Performance: After a slow start (too slow for me), I’m enjoying it. Comfort’s great in this genre and Jose’s no slouch. Nice partner work. It was fun to watch. They threw some nice tricks in there.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Wow. Nigel points out that Jose doesn’t know hip-hop, hasn’t had choreography or a count before, and has to become a character. Jose has done things this week he’s never had to do before. Absolutely outstanding. Not anticipating that at all.
Mia: The only criticism Mia has is about his commitment to the choreography and character. He needs to bring it but he has grown a lot in a week.
Adam: It’s improving week after week. Jose’s come legions from Vegas. Work on power moves that are faster.
What do we need to know about Adechike? He went to the FAME school. Tyce went there as well but may not have been living up to his potential. This week Kathryn is Adechike’s All-star partner.
Travis Wall / Jazz
Addicted to Love / Florence + The Machine
Rehearsal: Travis is playing with a man’s fantasy. Adechike is an office worker daydreaming about a sexy girl. Uh oh, they’re having prop trouble.
The Performance: I like the slow start here. Nice partnership – Kathryn is really partnering him well. This song is kinda perfect for this piece. Nice technique.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Ade-cheeky. Choreography is wonderful; so much going on. Kathryn was giving him everything. Nigel didn’t quite believe it was his fantasy. It isn’t just about steps. It’s about dancing and performing. He knows Adechike can perform better.
Mia: Mia warns us she’s gonna be harsh. Tells Travis it’s a great piece of work. There was nothing between them. There was nothing there. Brought nothing but stiffness, strength, and empty technique.
Adam: Travis gave him an incredible opportunity. Adechike was a technically great partner. Didn’t go the extra step. He have to become a different kind of partner. Good job.
Up next is Melinda. She wants us to know she’s also an actress, who we’ve seen on As the World Turns. She likes to play music and just started writing her own music. Melinda is paired with All-star Pasha.
Tony & Melanie / Jive
L.O.V.E. / VV Brown
Rehearsal: The vibe of the routine is love. Melanie wants her to be in love with Pasha. Melinda says he’s hot with brilliant stage presence.
The Performance: I’m seeing some good footwork by Melinda, which isn’t surprising considering she’s a tapper. They aren’t quite together though. I think Melinda’s a bit nervous. Recovered nicely…oh, spoke too soon. I saw a few mistakes but I thought they had great energy. Not a bad effort.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: There’s no question Melinda’s vivacious, gorgeous. Don’t pull the faces. Doesn’t think this style suits her. She’s unsafe this week.
Mia: Agrees with Nigel. There’s something about her legs. There’s a lack of sexiness and something else she can’t pinpoint. Melinda’s a great performer. Be careful not to go over-the-top. Be authentic.
Adam: Melinda’s going to see that she’s a good actor and entertainer/performer when she looks back at the tape of the performance. Blew out the performance. They love her so Adam urges her to keep working.
America doesn’t know Alex likes to sing; he sings all the time. It makes him happy when he’s stressed. This week Alex is partnered with All-star Allison.
Sonyja Tayeh / Contemporary
Hallelujah / Jeff Buckley
Rehearsal: The piece is about when you need salvation; trying to find peace within yourself or in the world. Ballet dancers expresses themselves differently. Alex wants to show us he can open himself up.
The Performance: Wow. His lines are really impressive. Great partnership. I feel like they’re really in sync. I wanted to watch it and not type – which is the highest complement I can give them. Wow. Very, very well done. That gets some standing ovations.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Alex has just set a new standard. Sometimes dancers concentrate on the architecture of dancing and they forget the poetry. Not here. Utterly fantastic. Allison and Alex are mega lightyears ahead of everyone else. And Sonja! So, so happy.
Mia: That is the best piece of work danced on the SYTYCD anywhere in the world to date. Sonja has outdone herself. Alex is sheer perfection and genius. She’s shaking because he’s so brilliant. So excited about this journey.
Adam: So incredible and it speaks to how amazing Alex is. They’ve never seen this level of performance and he now knows why Alex wasn’t let out of his ballet contract the last time he auditioned.
Alexie has been on Star Search as part of The Hip-Hop Kids. This won’t be the first time she’ll be judged by Adam Shankman. That brief shot of him was awesome! Alexie is paired with All-star Twitch this week.
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip-Hop
Butterfly / Jason Mraz
Rehearsal: It’s about sneaky young love. This dance probably isn’t suitable for children.
The Performance: It’s a little too slow for me. Sometimes NappyTabs disappoints me and they’ve disappointed me with this one. Technically they’re hitting the steps I’m just not feeling it at all. Hmm. I’m disappointed. Not even Twitch seems to be able to do anything with these steps so I can’t really blame the dancers.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Alexie is such a cute little dancer. Nigel wants to make sure she’s not too cutesy.
Mia: She danced liked a young, adorable girl. Alexie needs to step it up. No hip-hop groove, no swag. Just feels cute.
Adam: That was a performance won over by pure charisma. Alexie needs to dance with the sensuality of a woman and the power of a guy. Dance with that power.
What don’t we know about Lauren? She’s passionate about working with kindergartners. She wants to make a difference. This week Ade is Lauren’s All-star partner.
Mandy Moore / Pop Jazz
Oh Yeah / Yello
Rehearsal: This dance is about first-date moves. Mandy thinks Lauren is having trouble being sexy but Ade doesn’t agree.
The Performance: Fun concept. They were killing it in terms of technique and form. Great partner work. Nice connection between the partners, but not in terms of chemistry. Highly enjoyable.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Really well choreographed routine. Lauren had confidence in jumps but found it sterile. No chemistry. She needs to improve her performance without a doubt.
Mia: Brings up “filling in the space” again. Technically she’s kinda flawless. Emotionally and character-wise, she wants to know what’s going on inside. Felt like the first draft of a performance.
Adam: He’s concerned; not sure she’s listening to the critiques. Didn’t see character or connection. He wants her to look deeper into who she is; find out more about character. Technically she’ll always be fine.
What does America need to know about Kent? At his high school he was crowned Homecoming King out of a class of 14 guys. Kent is paired with All-star Anya. Wow. That wil be interesting
Tony & Melanie / Cha-cha
Lady Marmalade / Diva Invasion
Rehearsal: I hope Anya doesn’t kill him with her sexuality but I do think it will be great for Kent to be exposed to that. Let’s see him dance like a man!. Kent has to portray strength, masculinity, and confidence. He’s never met the likes of Anya.
The Performance: Great partner connection. I really like Kent and I’m enjoying him here. I still think he’s 18 but I think this journey to “dance like a man” has just started. Nice footwork. He’s being a great partner for Anya. There are a few moves that aren’t quite masculine but I’m choosing to overlook them. Very enjoyable.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Overriding factor of the routine is that he enjoyed it. Wapakoneta can be can be proud. Kent reminds him of a young Paul Newman. Tells him not to be careful not to look like Jessica Rabbit. Loved every second of his performance.
Mia: He committed to everything. Looks like a Ballroom boy. She’s so proud of him. It was a great routine.
Adam: His determination shows. Kent blasted through his weaknesses. He did good. Awesome.
Ashley does some crazy voices. She does something called the Galvatron. This week her All-star partner will be Neil.
Tyce Diorio / Contemporary
For All We Know / Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Rehearsal: It’s about the greatest gift anyone can have, which is love. It’s less about dancing and more about the connection.
The Performance: I love that Ashley is absolutely throwing herself into it. Great form. Nice partner work. Great lifts. I don’t think it has the emotional resonance they were going for, but I did enjoy it.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: It’s got to be about transcending the steps. Ashley needs to use her emotions in her dancing now. What America didn’t know is how beautiful a dancer she is.
Mia: She felt her a lot. Mia’s not sure what Ashley’s feeling. Not coming across as loudly as she had hoped. She’s a special little bunny. She brings something innocent and special. Technically, the picture is gorgeous. She’d proud and intrigued.
Adam: Technically there, but not emotionally. She’s not connecting emotionally.
What do we need to know about Robert? He really wanted to be a professional baseball player. Dance is something he never thought he’d have. He’s paired with All-star Courtney this week.
Sean Cheesman / African Jazz
Norweg / Cirque De Soleil’s Saltimbanco Soundtrack
Rehearsal: Crazy, crazy fast. It’s about two mystical creatures who become human once a year and they rejoice. High energy. Courtney thinks there might be bumps, bruises, and perhaps an emergency room visit.
The Performance: Very cool. I like that the beginning is so close to the ground. They are moving their bodies in very strange and wonderful ways. I love seeing a new style of dance on this show. Great blend of African and Jazz. Robert is really killing it for me. He’s got great, great lines and movement. Well done.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Sean’s routine is fabulous; loved the movement. Loved the way Robert danced it. Thinks he’s a dark horse in this competition. He’s gonna be so good. The boys are so strong this year.
Mia: He’s out of the gate. There are so many things she loves about him. He’s got a quirk factor, beauty, he’s an athlete and technician. She wants him to dig into who Robert is.
Adam: Seeing him and Courtney together is unbelievable. Completely there for each other. Knew what they were dancing about. He thinks Robert is one of the best contemporary dancers they’ve ever had on the show. He’s going very far.
Overall, I’m very happy with the level of dancing I saw tonight. There were some great discoveries – Cristina dancing Jazz, Ashley dancing Contemporary – even though she didn’t take it far enough – and the revelations that where Alex and Robert. Wow, that a fun night.
In the future I will try to keep my blog much, much shorter. I think I just got really excited about having my favorite reality competition back on the air in the summer, where it should be.
Who’s in trouble? I didn’t enjoy or understand Alexie’s piece even thought I love her personality. Beyond here it could be a number of other people. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
Did you vote?
I think a lot of people enjoy all the personal tidbits we learn about the dancers – me included – but this blog will be focused on the dancing. I just needed to get that out there. Sometimes I’m genuinely touched by or interested in what the dancers reveal but at the end of the day I know the producers are just trying to fill up some space. Wow, that seemed jaded. Yet true.
And don’t forget this season is all about live, live, live…as in, the show isn’t pre-taped like it has been in every previous season. It’s actually LIVE. I’m excited about that. It leaves a lot more room for error. And brilliance. I already feel the difference.
Our judges for tonight (and the entire season) are Adam, Mia, and Nigel. I love Adam and Nigel on the panel but I must admit I’m a bit worried about Mia. I think she’s a brilliant choreographer but sometimes I think she’s unnessecarily harsh – yes, I’m taking about Brandon from season 5. I know that dancers will have to endure an intense about of criticism over the span of their careers but sometimes I think she takes it too far. That said, I think must of her critiques are spot on and meant to be helpful for the dancers. So without further delay, let’s get to it.
Ok, I’m already caving. Something America doesn’t know about Billy is he’s very in to do-it-yourself projects. This week he’s teamed up with All-star Lauren.
Tyce Diorio / Broadway
Footloose / Kenny Loggins
Rehearsal: Billy’s character needs to dance, loves to dance. The routine is very fast. Keep pushing it, gotta keep going.
Performance: Really fun music. Great energy. Billy is such a rock star. I heart Lauren; she’s rocking it too. Great timing, nice form. They aren’t totally together but I’m not caring. A great way to start off the night. Very well done!
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Tyce was using longer movements and it suited Billy. Be careful with chemistry; had a good buddy relationship. Good start.
Mia: So proud of him. Loved seeing Billy dance like this. Tackled it, did an awesome job. Did focus on length instead of bounce and frenetics. Wants him to dance like a man. Awesome job.
Adam: Dancing is too easy for him. For Billy to grow, focus on inhabiting the character; it’s what’s in-between the steps he needs to fill out. Congrats. He’s killing it.
Cristina once auditioned for a singing competition in Mexico but she got cut. She doesn’t sing anymore. She is paired with All-star Mark.
Sonja Tayeh / Jazz
Starstruck / Santigold
Rehearsal: Sonja is really inspired by the snake. Cristina has to be loser with her body. She’s gonna push it and get her head into the body of the snake.
Performance: I love their starting position. Very Sonja and I’ve loving it. Great body positions – so interesting. I feel Cristina being loose with her body, which is great. Mark is such a great partner for her to have. Loved it.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: That routine was all about the coming together of Sonja and Mark. That style is fabulous to see. Cristina is tremendous in it. She “filled the spaces.” Nigel can only complement her. Well done.
Mia: Oye Mama. She partnered with a genius of twisted and dark. Did an awesome job. Would have liked to see the twisted in her face. Didn’t expect it from Christina and she’s so proud.
Adam: He’s stunned. Adam thought it might be a disaster and he’s so wrong. What was so incredible is he saw no trace of a salsa dancer. Fully inhabited the character. Gives complete performance. Tremendous.
It’s important for Jose to stay flexible so he does yoga every day. He’s is partnered with All-star Comfort this week.
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip-Hop
Beautiful Monster / Ne-Yo
Rehearsal: This isn’t your traditional hip hop and it’s not approved for all audiences. Two predators ready to attack but don’t know who’s the prey.
Performance: After a slow start (too slow for me), I’m enjoying it. Comfort’s great in this genre and Jose’s no slouch. Nice partner work. It was fun to watch. They threw some nice tricks in there.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Wow. Nigel points out that Jose doesn’t know hip-hop, hasn’t had choreography or a count before, and has to become a character. Jose has done things this week he’s never had to do before. Absolutely outstanding. Not anticipating that at all.
Mia: The only criticism Mia has is about his commitment to the choreography and character. He needs to bring it but he has grown a lot in a week.
Adam: It’s improving week after week. Jose’s come legions from Vegas. Work on power moves that are faster.
What do we need to know about Adechike? He went to the FAME school. Tyce went there as well but may not have been living up to his potential. This week Kathryn is Adechike’s All-star partner.
Travis Wall / Jazz
Addicted to Love / Florence + The Machine
Rehearsal: Travis is playing with a man’s fantasy. Adechike is an office worker daydreaming about a sexy girl. Uh oh, they’re having prop trouble.
The Performance: I like the slow start here. Nice partnership – Kathryn is really partnering him well. This song is kinda perfect for this piece. Nice technique.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Ade-cheeky. Choreography is wonderful; so much going on. Kathryn was giving him everything. Nigel didn’t quite believe it was his fantasy. It isn’t just about steps. It’s about dancing and performing. He knows Adechike can perform better.
Mia: Mia warns us she’s gonna be harsh. Tells Travis it’s a great piece of work. There was nothing between them. There was nothing there. Brought nothing but stiffness, strength, and empty technique.
Adam: Travis gave him an incredible opportunity. Adechike was a technically great partner. Didn’t go the extra step. He have to become a different kind of partner. Good job.
Up next is Melinda. She wants us to know she’s also an actress, who we’ve seen on As the World Turns. She likes to play music and just started writing her own music. Melinda is paired with All-star Pasha.
Tony & Melanie / Jive
L.O.V.E. / VV Brown
Rehearsal: The vibe of the routine is love. Melanie wants her to be in love with Pasha. Melinda says he’s hot with brilliant stage presence.
The Performance: I’m seeing some good footwork by Melinda, which isn’t surprising considering she’s a tapper. They aren’t quite together though. I think Melinda’s a bit nervous. Recovered nicely…oh, spoke too soon. I saw a few mistakes but I thought they had great energy. Not a bad effort.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: There’s no question Melinda’s vivacious, gorgeous. Don’t pull the faces. Doesn’t think this style suits her. She’s unsafe this week.
Mia: Agrees with Nigel. There’s something about her legs. There’s a lack of sexiness and something else she can’t pinpoint. Melinda’s a great performer. Be careful not to go over-the-top. Be authentic.
Adam: Melinda’s going to see that she’s a good actor and entertainer/performer when she looks back at the tape of the performance. Blew out the performance. They love her so Adam urges her to keep working.
America doesn’t know Alex likes to sing; he sings all the time. It makes him happy when he’s stressed. This week Alex is partnered with All-star Allison.
Sonyja Tayeh / Contemporary
Hallelujah / Jeff Buckley
Rehearsal: The piece is about when you need salvation; trying to find peace within yourself or in the world. Ballet dancers expresses themselves differently. Alex wants to show us he can open himself up.
The Performance: Wow. His lines are really impressive. Great partnership. I feel like they’re really in sync. I wanted to watch it and not type – which is the highest complement I can give them. Wow. Very, very well done. That gets some standing ovations.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Alex has just set a new standard. Sometimes dancers concentrate on the architecture of dancing and they forget the poetry. Not here. Utterly fantastic. Allison and Alex are mega lightyears ahead of everyone else. And Sonja! So, so happy.
Mia: That is the best piece of work danced on the SYTYCD anywhere in the world to date. Sonja has outdone herself. Alex is sheer perfection and genius. She’s shaking because he’s so brilliant. So excited about this journey.
Adam: So incredible and it speaks to how amazing Alex is. They’ve never seen this level of performance and he now knows why Alex wasn’t let out of his ballet contract the last time he auditioned.
Alexie has been on Star Search as part of The Hip-Hop Kids. This won’t be the first time she’ll be judged by Adam Shankman. That brief shot of him was awesome! Alexie is paired with All-star Twitch this week.
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip-Hop
Butterfly / Jason Mraz
Rehearsal: It’s about sneaky young love. This dance probably isn’t suitable for children.
The Performance: It’s a little too slow for me. Sometimes NappyTabs disappoints me and they’ve disappointed me with this one. Technically they’re hitting the steps I’m just not feeling it at all. Hmm. I’m disappointed. Not even Twitch seems to be able to do anything with these steps so I can’t really blame the dancers.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Alexie is such a cute little dancer. Nigel wants to make sure she’s not too cutesy.
Mia: She danced liked a young, adorable girl. Alexie needs to step it up. No hip-hop groove, no swag. Just feels cute.
Adam: That was a performance won over by pure charisma. Alexie needs to dance with the sensuality of a woman and the power of a guy. Dance with that power.
What don’t we know about Lauren? She’s passionate about working with kindergartners. She wants to make a difference. This week Ade is Lauren’s All-star partner.
Mandy Moore / Pop Jazz
Oh Yeah / Yello
Rehearsal: This dance is about first-date moves. Mandy thinks Lauren is having trouble being sexy but Ade doesn’t agree.
The Performance: Fun concept. They were killing it in terms of technique and form. Great partner work. Nice connection between the partners, but not in terms of chemistry. Highly enjoyable.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Really well choreographed routine. Lauren had confidence in jumps but found it sterile. No chemistry. She needs to improve her performance without a doubt.
Mia: Brings up “filling in the space” again. Technically she’s kinda flawless. Emotionally and character-wise, she wants to know what’s going on inside. Felt like the first draft of a performance.
Adam: He’s concerned; not sure she’s listening to the critiques. Didn’t see character or connection. He wants her to look deeper into who she is; find out more about character. Technically she’ll always be fine.
What does America need to know about Kent? At his high school he was crowned Homecoming King out of a class of 14 guys. Kent is paired with All-star Anya. Wow. That wil be interesting
Tony & Melanie / Cha-cha
Lady Marmalade / Diva Invasion
Rehearsal: I hope Anya doesn’t kill him with her sexuality but I do think it will be great for Kent to be exposed to that. Let’s see him dance like a man!. Kent has to portray strength, masculinity, and confidence. He’s never met the likes of Anya.
The Performance: Great partner connection. I really like Kent and I’m enjoying him here. I still think he’s 18 but I think this journey to “dance like a man” has just started. Nice footwork. He’s being a great partner for Anya. There are a few moves that aren’t quite masculine but I’m choosing to overlook them. Very enjoyable.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Overriding factor of the routine is that he enjoyed it. Wapakoneta can be can be proud. Kent reminds him of a young Paul Newman. Tells him not to be careful not to look like Jessica Rabbit. Loved every second of his performance.
Mia: He committed to everything. Looks like a Ballroom boy. She’s so proud of him. It was a great routine.
Adam: His determination shows. Kent blasted through his weaknesses. He did good. Awesome.
Ashley does some crazy voices. She does something called the Galvatron. This week her All-star partner will be Neil.
Tyce Diorio / Contemporary
For All We Know / Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Rehearsal: It’s about the greatest gift anyone can have, which is love. It’s less about dancing and more about the connection.
The Performance: I love that Ashley is absolutely throwing herself into it. Great form. Nice partner work. Great lifts. I don’t think it has the emotional resonance they were going for, but I did enjoy it.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: It’s got to be about transcending the steps. Ashley needs to use her emotions in her dancing now. What America didn’t know is how beautiful a dancer she is.
Mia: She felt her a lot. Mia’s not sure what Ashley’s feeling. Not coming across as loudly as she had hoped. She’s a special little bunny. She brings something innocent and special. Technically, the picture is gorgeous. She’d proud and intrigued.
Adam: Technically there, but not emotionally. She’s not connecting emotionally.
What do we need to know about Robert? He really wanted to be a professional baseball player. Dance is something he never thought he’d have. He’s paired with All-star Courtney this week.
Sean Cheesman / African Jazz
Norweg / Cirque De Soleil’s Saltimbanco Soundtrack
Rehearsal: Crazy, crazy fast. It’s about two mystical creatures who become human once a year and they rejoice. High energy. Courtney thinks there might be bumps, bruises, and perhaps an emergency room visit.
The Performance: Very cool. I like that the beginning is so close to the ground. They are moving their bodies in very strange and wonderful ways. I love seeing a new style of dance on this show. Great blend of African and Jazz. Robert is really killing it for me. He’s got great, great lines and movement. Well done.
Judge’s critiques
Nigel: Sean’s routine is fabulous; loved the movement. Loved the way Robert danced it. Thinks he’s a dark horse in this competition. He’s gonna be so good. The boys are so strong this year.
Mia: He’s out of the gate. There are so many things she loves about him. He’s got a quirk factor, beauty, he’s an athlete and technician. She wants him to dig into who Robert is.
Adam: Seeing him and Courtney together is unbelievable. Completely there for each other. Knew what they were dancing about. He thinks Robert is one of the best contemporary dancers they’ve ever had on the show. He’s going very far.
Overall, I’m very happy with the level of dancing I saw tonight. There were some great discoveries – Cristina dancing Jazz, Ashley dancing Contemporary – even though she didn’t take it far enough – and the revelations that where Alex and Robert. Wow, that a fun night.
In the future I will try to keep my blog much, much shorter. I think I just got really excited about having my favorite reality competition back on the air in the summer, where it should be.
Who’s in trouble? I didn’t enjoy or understand Alexie’s piece even thought I love her personality. Beyond here it could be a number of other people. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
Did you vote?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pretty Little Liars: The Jenna Thing by Tina Charles
It's Week 2 of Pretty Little Liars and I'm still loving it. "The Jenna Thing" filled us in on some more of the girls' past with Alison as well as Jenna. It's another episode where lots happened, I'm wondering if the show's going to keep up the fast pace. I kind of like it because each character has something to do. I really dislike when the hour is about one character and the others are just back-up. Well, unless the hour is focused on my favorite character. I'm awful like that.
The action picks up immediately after Alison's funeral. Aria, Emily, Spencer and Hanna are at a restaurant commiserating over their late friend. They all come to realize Alison kept a bunch of secrets from them although she knew everything about them. Spencer reveals Alison was dating a guy who had a girlfriend before she died. She just doesn't know who the boyfriend was. Didn't Emily act all jealous? Just how tight were she and Ali anyway? The "Jenna" in "The Jenna Thing" walks into the restaurant. The sound of her cane was almost deafening. The girls exit immediately after Jenna sits down and makes herself comfortable. The whole vibe around Jenna is just plain eerie.
Can we talk about Hanna for a second? I'm liking Ashley Benson although I'm still trying to get a handle on Hanna. It seems like a year earlier she had some self-esteem issues regarding her body. Aria's mom mentioned something like how she almost didn't recognize Hanna at the funeral and alludes to how she no longer has to shop at "Curvy Girl" which I guess is a Lane Bryant equivalent or something. I rewound the flashbacks and I see how Hanna made sure she covered up. I had written things off to her not liking her body or having some sort of body dysmorphic disorder. I just don't see her as actually having to shop at a plus-size clothing store. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that I guess I just needed the producers or wardrobe or whoever is in charge of making these decisions to make it actually look like: A) She needed to shop at Curvy Girl-like stores; and B) Make her transformation from "curvy girl" to "thin, proud of her bod Mean Girl" even that much more definitive. In "The Jenna Thing" Hanna had to deal with her mom continuing to date that cop. Not sure if creepy cop is still holding the shoplifting thing over her mom's head or if her mom's into him now. It feels like the former.
Meanwhile, Emily's going through some identity issues. She and Maya continue to hang out and get close. How convenient is it that Emily's mom Nia Peeples asks Mya to stay over at their place for a few days until the brouhaha at Maya's house dies down (Maya just moved into house Alison lived). Mom even suggests Maya can sleep in Emily's room. So funny! This all leads to Em and Maya cuddling and sharing coffee which makes confused girl act out. Well, let's just say her acting out takes the form of making out with her BF (Ben) I didn't realize she had. She got all aggressive with Ben in front of a bunch of kids at school. PDA is so not Emily's thing so she's definitely exerting her hetero self on purpose. There's no time to dwell on all the confusion because "A" is on to her and she gets a text about it.
Spencer, Spencer, Spencer. One minute she's trying to hone her field hockey skills. The next minute she's stealing a sip of the vodka soda her big sister's fiance has offered up to her at dinner with the family sans mom. And then the second after that she and her sister's soon-to-be-hubby are kissing up a storm in her bedroom. And Nanny Carrie - woops - I mean Melissa sees it all. Two seconds after that, the guy is kicked to the curb. Things move so fast in Rosewood, have I said that yet?
Aria has a lot of drama on her plate. There's Alison and the texts; her cheating dad; and the high school English teacher she slept with. She tries to transfer out of his class, which doesn't end up happening. They do end up at the same theater where her sister (OK, mom) invites him to sit with them. Later she gets stuck in the rain and he pulls up in his car to save the day. What does Aria get for all this drama in her life? A text from "A":
"When students kiss teachers, someone gets HURT. That's a promise I'll keep." -A
The girls get other texts, one of which comes when they're called to the principal's office to answer for their sins to the creepy cop. The text refers to them as "dead girls walking." So what? The mysterious text-er has web cams, lipstick cams and high tech spy cams all around the city and in their houses and bedrooms? How does this person know everything that's going on?
This episode is called "The Jenna Thing" so the girls do end up running into the newly visually repaired teen everywhere. They run into her at the restaurant; they let her sit with them at lunch; and finally Spencer's out jogging when she comes upon Jenna on the park bench sending a text via verbal command. Is Jenna our "texter?" Doubt it, but there's definitely something up with her. Also, while the fearful foursome were sitting with Jenna they started flashing back to when their Mean Girl BFF seemingly set them up. They were trying on clothes when Alison says she saw some Toby Cavenaugh guy spying on them outside the window. She quickly comes up with a plan for revenge against "the freak." They go over to his house where she throws in what everyone thinks is a stink bomb. It's much more than that. Jenna's caught in the explosion and that's how she goes blind. If the girl is really blind. I still have some doubts. The moment when Jenna (in sunglasses) turns her head towards Spencer is really creepy. This show does creepy well.
So far Pretty Little Liars is 2 for 2. Can't wait for the next episode.
Random Thoughts
-This show is reminding me of Desperate Housewives meets Gossip Girl. The Desperate Housewives influence is very much seen in the show open. The Gossip Girl influence is very much felt in the texting portion of the hour especially that one time when "A" finished the text off with an "XO." I was waiting for a second "XO." It felt, implied I guess.
-Maya loosened up her hair from the premiere. It's a welcome change although now we do have confirmation that Maya's in high school along with Emily. I'm trying to suspend my disbelief here but it's hard. It's a good thing I love Bianca Lawson.
-Playing Spencer's dad is Nolan North, another soap star. Nolan starred for years on ABC's Port Charles. Hey Show, he's really good so can you please give him more lines? So far dad's a dud, but that's how it's supposed to be right?
-I'm keeping my eye out for Maya. It's weird she just moved in. It's weird she's in high school. She makes an odd observation about Alison being center of all the pictures and she's asking about Spencer too. I'm not trusting her.
-Wonder if/when we'll see Wren again. And I wonder if/when Melissa will get revenge on her little sister.
Other Facts We Find Out
-The woman Aria's dad cheated on her mom with also teaches at the same school he teaches.
-Hanna has a very chaste boyfriend named Sean. His father's a preacher. Hanna's the aggressor in the relationship. Sean insists he's staying abstinent. They're cute together but not sure if they'll work out.
The action picks up immediately after Alison's funeral. Aria, Emily, Spencer and Hanna are at a restaurant commiserating over their late friend. They all come to realize Alison kept a bunch of secrets from them although she knew everything about them. Spencer reveals Alison was dating a guy who had a girlfriend before she died. She just doesn't know who the boyfriend was. Didn't Emily act all jealous? Just how tight were she and Ali anyway? The "Jenna" in "The Jenna Thing" walks into the restaurant. The sound of her cane was almost deafening. The girls exit immediately after Jenna sits down and makes herself comfortable. The whole vibe around Jenna is just plain eerie.
Can we talk about Hanna for a second? I'm liking Ashley Benson although I'm still trying to get a handle on Hanna. It seems like a year earlier she had some self-esteem issues regarding her body. Aria's mom mentioned something like how she almost didn't recognize Hanna at the funeral and alludes to how she no longer has to shop at "Curvy Girl" which I guess is a Lane Bryant equivalent or something. I rewound the flashbacks and I see how Hanna made sure she covered up. I had written things off to her not liking her body or having some sort of body dysmorphic disorder. I just don't see her as actually having to shop at a plus-size clothing store. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that I guess I just needed the producers or wardrobe or whoever is in charge of making these decisions to make it actually look like: A) She needed to shop at Curvy Girl-like stores; and B) Make her transformation from "curvy girl" to "thin, proud of her bod Mean Girl" even that much more definitive. In "The Jenna Thing" Hanna had to deal with her mom continuing to date that cop. Not sure if creepy cop is still holding the shoplifting thing over her mom's head or if her mom's into him now. It feels like the former.
Meanwhile, Emily's going through some identity issues. She and Maya continue to hang out and get close. How convenient is it that Emily's mom Nia Peeples asks Mya to stay over at their place for a few days until the brouhaha at Maya's house dies down (Maya just moved into house Alison lived). Mom even suggests Maya can sleep in Emily's room. So funny! This all leads to Em and Maya cuddling and sharing coffee which makes confused girl act out. Well, let's just say her acting out takes the form of making out with her BF (Ben) I didn't realize she had. She got all aggressive with Ben in front of a bunch of kids at school. PDA is so not Emily's thing so she's definitely exerting her hetero self on purpose. There's no time to dwell on all the confusion because "A" is on to her and she gets a text about it.
Spencer, Spencer, Spencer. One minute she's trying to hone her field hockey skills. The next minute she's stealing a sip of the vodka soda her big sister's fiance has offered up to her at dinner with the family sans mom. And then the second after that she and her sister's soon-to-be-hubby are kissing up a storm in her bedroom. And Nanny Carrie - woops - I mean Melissa sees it all. Two seconds after that, the guy is kicked to the curb. Things move so fast in Rosewood, have I said that yet?
Aria has a lot of drama on her plate. There's Alison and the texts; her cheating dad; and the high school English teacher she slept with. She tries to transfer out of his class, which doesn't end up happening. They do end up at the same theater where her sister (OK, mom) invites him to sit with them. Later she gets stuck in the rain and he pulls up in his car to save the day. What does Aria get for all this drama in her life? A text from "A":
"When students kiss teachers, someone gets HURT. That's a promise I'll keep." -A
The girls get other texts, one of which comes when they're called to the principal's office to answer for their sins to the creepy cop. The text refers to them as "dead girls walking." So what? The mysterious text-er has web cams, lipstick cams and high tech spy cams all around the city and in their houses and bedrooms? How does this person know everything that's going on?
This episode is called "The Jenna Thing" so the girls do end up running into the newly visually repaired teen everywhere. They run into her at the restaurant; they let her sit with them at lunch; and finally Spencer's out jogging when she comes upon Jenna on the park bench sending a text via verbal command. Is Jenna our "texter?" Doubt it, but there's definitely something up with her. Also, while the fearful foursome were sitting with Jenna they started flashing back to when their Mean Girl BFF seemingly set them up. They were trying on clothes when Alison says she saw some Toby Cavenaugh guy spying on them outside the window. She quickly comes up with a plan for revenge against "the freak." They go over to his house where she throws in what everyone thinks is a stink bomb. It's much more than that. Jenna's caught in the explosion and that's how she goes blind. If the girl is really blind. I still have some doubts. The moment when Jenna (in sunglasses) turns her head towards Spencer is really creepy. This show does creepy well.
So far Pretty Little Liars is 2 for 2. Can't wait for the next episode.
Random Thoughts
-This show is reminding me of Desperate Housewives meets Gossip Girl. The Desperate Housewives influence is very much seen in the show open. The Gossip Girl influence is very much felt in the texting portion of the hour especially that one time when "A" finished the text off with an "XO." I was waiting for a second "XO." It felt, implied I guess.
-Maya loosened up her hair from the premiere. It's a welcome change although now we do have confirmation that Maya's in high school along with Emily. I'm trying to suspend my disbelief here but it's hard. It's a good thing I love Bianca Lawson.
-Playing Spencer's dad is Nolan North, another soap star. Nolan starred for years on ABC's Port Charles. Hey Show, he's really good so can you please give him more lines? So far dad's a dud, but that's how it's supposed to be right?
-I'm keeping my eye out for Maya. It's weird she just moved in. It's weird she's in high school. She makes an odd observation about Alison being center of all the pictures and she's asking about Spencer too. I'm not trusting her.
-Wonder if/when we'll see Wren again. And I wonder if/when Melissa will get revenge on her little sister.
Other Facts We Find Out
-The woman Aria's dad cheated on her mom with also teaches at the same school he teaches.
-Hanna has a very chaste boyfriend named Sean. His father's a preacher. Hanna's the aggressor in the relationship. Sean insists he's staying abstinent. They're cute together but not sure if they'll work out.
Burn Notice: Fast Friends by BJ
At the end of “Friends and Enemies” Michael learned that he’d inadvertently contributed to the burning of another agent—Jesse. Working with Jesse brings Michael deeper into Vaughn’s web
Sam and Michael are clearly at odds over Michael’s working relationship with Vaughn. When Michael explains that he is compelled to work with Vaughn
When Michael meets with Vaughn
Fiona is as reluctant as Sam
Michael
And so their adventure together begins…
When Jesse and Michael have partnered up
After this stunt
There is a high-speed chase and Kahn and his cronies are arrested. They seem to be taken care of
The next day
Vaughn offers to help Michael get information out of Jesse
This was another absorbing and very intriguing episode. The idea of the threesome becoming a four-person team changes the dynamics in all sorts of ways
The tension was broken with a great comic scene. Madeline has texted Michael and Sam
By Michael taking some initiative with Jesse
Seeing the newly burned Jesse brought interesting character development to Michael. I couldn’t help but hearken back to the early days of the series and the constant adrenaline rush of “what now” that we saw in the very early episodes. The contrast of Michael having friends nearby when he was burned and Jesse having to seek out help added an interesting layer to the story.
Sam and Michael are on opposite ends of the scale here; Michael’s responsibility warring with Sam’s desire to guard the status quo. I have a feeling we may see Sam’s reticence show up in later episodes.
We don’t know how
Is it Thursday yet? I’m ready to return to
Monday, June 14, 2010
True Blood: Pack of Wolves by Kara Howland
We pick up right where we left off, which makes me really glad I caught up again on Season 2 over the past couple of weeks. I don't know about you but I do tend to forget some important things about the show in the nine-month break we get between seasons. Or maybe it's because I watch so much TV I can't keep track of it all. In any case, I love this show and this episode hit the ground running (very) fast.
My biggest question from last season's finale and this season's premiere is who kidnapped Bill and why? We don't get an answer but I was definitely concerned that Bill's four kidnappers, who refer to themselves as the "f--k you crew" were going to drain him dry before they reached their destination. After getting high and allowing themselves to be distracted, Bill kills the driver and sends the car flying off the road. He stumbles upon a cabin in the middle of the woods and feeds on the old woman who lives there. He leaves money for her, glamouring her into thinking her long lost son has come to see her and left the money. When she tells Bill he's in Mississippi he is surprised and immediately looks for the door. and we know why when he's surrounded by a pack of wolves.
Back in Bon Temps Sookie is fighting for her man. Seemingly, the police aren't interested in looking for a dead man - they've got enough living people who are turning up dead. But Sookie isn't giving up that easily. She finds out from Jessica that Bill "called" her so they hop in the car and go search for him. They find the wrecked car at the side of the highway but not much else. They examine the body for identification and find a mark on it. It's got something to do with Operation Werewolf.
Since Jessica is such a new vampire and Bill has never "called" her before, I guess she didn't know how to respond. And she's got trouble of her own. She attacks and kills a trucker but tries to undo it all by giving him her blood. She's especially horrified by her rash actions after Hoyt shows up with flowers. Even though she still wants to be with him she doesn't have time for him right now. It's perhaps because of this situation that Hoyt lets himself be pulled into Jason's world.
We all know Jason doesn't think with his brain. Even though he's freaking out about shooting and killing Eggs, Andy insists that Jason stick to their story: it was Andy who killed Eggs not Jason. Andy demands Jason turn his "conscience off, d--k on." Now that Hoyt has moved out of his mama's house, he's got to expect some p--sy overflow." So when they take two girls home and Hoyt's not interested it looks like Jason's about to have a threesome. Not so fast. He's not exactly in the mood and all he sees is his two female friends with bullet holes through their foreheads. That isn't really something any girl wants to hear.
In the meantime, Sam has gone in search of his biological family in Arkansas. Because he's had Bill's blood, Bill can find him at any time and he does. Things turn a little homoerotic when Bill shows up. Imagine my surprise (and relief) when it's all just a dream. I mean, it was kinda hot but I don't want Bill cheating on Sookie. They're practically engaged! Sam is relieved to be awoken from that dream and gets a lead on his family. He finds someone who might be his half-brother and follows him home. He's found the Mickens. He's found his family. But it might not be a good thing.
Tara's family - her mother - definitely isn't a good thing. Lafayette doesn't want to patch things up with Lettie Mae, but he asks that she come over and watch over a suicidal Tara so he can go to work. And Tara is in bad shape. Even at her worst, she's never been like this. She's lost the only man she's ever loved and she doesn't understand why. It was Maryanne who made Eggs do all those horrible things. Why can't anybody else see that? After Lettie Mae's reverend comes and goes, Tara tells her mother she's going to take a shower. But of course it's a distraction. She swallows an entire bottle of pills as Lafayette tries to beat the door down. But that's not his only problem.
Pam has ordered him to unload an unusually large batch of V. The Magister has discovered that V is being sold in Eric's area and because there are no missing vampires he wants to find out who's doing it. As you may remember, Queen Sophie is giving blood to Eric for Lafayette to see so she certainly doesn't want to get caught. And she owes money to the IRS so she really needs this to happen. Eric is worried about the Magister but Sophie convinces him to be more worried about displeasing her. And she'd be happy to see Bill rot since he's the only vampire who knows that Eric is allowing the sale of V.
Random tidbits:
-Sookie is in "mo mood for lesbian weirdness tonight" when she goes to see Eric at Fangtasia.
-Apparently Eric can have sex for six hours straight. I don't necessarily see that as a virtue. Do you? I say ouch.
-Eric confronts a Mr. Rubin about Bill over the pone. Apparently this Mr. Rubin was supposed to bring Bill to him and messed up.
-Eric pays Sookie more than the $10,000 they agreed on. Apparently she has earned a bonus.
-Arlene is pregnant again and freaks out on Terry.
-Pam was a hooker a very, very long time ago.
-Lettie Mae gets a little over-friendly with the reverend, who has to remind her that she's like family.
Another great episode. What did you think? What was that wolf pack about? Why is Sam's family so skittish? What will Sookie do next to protect her man? What lengths will Eric go to have Sookie? When will Jason's mouth get in the way and mess up Andy's story?
My biggest question from last season's finale and this season's premiere is who kidnapped Bill and why? We don't get an answer but I was definitely concerned that Bill's four kidnappers, who refer to themselves as the "f--k you crew" were going to drain him dry before they reached their destination. After getting high and allowing themselves to be distracted, Bill kills the driver and sends the car flying off the road. He stumbles upon a cabin in the middle of the woods and feeds on the old woman who lives there. He leaves money for her, glamouring her into thinking her long lost son has come to see her and left the money. When she tells Bill he's in Mississippi he is surprised and immediately looks for the door. and we know why when he's surrounded by a pack of wolves.
Back in Bon Temps Sookie is fighting for her man. Seemingly, the police aren't interested in looking for a dead man - they've got enough living people who are turning up dead. But Sookie isn't giving up that easily. She finds out from Jessica that Bill "called" her so they hop in the car and go search for him. They find the wrecked car at the side of the highway but not much else. They examine the body for identification and find a mark on it. It's got something to do with Operation Werewolf.
Since Jessica is such a new vampire and Bill has never "called" her before, I guess she didn't know how to respond. And she's got trouble of her own. She attacks and kills a trucker but tries to undo it all by giving him her blood. She's especially horrified by her rash actions after Hoyt shows up with flowers. Even though she still wants to be with him she doesn't have time for him right now. It's perhaps because of this situation that Hoyt lets himself be pulled into Jason's world.
We all know Jason doesn't think with his brain. Even though he's freaking out about shooting and killing Eggs, Andy insists that Jason stick to their story: it was Andy who killed Eggs not Jason. Andy demands Jason turn his "conscience off, d--k on." Now that Hoyt has moved out of his mama's house, he's got to expect some p--sy overflow." So when they take two girls home and Hoyt's not interested it looks like Jason's about to have a threesome. Not so fast. He's not exactly in the mood and all he sees is his two female friends with bullet holes through their foreheads. That isn't really something any girl wants to hear.
In the meantime, Sam has gone in search of his biological family in Arkansas. Because he's had Bill's blood, Bill can find him at any time and he does. Things turn a little homoerotic when Bill shows up. Imagine my surprise (and relief) when it's all just a dream. I mean, it was kinda hot but I don't want Bill cheating on Sookie. They're practically engaged! Sam is relieved to be awoken from that dream and gets a lead on his family. He finds someone who might be his half-brother and follows him home. He's found the Mickens. He's found his family. But it might not be a good thing.
Tara's family - her mother - definitely isn't a good thing. Lafayette doesn't want to patch things up with Lettie Mae, but he asks that she come over and watch over a suicidal Tara so he can go to work. And Tara is in bad shape. Even at her worst, she's never been like this. She's lost the only man she's ever loved and she doesn't understand why. It was Maryanne who made Eggs do all those horrible things. Why can't anybody else see that? After Lettie Mae's reverend comes and goes, Tara tells her mother she's going to take a shower. But of course it's a distraction. She swallows an entire bottle of pills as Lafayette tries to beat the door down. But that's not his only problem.
Pam has ordered him to unload an unusually large batch of V. The Magister has discovered that V is being sold in Eric's area and because there are no missing vampires he wants to find out who's doing it. As you may remember, Queen Sophie is giving blood to Eric for Lafayette to see so she certainly doesn't want to get caught. And she owes money to the IRS so she really needs this to happen. Eric is worried about the Magister but Sophie convinces him to be more worried about displeasing her. And she'd be happy to see Bill rot since he's the only vampire who knows that Eric is allowing the sale of V.
Random tidbits:
-Sookie is in "mo mood for lesbian weirdness tonight" when she goes to see Eric at Fangtasia.
-Apparently Eric can have sex for six hours straight. I don't necessarily see that as a virtue. Do you? I say ouch.
-Eric confronts a Mr. Rubin about Bill over the pone. Apparently this Mr. Rubin was supposed to bring Bill to him and messed up.
-Eric pays Sookie more than the $10,000 they agreed on. Apparently she has earned a bonus.
-Arlene is pregnant again and freaks out on Terry.
-Pam was a hooker a very, very long time ago.
-Lettie Mae gets a little over-friendly with the reverend, who has to remind her that she's like family.
Another great episode. What did you think? What was that wolf pack about? Why is Sam's family so skittish? What will Sookie do next to protect her man? What lengths will Eric go to have Sookie? When will Jason's mouth get in the way and mess up Andy's story?
Royal Pains: Lovesick by Tina Charles
There's a lot going on in the second episode of Royal Pains. The daddy drama continues and HankMed takes on a couple new cases: a possible case of syphilis and someone suffering from serious heartache. While I was never a regular fan of Fox's 24, I did watch Season 5 pretty faithfully so I'm really happy to see a guest appearance by 24's Chloe, Mary Lynn Rajskub. It's great to see her on a much lighter series and her performance refelcts that. There's angst but we aren't buried in it. She plays Ms. Newberg's stressed-out step-daughter Blake who comes home to the Hamptons to show off her man and then move on to her new life with the yoga teacher. Blake seems to have changed everything for this guy and her step-mom immediately shows her disapproval. In the end, her fiance didn't like the woman she changed into and broke up with her in a very douchebag sorta way: via text. Text message is the new post-it when it comes to break ups apparently. Every time life (or her step-mom) steps up the pressure, Blake's heart can't take it. So it's not a heart attack that plagues her, it's a broken heart. Hank's prescription is some medication, lots of talk therapy and an order to Ms. Newberg to cease and desist all worrying about her fragile step-daughter's love life. Normally Ms. Newberg would be an annoying role but I find Christine Ebersol's performance really joyful. Glad she's recurring and now it seems we are going to see even more of the rich self-centered socialite. She's hooked up with Hank and Evan's dad Eddie.
As for Eddie, he's still trying to insert himself back into the lives of his boys. He doesn't have to try that hard with Evan, although working it so his youngest can meet a couple golfers with deep pockets does the job. He also pays back the money he owes. However, I don't think Hank and Evan have cashed the check yet. Here's where Evan really bothers me. I know he's glad dad's back, I get it. I just wish he'd let Hank feel what he wants to feel. He's so willing to write off 20 years of their father being absent like it's nothing. I guess it was 19 years for him but still, you get my point. He's so impatient for Hank to get over it. And he's so smug when Eddie pays back the money. It's downright frustrating. I just wish he'd lay off his big brother and let a reconciliation between Hank and Eddie happen naturally and gradually. And until Eddie R. Lawson comes up with a reasonable explanation for his behavior, Hank has the right to be skeptical about every single one of his father's actions. I am curious how things are going to work out now that it seems like Eddie's golden considering he just hit it big with Ms. Newberg. I'm really enjoying Henry Winkler on the show. His scenes with Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Constanzo are crackling with intensity and humor and an overall sadness at what has happened to the Lawson family. Like Hank, I just can't trust a single thing Eddie says or does. I keep waiting for the bottom to fall out.
I believe I said in my blog for the season premiere that the writers need to figure out a way to incorporate Jill into scenes with the rest of the cast. In "Lovesick" they did just that. Jill holds a yard sale so she can rid her life of the excess baggage that had accumulated, most of which had to do with her ex-husband. Is he an ex yet? He signed the divorce papers, right? I can't remember. So far this season, we haven't seen hair one of Bruno Campos so I guess he's out of her life, at least for now. Jill and Divya are bonding although it's still a bit awkward. Jill Flint's chemistry with the rest of the cast needs work. As for occasional friends with benefits Jill and Hank, they did partake in some benefits in the garage. I'm surprisingly okay with it for now.
Jill's neighbor Sheri is responsible for the other case. Her husband the cop turns on the siren and stops Hank for what the doctor thinks is going to be a ticket but it's not. The officer has a mysterious rash. His wife has a mysterious rash as well. Before the two completely go War of the Roses on each other, Hank discovers the problem. It isn't syphilis as he originally diagnosed. It turns out Jill's belt-making neighbor actually picked up the rash after she was nicked by an armadillo (she makes belts out of the creature). She picked up Hansen's Disease (also known as leprosy) which also gives a false positive on syphilis tests. Neither Sheri or her husband cheated. Case closed.
This episode of Royal Pains was even better than the premiere. It continues to be really enjoyable even though it can be slightly annoying at the same time.
Random Thoughts
To prenup or not to prenup? That was the icy cold question Divya and Raj were dealing with in "Lovesick." These two always seem to be on a different page but they do share a cute chemistry. Is it love? No. It's more a friendship vibe than a romantic one even though Divya was opening her mind to not waiting before marriage. She wants to know how compatible they are in the bedroom. We'll see how that goes.
Love how Blake calls Ms. Newberg "Two Two."
Love the running jokes on the show. How can we get our very own Hank Med-Heads? And I'm now confused how to actually use the term "subliminal" in the correct context.
That's two episodes in a row where Evan flirts with a woman who has an overly muscled African-American significant other. Coincidence?
Is there an ex-As the World Turns casting director working on this show? This week, Marnie Schulenberg guest-starred on Royal Pains as Sheri. She currently stars as Alison on the now-cancelled CBS soap (ATWT ends its five-decade run in September). And Meredith Hagner (Tucker's girlfriend Libby) played Liberty on the same daytime drama for about three years before recently leaving the show.
Dysfunctional Dialogue of the week:
Evan (about Eddie): "At some point, you're going to have to forgive him."
Hank: "At some point, you're going to have to realize I won't."
As for Eddie, he's still trying to insert himself back into the lives of his boys. He doesn't have to try that hard with Evan, although working it so his youngest can meet a couple golfers with deep pockets does the job. He also pays back the money he owes. However, I don't think Hank and Evan have cashed the check yet. Here's where Evan really bothers me. I know he's glad dad's back, I get it. I just wish he'd let Hank feel what he wants to feel. He's so willing to write off 20 years of their father being absent like it's nothing. I guess it was 19 years for him but still, you get my point. He's so impatient for Hank to get over it. And he's so smug when Eddie pays back the money. It's downright frustrating. I just wish he'd lay off his big brother and let a reconciliation between Hank and Eddie happen naturally and gradually. And until Eddie R. Lawson comes up with a reasonable explanation for his behavior, Hank has the right to be skeptical about every single one of his father's actions. I am curious how things are going to work out now that it seems like Eddie's golden considering he just hit it big with Ms. Newberg. I'm really enjoying Henry Winkler on the show. His scenes with Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Constanzo are crackling with intensity and humor and an overall sadness at what has happened to the Lawson family. Like Hank, I just can't trust a single thing Eddie says or does. I keep waiting for the bottom to fall out.
I believe I said in my blog for the season premiere that the writers need to figure out a way to incorporate Jill into scenes with the rest of the cast. In "Lovesick" they did just that. Jill holds a yard sale so she can rid her life of the excess baggage that had accumulated, most of which had to do with her ex-husband. Is he an ex yet? He signed the divorce papers, right? I can't remember. So far this season, we haven't seen hair one of Bruno Campos so I guess he's out of her life, at least for now. Jill and Divya are bonding although it's still a bit awkward. Jill Flint's chemistry with the rest of the cast needs work. As for occasional friends with benefits Jill and Hank, they did partake in some benefits in the garage. I'm surprisingly okay with it for now.
Jill's neighbor Sheri is responsible for the other case. Her husband the cop turns on the siren and stops Hank for what the doctor thinks is going to be a ticket but it's not. The officer has a mysterious rash. His wife has a mysterious rash as well. Before the two completely go War of the Roses on each other, Hank discovers the problem. It isn't syphilis as he originally diagnosed. It turns out Jill's belt-making neighbor actually picked up the rash after she was nicked by an armadillo (she makes belts out of the creature). She picked up Hansen's Disease (also known as leprosy) which also gives a false positive on syphilis tests. Neither Sheri or her husband cheated. Case closed.
This episode of Royal Pains was even better than the premiere. It continues to be really enjoyable even though it can be slightly annoying at the same time.
Random Thoughts
To prenup or not to prenup? That was the icy cold question Divya and Raj were dealing with in "Lovesick." These two always seem to be on a different page but they do share a cute chemistry. Is it love? No. It's more a friendship vibe than a romantic one even though Divya was opening her mind to not waiting before marriage. She wants to know how compatible they are in the bedroom. We'll see how that goes.
Love how Blake calls Ms. Newberg "Two Two."
Love the running jokes on the show. How can we get our very own Hank Med-Heads? And I'm now confused how to actually use the term "subliminal" in the correct context.
That's two episodes in a row where Evan flirts with a woman who has an overly muscled African-American significant other. Coincidence?
Is there an ex-As the World Turns casting director working on this show? This week, Marnie Schulenberg guest-starred on Royal Pains as Sheri. She currently stars as Alison on the now-cancelled CBS soap (ATWT ends its five-decade run in September). And Meredith Hagner (Tucker's girlfriend Libby) played Liberty on the same daytime drama for about three years before recently leaving the show.
Dysfunctional Dialogue of the week:
Evan (about Eddie): "At some point, you're going to have to forgive him."
Hank: "At some point, you're going to have to realize I won't."
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