The judges' commentary on that Mandy Moore routine was absolutely brutal - I was hoping *someone* would throw her a bone, and Kent earned a point in my book when he thanked her.

I can only assume that they get their ducks in a row before the actual broadcast. I'm not saying that to be a dink, I just feel that they are well-aware of the time constraints - just before one commercial Cat was telling Laruen (I think) that she had "three minutes" to such-and-such.

Janelle Monae was terrific - she definitely put Christian TV to shame with that performance.

Nope, no Jose. That must be why it was so good!

I actually really enjoyed Boogie Shoes. Sure it was relatively simple, but it was danced well and Lauren & Billy were clearly enjoying themselves.

This could have been a much stronger routine if Twitch had been paired with someone more masculine… like Comfort.

I was rooting for fellow-Vancouverite Alex to take this season, but Lauren has won me over as well.

Bourne, I didn't think of this either until I read your post - I could be wrong, but wasn't Alex promised a spot in Vegas last week because of his injury? If that's the case then why not Ashley? I've only been watching since S5, is there a precedent for this?

Last night's Alex/Twitch routine and reaction proved that it *is* possible to have terrific same-sex routines - not just in the finale. Who would've thought that two dudes (performing a NappyTabs routine, no less) would provoke the first Honky Chills of the season?

10 < 12
So why are there only 10 finalists versus 12 All-Stars? Other than the fact that pairings will be mixed up every week is there any more detail as to this season's format?

Their critique was fair insofar as what they want out of their male dancers, but the unnecessary homophobic digs (esp. Nigel's comment that he'd succeed as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader) were particularly douche-y.

The comments in this thread singing the show's praises ring true for me as well. SYTYCD is streets ahead of Dancing With The Stars, which I refuse to watch.

viewdrix, you've captured my thoughts perfectly. I was very concerned with the show's direction when they came back from hiatus, but I've come back around. Agreed that overall, this was the best episode of the series to date.

I Watched This On Purpose (TM), and I'll continue to watch and read as long as it maintains its current level of terribleness.

Last night's episode of Glee was very disappointing. Too much of what made the show popular in the first place is NOT a good thing, as it turns out.

Ryan & Ashleigh
Ryan's initial plea on Ashleigh's behalf after his solo was very heartfelt and moving… and then he once again stumbled into the Cheese Zone with his (not his exact words) "I love you so much, babe!" I think he just can't help himself.

murse, I agree 100%.

That's right, Laurie Ann Gibson is her name, and tough love is her game.

I'm back too… there's been what, seven weeks of auditions less than a month after Season 5 wrapped up? Too long, Nigel!

Where was Wade?
How hard would it have been to wheel out some stairs for the jewel thieves routine? I was really disappointed in tonight's lack of Wade - yesterday's cheerleader routine was by far his most pedestrian work of the season. Not bad, mind you, just… safe. The only thing that could've have possibly offended…