Kaiju Ballet

Thank you for this. I've been processing the episode and had difficulty finding the words and clarity to get through all the emotions that were dredged up. I've been in Kellee's shoes, and what hurt worse --still to this day--was feeling betrayed by the very women I thought would be supportive. While they said all the right things publicly, what was said behind closed doors (in a work version of Tribal Council) was completely the opposite. I was appalled by what Aaron said, and despite not having been a fan of Jamal's, I was really impressed by the fact that he spoke up, knowing full well that by doing so he was cementing his being sent home. Was it only days earlier that Tommy and Lauren were trying to put the target on Dan based on hearing what Missy and Elizabeth were saying (and demonstrating) about his gross behavior? Elizabeth's pandering to Dan about wanting him to sleep in the same area made me throw up a little. Watching this play out with what they did to Janet was unbelievable. I would have as well. Kellee was still visibly affected by talking with the producer and the talk she had with Missy. It's one thing to want to believe that your emotions can be separate from your gameplay, and it's another to still assume basic human decency even in a game that stresses deception. I hope Ponderosa provided some kind of counseling for Kellee, especially after that last tribal. Janet FTW. And congrats show. You found a way to have me rooting for Noura or Karishma to win if Janet can't.

This episode rocked. Sure, you had to overlook the sheer silliness of the rundown looking diner not only getting an order for, but able to produce, upscale catering like it was a quickfire challenge...or nobody noticing George brandishing a large, shiny knife like its a handbag as she wanders through the party...or even the fact that it's Bess who tells Nancy to be a detective break into George's locker to see if the mirror is there....but any episode with George's mom and siblings is a big win in my book. ITA that the actress playing George killed it. I loved the little touches of her being "George", like when she brushed off Nancy's awkward attempt to place a supportive hand on George's knee. I was worried in the first episodes that George's perpetual bad mood heralded a one-note character, but this episode blew all of that out of the water. Now I want to see more of her story! She still has that bucket of blood year to get through! Love, love, love the "ritual" and actually any scene with George's mother. If this show is full-on supernatural, then I hope we'll see more of her. 'A married man? How could you be with a married man?" "I dunno...genetics?" For some reason, the antagonism that George has towards her mother is interesting/entertaining, whereas the way Nancy treated her dad...not so much. Maybe because her mom gives as good as she gets and then some, while Carson Drew/Scott Wolf is just so....bland. George looked amazing in the red dress, and Bess/Driver Girl are too cute together. Owen is....easy on the eyes. Nancy was way too relaxed minutes after having a corpse hand reach up out of the ground and grab her. Nancy is also officially the worst cater-waiter in the world.

Glad Kellee didn’t end up going home with the idol in her pocket, although she definitely has nerves of steel! The faces she made at Tribal were convincing, and I, too, forgot about Jamal’s idol. I was hoping that he would go home for sure. If nothing else, she’s now the player I'm rooting for. I did feel a bit of glee watching Karishma’s face once Dean pulled out the idol, and the votes were read. So much for her smugness as she held up her vote! I’m glad we had the focus on Janet, and there was no coercion from R & S. Really funny (and smart) for her to flash everyone to prove she didn’t have an idol. And hahaha, everyone’s onto “Feely Dan”—kudos to the poster who coined that name! It was hysterical watching people bond over his squicky behavior. Glad it's not going unnoticed (and that we've gotten some followup to that early episode)

What bugs me is that the actor playing NedNick seems to be younger than the one playing Nancy....much, much younger. So while I'm ok with a bootycallin' Nancy, that scene with that particular actor was squicky to me. And likewise the scenes with their building a relationship....is he even old enough to drive? And OMG --thank you all -- I didn't recognize the psychic as Pamela Sue Martin! I watched her as Nancy Drew! Not a fan of Scott Wolf or whatever his name is. I didn't see whatever show's his claim to fame, but I can't tell if it's his acting or what someone upthread perfectly pointed out is his baby face, he just doesn't come off as a believable dad of a traumatized teen girl to me. When he's interacting with Nancy, they seem to be on two different shows. I was happy to see Adam Beach's name in the credits....not so when I saw the one-note character. I'm intrigued--so far--with the changes they've made. I love the fact that George is Asian, has an edge, is the daughter of someone with substance abuse issues (and seemingly displays the characteristics of someone having to grow up with that). Bess is intriguing too. I think the actress playing Nancy is doing fine with what she has to work with. I'm just hoping that the angsty relationship with the dad isn't dragged out much longer, or the total loser vibe. Get her grief counseling or hey, tackle the issue of teen depression! Give us a reason to root for her, other than she has a recognizable name! ITA with the fact that they missed an opportunity to explore the built in potential for a transgender character with George. But then again, when they first introduced "Ace" I was wondering if he was meant to be the Jughead character that didn't happen on Riverdale, including being...ace. I'll keep watching for now, but I may also bail if it gets too much like American Horror Story. (Because then I might as well just watch AHS)

What I loathe is the mauve/pink lavender lipstick they spackle onto men's lips at times. It's the combination of the color and texture that's off-putting, especially if more than one male actor is sporting it in the same movie. (Are they using the same stick?) Thanks for those pix--what dramatic contrasts! This made me LOL. I am twelve. That bugged me too in OTMIL. I'd already had to go "well, ok...." to Miranda Frigon's character being a powerful woman who decides -- within seconds of spotting Wes Brown across the room--- to essentially blackmail/bribe Jessica Lowndes' character into setting them up as a match. I get the whole needing to be coached on what to do or say, but to casually wave aside any preexisting lifestyle choice just because she's on a first date? I totally agree that could've been dealt with by a simple line about ordering something else instead--that would also have served to highlight their differences even more, especially with the contrast in what's served. Despite that, it was a surprisingly decent movie from someone not known for their screenplays. I've not liked how Jessica Lowndes has done line readings in, well, all her other movies, but she seems to have constructed a script that fits her speech patterns, so she came off as a lot more fluid and natural. And wow, she can sing! She and Wes Brown had a really easygoing chemistry, and that duet was a lovely way to end. Plus...."That band's like Christina Aguilera crossed with Depeche Mode!" had me cackling. Totally petty note--her wardrobe was not flattering. It's a bad sign when people who work in a vineyard dress better than someone who has set up Hollywood A listers. :P

I liked Ricky Duran (pimp-spotted 4 chair turn, standing ovation) but really surprised he went with Blake. Did he give a reason, other than referencing Blake's almost half-hearted pitch? When Blake was saying it, I thought he was pretty much conceding that he didn't have much of a chance. Really surprised at the one-chair turns tonight. I amused myself with imagining the singers thinking "at least you're not Adam." Kelly was relatively restrained tonight. She makes really good comments when she's in this mode. Does anyone know how long the coaches make their pitches for during the auditions? Or how long they talk to the ones that none of the coaches turned for? I'd love to hear more substantial comments such as "you picked the wrong song (and why it was the wrong song)" over apologies that nobody turned. I liked the guy who auditioned as a gift for his girlfriend, the sweet tone of Dairy Farmer girl, and "Riptide" from Flint Michigan.

I hadn't thought of it before, but I think you're absolutely right. That's why Love Island worked, even with cast members demonstrating varying abilities with accents. At the end of the day, it was less about the impression, and more about --as you perfectly phrased it -- the characters within the impressions. Even Chloe impressed last week, with her Marianne Williamson. Didn't matter if it hit the mark as an impression, the character she created was hysterical. I'm sorry to hear that she's being dragged on social media--but why? As for other characters who aren't really great impressions--I did not miss Alec Baldwin this week.

I was shocked to see Melissa Villasenor as a cast member – is this her first season out of the featured player pen? Because if so, it’s weird that this is the second episode in the row that she’s not on. Pete’s not going anywhere – when he’s on, he can be really good. And even when he’s not there, he serves as a punchline, as in the WU bit about the person who couldn’t find his car at a music festival even after a week. But I only can think of Melissa’s Owen Wilson impersonation, Lady Gaga and maybe Arya Stark as sort-of stand-out moments for her, and they’re usually in sketches with other people doing impersonations equally as well. I know she’s been in other sketches, but she hasn’t stood out like say, Heidi Gardner when she was a featured player. I didn’t get the Ferris Bueller references/ hangs head in shame. And it wasn’t until reading the posts here and elsewhere that I understood the clown makeup on Rudy as a reference to the new Joker movie. But SNL has managed to make me laugh before even when I wasn’t familiar with the referenced material (e.g., the parody of Us last season). These types of jokes work best when they stir up something relatable, other than a recognition of the current pop culture moment. Which brings me to the TV news segment, which worked for me because there’s an uncomfortable recognition of what happens when stereotypes are seemingly reinforced, and feeling (at least for the moment) of being reduced to that factor being stereotyped as it’s happening. It’s thought-provoking, which is the kind of incisive humor I wish they’d bring to the cold opens. (I forgot to mention that I greatly enjoyed Che’s “should we be making fun of him?” and use of “strong”) I’m ok with the portrayal of Rudy as Nosferatu. It’s a plausible explanation for how the Mayor who steered NYC through the immediate 9/11 aftermath is now almost unrecognizable in his current form. I’m surprised that the characterization of Mike Pence doesn’t have more of an edge. Couldn't the writers do something with him being one impeachment away from being president? I know Beck is more than up to it!

I think it was Claire Foy. And when he pulled out the hair it was another LOL moment.

I wasn’t familiar with Phoebe Waller- Bridge, but her monologue was really good, and makes me want to check out Fleabag and Killing Eve. Yay Ego got some screentime, and she made the most of it! Taylor Swift. It’s like she saw the rotating set that Billie Eilish had last week and decided not to even try. The green set that she had for her first song seemed like a reject from The Voice. Love Island—that bit of physical comedy with Aidy struggling to get up and somewhat succeeding made me LOL, although I was laughing quite a bit already. But the MVP of the episode was Bowen Yang, in his WU appearance. “Don-Don, we already built a wall. And we measure time in dynasties, while you measure time in seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.” I hope though that he’ll be given opportunities to shine that aren’t based on being Asian.

Laurel’s dad made Laurel sound a lot more interesting than she was in recent seasons. But I did feel for Frank, Laurel really is his weak spot and Jorge homed in on it. I agree it was stupid of Frank to go visit the dad—did he not know Laurel at all? Wouldn’t the dad be the last person she’d entrust with a safe box? And Laurel being id’d as the last person to have accessed the box three days ago doesn’t automatically mean that it’s really Laurel – as Frank with a laminator and photoshop posing as Wes should know. Well, they’re setting it up for Bonnie to go on the run with Anneliese. I felt for her at that moment she lost her job, though. Ugh, Nate stirring up crap for Tegan. I’m glad this episode gave a nice counterpoint to the bond between Anneliese/Vivian in the friendship between Tegan/Anneliese. I loved her response to Anneliese’s back “I didn’t want an employee, I wanted a friend,” she rushed down at Asher’s call because she thought Anneliese needed her. And of course that showdown in Anneliese’s office! The only thing that didn’t ring true was her lunch with Vivian. Aside from making time for that lunch, there was a time when Tegan would have decimated someone threatening her like that in 0.2 seconds. At least they showed her kicking ass for a minute in the courtroom. Maybe I’m just clinging to my dream of a spinoff staring Tegan, new managing partner at C&G.

That makes sense, although it was really lucky for Lucious then that Cookie didn't go with him on that plane. I can't imagine Cookie being ok with that plan. But wow, that's serious swagger even for Lucious. "I'm going to get a horrible wig to disguise myself while running from the Feds and get a specific, beautiful rich girl young enough to be my daughter to fall in love with me, while I'm pretending to be a rando who's not Lucious Lyon." I did LOL when Andre stopped his gravedigging to take a call from Lucious. I'll probably picture that the next time I call someone who sounds out of breath when they answer. I was also taken out of it because I'd imagine Andre would have taken the battery out of his phone, or not had it with him in the middle of nowhere burying his victim. I'm grousing because this show has/had the capability to be so much more, and I'm cranky because I'll still miss it when it's gone.

I'm intrigued with the notion that an IOI "alumni" alliance could form down the line. Kellee seems smart enough to consider that an advantage when the next person from her tribe is identified, and then after the merge when she figures out who else went. I would imagine at the very least she'd want to compare notes about their shared experience. It'd be interesting to see if she continues to lie even by omission with them, e.g. saying that she didn't answer the questions correctly.

There's a Dean? LOL.

So impressed with Kellee. That was brilliant, hiding it in her hair, offering to strip and telling everyone to search her. She did describe the two large statues, but I realize it's probably safe to not mention Sandra and BR. It’s plausible to believe that not everyone visiting that island will meet the same past castaways—if any at all. Even Kellee gave me a LOL moment with her “I was expecting Cochran. But this is much better.” She can, however, leverage the info to secure a bond with an ally, since she was told repeatedly that the test/lesson began the minute she got onto the IOI. Why give everyone the headsup and give that advantage to a competitor? She can also tell them that she hesitated and then BR sweetened the pot. It’s interesting that she wasn’t worried about being away from the tribe and made vulnerable for the vote. Did anyone see Elizabeth? Did her swimming skills come into play during the challenge? Missy is one to watch. I liked her trying to rein in Aaron while he was tantrumming. Totally shallow, but I didn’t recognize Tommy without his glasses on. It’s like Clark Kent/Superman, if Superman had a Prince Harry thing going on.

Preston C. Howell was the first audition that I actually replayed, it was that good. (I admit one of my earlier season favorites also used Dream a Little Dream in her audition) And thank you, Show, for revealing his appearance and backstory only after he started singing. His dancing might help in the battles/knockouts, whatever it is where the song choice is likely to be outside his genre. Yes, and she even referred to inheriting Adam's role of dragging on Blake. I'm like, Use that self-awareness, Kelly, and choose to be awesome instead! Not only is it annoying how she interrupts the other coaches and mocks them, but I really feel for the contestants on stage. They're about to get compliments or comments by people they respect and admire, and then it's all hijacked by Kelly hogging the spotlight in a disastrous attempt to be funny. The Deliverance reference was unpleasant, didn't need to take it there. Also hypocritical given some of the comments Kelly's made to contestants. Gwen fell back to one of her old, lame pitches "I can mother you..." That was a cringeworthy moment. You were doing so well, Gwen! I did think it was cute when she did the finger-crooking thing that Blake does.

This episode was…..not good. I ff’d a lot, so maybe I missed this: When did Lucious find out his “rescuer”’s dad was Damon? (Plus I was so distracted by his Predator wig, I missed almost every other thing he was saying) I am SO over the storyline about bedroom youtube girl miraculously able to impress at karaoke. This whole situation relies on characters we know are much fiercer and smarter, suddenly being stupid. IF you can believe that Becky would risk her partnership/Giselle’s trust to make a deal using up all their capital (still can’t), I can’t believe that Giselle’s not doing more than just grousing. She’s been reduced to a foil for Becky ultimately being right, I guess, but rather than a triumphant moment it feels more like a time-filler/waster reason to get the characters on screen. So the baby and Teri are ok? Or is it another hallucination? Nice that Kingsley’s mom seems to have disappeared from the storyline, to be replaced by Kingsley claiming credit for saving Teri and the baby. Ugh, they are both so unnecessary. I’m more interested in them doing something consistent with Andre’s character from earlier seasons – his struggle with God, mental illness, proving himself despite the fact that he’s the not-musical Lyon. Trai Byers is more than up to it. It was also super painful watching the scenes between Andre and Quincy. The script sucked and the actor playing Quincy can’t pull off the unbelievable lines he was asked to deliver. Not that I want to see Hakeem, but wouldn’t he be there at the hospital? Or pretending he's in charge at Empire since he's the only Lyon available? This seemed to have been the most explicit confirmation of and reference to when Andre and Teri got married. Mario’s character/Teyana—am I hatewatching Star again? I know Mario was elevated to a regular, but that whole thing seemed tacked on, so we could check off the box of having a music performance with gyrating dancers and also the box of creating (or fixing) a song. At least Maya didn’t bug. I can’t keep up with the time jumps. I don’t think that’s the only reason the episode felt so disjointed and all over the place, though. It wasn't all bad though. Brava for Cookie getting into Damon’s phone. They do have chemistry, enough to make me worry about what’s happening next. And that baby was really adorbs. Oh, and Porscha! Love whenever she shows up.

I agree “Lev” was cool, and it was really adorbs when John went backstage because “I gotta meet the guy who would name his son that”. LOL! I always like when the coaches go and interact with the family and friends there. It was also cool that John got him because he sang a few bars of Lev’s favorite artist. Kelly did the same with the singer who referenced Eva Cassidy. I really felt for the guy who sang 7 Spanish Angels, unless they didn’t show us more constructive criticism and an invitation to come and try out again next year. I’d rather hear that than the sob story about how he, his wife, and twins are all living in a trailer. Did Blake give a reason for not turning for the 6’6 country singer? Unless the audition took place after Blake’s team was full. I liked Josie Jones – I admit to having withdrawal pains from watching the epic “Country Music” Ken Burns documentary, and thought she was a great throwback. She should do quite well. Hearing that the singer’s brother was risking not getting a heart transplant just to be there for the audition distracted me from her actual performance. Which I guess is another way of saying it didn’t wow me enough. I kept wondering if it’d be better if there weren’t any chair turns, so the brother wouldn’t feel compelled to be there for all the live performances! It’s corny, but I was amused by the “Don’t Speak” button. I think the Blake/Gwen relationship is perfectly balanced on this show, and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful Gwen is with her comments and pitches. “Little Baby Stevie Nicks” > “I want a little girl.” Kelly is in the Adam seat now, and maybe that’s why I was a little squicked out when she was raving about the pastor’s son’s model-like looks. I wanted to hear more about what made his rendition have the effect that it did on the coaches who turned for him. I wondered if that's at least partially why he didn't go with her. I liked that the singer Kelly used her block for (on Blake, of course) went with John instead. And oh, cliffhanger! Who do y'all think that singer in the pimp spot's gonna pick?

I agree that the last two episodes felt rushed --especially since I hadn't heard of a lot of the people or songs mentioned -- and those bits could have been drawn out even more. I had to rewind a bit more for the blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments. I wouldn't cut anything, and especially not Johnny Cash. His cover of Hurt was the very first single by him I ever owned, and coming into this documentary, I have to confess that most of what I thought I knew about his life came from the movie Walk the Line. I wonder how Marty Stuart told his wife that he had announced he was going to marry her when he was eleven? One of the (many) things that I came to appreciate was how the documentary treated songwriters, producers, and venue operators as much a part of the story as the recording artists. Without the Bluebird, Garth Brooks might not be soaring above huge music amphitheaters years later like some glittery flying squirrel. I also liked how Garth Brooks never "got above his raisin" not only with the marathon signing session, but also giving a fourth concert for free when he learned how much scalpers were getting. True confession -- I thought the episode title was some quaint phrase about dried grapes, and I couldn't fathom what it meant. I still don't get Garth Brooks' music, but as the documentary made abundantly clear, there's enough within the umbrella of Country Music that I've discovered I do like, and that's the beauty of it.

I floved that therapist. “somatic therapy doesn’t work for me, either” “what does?” “a vibrator” LOL! That got through to Annaliese! Viola was heartbreaking in the scene when she beat up her pillows. Nate is beautiful but has gotten oh so tiresome. Wouldn’t it be great if there’s a spinoff for Tegan? She’s so badass. That moment when she dunked Emmett’s glasses. “Boy, bye.” Wish I had a gif of that. I did feel for Frank (although he deserved it) when he was told that Laurel had asked Oliver and Connor to be Christopher’s guardians.

I have to admit, I cackled at the sight of Jeff glued to the side of the helicopter. I didn't miss his usual greeting of the castaways. Perhaps he was busy getting unstuck.

She definitely was right --in the context of the game-- to emphasize that it was HER issue, and allow GropeyMcGroperson to believe that her bringing his awareness to his behavior in general would be helpful to his game. It's also a way to bond with the other women on the tribe who he had also made uncomfortable, and it would be smart to leverage that. I don't think she was thinking strategically, though. Her THs focused on her being a germaphobe, which truly is perplexing in terms of applying for this show. This might pop up again as a liability -- how will she use shared food or drink vessels? Deal with cold nights when she might have to huddle for warmth? Team challenges where she might have to get up close and personal with someone else's sweat, spit and tears? Not sure what this means. Vince's undies clearly show he's male. :P

Oh wow, great memory! Thanks. It makes sense why he'd be so indulgent of her, and is an interesting backstory for her being so freespirited. Haha! Agreed. Unless they're setting it up so Andre kills her too. Maybe Andre kills someone each week, and he'll be the one who shoots Lucius. I'm kidding, I think.

What initially hooked me onto the Voice was that it's a feel-good show. I'm not familiar with a lot of the music that's played, and I enjoy it when the coaches give constructive feedback, even/especially when they're explaining why they didn't turn. Or when they recognize how much the music means to the singer. I can believe how much the coaches enjoy helping someone just starting out in their career, and also respect the heck out of each other's art. That type of camaraderie is really wonderful to see. Last night also delivered on that. I felt the joking between the coaches was all in good fun, and that Blake's posturing was as "real" as John secretly turning a utilities closet into a shrine for his awards. I was really happy that Royce didn't disappoint. Smart use of his "package" in that he gave the mnemonics for his name. Plus his kids are so adorable!

I am still laughing at the thing that was on Lucious’ head. It was like something you can buy in one of those ubiquitous Halloween shops that pop up this time of year. I do like the reveal of L’s new sidepiece being Damon’s daughter. Has he mentioned her before? I recall he bonded with Cookie over his kid’s…death? At any rate, I am all about the fact that a) she’s the one coming to L’s rescue, and he’s visibly not alright with it -- and b) she’s a POC character we rarely see – following her bliss from ashram to dive bars to other non-first world locales. Ugh, Maya. So now she’s Andre’s Becky? She’s the debt Cookie owed Poundcake, but Andre can’t even hook Mouse up with a non-position and some new suits? And while we’re on it, why would a new permanent CEO be walking by himself in a deserted garage? Why wouldn’t Andre have security or at the very least a car and driver waiting for him out front? Why would Andre be stupid enough not to consider Mouse a danger? Sign me up for The Cookie Talk Show! The way she served up those bishes was Vintage Season One Cookie. Loved her giving Lucious the what-for, and even though I knew it was Cookie on the other side of Damon’s door, it was still glorious! Unfortunately, Becky was making rookie mistakes that even season one Becky would have known not to make. Please, Show, don’t ruin her character this last season. Kingsley’s mom resting her head against Andre’s chest to hear her son’s heart was pure camp, and I have to admit it was an LOL moment. (Because I’m heart-less, lol) I hope Teri is ok, because I really like the character. It was weird that they had the conversation about Andre’s fractured relationship with God AGAIN 9 months later. Still, I'm glad this show is back for a final season.