So You Think You Can Dance- Still the Top 6

Kent gets a cha cha with Anya, which he’s already done. For some reason Anya looks REALLY old here, maybe it’s the styling? With the music they seemed to be aiming for something much more contemporary, but honestly, this choreography felt almost non-existent and quite boring. Nigel says Kent has become a man dancing but he needs to keep his hands from curling up. Good effort. (Not the ringing review.) Toni thinks it was better this time around. He was more grounded but he sacrificed posture for masculinity. Mia thought his hips moved right but the piece was too crunchy and there wasn’t enough space in his movements. She is also upset about him not fixing his face. Kent says he’s trying to change it but it is him. Adam agrees that he needed more length and relax. Own your awesomeness is his basic advice.

Robert got a contemporary routine with Kathryn, choreographed by Stacey Tookey, about going off to war and leaving a loves on behind. I hope it is actually emotional, because I find hers can go either way. Kathryn’s really got the emotion down, Robert is just so so. But there is a nice little surprise in this…Kathryn is the one going to the army! (I had a feeling that might be the case even before anything started, just because it would be “different.”) Nigel loved it. Robert’s been goofy in the past of SYTYCD but he’s grown and matured. He’s becoming even better than expected. Toni watches carefully for partnering skills and (Kathryn is super emotional about it) she felt it. Mia says they were mature enough to pull back in the beginning; her one note to him is to let his emotions be the catalyst of his movement to make it look less step oriented. Adam is so proud of the dance community because they supported each other so much. Kathryn is so stunning that it freaks him out. And Rob came up to her.

Jose gets the first solo. It’s just so so to me, nothing super exciting or impressive here.

Adechike picked out jazz with Courtney with Tyce. She hasn’t been on in a while, glad to have her back. My sister walked in mid this routine and said “they are so good!” Adam liked that it was just balls out dancing. He wants Adechike to loosen up more. Mia thought it was a great performance but he’s such a powerful athlete that he needs to find a balance of style (it’s kind of what she told Lauren). Toni thought it looked fun. She loved it. Nigel said there wasn’t enough abandon from Adechike.

Lauren‘s solo now. She just blew Jose’s solo away. It was pretty awesome, unique moves, good flow and technique. This is what a solo should be. Take note!

Jose and Comfort are paired for hip hop and I’m beginning to wonder how he always seems to get things that conveniently fall into his general genre. (More so than anyone else I mean.) They’re not quite in sync. This was a weird, slow sort of hip hop (lyrical?) and I have to say, Comfort easily outdanced him. Nigel liked the routine and style and we find out that Jose pulled his groin last week but he’s all right (can’t quite escape that curse, even if it doesn’t take someone out completely). Nigel didn’t think this quite worked with Jose, not sharp enough, too flappy. Toni disagrees, she bought it. Mis disagrees with Toni, she didn’t see swag. Adam recommends that Jose dances the intention of the character, steps secondary. It was too fun, not sexy enough. Smokey eyed?

Billy‘s solo routine now. Super quirky, which is fun, but not overall impressive in terms of actual moves.

Kent‘s turn for a solo. My only complaint is that he kept grabbing his shirt. Otherwise, great moves and full of emotion.

Lauren is paired with Allison for a Broadway. So an all girl routine. I was wondering if they were ever going to do that. It’s all about being strong women. Another Damn Yankees routine, Tyce? Not as action packed as the one he did for Kent but still pretty good. Adam thinks of Lauren as an All Star already. Nothing to criticize. He wants Lauren and Allison to do a variety show. Mia agrees there’s nothing to critique. She thinks Lauren’s forged ahead of everyone. Toni says strong is sexy. Lauren didn’t overdo her face despite the high energy. Nigel says its worked for him. He’s sure she’ll be in the finale, win or not.

Robert‘s solo time. It’s not the best or the worst of the night for me. It was a little jerky.

Billy and Ade are paired for a Stacey Tookey routine. They are supposed to have extremely different styles (homeless man and high powered business man). This was a good Tookey routine. He gets a three of four judge panel standing ovation (Nigel really can never be bothered). Nigel asks Billy about his knee (he’s wearing a brace). He’s glad they kept Billy because it was a privilege to see that piece. It showed Billy’s maturity. Toni found it incredible, this piece transcended dance. Mia says it was sheer perfection. She thanks Stacey for keeping her on her toes (wow, that’s a bit narcissistic). This was Billy’s best storytelling job. Win or lose, he will be remembered and respected. Adam says he was “just born on the show” and one of the best dancers ever on the show. Magnificent.

Adechike does the last solo of the night. This felt no different than everything else he’s ever done.

Kent and Jose get Broadway. Kent you were off on the whistle. Kent, I know you’re supposed to be the young eager one, but really, goofy faces after the warning you had? Adam is thrilled with the choreography. He thinks it will be between Kent and Lauren. Kent needs a little more breath under his hands (huh?) and says Jose was unbelievable. (I agree that this was Jose’s best job.) Mia thought it was fantabulous. Kent found his home. She says his faces even work (but I thought it was too much). Jose kept up and did a good job. Toni agrees that the characters suited them both perfectly. Nigel says Kent has gotten everything thrown at him. He thinks Jose’s problem was just doing it with Kent. He basically says Jose will probably be going home this week. (I’m not really sure why he didn’t leave last week.)

Lauren and Adechike are paired for the second to last routine of the night for a foxtrot. Meh. Not as sultry as one might want from a routine like this (I want nothing from it since I am not a fan of the style.) Nigel said it felt a bit more jazzy than ballroom. Overall, good connectivity and certainly sultry (really?!?!) but he was a bit meh. Toni loves the showcasing of new and different dance styles. They haven’t got the muscle memory for this style though but it isn’t dance like ballroom dancers. It was off. But, they got into the character. Mia says he had some good partner moments but there was a disconnect there too. Lauren has grace, sensuality, presence, it looks like she’s done it a million times. Adam says “simply” that Lauren was just dancing and this was one more proof that she’s excellent. Adechike looked too concerned about her safety (which is good intellectually but it shouldn’t look like it).

Robert and Billy are paired for a Bollywood routine, which is the final dance of the night. I’m noticing that Billy looks like a frog. Also, while his facial expressions are bigger, Roberts movements felt more believable. I think Billy’s extensions were actually a downside to this. Nigel thinks it was one of the best Bollywood routines (with two guys). Toni said it comes down to personal choice now. Toni prefers Robert over Billy though. Mia prefers Billy. NO INJURIES! Nothing wrong with that, everything was right. Adam says they split the vote.

Top Three…Lauren, Kent, and Robert probably. (Though voters seem to really like Adechike…)

Lauren is apparently with the medics right now. So much for no injuries.

Make It Or Break It: I Won’t Dance, Don’t Ask Me

Kayley has continues her crazy workout schedule, which her dad sees as “chasing Genji.” She thinks he’s coming into the house but he reveals that he’s got a new apartment so that he has own place. (He’s been living in the guest house apparently.) Her parents have been alternating days at the gym and Kayley wants to trick them into hanging out, so she asks him to be her manager again. Now that she’s passionate again. In comes her mom and Kayley asks her to be a manager too, to handle PR. “It’s perfect! I don’t know why we didn’t think of this before?” You’ll find out soon Kayley.

Lauren and Carter are making out, Carter starts feeling her up, but she gets upset because their relationship seems to be just about sex. Is he just with her because she’s…”willing.” He did so much for Kayley and nothing for her. And she’s given up so much for him! She wants him to say “I love you” but he doesn’t want to say it just because she demands it. She storms off, but for once, good for him for standing his ground. (It’s like the only non-sleezy thing he’s done so far.)

Austin rides in on his bike with a girl and the girls guess who the new “bimbo de jeur is” which means it is of course Emily (gotta love that grin on Lauren’s face that says “this couldn’t have been a better moment if I’d planned it”). Emily even looks a bit ashamed by it. (And also, REALLY MIOBI WRITERS? Another love story revolving around Emily!?!?)

In the gym Emily explains that he gave her a ride because they had a flat. Lauren makes an excellent point about how “paying attention to boys because they’re paying attention to other girls is still paying attention to boys” and even Payson backs her up. They should be concentrating on their new floor routines. They’re working on dance portions (tryouts for the world team is soon). Payson thinks this therefore doesn’t include her, but Sasha informs her that he’s working with all future Olympians.

Payson goes to the corner to start. This is where she always starts so she can begin with a strong, powerful tumbling run that puts her right in the action. However, now that she is going for artistry, Sasha wants her to begin in the middle. (I was iffy about this fact so I went to look at some big names to see and my findings were that all of the following gymnasts begin in the corner, or a few steps away, to begin their routine: Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Jordyn Wieber, Rebecca Bross, Yang Yilin, Bridget Sloan. I did not find any, though I’m sure there are some, who began in the middle.) Sasha wants her to “tell a story” and what story does he want her to tell? The story of a flower! This is her new beginning and this is where it starts (PS, anyone else notice that she looks thinner this season? It is either about more gym time or just better costuming.)

Lauren wants to hire Lacey Grimes, the hottest gymnastics choreographer out there. She wants to speak to Lacey directly. She runs off, Steve and Chloe make out. In comes Kayley’s mother to be all “ew.” The point of this utterly pointless scene is for Chloe to see that other parents manage their girls’ careers and Chloe thinks she should do the same. Steve suggests she hire a choreographer.

The girls discuss the floor stuff as they stretch. Emily the whiner has only put together one competition worthy routine ever (I’m not sure we agree about the one she had being competition worthy, it was simply all she was willing to do) and Payson is upset about being “a frickin flower.” Notice that Payson is has her foot ALL THE WAY up in a straight line as she stretches (crazy!) and then moments later, Kayley lifts her leg to stretch and only get it about 3/4 of the way there, to the top of the bar. (Who is the better gymnast?!?) Austin comes to give a little flirty moment, which annoys Emily but Emily thinks he was just teasing.

Chloe has apparently been looking for the wrong type of choreographer (Vegas friends…) so she asks Summer and Kim for help and they suggest Lacey.

Steve texts Lacey’s number to Lauren and says she call her RIGHT NOW. But instead, Lauren is lured away by Carter’s invitation for a romantic date.

Kayley sees them kissing and is so distracted she nearly mows Austin down with her car. I’m not sure that wasn’t intentional. Kayley explains that gym rules are no dating. Then how are Lauren and Carter kissing in the parking lot? (Not to mention all the times Kayley and Carter were making out in the parking lot.)

Kayley is working out again when her mom reveals a new floor routine music that she found, that’s different. Much more rock, like Emily’s lame routine from last season. Kayley wants her to run it by dad who you know will have a different opinion.

Emily finds out that Chloe has gotten Lacey Grimes exclusively, which costs $2,000. Emily doesn’t think they can afford that. Emily is upset that she wasn’t consulted but Chloe wanted to surprise her. Emily intends to send her away. We’ll see about that.

Summer found some Ballet tickets in Sasha’s desks while organizing his desk. They assume it means Sasha will ask her out and Summer gets all fifth grade excited. But the ballet is tonight and he hasn’t asked. Maybe Summer should drop some hints?

Payson continues working on the flower power routine but she’s not into and she starts laughing. She’s an athlete, not a ballerina. She knows what they look like and she’s not that type of girl. Summer works in how she loves the ballet but Sasha is too focused on his Payson problem to really pay attention.

Kayley’s routine, meanwhile, is pretty awkward and non-gymnastics type. Alex is unhappy with it (this isn’t American Idol, it doesn’t matter if it’s produced by a five time Grammy nominee). They argue until they agree on having a dinner to let Kayley decide.

Austin invites Kayley and Emily to a party but Kayley says no. He makes fun that Kayley is the puppet master. Lauren comes in to rub it in about her date with Carter. She also just left a message for Lacey Grimes, which is of course why Emily decides to work with her. (Now you know why boys are a problem, Lauren…) Emily’s mom called Lacey last night while Lauren called this morning. Whoops. (Remember for like five minutes at the end of “Sunday Bloody Sasha Sunday when Lauren and Emily were friends? That didn’t last long.)

Rehearsal with Lacey doesn’t go so well but Emily watches with a mix jealousy and irritation. Emily’s struggling because of her lack of dance background. It isn’t Emily’s style/technique but Lacey says the problem is that Emily is blocked and she may have to stay in the gym all night to get it right. Lauren whines to Steve about how easy the routine is. Steve reveals telling Chloe about the choreographer and Lauren is upset that he’s “helping her competition.” She makes him promise not to help her again.

Summer is ready to give up but Kim thinks he’ll come in to ask her out. He comes to ask her if she’s free at night but only so she can babysit the gym while Emily works on her choreography. Meanwhile, Sasha asks Kim if he can take…Payson to give her some inspiration. Kim agrees and then apologizes to Summer who is very disappointed.

Payson is not happy. She’s been to the ballet before. Contemporary or not. Payson doesn’t think this will be any different. She thinks only petite and graceful people can dance. She won’t promise to enjoy it. In comes Sasha in a suit and Payson’s a little stunned (making me wonder if perhaps that inappropriate relationship we all speculated on last season will in fact happen between Payson and Sasha. Maybe just a one-sided crush).

Kayley’s parents continue arguing over music so Kayley suggests compromise. Even that doesn’t seem to resolve things. Kayley takes a bite of carrot and then craftily spits it into her napkin.

Payson still whines about the ballet when he’s spotted outside by Jadyn (Lauren from So You Think You Can Dance I think!?!) dressed in a baseball cap and sweatshirt. She’s the one who got him the tickets. Payson assumes she’s the stagehand.

Emily keeps working but to no avail. In comes Austin to do a bit more flirting (ostensibly to work out but he does one run on the parallel bars–after which Emily falls over because she’s watching–and then goes over to talk to her). Austin reveals that his parents lived in a van for three months so that he could pursue his gymnastics. He suggests getting out of the gym to work on her gym problems. Pizza at the Shack? She is hesitant but his “charm” convinces her. It’s not a date, just a slice. (Plus a slight dig at Kayey which is always nice.)

Payson is totally entranced by the ballerina performing (in the worst fitting costume ever) and while I’m not a huge fan of the particular choreography which didn’t feel very contemporary to me, Payson is entranced. And shocked to discover that Jadyn is the dancer. (Yay Lauren!) Payson can’t believe she thought she was a stagehand. (This was probably so fun for Ayla Kell, all this ballet stuff.)

Emily wonders about Austin’s party. He never had one, he’s just up-keeping an image. His parents were hippies and they don’t like that he’s spending all his money. Emily doesn’t think she could spend that much money on herself. Austin says that’s why she can’t learn her dance moves. You gotta go in, no holding anything back. Sweat, tears, pain, broken bones, and CASH. All in. If you don’t take yourself seriously who will? In comes Lauren, pleased to find them on a date. She says she won’t tell Kayley but Emily says she can tell Kayley whatever she wants. Lauren then whines to Carter about Emily “stealing” her choreography. Carter tells her to just prove she’s better than Emily.

Payson gushes about Jadyn’s dancing. Out comes the dancer to explain the “lightness” element. People don’t expect girls like Lauren to be a ballerina but she says grace and elegance come from inside. You believe it, people will see it. It’s powerful but it has to come from you.

Summer is still upset about the ballet ticket thing. Sasha is clueless. Sasha is thrilled that Payson has had a breakthrough. Summer takes a page from Lauren’s book to whine. Kim decides to be blunt about it, “if you do like her could you just ask her out?”

In practice Kayley asks Emily about her date with Austin. Lauren you are a five year old. And Kayley aren’t you not talking to her? Emily insists they weren’t on a date. She paid. Lauren says Emily leads all boys on, can she be just friends with any guy? Lauren brags that Carter tells her all the time how much she loves him. So Kayley gives them a speech about how they can screw up their own careers they want. (Kayley, you are the worst leader ever. They really need Payson back in number one. She’s the only one who seems able to maintain her focus, even when she liked Nikki.)

Time for the girls to present their floor routines. Payson doesn’t want to go because she’s not ready. She will be, but she isn’t yet. Willingness is everything. Kayley’s routines, a blend of the two musics is so uncomfortable because they attempt to go all hip hop style which doesn’t work when a girl is wearing a uniform. Everyone watching looks uncomfortable and confused. (Even Lacey Grimes looks shocked and Alex looks more than a little concerned.) Her parents agree they ruined things. Lauren is second and she steals Emily’s routine. (Lacey Grimes: “At least somebody knows the choreography.”) Emily storms off in despair. Austin tells Carter what Lauren did and then goes out to pep talk her. You can’t let her win! It will look different when you do it. You spent money and time on it. Show them you’re worth it. All in. (Yeah, not so subtle relationship blooming. Emily has to be involved with whoever supports her right?) Emily goes out and does it and I can’t pretend to think she does it better, though the show would like us to believe that by showing us the cooler parts. (Plus Emily is longer so her lines are better.) Lauren is clearly worried as she watches. Lacey Grimes is shocked. She gets a standing ovation.

Kayley’s parents decide they can’t keep putting Kayley mid-arguments. Alex says she should go with her mother’s argument while her mom suggests the opposite, leading to yet another argument.

Carter is pissed that Lauren did that. (It took her thirty minutes to practice.) Carter says he’s seen her best and worst sides and her bad side is too scary. He can’t love her when she does things like that. Lauren, getting the smack down two weeks in a row.

Sasha comes to ask Summer out (he thinks Lauren has learned her lesson about that stunt she pulled). She’s so surprised she doesn’t answer immediately. She says yes.

Payson stares at the floor for a bit and then takes off her jacket to do some practice. Hurray, getting to see Ayla Kell do a bit of ballet. It’s about time! (Thought not with the most flattering light in the beginning.) Great note to end on.

Make It Or Break It: And the Rocky Goes To…

Emily is rushing around to get to the gym to prove she’s committed to Sasha and her mom is doing the best to stall. Really she’s just excited to show her the food and brand new custom leo that Emily’s Scholarship has bought the family. (The first check came.) Does anyone else find it sketchy that her scholarship for the family at large’s lifestyle? Anyway, Chloe thinks Emily deserves to look the part of a star.

Summer and Sasha discuss Steve’s attempts to buy votes from the parents which naturally leads to the question of what Summer ever saw in him. Sasha doesn’t believe in marriage or God. Is there anything he does believe in? Leprechauns. (Ok, that made me love him again. Just a bit.)

Payson and Becca talk about her new training regime but first Becca wants to demonstrate the new level 8 skill she’s learned. It might actually be a better skill than half the ones we see our stars perform (though the form wasn’t perfect). Payson gives a bit of critique, which Becca takes well.

Emily and Chloe decide to be “bigger” than Lauren. The parents can’t get between the girls. Chloe doesn’t have a history of letting the kids deal with their issues. Chloe tries to be nice though Lauren does not make it easy. (Why you so happy, Tilla Tequila marathon?)

Lauren gives out barretts because she wants to win the Rocky Award for Congeniality at this year’s Rock Banquet (oh sports banquets, the good memories). (Which Kaylie usually wins but is now getting Gymnast of the year, which Payson got for five years in a row.) Lauren is upset about Emily’s custom leo because she couldn’t get those fabrics yet.

Sasha is glad to see Payson back. (She looks slimmer in this velvet leo.) He intends to change her overall style so she has to be reinvented, which means going all the way back to…level 1. That’s awkward and embarrassing but Sasha seems quite pleased with himself. I get the sentiment but maybe something more private would have been more sensible. Sasha does give her some personal attention and she has to learn to make things about lines instead of height. Becca meanwhile seems to be improving a ton, which is difficult for Payson to watch.

In come the Cruzes acting all cute and “together” as they turn in Kaylie’s pictures for her award. They sure seem to get along. Kaylie is glad to see they’re back together. It’s only a matter of time.

Sasha is impressed by Emily’s renewed determination. She’s upped her game. And she’s looking like a champion with that dazzling new leo. Is it awkward to hear a coach talk about a girl’s leo (which, essentially is a bathing suit)? Lauren hears this and therefore announces free smoothies for all. Steve doesn’t understand why she cares what people think. He’ll help her win if she has ice cream with the Kmetkos after the banquet. Lauren hears some girls talking about Emily’s new leo so she takes some smoothies to offer to the girls. She gives them to Payson and Kaylie and then “slips” and spills the third one all over Emily’s white leo. Red on white…not so great.

Highlights and low-lights of the day. Sasha tells Becca she can train elite if she wants. (She just learned a level 8 skill seemingly for the first time. This seems sudden?) Payson congratulates her but is “too exhausted” after doing cartwheels all day and doesn’t want to celebrate with a smoothie run.

Chloe tries to keep a nice face but now that Emily’s leo is ruined, she calls her a monster. Steve overhears and the parents fight about the congeniality award. Lauren is gregarious, Emily keeps more to herself, which seems stuck up. It’s on!

Kaylie is trying a difficult move that a Chinese gymnast is the only on who can do it. Sasha tells her to stop because the move favors much smaller girls (the Chinese gymnast is at list 10 lbs lighter).

Steve and Lauren scheme to rule the Rock, parents’ board and popularity alike. He gives her his card and she announces free massages for all after practice. So Chloe offers free manicures, pedicures, and waxes. Both offers illicit cheers. Emily doesn’t think she’ll win the award, she’s been at the gym less than a year. Lauren does more bullying (I believe Lauren bullying Emily, not as much with an adult). Summer comes out in time and tells Chloe to behave like a grownup. They have a heart to heart about how Steve can’t say no to Lauren. They’re a team of winners afraid to get left behind, they can get carried away. Lauren needs someone to understand her and show an example, meaning if Chloe is in Steve’s life, that might have to be her.

Kaylie’s been on the elliptical for 98 minutes in addition to a full practice because she wants to be more “aerodynamic.” (They started setting this weight loss obsession up last episode with Beals’s comment and I feel the need to point out that 1) they’ve already set this up with Lauren in the series premiere and then dropped it and 2) while this is a very real storyline in gymnastics, it does seem silly that they’re making one of the thinnest girls in the gym worry about weight rather than say Payson or Lauren who are a lot heavier.) Kaylie is glad that they’re back together as a family. She’s worried that he’s upset with her because she feels responsible. What if them working on her gymnastics pushed mom aside. And she knew and kept it a secret. Alex assures her that he doesn’t blame her. It’s actually a cute moment.

Summer discovers that she and Kim are supposed to be hosting the banquet. Turns out she has stage fright and needs a lot of time to prepare to get comfortable. So naturally, she turns to drinking. (She’s a lightweight so it doesn’t take much.)

Guests begin to arrive. Steve says he believe it’s important for there to be a strong parent looking after the girls’ interests. He sometimes gets carried away. Whoever wins, they’re neutral. Summer keeps drinking (one second she sounds fine and literally 2 seconds later, she sounds drunk). In come the Cruzes who say to Steve “who would have thought when we founded the gym our daughter would become gymnast of the year and your daughter would be…well, she’ll win something someday.” I’m a little surprised by this animosity, not because I wouldn’t expect people to dislike him after everything, but just because we haven’t actually seen the parents dislike him before now. Summer gets her dress dirty and Steve realizes she’s drunk so he offers to bring the votes to the office. That seems like a good idea. We see no foul play but…

Summer introduces Kaylie as the pride of the Rock which Payson applauds but looks a little….stoic about. Then the elite girls sing Sasha a corny song that is totally true to teenage girls. Lauren of course hogs the mic midway through. Summer starts to embarrass herself so Kim comes to rescue her but it turns out she’s not so funny. Parents are called up to present something for their kids. Alex gives a cute speech about Kaylie’s discovery of her love for gymnastics. Steve starts with a nice speech about Lauren’s drive and determination and turns it into a campaign speech (awkward and inappropriate moment–poor Lauren, you can see her sadness and embarrassment). Chloe reads a corny poem using Emily’s name (E is for…) and then decides to come back and say something about Lauren and how passionate and ambitious she is. It’s the first time If ind myself actually liking Chloe. (Will Lauren appreciate it?)

And the Rocky goes to…Lauren Tanner! The applause is so awkward, making me wonder if anyone voted for her or if it was Steve cheating. Lauren gives a self-aggrandizing speech that makes me feel much less sad for her and only stops when Summer finally interrupts.

Most Promising Junior Award goes to Becca Keeler. Payson applauds proudly but then she steps away. Poor Becca, so hard to be happy when you see it making your sister miserable. And Payson’s clearly trying to be supportive but just can’t seem to manage it. (But here are some issues I have with this idea. 1) Becca was just making a huge deal about learning a level 8 skill. She has some time before she can go elite. 2) Becca never has the commitment to be elite. Didn’t she just blow off the gym last week in favor of a movie just because “no one else was going?” I’ll give you that being hyper competitive can be fun if it’s the sort of thing you like, but if you are not hyper-competitive yourself, you aren’t likely to love doing it as Becca claims she does.)

Payson is crying on the stairwell and Sasha comes out to give her a new pep talk. She doesn’t know what’s wrong with her because she feels angry all the time. At Kaylie for winning Gymnast of the Year, Becca for passing her by. Sasha assures her it’s normal. But she doesn’t feel connected to gymnastics, she doesn’t love it the way she used to. But do you love it for being great or does the passion come from where you want to be. Sasha says she is a champion and he will hold a spot for her greatness. All she needs to do is show up, which she agrees to do. Then they will get there together.

Kaylie finds something in her dad’s coat pocket. A letter for divorce (which, naturally, he’d take with him to this banquet). She puts it away as Sasha calls for attention to show the video about Kaylie’s awesomeness. I wonder if those pictures are real (since she did do some gymnastics when she was little) or fake. They give out desert and Kaylie pushes hers away. Kaylie goes up to get her award and gives a speech about how her parents helped her get to where she is now because she could always count on them, both of them. Together. Never give up on what’s important. (That was an impressive double talk speech.)

People start getting up when Sasha announces a new award being given, called the Payson Keeler Championship Cup. We get a montage of gymnasts (Nastia, Tasha Schwikert, Carly Patterson, Kaylie, Becca) talking about how Payson has the heart of a champion (laugh at the experts who count her out, won juniors with an ACL injury, etc). That’s exactly the type of thing I’d have done! Nice to see her finally get something happy. (Such a sports movie ending, music and all.)

But the show’s not over yet. Kim suggests a celebratory movie but Payson intends to get up early to go to the gym, even though it’s Sunday. She’s back.

Kaylie confronts her parents about the divorce. She doesn’t want an award. The award means nothing if it costs her her family. She convinces them to give it another 6 months. (Ps, Kaylie’s dress actually shows off Josie Loren’s toned arms well.) They agree reluctantly but that makes me wonder if they will actually try it or just say they are.

Sasha walks Summer home because she doesn’t feel so well. She hasn’t got this tipsy since college graduation. He says he’d be happy to be married to the right woman. Then they kiss. I suppose technically she isn’t a gym mom so though Lauren may be upset there’s nothing wrong with it.

At ice cream Lauren talks about how thrilled she is to get an award.. Emily looks emo.

Kaylie does more exercise.

Payson ends the way we saw her in season one, practicing little moves in the mirror. (Nice symmetry show!)

I think this is one of the strongest episodes, despite nothing technically happening.

Make It Or Break It: Battle of the Flexes

Payson claims to be sick and doesn’t want to go to the Rock. (Guess who is back in the show?!? Becca!!!) What if Payson can’t pick up where she left off? What will the Keeler family do then?

Gran’s coming to visit and Steve is freaking out. She’s apparently more stuck up than everyone else. Lauren has found Chloe’s bra and suggests a vasectomy so Chloe can’t get pregnant and trap him into a marriage. He’s obviously not introducing Chloe to Gran right now. It’s not serious enough. Hmm, this is good information for Lauren…

The girls are nervous to see Sasha and he has specifically asked to see them before practice. To tell them how hurt he is? But instead he congratulates them on their success and wonders why Emily wasn’t there. I love that Emily claims to have been back before bed check when that isn’t true since Beals was doing bed checks and the girls covered with her about the shower. Sasha hopes she learned something and Emily says she’s more committed than ever. Lauren hopes she’s ranked two again but Sasha she’ll be ranked how and when he decides. Then he has a separate word with Kaylie. He hopes she’s convinced she deserves her number one status. She has, it’s time to start acting like it. (Which means she will be brattier.) Sasha says she is the gym’s leader and sets an example. Everything is her responsibility, including Emily’s disqualification. It won’t happen again. Kaylie has a plan.

Lauren and Emily spar about boys. Lauren says “us girls with boyfriends need to stick together.” But Emily says she won’t have a boyfriend until after gymnastics. Kaylie got them promise rings to promise they focus on nothing but gymnastics and forget about boys. But she only gets rings for her, Emily, and Payson because Lauren is clearly not forsaking boys.

And the grand entrance award goes to…Austin Tucker. Showing up at the rock in full motorcycle apparel. The girls don’t look happy to have him. (Kaylie least of all thanks to her no boys policy, among other things.) The news: he’s training at the rock until he can open his own gym. He’s moving to boulder. He promises they’ll hardly know he’s in the gym, as the parallel bars that will replace the second set of uneven bars are brought inside.

Summer wonders if Austin will be a distraction. Sasha thinks have a real Olympic gold medalist will inspire and he says female gymnasts are not Austin’s type. But types can change. Summer is a case in point. In comes Kim and she asks Sasha to tell her the truth: will Payson ever be ready for the Olympic team or is it over?

Austin does his routine and this show makes me wonder what male gymnasts normally wear when practicing since in this show it’s t-shirts and mesh shorts, which is clearly not what they compete in.

Gran comes in to see Lauren on beam. We get it, beam is her thing. Gran is disappointed that Summer and Steve are broken up, she loves Summer best of all his past girlfriends. Well, and Lauren’s mother…before she got into the drugs…Lauren is still holding onto hopes of Summer and Steve getting back together. Yeah…Lauren spills about Chloe.

Emily and Austin talk. Emily’s a bit cold. Why did he come to the Rock? Really? For her, to check out the girl who shattered Damon’s heart. Kaylie interrupts to tell Emily to focus.

After practice Kaylie continues giving Austin unnecessary attitude. (Ok, you didn’t like that he didn’t recognize you in France, but really.) Austin says he thinks he can help but “she’s the national champion and doesn’t need his help.” Wow, that is the antithesis of champion spirit.

Steve, Gran, and Lauren talk and Gran brings up Chloe. Gran has decided they are having dinner tomorrow night.

Payson is watching tv when Sasha arrives to talk. Payson kind of looks shelllshocked and admits he was right and she was wrong. Sasha points out that even though this year she can’t get on the team, next year she can. She can become more of an artistic gymnast than a power gymnast like Nastia. She says she isn’t like Nastia but he points out that Nastia had a nine inch growth spurt in five years and many injuries but she came back better than ever thanks to graceful lines and meticulous execution. Payson says Nastia is built for that (thin and long) and she runs off, unwilling to listen. It’s over for her. Poor Sasha, no one’s listening to her.

Becca wonders if Payson is coming to the gym and Kim says Payson isn’t one to give up but Payson says she doesn’t plan to go. Payson says it is her life. Kim says they all changed their lives Payson’s desires. She expects Payson to stop being selfish and try what her coach suggests. The show has just touched on what I think is one of the most interesting and crazy aspects of a sport like gymnastics. Families literally give up their lives for their kids’ dreams but what happens when those kids decide they don’t want to do it anymore? Should Kim be trying to push Payson to continue if she says she’s done? (If you read Chalked Up, Jennifer Sey talks about her personal experience in this area.) As Payson says, who told you to give up your life for mine? Anyway, Becca decides she wants to go to the movies instead of the Rock.

Kaylie gets to the Rock and sees a huge sign for Austin Tucker. His banner is bigger than hers! Lauren teases her and then says she thinks it’s good because it will put Kaylie in her place. Lauren reveals to Carter his plan to get Gran to get Steve to drop Chloe. Carter intends to go out with Austin, leaving Lauren sex-free for the night.

Steve arrives to invite her to dinner. Chloe thinks he told his mother about her and she’s honored. He lets her believe it. He warns her that she’s tough. “Steve, you don’t ever have to worry about being embarrassed by your mother around me.”

The girls whine about Austin’s attention and then learn that Austin intends to bring in the high bar. No, it goes in the annex building out back, which is cold and has bad lighting. The girls are the stars of the gym. Lauren says no one cares about men’s gymnastics (true). Austin says men’s apparatuses are harder and they do more, 6 to the women’s 4. Kaylie says it’s because they do harder and more precise skills. Conclusion: men vs women, having them perform on the other gender’s apparatuses. Austin is given balance beam, Carter is given parallel bars, Lauren is given rings, Emily is given parallel bars, Emily is given men’s floor (3x more tumbling runs and no music), and Austin takes on women’s floor (music and dance choreography). Sasha is thrilled to see competition with stakes.

Practices on the different apparatuses does not go well for either gender and we see quite a bit of falling. (By the way, anyone notice how much Kaylie and Lauren talk considering their dislike for each other.) Kaylie thinks they can manage.

Becca comes in to talk to Kim and says she’ll go to the Rock tomorrow if she wants. Kim tells her it isn’t about what Kim wants but about what Becca wants. Then why does she care if Payson quits? Maybe it’s time to let it go. They’ve all sacrificed. If she’ll never be what she was, is it still worth the family being separated. Becca points out that maybe not if it’s about winning but isn’t it supposed to be about fun, discipline, and hard work. They weren’t always all gymnastics all the time. Becca brings up ice skating.

Emily refuses to have dinner with Steve’s family. (Brian is conveniently at computer camp. I guess it is summer, even though you may not realize it based on what is going on, there seems to be no time frame in this show.) Chloe has never been invited to meet a guy’s mom and she wants to impress her. Emily is the most impressive thing about her.

Lauren can’t wait for Chloe to show up in her “interesting” wardrobe attire. (Interesting. The perfect descriptive word. When my sister was little she used to announce how ugly things were when we were in stores so I told her she should say they were interesting. It wasn’t much better since she’d always say it as “that’s…interesting.”) But unfortunately for Lauren, Chloe and Emily show up sweaters and Banana Republic-esque clothes.

The Keelers go ice skating and Kim apologizes to Payson. Payson says her mom was right, she is selfish. Kim points out that she gave up her life the moment Payson was born and she wouldn’t want it any other way. She just doesn’t understand why she’s giving up on her dreams when there is still a chance. Payson shares a little story. When she was little, she loved ice skating. She’s always been an amazing athlete (athlete not princess). When she was seven she wanted to be the princess in the icecapades. Instead she was cast as the prince (because the director said she looked more like a boy) and all the other girls laughed at her for thinking she was graceful and beautiful enough to be a princess. She didn’t tell her mom because she knew her mom would have told her the princess was the cooler part. What she really wanted to hear was that they were wrong and she would have been the most beautiful princess in the world. Payson’s scared, she doesn’t think she’s graceful enough. Kim says it’s ok to be scared but if you don’t try at all, you could end up scared of everything. And one more thing, she would have been the most beautiful princess. (While I do love Payson and enjoy Ayla Kell, I will be honest and say the delivery in this scene was a bit stilted.)

Chloe tries hard but things aren’t going great. Particularly because Lauren is taking digs where she can. Gran seems to be on the Kmetkos side though, despite Lauren’s attempts. Lauren reveals that her dad hadn’t told Gran about Chloe. Emily excuses them, she needs to go to the gym early and has some schoolwork (wait, isn’t it summer?).

Lauren is doing some work when Gran comes in and puts Lauren in her place. True class is about having graciousness no matter what (even if someone is trying to pull you down). Lauren was the only one who was truly tacky at the table. She says she may feel abandoned by her mother, and that’s where her anger comes from, but Tanners must be gracious. She’s disappointed in Lauren. I almost feel sad for Lauren here (great facial expressions Cassie Scerbo).

Time for the boys vs girls battle. Payson shows up to interrupt Kaylie’s pep talk with her own (and let’s be honest, it comes out better from her). The girls do a lame chair and then Austin comes over to wish them luck and say no one should get injured. The competition reminds me why I dislike men’s gymnastics. The routines are more boring. There is something hysterical about watching the guys do the girls’ apparatuses. It just looks goofy. (Of course, in a way it highlights the things that look marginally goofy when the girls do it but is expected anyway. All that finger-flicking choreography.) Lots of corny commentating by Sasha (where did hardass Sasha go? I kind of miss him.)

Steve apologizes to Chloe. She dressed up because she was excited and wanted to make sure he wasn’t embarrassed. She says she’s honest and what you see is what you get and he understands that the real reason they are keeping their relationship secret is because he isn’t serious.

I’m not sure how it is helpful to have gymnasts waste their time training on apparatuses they will never compete in but I suppose it might help strength training for the girls and fluidity and artistry for the boys. Kaylie being able to do the guys’ full tumbling runs is impressive. Lauren is glad that she and Emily won’t have to suffer through family dinners. (Lauren, did you learn nothing?) The results are in, and the winners are…the men. Steve interrupts the celebrations to announce that he and Chloe are dating. Oh well Lauren. More applause as they kiss. Sasha admits to summer that people’s types do change.

Austin insists that Kaylie shake his hand. Kaylie says she’s a founding member of the gym and she’s risked a lot for it. Austin admits that he came to get inspiration from the Rock girls. They’re passionate and determined and fearless and he could use that. He offers a compromise. And then gets picked up by a hot girl.

Lauren wants to hang out with Emily and Payson but Kaylie invited them over to commiserate with ice cream. Lauren pretends to have plans with Carter but she watches them pile into Kaylie’s car. Despite all, I actually feel bad for her a little. (Again, good job Scerbo.)

SYTYCD: Top “6”

With yet another injury tonight, you have to wonder if perhaps the contestants this season are being pushed too hard too fast. The downside of there being only eleven competitors is that perhaps they do more per show than in previous season or maybe the pressure…whatever the reason, this is just getting ridiculous. This time it’s Billy Bell, sidelined with an injury though it sounds like he may be all right by next week so no guarantees about who will be sent home. Nigel says they will be bringing someone in to try to do some injury prevention.

Cat Deeley’s got a nice simple ponytail but what is with the dress? It sort of looks like someone just draped tissue paper over her.

The first routine of the night is a Nappy Tab hip hop routine with Twitch and Lauren and while I was not in love with the choreography, I was impressed with Lauren. I didn’t feel like she was outshined by Twitch at all. Adam thinks she tore it up. Hot hot hot. (Anyone else wondering what Mia’s long earrings are? So weird.) Mia thinks she’s completely letting go and should. Kenny (of HSM) thinks SYTYCD changes dance each season. The praise is unanimous. Lauren has enough energy to power LA. Nasty buck.

Jose and Allison get a Sonya Tayeh contemporary. It is much more loving than her usual stuff. One interesting thing about this is that the dance takes place at the edge of the stage. Jose point your damn toes! Notice the walk away that ends 95% of routines? Adam compliments Sonya’s concept and Jose’s immersion in the character and partnering. Less conventional dancing though, making it hard to critique. Mia agrees but it was smart because she gave him pedestrian contemporary (human gestures rather than a technical place) but he didn’t grow much. Kenny thinks the all stars elevate the competitors. Jose gets mucho compliments on his partnering. Sonya covered up his weaknesses. More toe pointing please. Agreed Nigel!

Robert and Lauren are paired for a Tyce Diorio Jazz about seduction. Ir’s one of Tyce’s better ones. Adam dubs it smokin. “Rob” is so good. But watch your hands. Agreement that Robert’s dancing was really showcased here.

Adechike has his solo, which starts out eh, has a cool jump-turn sequence and then eh.

Kent and Kathryn are paired for a Jazz with Sonya. (Two Sonyas in one week! Best week ever.) Kent was great but it was hard not to watch Kathryn here. Adam says he made the show more special. Mia thinks his face gets a little funny (corny). Kenny thinks Kent is the guy to beat.

Robert‘s solo is strong but I didn’t feel an emotional element.

Lauren‘s solo is my favorite so far.

Adechike and Comfort are paired for a hip hop routine with Nappy Tabs. Interestingly, this routine really showcased how Comfort has grown as a dancer (she used to be only so so at partnering and emotion but she’s really gotten better). Adam felt like he was watching a movie. Adechike is actually crying. Adechike did well but I think Lauren and Alex did better at hip hop. Mia said it felt more real than any contemporary routine. Nigel says it was the epitome of an honest rendition.

Jose‘s solo definitely showed his happy go lucky personality but the actual dancing was no the strongest breaking we’ve seen.

Kent‘s solo while a little frenetic was very solid.

Lauren and Robert are partnered together for a samba with Dmitry Chaplin. Not the best routine of the night but not bad. Adam wants a t-shirt that says you shot me with your but. Robert’s lines were clean and partnering strong. Lauren’s retractions and footwork are so strong. Mia felt that Robert looked like a Samba dancer. However, Lauren’s hips and butt were great but she’s in plie a lot giving some heaviness to her dancing. More tssst. Robert’s upper body reminded Nigel of Dmitry. Lauren has shaken everything that is possible to shake.

Adechike and Jose are paired for a pasedoble (Legacy is assisting) and it’s matador versus matador. Again from Dmitry. Some of the partnering stunts came off a little awkward but it was kind of cool for a style I’ve never loved. Adechike does a weird thing where he holds his head too far forward. Adam’s impressed with their commitment. Jose needs to stretch his body more. Adechike needed more abandon. Mia thought they did okay (but was aesthetically gorgeous). Both had technique issues. They didn’t quite fill the space but good attempt. Valiant effort but needs more carriage.

Kent gets a step routine and gets Billy who is injured and thus replaced by Twitch. Choreographer Chuck Maldanado. I’ve done step, it isn’t easy. The biggest problem I had with this routine is that the cool thing about step is the noises it makes and with two people and the music so loud, you couldn’t actually hear any of it. Adam thanks the producers for introducing new styles. And he thinks Kent killed it but I think he made some funny faces. Mia had no idea he had that in him. Great chemistry.

Random thought, but I love seeing the old contestants and all stars who aren’t competing sit in the audience. It’s just so cute.

Make It Or Break It: All or Nothing

Lauren’s practicing her French, which her dad does not follow. She’s still upset because she’s only an alternate. What I want to know is who was originally supposed to be an alternate.

Meanwhile Chloe wants Emily to go see Damon while in France but Emily is afraid to upset Ellen and lose her scholarship. Fair enough I suppose.

Kaylie is still upset with Lauren who pretends that Kaylie is just stuck up. Steve wants her to forget about friends and focus on her gymnastics because she couldn’t even beat Emily. And with that awesome father-daughter pep talk, he goes to chat up Rock parents. He invites them over to his place for a little get together. He wants it “on the down low” so that only the A listers know about it.

Kaylie puts her bag on the seat next to her to ensure that Lauren can’t sit beside her, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to talk. She apologizes for blurting out the truth about her relationship with Carter. Kaylie is just relieved that she can focus on the Olympics. So Lauren informs her that they’re having sex. Kaylie has Emily sit next to her. Lauren brings up where Damon will be and she and Kaylie argue over whether you can have gymnastics and a boyfriend.

Sasha tries to persuade Payson to postpone, but she cuts him off. Payson didn’t didn’t know about the Carter stuff but Kaylie doesn’t want to talk about it. She wants to stay focused. She does manage to take a dig at Lauren for being just an ultimate.

The girls arrive in at the hotel and people come to get Kaylie’s autograph. They don’t want Lauren’s though. Guess who else is there? Austin Tucker, gold medalist who parties and treats gymnastics like a joke. Best part…Kaylie goes to say hi and he has no idea who she is. A little bruise to her ego. (Remember, in MIOBI world, the gymnasts are followed by paparazzi and rabid fans all around the world. I dare you to name six members on the US team without looking them up.)

Ellen Beals welcomes the girls and informs them that they can do nothing but sit in their rooms until practice and competition. Practice is in the morning. By the way, Marty is on leave of absense pending committee review. Beals will be supervising practice. Talk about control freak.

Kim is wondering why everyone is busy when she invited them over for a viewing party. Summer suggests she run to be president of the parent’s board. Kim hates the politics of it. Alex isn’t running again though.

The girls hanging out. Kaylie is upset that Austin didn’t know her. Lauren suggests going to see Damon and Emily feigns indifference. Emily’s just upset to be stuck inside. Lauren proceeds to try and make her nervous that he’s hooking up with other girls.

Chloe and Steve decide that they should keep their relationship secret because he wants her support to look genuine not because of their relationship. Playing the politics comes with the territory. Secret alliance of insiders. Because they haven’t been super obvious already. (It’s all Steve’s idea, naturally.)

Austin figures out that Kaylie is one of the Rock Rebels and he thinks that’s very cool. He invites her to a party because rules are for people with no self discipline, but she turns him down.

Practice time. Lauren tries to worm her way into competition, but she is told that she will only compete if someone gets injured or breaks the rules. Ellen Beals also informs Kaylie that she should lose some weight to make her tricks easier. Payson discovers that a double pike is now required and she’s clearly not prepared. Lauren taunts Emily more. After all, Damon thinks Emily blew him off.

For no reason whatsoever, we have a scene of the girls eating, largely to have Nastia come in and say “stay focused and work hard, that’s how I won my gold medal.” Lauren tries to point out that the love and support of a boyfriend might make you do better. Emily realizes that having Damon made it easier for her. Emily doesn’t understand why she can’t do both. She could easily get there and back. Lauren convinces her that she needs closure with Damon. Kaylie gives in because she thinks it will help.

Lauren buys the tickets for Emily and immediately hides the return ticket. (And Emily being Emily, she’s smart enough not to check before she leaves.) Kaylie is suspicious but can’t figure out what is going on.

Emily finds Damon rehearsing. He conveniently happens to be in the one place she checked. Emily is all proud of him. She didn’t want to say goodbye but they have to. She has to be committed until the Olympics. He can be there for her and support her! She wants him to have his dream come true and she can’t ruin that. They have to say goodbye. (This is actually a pretty mature decision, making it the only adult thing she’s ever done well. Which she promptly ruins by making him initiate the goodbyes.)

Payson comes up after practicing late. She doesn’t seem upbeat. And she’s upset that Emily went to Paris. She lectures about all the things that could go wrong and get Emily suspended.

Emily is informed that her ticket is one way. But Emily went without making sure she had the ticket for the way back AND without making sure she had money. Just full of good ideas.

Ellen comes to check on the girls and they cover for her by turning on the shower.

Emily tries to raise money by doing gymnastics moves for the public. This is probably at least a little dangerous considering the floor it’s on. If she does anything wrong…And naturally, Austin Tucker is there. She asks him for money for a ticket and he says yes on the condition that she does a full twist. Not like she has a choice. He was in Paris for the Green Day concert. He says Damon was awesome but was intense and talking about some chick named Emily. He says living life makes his gymnastics better but she’s sure she did the right thing. At the hotel, they wait for the elevator and he tricks her into a hug when guess who is there…The Devil (aka Beals).

Kaylie gives Payson a pep talk before her petition. And also, Emily will not be competing. Lauren will be replacing her. Sad expressions exchanged and then Emily is alone to bash the locker room to bits (oh wait, that’s later, but on the upside, Damon comes to comfort her).

Payson does her routine on bars and looks fine but we don’t see her other routines so there’s no telling how it actually went.

Steve shmoozes the parents about having someone heading the parent’s committee who will make sure the coach favors their girls’ chances of making the Olympic team. Chloe can’t seem to act like a guest but Steve insists she relax. The meet begins and they see that Lauren, not Emily is competing. Nastia is the one to announce the news. Steve tells her not to worry, it’s probably a minor injury.

Beals thanks Lauren for tipping her off about Emily. Lauren claims she was worried about her. Lauren points out that Emily might not be capable of sticking to the rules. It’s the way she was raised.

Beals gives them a speech and then they wonder about when Payson will find out. After the competition. Kaylie seems to suspect something, interesting how Lauren got in. Lauren says it hurts that Kaylie thinks so little of her (as though it isn’t true…) and today she will prove that first place and boyfriends are not mutually exclusive. They may be competing as a team but Lauren intends to beat her in the all around.

Emily and Damon discuss why they said goodbye, neither of them wanted it. Emily muses about quitting because her dream involves too much rules, training, and sacrifices and then getting benched for nothing. Basically, she a little bit upset that she didn’t do what Sasha suggested and take control of her career. Damon points out that she chooses to do gymnastics, that’s a choice. It will all be worth it. He has an idea. In two years, they meet up in Paris after the Olympics. And then decide on their future. Date? Yeah. This is not goodbye.

Kaylie and Lauren are going neck and neck for the all around gold. Something seems to be fueling them. Nastia, you were a great gymnast but you are not much of a commentator.

Chloe learns that Emily is not hurt and Kim comes in (to get some signatures for Lauren) and discovers the party she wasn’t invited to. Chloe and Steve play dumb. Kim doesn’t fall for it. Steve explains that it is for parents who have a stake. She doesn’t have money or a daughter who is number one. Kim says Payson is coming back and she’ll be petitioned onto the team and she’ll run for president of the parent board. Before she can leave, it is announced that Payson’s petition has been denied. Chloe tells Steve the party sucks.

PS- who else loves the sound effects they make when they perform?

Kaylie tells Lauren that all the crap she’s done to her has made her a better gymnast. Lauren maintains that she was better. And the winner is…Kaylie. Lauren came in third. Ellen actually gives Lauren a comforting pat. Kaylie gloats “you’ve gotta be used to looking up by now.”

Beals and some woman talk about how Payson was unprepared and how Beals “begged her to delay but Sasha pushed her.” If someone doesn’t stop him he’ll ruin the girls’ careers.

US came in second in the meet. Beals tells Emily they could have won the gold if not for her.

Payson cries in the stairwell and her mom calls but she ignores it.

The girls return to the Rock. Kim and Sasha discuss needing to be there for her.

We close on a song about being able to fall and still break free while seeing a closeup of a sign that says “Hey Kids! Be an Olympic Champ! It’s Fun! Fun! Fun! (I might argue that this is the most poignant thing the show has ever done, sort of like in Making the Band why they played Damaged in the background when Danity Kane broke up.)

Some Blogs to Check Out

I know this isn’t something I normally do, but I thought I’d recommend a couple good blogs:

1. mom2naddict.wordpress.com- about a mother dealing with her daughter’s addiction
2. coldopening.blogspot.com- about screenplay writing

Any blogs you would recommend?

Make It or Break It: Friends Close, Enemies Closer

The Rock Rebels are treated a photoshoot that has them sporting fake tattoos, fake leather leos, fancy make up, and fluffed up hair (and fakely dyed hair). Meanwhile Payson works on her vault and can’t quite seem to get it though she remains upbeat. She intends to win worlds this year. Kim is back at the Rock, co-managing with Summer. I love how the girls are talking through the photoshoot as though that would ever fly. Lauren is still upset that Emily beat her in the China meet. Kim is concerned because they haven’t heard from the committee about France. Summer is confident in Sasha’s assertion that they’re going but Kim thinks the NGO can be vengeful. And what about Damon. She’s pretending to forget about him. And then in comes Carter and Kaylie is wondering why he never called. They pull Sasha into a picture and cue Ellen Beals’s entrance. Sasha is all smug and Beals reveals that they are suspended frmo the national team until further notice. (Somehow Payson is with them now and they’re pretending this decision impacts her in any way.) She says they’ve breached their contracts. The girls panic and Sasha says they’re trying to make the girls sweat. They want to intimidate them into submission. Call their bluff! Just don’t panic. They all agree to stand together. What about Emily’s scholarship? Sasha wants to find her independent scholarship. Payson insists on trusting Sasha. She intends to petition onto the National team. Lauren is jealous of Kaylie for getting more solo pictures but she intends to beat her. Kaylie doesn’t always get everything.

Emily, Kaylie, and Lauren discuss Payson’s likelihood of being petitioned onto the team. She’s lost some skills. Lauren wonders if Kaylie is worried about Payson beating her next year or if Emily is worried about Payson taking her spot on the team (let’s pretend that they only allow 12 people on the team and would kick someone off just to add someone else because that is definitively not the way it works). Kaylie is actually wondering about Carter and why he didn’t call her back.

Emily gives her mom a beat down about taking money from Steve and not having his respect. Emily’s scholarship was half their income. She make her mom promise not to take his money.

Kaylie shows up at the Shack to confront Carter. He tells her it is too late. He’ll always love her but they’re better as just friends. Is there something he’s not telling her? It’s over Kay, which is probably for the better…She goes to the bathroom and in comes Lauren wearing a trench coat over just her bra and underwear. He told her Kaylie’s here and he told her it’s over but not that he’s “sleeping with Lauren.” (Red flag.) He says Kaylie isn’t her best friend if she’s lying to her and then sends her out with the garbage. Lauren comes in through the front door and comforts Kaylie. In comes Emily and she and Lauren spar about their dating parents.

Emily and Steve go on a date and Chloe is concerned about the expensive restaurant. He offers to help her out. She turns it down. (PS who else thinks it is so screwed up for the family to be relying on Emily’s scholarship. That means until a few months ago, they were living off what?) Chloe does want to know if it’s true the girls are suspended. Steve has not heard about this yet.

Payson is still having problems with her vault when Sasha spots her. He tells her she isn’t ready for worlds. She says she competed against China of course she’s ready but the truth is, she did a non-routine for China and she should know better. Sasha reveals that she’s grown due to lack of training. He says she has to make some adjustments but it can be dealt with. She intends to show him he’s wrong. Right…so much for Sasha always being right.

At home Payson ices her knee and her hands are bleeding. In comes Kim to talk to her and Payson conveniently forgets that it is not impossible to be a good gymnast and be tall (just harder). Remember Svetlana Khorkina? Payson wants to shut down her body’s growth. Kim thinks that isn’t natural. Payson needs her mother’s faith.

Lauren and Carter in bed together. Carter lives in a one bedroom apartment with four guys. Carter doesn’t want to label their relationship. Hmm, red flag much? Lauren was there for him, that’s why he chose her. He says she’s overly competitive off the mats. Maybe because everything isn’t easy for her like it is for Kaylie but she has him, which Kaylie doesn’t. Then Lauren picks him over Kaylie. She will tell her after France. She doesn’t want to travel all that way with Kaylie hating her, but Carter decides to tell Kaylie himself.

Payson does more vault. It’s better but not perfect. In comes Steve demanding to talk. Steve thinks this is about Sasha’s ego. Kaylie says all that matters is what they think. Payson says Sasha isn’t always right. Now she encourages the girls to go against him. Kaylie says they have time to play it out and not panic.

They discover that there was a national team practice without them. Panic time. And again Payson is there giving input that is irrelevant since nothing affects her. They decide to go to Ellen Beals because at the end of the day, the road to the Olympic team goes through Ellen not Sasha. They vote on it (and again Payson votes).

With Ellen now. Lauren says maybe Sasha led them astray. Ellen does point out that Payson didn’t violate any rules because she isn’t on the national team. Ellen asks them to pledge their allegiance to the NGO. Lauren does readily. Kaylie, a little more hesitantly. Emily even more hesitantly. Ellen says they can trust her, she knows what it’s like to be in their shoes. She was a gymnasts who followed all the rules and worked harder than anyone but still she didn’t make the olympic team. But now she can make other girls’ dreams come true. What about France? She’ll speak to the committee. But Emily’s scholarship is gone. Payson waits until they leave to talk about her petition. She’s only been back training for a few weeks and she only gets one chance but she insists she’s ready despite Sasha’s concerns.

The girls feel like they’ve played practice. He tells them the practice was to make the girls panic. He expedites Emily’s passport (I’m not sure a non-family member could do that). Beals arrives to inform them that their suspension is lifted and Kaylie and Emily will be going to France (Kelly sprained her wrist and won’t be going). Lauren is furious and of course reveals that she was the one who convinced them to crawl back to the NGO. Payson will come to France to perform before the committee for her petition. Kaylie apologizes to Sasha and he says there’s nothing to apologize for. They’re going to France which was the whole point. Steve gloats about the girls’ lack of trust and Lauren tells him to find a way to get her to France.

Sasha stops Payson to tell her to delay her petition because she gets only one shot. She’s got two weeks and insists she will be ready. (So much for intelligence Payson, stop acting like a petulant child.) Sasha thinks Ellen Beals wants to control them and would willingly kill their dreams if they don’t further her own goals. That’s the sport, fair or not.

Lauren is upset about not going to France. Kaylie points out that Lauren went to China not them. And then she finds out that the cover shot is only Kaylie not all of them. Lauren is pissed and so of course she reveals that she got Carter. That’s a good plan Lauren. “Someone finally picked me.” And that’s the real truth behind her feelings, of course. Her mother abandoned her and her father is dating women instead of indulging her…

Emily comes to tell her mother about France and Chloe suggests she might see Damon because he’ll be in Europe (Europe is a tiny continent and you easily run into people there all the time.) But France means Emily will miss a week of work. Well, they’ll find a way to deal with it.

Steve meets Ellen pre-date with Chloe to find a way to get Lauren on the team. Ellen wants Sasha out of gymnastics. They have a chance of creating the best US team ever. Obedience and respect for authority is what makes a good gymnast. Lauren can go as an alternate. Though Emily’s scholarship can’t be reinstated, he will pay for an anonymous one. He also asks if she’d been bluffing and her smile says she was. Then she calls Emily and pretends that she organized a private scholarship fund to pay for everything so she won’t even have to work at the Shack anymore. She finds Damon’s tour schedule and sees that he’ll be in France. The meet is pretty close. (And then a montage about a couple I could care less for.)

So You Think You Can Dance- Top “7”

So while we’re all still reeling from the news of Alex Wong’s injury(he has had surgery and I hear he will be eligible for next season), we learn that yet another dancer has succumbed to injury. Ashley will not be competing this week, automatically putting her in the bottom 3 for the week. I doubt the judges will eliminate her, unless she won’t be healed in time to perform next week. (On the upside, Allison is back again so at least not everyone is sidelined!)

Lauren and Mark pair up first for a Tahetian routine. Mia compared it to a duck in heat. Lauren did a good job but like the Russian folk dancing, it just doesn’t really work for me. There’s not enough variety to the style of dance to watch it multiple times (though that could just be the choreographer). I will say though, I was not as impressed with Mark as I am normally (though he does look so much more filled out that when he competed).

AdeChike and Anya get a salsa which again plays on Adechike’s personality. Not even Anya looked that great in this routine. There was a pretty cool move with her sliding down his back but it started out a bit awkward. The judges think that they got through it (“pulled it off”) but he didn’t quite get it (Mia said it looked like a couple more hours of rehearsal would’ve smoothed it out). Mia must have learned from last week when she gave him a mean review because though she critiqued him she was super nice anyway. Adechike thought this would put him in bottom three and honestly I agree just because everyone else is even better and there are too few contestants to choose from.

Jose and Courtney get a Broadway routine, choreographed by Joey Dowling. It’s about a stagehand who is mesmerized by a stage girl but is all but ignored throughout. For the first time this season, the judges critique Jose, saying his lack of technique became clear because the routine took away his personality (no smile basically). During the critique, I was reminded why I love having the all stars on stage. Courtney steps up to give Jose a bit of support when he’s clearly sad about his hard feedback, saying he’s a hard worker and so passionate about dance. (Mia looked like she was going to cry saying anything negative and resorted to not looking at him as she spoke.)

Next comes Robert and Allison with a Travis wall contemporary about his mother who was really sick recently. This one will go up as one of the better, more emotional routines of the season and the judges expect it to get a nomination. (He makes me wish more SYTYCD contestants would return as a choreographer.) The only thing lacking for me was that there was more emotion coming from Lauren than Robert (which is surprising because this hits home for Robert). Afterward you could see how emotional he was and the judges gave it a standing ovation. Even Nigel, which is rare. Nigel says they don’t understand why people aren’t voting for him but what he fails to realize is that once you get down to such a small number, the audience’s mind is 95% made up about who they like. They already have their favorites. It’s not really about not liking him so much as liking someone else. Mia started to cry and said this is the “Mia cry of the season” but let’s be honest, Mia is something of a crybaby this season. (Her Heaven piece last week was awesome though.)

Anya and Billy get a jive. Anya is busy this week. The judges are a bit in disagreement as Nigel think Billy needs to “get down” more while Mia likes how ingrained his pulled up, regal training is. Adam says it’s one of his favorite performances of Billy because he was “so in charge.”

Kent and Neil got a Tyce routine about baseball and for once I like a Tyce routine (it’s been a while). Mostly it’s a lot of big tricks and Kent really shines here. (In part because big smiles and expression works with this routine.)

Now for the partnering of the contestants.

Lauren and Billy are together for a Mandy Moore jazz about two shoes that meet up and can’t help but boogie. I enjoyed the piece as something fun but as with all Mandy Moore piece of late this was good but nothing fascinating. The thing about Billy is there’s just something a little bit…funny about him. I can’t quite put my finger on it though. Adam liked that Billy finally got lost in the dance. He also said Lauren’s up there. I can’t imagine her going anywhere anytime soon.

Anyone else finding Jose’s gold star suspicious. Conveniently getting Dominick to allow him to make up for his lackluster earlier dance. But, it’s also cool to have a breakdancing routine, done by the two b-boys Jose and Dominick. Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed this one (Legacy assisted). We’re also informed that Dominick and Jose have different styles–Dominick is more in the air and Jose’s is more on the ground. The truth is that Dominick easily outdanced Jose (who really needs to work on speed and air) because his moves are bigger, faster, and more exciting. That being said, it was a pretty awesome routine and Nappy-Tabs continue to be awesome. (I don’t buy Jose pulling out the sword over Dominick though. Not that the prop was necessary really.) Nigel says he redeemed himself which is sort of true and sort of not. True, none of the others could do what he did (because breaking is something that takes more than a week to perfect and thus is not done usually on the show, just as tap isn’t), but also true his all star showed him up. Mia does at least give him a bit of critique about needing to work on his strength and tightening. I’m loving the boy partner routines but I’m wondering if we will ever see girl partners.

Yet another boy pairing with Adechike and Kent for contemporary routine by Dee Kaspery (Kent is really lucking out with the styles he’s been getting). Adeshike has a couple particularly high and awesome leaps here. As does Kent. This routine really showed off both guys. Nigel thinks Kent can be champion (now that Alex is gone). Kent “underplayed” it. Mia thought the combined strength and vulnerability of the two dancers was an excellent marriage. Mia was praying for a good week for Adechike and it was.

Kathryn stepped in to replace Ashley. Kathryn and Robert dance disco. I’m not even remotely sad to have Kathryn perform though this wasn’t her greatest strength, there was something slightly awkward about them at times. Mia didn’t think he was masculine enough but Nigel disagrees and Adam thinks he sold fun.

If I could choose the bottom two (along with Ashley) it would be Adechike and Jose with Jose going home.

The Office

Everyone said this show was funny. My family kept quoting it (and the quotes sounded funny) but every time I tried to watch, I couldn’t get into it. Whenever I said that to a fan of the show, they always responded “it gets better.” Which begs the question, how did it get picked up for a second season if season one was so awful? I’ve never been a fan of mockumentary style and the office was particularly painful for its lack of background music (and ridiculous number of silent pauses), so it really was a challenge. Plus, Michael may have been intended to be a ridiculous character, but many of his antics hit too close to home as far as awful bosses go. But I was determined to try, at least long enough to fairly say I’d given it a chance. And by the time it came to the middle of season two, I did find myself enjoying, despite the long and slow start. And in just a week or two, I’ve caught up on all six seasons.

Ultimately, the show goes from a comedy with characters who are more caricature than complex person to fully rounded, well-developed individuals. I only with I had someone in my life who could be teased the way they teased Dwight. (I actually do have a friend who used to get coasters thrown at her quite a bit, but she wasn’t crazy the way Dwight is.) And the relationship between Pam and Jim was extremely well-developed. I just regret the deterioration of Dwight and Angela’s relationship.

Over time, even Michael grew on me (though the awful way he treated Toby always rubbed me the wrong way). I think it was the development of his relationship with Holly that really did it. With Jan he was just pathetic but with Holly, it was actually a kind of sweet side. Now that he plans to leave, what will happen to the show? I can’t imagine not having him there (what, will the office actually function?). And while for EW the biggest mystery of the moment is who will replace him as regional manager, I have an altogether different mystery that remains unsolved:

How is it that the Scranton branch was the most successfully run branch when it is the most dysfunctional one of them all?!?