So You Think You Can Dance - 7/10/08 Results Show

The group number is a hop hop routine, and they have glow in the dark stripes on their sleeves and dance in mostly dark for some of the thing. That's neat. It wasn't my favorite routine, but it was pretty good. It was choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon.

Nigel shares the news that Philip Chbeeb has agreed to the dance battle versus Robert Murane on the finale! Fantastic!

Up to find out their fate first are Katee and Joshua and Comfort and Thayne. Unsurprisingly, Comfort and Thayne are in the bottom 3 couples, and Katee and Joshua are safe. Mark and Chelsie and Jessica and Will are up to find out where they stand. After a slightly cruel fake out, Jessica and Will are in the bottom 3. Who will round out the bottom 3? Courtney and Gev, or Kherrington and Twitch? I am 3 for 3 in my predictions, and Kherrington and Twitch are in the bottom.

Before seeing solos, I think that Jessica and Thayne are out. Comfort does pretty well on her solos. I'll make another prediction after seeing the solos.

It's time for a dance company, and it's Revelations. It was beautiful to watch.

Comfort is up first for her solo, and she did a whole lot of running around, and threw in some popping. Not her strongest.

Thayne I thought did a better solo than I expected, but not anything groundbreaking. I still think he's in trouble.

Jessica didn't blow me away either. She almost never does, though, so I am not surprised. I won't be sad if either she or Comfort goes home.

Will isn't going anywhere, the judges are in love with him, and for good reason. His solo was dynamic and impressive. Plus, he went skin to win, and the judges love his abs. Again with good reason.

Kherrington's up next, and she also danced to a OneRepublic song, and included a truly impressive and fast series of pirouettes. The end was kind of abrupt, but I don't think she's going anywhere.

Twitch had a fantastic solo and had some really awesome choreography that was totally unique and all Twitch. He is safe or I'm a monkey's uncle.

After the solos, I think it's Comfort and Thayne. But it might be Jessica. If it's Will or Twitch, I will be floored.


Katy Perry is up next, singing I Kissed a Girl. She looks so much like Zoe Deschanel it's confusing. She sounds much better out of the studio than singing live. That's Katy Perry with the umbrella, and Zoe Deschanel in black. Eerie.










Now for the results. Kherrington is safe. Nigel liked Comfort's solo, and was disappointed in Jessica's solo. Still, because Jessica was so beautiful as Eve in the first routine last night, she is saved. Oh well. I can live with that result.

Nigel told Twitch that he was glad to see Twitch in the bottom, so America could see his solo. I agree. He is safe. Will is told he is superb and would fit in with the dance group that danced earlier. That means Thayne is going home. Nigel said that they wished that they could have kept all the guys and gotten rid of two of the girls. I'm right there with them.

So, my predictions were good, though I wasn't quite sure on the girls. I think it was a tight race for them.

Next week is the Top 10 and the couples get mixed up! That ought to be interesting. Will Mark and Chelsie shine with other partners as well as they work with each other? Will Gev get paired with Kherrington and have to wear stilts to dance? I can't wait to see!

So You Think You Can Dance - 7/9/08

I don't know about you, but I look forward to this all week.

Cat's hair is looking more "normal," though her dress looks sadly like something out of Daisy Duke's "Gussy it Up" collection. "Granny made this light weight quilt... it's not warm enough to use on the bed, but I bet I could make a little dress out of it!"

Not terrible, but it could be better.

I really hope that Jessica is gone after this week. She is the only really weak link that I keep seeing over and over again. Even her opening solo is boring. Mia Michael's is joining Mary and Nigel tonight, and she looks nuts as ever, wearing a weird little hat that perched on top of her head. I guess it works for Mia, though...

Time for the dancing!

Mark and Chelsie 1st dance (Salsa choreographed by Alex Desilva) These two are such good actors, it is easy to fall in love with them. Well, that and the fact that they are both smoking hot dancers. Chelsie left half of her dress at home, and it was a good move. She looks kind of like a spunky peacock, complete with plumage on her butt. They did a long side by side sequence that was awesome, and the looks they gave each other were smoldering. The final lift and dismount were incredible. Nigel thought that Mark was a little tight in his upper body, but their footwork was lauded, and he also loved the way Mark gets in character. Nigel made some slightly inappropriate comments about Chelsie's sexy dress. Mary cackled that she liked it, although Mark could have been looser. She thought that Chelsie was phenomenal and that Mark is a good partner to her. Mia called Chelsie's legs old Hollywood, and said that she is so gorgeous, she wants to stab her. That goes right up there with Paula wanting to squeeze Archie and dangle him from her rearview mirror. Mia said that Mark was a little awkward tonight, but called him a total star. I just love this pair so much, I am going to be sad when they get split up for the couple change up. I have nearly no doubt that they will still be around for that.

Comfort and Thayne 1st dance (Hip hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon) Thayne struggled really hard not to grin during rehearsals, and he ended up smiling a little in the dance, but he was popping well, so it wasn't too bad. Comfort did beautifully, but it is her home genre, so that's to be expected. Comfort managed to bring the sexy she brought to the dances last week onto the dance floor for this. Nigel loved the acting allowed by Tabitha and Napoleon's choreography. He thought that Thayne was trying to get the character in there, but that Comfort missed out on that opportunity. He said that they danced it well, but didn't bring the connection to it. Mary whined that they were missing the chemistry. Mia said it was a little bit more than good. She thought that the strongest part was the beginning choreography on the stairs. She says that she is a fan of Comfort, but she is backing off of that now, because Comfort seems to be along for the ride and not fighting to be in the competition. She says that Thayne missed out on the meat and potatoes of the routine. I wonder what meal he brought to it. Scrambled eggs?

Jessica and Will 1st dance (Contemporary choreographed by Tyce Diorio) Skin to win, I suppiose. Will is wearing almost nothing by a fancy loin cloth. The theme was kind of Garden of Eden. Gorgeous, but I thought that Will stumbled a little in one of the small lifts. It was beautiful, though. Nigel loved the choreography, and called it extremely erotic. He said it was extraordinary, and thought that Jessica kept up with Will on this one, and he could hear them breathing together. The routine brought a blush to Mary's cheek, and she said it was one of the most amazing pieces she's ever seen on the show. I don't know about that. Then she threw in a scream. Ugh. Mia fell asleep to the music when Tyce first played it for her, and she didn't fall asleep to the routine, that's for sure. She said that they explored newness, and gave some love to Tyce. She said it was like moving human body art, and she felt it was the first time Jessica committed entirely to a routine. It is the best I have seen her.

Courtney and Gev 1st dance (Cha cha choreographed by Anya and Pasha) I love Anya and Pasha! In rehearsal, Anya, Pasha, and Gev were conversing in Russian and Courtney felt left out. The routine started with a crazy lift, and then Gev did a backflip. It was kind of a disco Cha cha, and they had some serious chemistry going on. Courtney went to the Half a dress shop, too. She is a little shimmery sequined firecracker. Her hips were moving like mad. Not Heidi-level, but not bad! Nigel said that Courtney managed to be as sexy as Anya, and said that even though it was not technically perfect, it was fantastic, even though he said that Gev pursed his lips more than Mick Jagger. He said that they are magic together as a couple. Mary proclaimed it magic, and hot-cha-cha-cha-cha. She agreed with Nigel that Gev was not technically perfect, but she said he was so into Courtney, she didn't care. Again I miss my mute button as Mary hands them the screaming ticket to the hot tamale train. Mia called the routine fabulousity at it's best. Though they are not the best dancers on the show, she says their performance quality is amazing. Gev shaved his chest for the routine, and Courtney said that made her really pleased. Courtney looks spray tanned within an inch of her life, and Gev is kind of pasty, so that could have been better matched. I don't like the spray tan, though, so I wish that Courtney had stayed natural. Only gripe.

Twitch and Kherrington 1st dance (Krump choreographed by L'il C) It'll be interesting to see how they do this style, because it is very aggressive, and that's about the last adjective I would use to describe them. Kherrington proclaims to have some gangsta in her, and I don't know about that. The routine started with Twitch doing a little solo, and he pulled Kherrington out to the audience. I think I actually bought it. She got some aggression out there, and so did Twitch. Nigel made a face like an angry frog trying to get his gangsta on. Nigel said on paper, it was like a duet between Busta Rhymes and Miley Cyrus, but admitted that in the actual performance, he loved it. He said that Kherrington lost the honesty and the attitude for the last 16 bars of the routine, and that was true. Mary said that it was the first time she has believed in Krumping. She called Kherrington a complete surprise. Mia called it dirty, disgusting, nasty, and buck. I don't know what this buck is, but I assume it's what people are going for in this style. She said that Twitch served Gangsta on a platter, and she thought that Kherrington was just as gross as Twitch in the beginning, and then got tired, and she was willing to ignore the tired because the rest was so good. I mean gross. Whatever is good. I'm so confused I don't even know anymore.

Katee and Joshua 1st dance (Viennese Waltz, choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux) The idea behind the dance is that Joshua is a ghost and Katee can't see him, but she can feel him. It was absolutely gorgeous, and the lifts were fantastic. Nigel thought that Joshua was a little too bouncy instead of flowy, and I can see that in the playback. Other than that, he loved it, and thought that Katee was wonderful. Mary commended them at their great job in the lifts. She thought that the dancing was not quite there, and she's the expert, so I believe her. She called it choppy. Mia thought that Joshua was a little clumsy, but she called Katee a gift to dance.

Mark and Chelsie 2nd dance (Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio) It's another chance for them to show off their acting chops, and boy did it work. It wasn't my favorite Broadway routine, but it was fantastic. Nigel called the routine amazingly hot, and loved Chelsie's legs. Mary called it sexy, sultry, and bluesy, and cackled her love for Chelsie's attitude. Mia thought the routine worked and was a success, but thought that it showed that Mark was not very trained and was lacking in some technique. She wanted more movement from Chelsie, but as a whole thought it was cool. I am still in love with them, hands down.

Comfort and Thayne 2nd dance (Contemporary choreographed by Mandy Moore) In rehearsals, Comfort had more troubles with her dislocated shoulder. You wouldn't know from the dance. It was soft and flowing and nicely danced. I still don't know if I see the heat and chemistry between the two of them. Nigel said that he wished a different couple had danced it, (I think Chelsie and Mark would have been fantastic) because he thought the choreography was fantastic and they didn't dance it as well as the choreography deserved. Mary was also disappointed, and didn't think it was believable. Mia also loved the choreography, but thought that Comfort was faking technique. She thought if they had a better connection, it would have been ok, but it was just not getting there. She adored Thayne, and called his movement grounded and thick. Again, that seems to be a good thing in her book.

Jessica and Will 2nd dance (Quickstep choreographed by Tony Meridith and Melony) The beginning of the routine was an impressive gymnastics show by Will, and then a slightly clumsy back bend by Jessica. To me, the connection they established earlier was all but lost in trying to get all the steps into the quick step. I didn't buy it. Nigel said that the gymnastics were good, the twist was good, and the jive was good, but the technique was lacking in the actual quickstep. Mary said that Will's jacket made his shape look bunched up. Their quickstep was not gliding like it should have been. Mia thought that Jessica did a big backslide from the first dance, and I agree. She said that Will looked tired of carrying her, and said that he needs a new partner, which will happen for next week, if he's around.

Courtney and Gev 2nd dance (Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore) The story is a couple lost in the jungle, with the girl holding a map and knowing where they were going and the guy unwilling to look at the map. The choreography was fantastic, and it used some of Gev's b-boy ability. I loved it to pieces, and they totally connected with it. Nigel said it was fun, but felt like cotton candy, with no substance. Mary said that she thought it was rough and raw and loved the way that Gev moved, and thought that Courtney was dynamic. Mia said that they had a great night tonight, and called them one of her top couples. They are just so adorable, I love them. I think they are my second favorite couple right now.

Twitch and Kherrington 2nd dance (Smooth Tango choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux) The dance is basically a Mr. & Mrs. Smith Style Fight Scene. At least that's what they said in the rehearsal bit. I didn't see it. I thought that Kherrington showed some aggression, but not as much as in her pasa doble from last week, and I honestly didn't get much feeling at all from Twitch, and that makes me sad. Nigel said he didn't feel that Twitch's performance was honest, and thought he looked uncomfortable. He said that Kherrington had no passion, and that they murdered the routine instead of each other, like they were supposed to. Mary said she liked the beginning and the end, but not the middle, and thought the reverse turns were too bouncy. She believed Kherrington more, but still not good. Mia thought it was lacking in support, and thought there was no fight and it was a complete lack of commitment, and called Twitch stiff, and Kherrington mediocre. Ouch. But deserved.

Katee and Joshua 2nd dance (Bollywood choreographed by Nacor? and Marla?) I've done some Bhangra dance workouts before (I am awful) and it is tough, but I love to watch it. I thought that they brought their all to the routine, and I was impressed. I hope to see more Bollywood dance on the show, because it was fun, and the costumes were fantastic. Nigel thought it was great, and he's been trying to get it on the show for 3 years. He said it was amazing to see the similarities to hip hop in places. Mary said that Heart and Soul = Stardom, and they did everything right. She placed them securely on the hot tamale train, gave an insane screech, and then Nigel put them on the Vindaloo Express. Mia said that Katee should always dress like that, and was only sad that there were only two of them on stage, instead of the huge amounts of people that do them in Bollywood movies.

So my faves of the night are Mark and Chelsie, followed closely by Gev and Courtney. Katee and Joshua are right there for me, too, solidified by the Bollywood routine.

In the bottom are Comfort and Thayne, and even though their first dance was great, Jessica and Will, and sadly Twitch and Kherrington, because of their weak tango. At this point, I think it is Jessica and Thayne going home, though it could be Comfort. Can't wait to see what they bring tomorrow.

Hell's Kitchen: 7/8/08 - Finally the Finale!

The show started with yet another season recap. Because last week's wasn't enough. It's like a recap of the recap. Blessedly, it was much shorter than last week's 10 minute extravaganza of a recap.

When we left off last week, the two finalists were on the brink of their decision between having dumb or dumber on their team (that would be Jen or Matt) Petrozza picked Jen, and she is all puffed up about it, thinking that she was chosen last because she is such a strong leader and neither of the finalists wanted her to outshine them in the kitchen. Yup, Jen. That's it. It's not because you have an attitude worse than a cat dumped in a bathtub. Not at all.

Christina took Matt, glad not to be saddled with Jen, and made the astute observation that Matt is quite good when he's on, and she thinks she can keep him on with some good encouragement. I hope so.

Petrozza and Christina bond with their teams, and share their menus and visions. Jen is bitter about not being in the finals. Matt is skeptical, until Christina butters him up by saying that Matt's rissotto is her inspiration for hers, and he glows under the little white lie. Like last week, Christina seems more focused than Petrozza.

Christina's design is still a bit concerning, and she basically says to get it done, and Petrozza's upholstery is not done yet, and he is freaking out.

In a stunning move, Jen asked Ramsey for a letter of recommendation ("With all my strengths, minus the mouth" Yes, she actually said that.) As if he had been prodded by the producers, Matt sang silly songs and went a little nutty. Jen also went a little nuts because Petrozza called her sweetheart. Jen seems unable to look over her ego and keep her head in the game. I would not be at all surprised if they were coached to try to sabotage.

It comes time for Ramsey to try the dishes. (Each only shows one dish from each course)

Christina:

Appetizer - Trio of Beef Sliders (mini burgers) Ramsey wanted them to be a little different from each other.
Entree - Grilled NY Strip Steak with Herbed Compound Butter and succotash. Ramsey thought the presentation would be better, slice up the steak and "show you care."
Dessert - Tropical Sundae. He loved it, but thought that the presentation could be slightly improved.

Petrozza:

Appetizer - Lobster Strudel Vanilla sauce? Ramsey thought it was overcooked and curdled
Entree - Filet Mignon with Caramelized Onion Risotto & onion rings Ramsey thought the risotto was too stiff, and suggested a different presentation.
Dessert - Vanilla souffle with whiskey creme anglais. Ramsey called it brave and loved it.

About the menus, Ramsey commented that Petrozza went a little high end and dangerous, and Christina was a bit safe and could ramp it up a bit.

Seeing their dining rooms, Christina's restaurant looked lovely. I want to sit in the comfy chairs right now. It looked great. Ramsey called it very LA. Petrozza's restaurant looked a little odd to me, but Ramsey liked the flowers and thought it was rustic, and said he felt like he was in the Hamptons.

Service time!

(Jen got pissy about Bobby saying it was time to Man Up. She said "What about Woman it up?" Dude... it's an expression. Lay off.)

Both kitchens seemed to start off well. Christina took Ramsey's suggestion and gave the sliders different toppings, and it looked yummy. Petrozza's didn't start out so well. Bobby's first dish was cold, and at least he caught it. They looked better the second try, and the customers liked it. Back in Christina's kitchen, Louross was having issues and getting backed up, and Christina asked Matt to help him out. Matt was asking about every freaking little thing like he had never cooked before ever. They seemed to catch on.

In Petrozza's kitchen, they ran out of blue cheese, which was at Jen's station, and Jen wouldn't take any responsibility for it. Then, the strudel was running low, on Bobby's station, and that was the other appetizer. Not good. Petrozza took some time, but decided to do a lobster risotto instead with Bobby's suggestion, and it went over well with customers.

Though Christina's kitchen is getting entrees out, she had a lukewarm steak returned. Not good. That was Corey's station. Then Matt's risotto caught on fire. Christina got assertive and fixed the problem.

Petrozza's kitchen had timing issues, and there seemed to be silence. He couldn't get things plated, and was reluctant to ask for help, but he finally did.

Matt's weaknesses resurfaced and his fish was raw, and then he mumbled under his breath that Ramsey needed to shut the f* up. Not ok. Ramsey couldn't let that slide, and he gave Matt a talking to.

Little Miss Difficult in Petrozza's kitchen couldn't get an onion ring out, and kept sending up limp onion rings.

Mr. Incompetent in Christina's kitchen was still sending up raw monkfish, and mumbling about everything. Ramsey had pretty much had enough and wanted to kick him out. Christina told him to refire it, and then he said "Shut the *f* up and let me cook." She had to stand over him to get it cooked right. I don't know that she should have taken that kind of mouth.

The desserts seemed to go out with no problem, and service was completed.

Decision time!

Chef Ramsey was happy with the night - "More highs than lows." That's a good thing. The finalists went upstairs to wait, and Ramsey reminisced about their performance... apparently he remembers things with a blue filter on his vision, if you would believe the video recap of their nights.

Ramsey tells the both of them that they are great chefs, and says he had a terrible time making the decision. He is strangely quiet when he leads them up to their respective doors. The door that opens will be the winners, and the loser's will lead to .... duh duh duh... certain doom!

Just kidding. The loser's won't open at all. But that would be entertaining, wouldn't it? If the winner got a restaurant, and the loser had to battle minions of darkness? Just saying, something they might think about for next year.

And the winner is....




Christina!

I have to admit that I am a little surprised, but I am pleased. I think that she did a better job planning her menu, and her restaurant design was more appealing. She worked well in the kitchen, and she dealt decently with Matt. She kept him pretty focused, even if he was really really annoying.

Petrozza is an excellent chef, and he did an admirable job, but I think Christina deserved this one more.

Not the best season of Hell's Kitchen ever, but I am happy with the end. I just hope that next season is better!

The Next Food Network Star: 7/6/08

Looks like Squinty Lisa's going to end up crying again, from the episode preview. Let's see how that comes to pass, shall we?

The contestants get to do their first cooking demo on tv, 4 minutes each. It's for the Rachael Ray Show, in front of a studio audience. I know some people dislike her, but I still like her. She may be a little annoying, but her food is yummy. Their meals must be nutritious, satisfying, and the zinger is that they are cooking for girlscouts. Each contestant is paired with one girlscout, and the girls work as "consultants."

Aaron's girlscout wants lots and lots of chocolate. Aaron nixes that, because it's not healthy, and then she claims to like broccoli and pizza. Kelsey's girlscout is easily steered towards a fruit salad. Lisa schools her girlscout in haricot vert, because she has an obsession with it, and then convinces her that she'd probably like couscous (and I agree. I love couscous and think it is very kid friendly). Adam's girlscout loves barbecue chicken. Shane doesn't work so well with his girlscout. That's funny because he's so young. He just cannot talk to her.

The chefs say goodbye to their pint-sized consultants and get to cooking. They have 75 minutes to work it out.

The menus are as follows:

Kelsey - Breakfast Meatball Sandwich with sausage, eggs, and cheese, and a banana boat with strawberry yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola.

Shane - Puffed rice coated chicken cordon bleu, with vegetable ratatouille

Aaron - Broccoli and burger pizza

Adam - BBQ Chicken packed pita with spinach and a fruit kebab

Lisa - Flatiron steak with horseradish cream and herbed couscous with broccoli

(Lisa says that she doesn't want to dumb food down for kids, and I agree, but to a certain point. I cook a wide variety of food for my kids, but horseradish? Not sure about that one. We'll see.)

It's time to head over to the Rachael Ray Show! Rachael urges them to keep the story telling up, as they do their demo.

Aaron is up first. He starts up by having her wash her hands, and that wasted a lot of time, even if it was a good thing to do, and he had his back to the audience. He did a good job connecting with the girlscout and with the audience. He did an excellent job with the presentation, and Makayla (his girlscout) seemed to like it a lot, taking off with the whole pizza. I think it was the most free he has been, and it was great. The judges loved his pizza, and his personality. Good job to him!

Kelsey is up next, and she gets Racheal cooking eggs, and it was weird. She was dictating work, and not doing anything for herself. She was a little too familiar with Rachael, and she didn't really do any cooking, just using her pre-cooked stuff to go with it. The meal ended up looking good, but Kelsey was a little too much with Rachael Ray. The judges didn't think she was really interesting, and thought that she was acting more like the host than the guest on the show, and that's no good.

Shane is really nervous when his turn comes up. He did a good job with the cooking, but he wasn't connecting with his girlscout, and he seemed to forget her name! Not good. He also wasn't telling a story, he was just cooking. He also used the word "variation a whole lot." Rachael was talking to his girlscout a whole lot more than he was. I think he might have said two words to her directly the whole time. He blew that part of the challenge, and he almost ran into Rachael with the pan of hot glaze. Francesca didn't look so happy, but his food tasted good according to the committee.

Lisa squinted her demonstration pretty well. She was engaging the girlscout, but she also said that the girlscout "loved horseradish with her steak," and I thought that the girl said that she didn't love steak, and wasn't familiar with horseradish. Lisa was doing a really good job, and then she froze and kind of lost her place. Rachael was doing a lot of talking, and the judges said it seemed heartbreaking to see her lose it.

Adam brought his personality to the demonstration, and his girlscout was really cute. He was looking good and was comfortable and doing a great job. His food looked yummy, and his girlscout looked very pleased with it. I think Adam has won this challenge, and Rachael said that his recipe would be on her website. The judges were happy that his chicken was cooked.

After they were all done, Rachael lets them know that the final four are going to Vegas. They all flipped about that.

In my mind, Adam did perfectly in this challenge, which was important for him, because he was walking a fine line. Aaron and Lisa both did really well, but had issues. Kelsey and Shane were just this side of disastrous, for different reasons. What do the judges think?

Aaron was scolded for turning his back to the camera and talking to the wall, but they loved the food and loved the rest of his demonstration and were happy that he showed his personality. They said that he was masterful at playing between Rachael, his girlscout, and the audience.

Adam was given lots of praise for his presentation, but they said that they didn't feel like the food was the centerpoint.

Kelsey was chided for handing over all cooking, and didn't feel like she had enough authority still.

Shane was really scolded for ignoring his girlscout, and for being too technical. Bob says he seems joyless. They don't understand why he is so focused on French School. He has never been to France, but likes what he has read about it. Right. That answers a lot of questions right there.

Lisa squinted about how sophisticated her girlscout was, but Bobby thought she kind of steamrolled the poor girl into the menu. Lisa said that she was scared to dominate Rachael Ray, so she backed off. And the tears came. The judges said that she needed to show that she could be a star.

I don't think that Lisa deserves to go home this week (I think it will be Shane or Kelsey), but I still don't want her on a regular show on my tv, so I'm torn. Aaron was the first one safe, and Adam is also safe. Both deservedly. After some deliberation, Lisa is safe, and squinted her thanks and dedication to do her best. Kelsey is the last one safe, and she is heading to Vegas. Now, with Shane heading home, will he find a way to actually go to France and see if he liks the real France as much as he loves the France in books?

So You Think You Can Dance - 7.3.08

Results Night!

The group number is set to Money Money from Cabaret, and that's always fun. Mark got another fun acting part. It was cute, though not my favorite group dance. It was choreographed by Tyce Diorio.

Cat's look is much nicer tonight. Almost Egyptian. The stylists have fun with her, that's for sure.

There is a little recap about bad auditions, and how mean Tyce was during auditions. I don't know that was necessary. Kind of out of place and weird. Maybe it was padding to make up for the lack of it last night.

Finally getting to the meat of the matter, Twitch and Kherrington and Katee and Joshua are up first. I am reminded how much I loved that bed dance, and I might just have to rewatch it. I really really hated Katee's hair in the Mia Michael's routine, and they could have brought more to the West Coast Swing. It was fun, but was it enough? After psyching them out a little, Cat reveals that both couple are safe. Twitch looked like he was going to faint. Or kick Cat in the shins. Not sure which.

Next up are Kourtni and Matt, Courtney and Gev, and Mark and Chelsie. Kourtni and Matt are quickly sent to the bottom 3, and I think it is deserved. Courtney and Gev join them there, and I don't think that is as deserved, but I wouldn't be sad to see Gev go, sadly. I like him, but I think he hasn't shown himself as a dancer all the way yet.

Comfort and Thayne and Jessica and Will are up last. Jessica is safe for another week at least, because Comfort and Thayne are in the bottom.

Before seeing solos, I worry about Kourtni and Gev. We'll see how the solos shake down before I make final predictions.

First, though, it's time for contortionist extraordinaire, Robert Murane. I don't think he would have done well in the competition with different styles, and he knew it, but he sure is an incredible popper, and I am happy to see him again. Nigel said that he also loved Philip Chbeeb, and he wants a dance off between the two of them. That would be awesome. Make it happen, producers. Might happen in the finale.

It's solo time. Kourtni did a convincing solo, and I liked her commitment, even though I hated her hair and her outfit.

Matt's solo was pretty good, too, but I don't know if it was enough to save him.

Courtney did an impressive amount of pirouettes, and she is cute as a button, but I don't know that her solo was strong enough, and I would be sad to lose her, so I hope it was enough.

After his solo, I really hope not to lose Gev because he is so good and different from all the contemporary boys in the competition. He brought his all to his solo, and it was amazing.

Comfort also brought everything that she had to her solo, though I wish she hadn't worn the hat. It could have been stronger, though. She seemed to do the same thing over and over again.

Thayne's solo was a little so-so, and I worry for him. He stayed up on the stairs too long, in my opinion.

Ok, after the solos, I think Courtney (sadly) might be in trouble, and it's between Thayne and Matt for me. We'll see if I am right.

During the deliberation, One Republic performed, and I like them, but I have to admit, I fast forwarded because it was getting late. (I have to say, and regular readers won't be surprised by this declaration, if you want to hear really good falsetto, go listen to some Erasure. I had to say it.)

Results are in, and Nigel said that they had a really hard time deciding. They were not unanimous. Courtney and her pocket sized cuteness are staying, and I am glad. Nigel didn't like Comfort's solo, but she is safe. Kourtni is gone this week, even though her solo was pretty darned good. I suppose it's been coming for a couple of weeks, though.

As for the guys, Gev proved himself in his solo, and he is safe. Matt has not shown improvement in the show, even though he is really good, so he is gone. Couples remain intact this week. Goodbye Matt and the weird ninja thing.

So You Think You Can Dance - 7.2.08

Cat is looking very mod tonight, and I hope that she just has her hair up. Looks like. Joining Nigel and the ever annoying Mary tonight are Tabitha and Napoleon. There is no padding tonight because each couple has to do two dances! So, getting right to it -

Joshua and Jessica 1st dance (Jive, choreographed by Tony Meridith and Melony) Jessica looks good in the period costume. I enjoyed them a whole lot more than last week, and I think the jive suits them well. Will is made of rubber and does a flip at the end right before a really neat lift to end it. Tabitha says that she felt the fight, and Napoleon said that he could see her bring it. Mary said that she saw a lot of missed connections, and she was disappointed in Jessica. Nigel thought that Will had his weight in the right place, but Jessica was a bit too high up.

Comfort and Thayne 1st dance (Broadway choreographed by Andy somethingorother) They work well as a couple, and Comfort was blazingly sexy. I loved the move where he dragged her across the stage. Tabitha agreed that the new couple was very well done. They acted really well together. Napoleon liked the flirtiness from Comfort and the coolness from Thayne. Mary said that she was proud of them. Nigel thought it should have been all about aggression and passion, and he didn't see it. He said it wasn't good enough.

Kourtni and Matt 1st dance (Hip hop choreographed by Cicely and Elisa) They didn't seem to be hitting anything hard, and I think it was a little soft. They danced well, but it didn't look like hip hop. Tabitha and Napoleon thought it was groovy, so maybe I am completely off base. Napoleon thought it was good for them, but not good as hip hop. Mary said even though it was slow, it should have made made her scream. I'm glad it didn't, though I am sad for Kourtni and Matt. Nigel said he wasn't sure if it was the choreography, the dancing, or the style, but he said it was like hip hop on sleeping pills. I would agree with that assessment.

Chelsea and Mark 1st dance (Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore) It was quick and they move so languidly. I think I am a little in love with Mark. Tabitha loved the flirtation story, and loved their acting skills during the dance. Napoleon loved their chemistry. Mary screamed (I muted). Nigel said he didn't feel that it was fast, because the routine just worked. He thought that they were magic together, and I agree.

Kherrington and Twitch 1st dance (Pasa Doble choreographed by Tony and Melony) It was so fantastic. There was a lot of "aggression" there, and Twitch was a very compelling matador. It started with a lot of cape work. Napoleon and Tabitha thought that there was a slow build, but then it caught fire. Tabitha said that Kherrington looked like a matador, and Twitch started off like a calf. Mary thought it was full of passion, but the dancing was just ok. Nigel thought that Twitch had his shoulders a bit high and tight, but loved Kherrington's acting.

Katee and Joshua 1st dance (Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels) This is the kind of contemporary that I don't like, that is just a lot of flailing around and running. No thank you. I guess it was good, but I just don't like it. And Katee's hair was the most tragic thing about it. Nope, Mia. That was a miss for me. Napoleon and Tabitha loved it. Mary loved it, and loved the monumental stillness. Nigel thought that they were outstanding. Humph. Well, I can't like everything, right.

Courtney and Gev 1st dance (Hip Hop choreographed by ) Courtney was hitting it pretty hard and had a good attitude. They had good chemistry to me and worked well together. I don't like when people dance with hats on and you can't see their eyes. Napoleon didn't think Gev was keeping up with Courtney, and I agree. Tabitha thought it was a little too bouncy instead of poppy. She was also feeling Courtney. Mary said she felt it 50/50. She didn't think that Gev worked it hard enough, but thought that Courtney was killing the routine. Nigel thought it felt like Cinderella getting ugly, and didn't buy it.

Joshua and Jessica 2nd dance (lyrical jazz, choreographed by Mandy Moore) They have a shirt to use as a prop, and Will is going for Skin to Win, and it was really passionate and sexy as a dance. This is the first time I have believed them as a couple. I still think Jessica may be the weakest female dancer in the competition. I am sold on Will after this dance, though. Holy smokes was that sexy. Tabitha thought that the shirt usage was clever, and said that while she enjoyed watching Will dance without a shirt, it was his lines that made him really shine. Napoleon said that he felt like Jessica was holding Will back a bit, and I agree. Mary screamed, I muted. She puts them both on the Hot Tamale train, and I wish that it didn't matter so much to the contestants to be on that ridiculous train. Mary snuck another scream and I missed muting. Blast. My poor eardrums. Nigel loved Will and again urged Jessica to get out of her own way and she needs to realize that she is a great dancer.

Comfort and Thayne 2nd dance (Smooth Waltz, choreographed by Edward Simon) The dance is about long lost love, and it was touching and Comfort again looked gorgeous. There was a fantastic really long lift which she had beautiful lines in and Thayne did a nice job executing. The landing was a little rough, but I forgive them. Really nice job, to me. I'll remember that. Napoleon said that he doesn't know much about waltz, but he loved it. Tabitha loved Comfort, but thought that Thayne felt a little phoney. Mary loved it, and she is a Waltz expert. She screamed and screeched and cackled, so she must have loved it. Nigel thought it was smooth and tremendous. Nigel liked that Comfort took out her eyebrow piercing, and said it transformed her.

Kourtni and Matt 2nd dance (Mambo, choreographed with Alex Desilva) There was a really impressive lift sequence right in the beginning, and I impressed with Matt's hips. Kourtni isn't really all there for me, and that's a shame because I normally like her. The whole thing ended up being kind of so-so, but I think Matt did pretty well. Tabitha wanted more sexy from Matt, and Napoleon wanted it to be more down and dirty and sexy. Mary thought Kourtni was hot, but didn't like them as a couple. Mary said that they were too bouncy and also needed to get down. Shows what I know. Nigel thought that they didn't have their weight in the right place and wanted Matt to be more butch and macho, but it was a good routine overall.

Chelsea and Mark 2nd dance (Foxtrot, choreographed by no one mentioned) I am so drawn to this couple. I don't know about the technique, but they are so danged likeable. Tabitha said that poor Chelsea had a feather in her mouth for a good portion of the routine, and she just kept going, and that's why she loved them. Mary said it was a really hard routine and they hit it. My husband said that he would kill himself if he was married to Mary's voice. Nigel thought that Mark was a bit on his toes, and needs to pay more attention to the technique. Mary tortured him with her cackling, and he looked pained. I muted.

Twitch and Kherrington 2nd dance (Contemporary, choreographed by Mia Michaels) They are dancing on a bed. It is a dance from the male perspective of a breakup. Twitch is also going Skin to Win. Not complaining. This is a more emotional routine that I can get behind. They did an amazing job dancing around each other and using the bed and rose petals, and it gave me chills. Twitch had some serious vulnerability and I loved it. Kherrington was really good too, but this was all about Twitch. Tabitha calls it Awesome x 6. Then adds a couple. Napoleon calls it storytelling at it's best. Mary said that Mia outdid herself, then hoot-screamed, followed by a cackle. For heaven's sake. She said it was powerful and dynamic and believable, and I agree. Nigel claims that Mia was inspired to choreograph the routine from her relationship with him, and says he wouldn't mind one of the bodies shown on the show tonight. Twitch looked embarrassed. He said it was beautiful, and puts them in the top. I think this was an amazing routine, and gives me my faith back in Mia after the first (in my mind) stinker.

Katee and Joshua 2nd dance (West Coast Swing, choreographed by Benji - assisted by Lacey!) Katee's hair is toned down, so thank you hair department. Much better for me, and I loved the cartwheel from the both of them, and it was a spunky number. Napoleon and Tabitha loved the incorporation of character, but thought that Joshua looked like a peppermint. I am not sure about the ruffles on Katee's bust. Mary screamed and I missed my mute again. Double blast. Nigel thought that it was not as good as Benji and Lacey's West Coast Swing, but he liked their versatility. He didn't think that the cartwheel was a little rough, but loved Katee's hip bump.

Courtney and Gev 2nd dance (Broadway choreographed by Andy Blankenbueller) They are playing tourists in New York. Courtney looks really cute, and Gev looks kind of Jimmy Olsen. I think they sold it, and Gev had a fantastic flying leap. Napoleon and Tabitha thought that they were believable. She wanted them to follow the music's feeling a little better. Napoleon thought that Gev found his niche. Mary bared her formidable teeth and thought it was great. Nigel said that they seem like underdogs and made a short joke. He wanted Gev to open up in his chest a bit more. He thought that Courtney's round kicks were not high enough. He didn't think it was brilliant, but thought they gave it their all.

My top for the night are Mark and Chelsea, Comfort and Thayne, and Kherrington and Twitch. Courtney and Gev are up there, too.

I think Matt and Kourtni are in trouble, and I think Will and Jessica should be in the bottom three also, to get rid of Jessica. I don't know who will round it out. If I had my druthers, it would be Katee and Joshua because of that first mess. Not sure, though.

Robert Murane is going to be dancing tomorrow! I think he is the contortionist, so I am looking forward to it.

Hell's Kitchen: 6/1/08

(This is the first part of a two parter) The show started with a recap of the season up to this point, and I am reminded of the people I had forgotten already. I still wish Jen hadn't been so freaking obnoxious as a person, because she really did cook some yummy looking dishes.

Still, though, this season has just been so disappointing. I don't know if it could have gotten down to any other final three. That does not mean that they are the best cooks out there, but I think they are the best in this group. And I think that the final two is good.

Finally time for the show to begin.

Christina and Petrozza have to design their own dream restaurants. Christina has a much easier time coming up with a menu than Petrozza.

(I am again appalled at these supposed top level chefs smoking like chimneys. I get that it's stressful, but can't they come up with some other outlet, instead of one that will deaden their palate?)

Petrozza meets with the designer and can only come up with the fact that his food is rich. Christina has a much better vision, and has a lot of set ideas. Petrozza wants flowers and flowers and flowers. He has a bit of a manic look to him.

Christina wants black t-shirts under black suits for the waitstaff, and hates the celedon green chef jacket, which of course is what Petrozza chooses.

Petrozza is still talking like he's high on something when he is talking about his menu, and Christina is much more focused.

They are called into Ramsey's office, and he says he is wondering if he has the right finalists. There was a dramatic commercial break and Petrozza looked like he was going to drop dead. Back from the break, he says he is sure that he has the right finalists. Christina hilariously quipped "Chef, Petrozza's old, his heart can't take it!" Then, Ramsey says he is taking them to NYC to see one of his other restaurants. On the way to NYC, Ramsey takes a stroll down memory lane with the two of them. Christina has won 9 challenges, and that's a record. Pretty cool.

Once they get to NYC, they see their names on a billboard in Times Square. They are also going to Dubai, and Christina doesn't even know where that is. Crazy. They head to see the London NYC restaurant, and meet the head chef there. They get nice executive chef uniforms, and are told that they are going to be cooking their signature dishes right then, as a final challenge. Christina is not phased. Both of their menus sound good.

Petrozza is cooking Filet Mignon with caramelized onion rissoto with a red wine sauce. He made a green onion "paintbrush" that was really cheesy.

Christina is cooking Dry Aged NY strip steak with herbed compound butter, sweet corn succotash, and roasted fingerling potatoes. Sounds yummy. She is feeling just a little cocky.

The truth is in the tasting. The judges are his five executive chefs from restaurants from around the world. The first person to get three votes wins.

The first judge votes Petrozza, the second judge votes for Petrozza, the third judge votes for Christina, the fourth judge votes for Christina, and it's all tied up. The final judge is going to be overseeing their potential job at the London West Hollywood, and so the pressure is on. He chooses Petrozza, and Christina's winning streak in challenges is over. As his reward, he gets to choose first for his team, and they get to choose from all the people from the whole season.

Enter Whoopie Goldberg, apropos of nothing. Apparently she's a fan. I don't think she has a movie to promote, so it must be out of genuine interest.

Back at Hell's Kitchen, they see their dining rooms, and Christina hates hers, with white window treatments and stripes. She liked the stripes on the wallpaper in the sample, but on the whole wall she hated it. She said that she wanted to vomit, and then Petrozza's fireplace needed more room, so she yielded to having it encroach into her dining room a little.

She talked to the designer and seems to have come to a compromise to fix the ugly.

In the morning, it's time to pick teams. Bobby, Ben, Corey, Matt (in a really really stupid hat), Louross, Jen (looking less than thrilled to be back, and swears that she is better than the final two, and wants to show Ramsey that she is better. Ugh).

Petrozza chose Bobby, then Christina chooses Corey. Petrozza's second choice is Ben, and Christina's is Louross. The final picks (between the predictable undesirables Jen and Matt) will have to wait until next week.


Because it's all about the dramatic pause.