Obligation #1: I have to remind you to watch this damn show. It's effing good. You'll remember it later. You'll cry a bunch. You'll call your daughter in college and she'll know all about it. Obligation #2: It's been stated before, but So You Think You Can Dance would be better if the judges voted on who's eliminated instead of the home viewers. We can't trust couch potatoes in Tuscaloosa to pick a superior between Alex Wong, Billy Bell, and Kent Boyd! Hell, we can't trust TV critics at Movieline to do it. I'm uninformed, don't make me ruin lives! At any rate, SYTYCD's Top 11 faced off in a live competition round last night, and one routine even garnered the title of "Best Performance Ever." Tumble with us as we disagree and break down each performance in "quick kicks."
· Mia was right that Billy concentrated more on the length of the movements in his routine than the energy itself. But "Footloose" is a voter-summoning anthem for the ages. He's in.
· Cristina's twisted, studied, slow "Starstruck" performance didn't wow me like it wowed the judges. It was different enough to be memorable, but not powerful enough to be great.
· I effing love Jose. His general ebullience and popcorn-pop bounce always result in a charmingly energized romp. I adored his little angry face too.
· Adechike's performance didn't just suffer from a lack of chemistry with his seriously heated-up partner; it suffered from the weakest choreography of the night. "Office sex" isn't going to make anyone dial in, y'know? Even with that weird Frou Frou-ish cover of "Addicted to Love."
· Melinda knew an enormous smile wouldn't compensate for her un-happenin' footwork, but you can't blame the tapper for trying.
· I understand Alex Wong's performance of "Hallelujah" had its pangs of greatness -- the swoops and throes and visceral shakes were all fully realized. But I cannot get behind Mia Michaels's assertion that it was the greatest performance in the show's history. "Hallelujah" is cloying. And the choreography was maudlin and obvious, particularly the fist-clenching and "dying" moments. And as for the dance itself, it just wasn't that difficult. I could go on! I need to not go on.
· Alexie's window romp to the Jason Mraz jam was great -- for her partner. Honestly, it was difficult to keep my eyes on her when Twitch was so captivating and grand. He seemed like the competitor here.
· Lauren's "Low Rider" couch rumble was, as Nigel noted, "sterile." She's all precision and no dance. She and Alexie have the most to worry about tonight.
· You know what Kent is? Totally memorable every single week. His cha-cha-cha was spirited and slap-happy, but I regret the strange shimmies that snuck into his choreography, as did the panel. Nigel could have been more tactful when he compared him to Jessica Rabbit, but I wouldn't doubt that Kent is the top vote-getter based on likability alone.
· Ashley creates lovely pictures with her moves, but thus far she's blending in with the low-finishers among the girls, Lauren and Alexie.
· Robert's zesty good looks and rowdy fervor made this campy jungle-themed blitz fun. But I hated his feigned awe at the judges' comments. I can spot a disingenuous reality star a mile away -- this guy's as much a showboater as he is a showman. I'm onto you, bronze dude.