S13 E12: Time's Up

[sATL]

On 10/18/2018 at 9:05 AM, ByTor said:

" ... the first Show Group performance of the year; new members of Show Group, the ladies must shine in front of Charlotte and Mr. Jones. ... "

Did I miss this ?  I was looking forward to seeing SG.. So, I guess next week we get to see the annual show they do for family and friends with the entire squad

[sATL]

37 minutes ago, Jazzmom said:

Exactly!  

Kelli looked like she was going to cry standing on the field before rehearsal even started.  

This season is....I have no words.

I like her drop figure-8 earrings though (on the 1st night an a TH) :) 

I see has a arsenal of the dresses with "wings". I need to spend more time on Belk's website. 

[bigskygirl]

Darn it! I got my computer up and running again after a week of no computer, and I-tunes does not have last night's episode up. GRRR!!! I hope my computer will keep running long enough for me to see the infamous Victoria cut.

[sATL]

what happened to the crowd of hugging TCCs when VK left ? I saw oneies twosies.... hmmm..

[scorpio1031]

16 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

Darn it! I got my computer up and running again after a week of no computer, and I-tunes does not have last night's episode up. GRRR!!! I hope my computer will keep running long enough for me to see the infamous Victoria cut.

Amazon actually had it up by 12:30 am.  Usually it's been up the next day sometime.

[veronicamers]

31 minutes ago, sATL said:

I need to spend more time on Belk's website. 

Ha! I spent my childhood shopping at Belk's!

[ShellyB]

6 hours ago, pasdetrois said:

According to Linkedin, Randy is still an IT specialist with the State Department and has been since 2003. It says he is based in Alexandria, VA (a DC suburb). He has two IT-type MBAs from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins.

That position is most decidedly not a diplomat. Ambassadors, diplomats and foreign service officers are a very specific career path, with specific credentials and education (although sometimes ambassadors and diplomats are big political donors who are rewarded with these posts by a newly-elected president, and they often quit or lose their positions when a new president is elected).

LinkedIn says Meredith is an outsides sales rep at GTM Sportswear in the DC metro area. GTM Sportswear advertises opportunities for people to have their own online stores affiliated with GTM. So Meredith is probably selling cheerleader uniforms and so on.

Weirdly, neither Randy's nor Meredith's LinkedIn profiles mention any foreign locations.

Their LinkedIn accts are not updated. They both work at the US Embassy, Meredith directly for the US Ambassador. She’s not a SAHM, and Bogota will be their 3rd foreign assignment. 

[ShellyB]

6 hours ago, scorpio1031 said:

@ShellyB  Sigh........what exactly do Meredith and her husband do?  Thank you in advance.

They both work for the US Embassy. Randy does something with information technology, has special clearance and might work with other agencies like DEA, CIA, etc...he ain’t just fixin’ computers. Meredith works directly with the US Ambassador and is often escorting visiting dignitaries and diplomats. 

[Loves2Dance]

@ShellyB Who decides who gets featured on the "Where are they now?" segments? 

[scorpio1031]

14 minutes ago, ShellyB said:

They both work for the US Embassy. Randy does something with information technology, has special clearance and might work with other agencies like DEA, CIA, etc...he ain’t just fixin’ computers. Meredith works directly with the US Ambassador and is often escorting visiting dignitaries and diplomats. 

How exciting!!  I remember seeing Meredith on the USO tour videos.  Great hostess, well spoken.

[ShellyB]

6 minutes ago, Loves2Dance said:

@ShellyB Who decides who gets featured on the "Where are they now?" segments? 

CMT & K.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

16 hours ago, ByTor said:

I never said Tara was amazing, I always found her to be a blender myself, but I'd rather have a blender than someone who's only on when she could figure it out (which seemed to be less often than not).

I would rather have a blender than someone who keeps catching my eye because she's making mistakes or her timing is off (ahem, Malena).

12 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

What country did she say they were in & going to?

 

Meredith said that she and her family are currently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and their next location will be Bogatá, Colombia.

6 hours ago, NMDD43 said:

I thought it was completely unnecessary for Kelli to call Jalyn into her office to talk to her about her hair color. She could have just pulled her to the side like she did with Miranda a few episodes ago to talk about it. No need to freak the poor girl out with an office visit when they know cuts are being made.

I agree. Calling Jalyn into the office to talk about her hair was done for the ~drama~ (both to scare Jalyn and to make people wonder how many people might get cut that night). That conversation required about 30 seconds which could have been done during a water break at rehearsal. All she had to do was say, "We made an appointment for you to see Marshall so that we can adjust your hair color. I'll text you the info."

5 hours ago, PBSLover said:

Her bio reminded of girl I knew who started a website stating that she was a pr professional (she wasn’t a publicist, just an assistant) and listed every job she did like it was something special or gave her credibility. We used to giggle because she was so clueless that what was on her site was a lot of not important tasks written to be more than what they were. But hey, to each his own.

ITA that Meredth's wedding announcement sounded more like the "about me" section of someone who set up a free website for her new business/hobby. Let me just make a list of what I think are the fanciest sounding things about myself! Definitely not appropriate for a wedding announcement to list all of that stuff. And I wish someone who understood proper comma usage had bothered to proofread that novel of a wedding announcement before submitting it. Hilarious that they thought it was worth taking up all the space to list everything she's ever done in great detail but then thought the word "university" should be abbreviated. Obviously those extra six letters weren't worth the space.

Quote

Meredith’s segment sounds very scripted. She either memorized what she was going to say or has been saying it frequently all along. Not to pile on but that is what I thought when her segment was done and before I read the comments on this board. It was definitely one of the longest Where Are They Now? appearances.

To be fair, most of the other Where Are They Now? segments didn't have a whole lot to say. "I got married, had kids, and I'm a stay at home mom. I loved my time as a DCC!" doesn't take very long to say! There's nothing wrong with being a SAHM but it doesn't make for the most riveting or lengthy Where Are They Now segment.

Edited October 20, 2018 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Jess14]

Finally watched the episode. I found Victoria to be quite likeable in this episode. If she returns, hopefully she brings the attitude that she showed in the office tonight. 

I have been hard on Kelli this year and prior to that over her favoritism. However, I did feel for her during the episode. Victoria should've been cut weeks ago, but its a hard situation dealing with a best friend's kid. I certainly don't envy her position. 

Tara looked mediocre this year, but I don't buy that she's not top 36. I think this may be a cut that they regret. She's obviously well-liked on the team and had a great attitude, even minutes after being cut. 

I like Malena, but she's an easy cut. Not sure why they're fighting it. 

[Law Mom]

1 minute ago, Jess14 said:

Finally watched the episode. I found Victoria to be quite likeable in this episode. If she returns, hopefully she brings the attitude that she showed in the office tonight. 

You mean A plus plus Victoria?

[SSAHotchner]

On 10/19/2018 at 9:54 AM, sATL said:

Kelli: " I am a ball of stress..I'm still absorbing tonight..."

I think Kelli learned alot about herself and how to deal with legacies this season.  She learned that there are many outside influences that get placed on her shoulders when dealing with legacies. She cannot let them appear or be 'shoo-in. And she probably realized that her heart gets pulled , to an uncomfortable/unfamiliar place, dealing with them esp. if they have questionable DCC skills. 

All, I can say to her is stock up on Rolaids/Tums and walk in the role you been appointed to. With each passing year, more legacies will appear. Some will make it , some won't . She has a long way to go before retirement.

Judy had it easier in that : (1) she excluded herself from Cassie's judging and (2) she does not have final say as to get's cut. She has a big say, but not the final - deliver the message say so.

 

I agree with everything you're saying, but I still think Kelli should have been honest with Victoria (and her mother) before auditions even began. She should have told Victoria, if your body is not in shape, don't even bother auditioning, because no matter how great a dancer you are, you'll be cut, or not even make finals, if you appear to be out of shape or someone who will not look good in the uniform. That's it. As far as her behavior goes, she seems way more immature than other 18 year olds we've seen in training camp through the years. I also think they cut Dayton before it was necessary just to hopefully squash claims of nepotism, but the extra special kid gloves treatment they gave Victoria just stands out in contrast to the way every other TC, except Lonie, has been treated from the get-go. I realize this was tough on Kelli and Judy, but they should have made it clear up front with both VK and her mom that she WASN'T going to get special treatment and that she wasn't ready to audition until she got her body in tip top shape. And to say "we don't have a uniform for you" was a ridiculous thing to say. What about what they say to the others? "You're not top 36." That's the truth. She should at least have said, "in your current physical shape, you're not right for our uniform." If she were a bit overweight or not toned, it wouldn't matter nearly as much if she were one of the stand out talents of the rookies, but she wasn't. She wasn't great at anything and the sooner she recognizes it, the sooner she can work on fixing those things if she plans to come back. And whoever did her makeover should be fired...unless she just chose her own makeup and refused to go along with the makeover the same way she refused to go along with the diet. 
 

Edited October 24, 2018 by SSAHotchner
Because I really do know when to use your and when to use you're

[Teresa]

55 minutes ago, Loves2Dance said:

@ShellyB Who decides who gets featured on the "Where are they now?" segments? 

I'll be so bummed if they don't show Nicole Bulcher on the finale. I was there when they filmed her teaching her Bar Method class. I really hope they show it!

[rose711]

2 minutes ago, SSAHotchner said:

I agree with everything you're saying, but I still think Kelli should have been honest with Victoria (and her mother) before auditions even began. She should have told Victoria, if you're body is not in shape, don't even bother auditioning, because no matter how great a dancer you are, you'll be cut, or not even make finals, if you appear to be out of shape or someone who will not look good in the uniform. That's it. As far as her behavior goes, she seems way more immature than other 18 year olds we've seen in training camp through the years. I also think they cut Dayton before it was necessary just to hopefully squash claims of nepotism, but the extra special kid gloves treatment they gave Victoria just stands out in contrast to the way every other TC, except Lonie, has been treated from the get-go. I realize this was tough on Kelli and Judy, but they should have made it clear up front with both VK and her mom that she WASN'T going to get special treatment and that she wasn't ready to audition until she got her body in tip top shape. And to say "we don't have a uniform for you" was a ridiculous thing to say. What about what they say to the others? "You're not top 36." That's the truth. She should at least have said, "in your current physical shape, you're not right for our uniform." If she were a bit overweight or not toned, it wouldn't matter nearly as much if she were one of the stand out talents of the rookies, but she wasn't. She wasn't great at anything and the sooner she recognizes it, the sooner she can work on fixing those things if she plans to come back. And whoever did her makeover should be fired...unless she just chose her own makeup and refused to go along with the makeover the same way she refused to go along with the diet. 
 

Kelli talks a lot about every one bring their best and how they have to always be improving. She needs to look in the mirror because it seems her management has not been improving over the past few years. If anything, she’s become a less effective manager, stifling valid criticism, allowing staff to be disrespected and creating a toxic environment. 

I see her management becoming progressively worse over the last five years. Maybe that correlates to the increased drama focus of the show, I’m not sure. 

[rafibomb]

Two thoughts:

1. My issue with cutting a veteran in a bit of a slump, in favor of unproven rookies, is that they know what the vet is capable of. Tara proved herself last year, and by all accounts, it sounds like they were happy with her performance her rookie year. So unless they think there's some reason that it's impossible for her to get back to that point- like, she'd gained more weight than it was possible to get off- they know she can do it, and they don't know that about Malena, or Lily, or any of the remaining rookies. It just seems like taking a risk and also not giving the vet the benefit of the doubt.

2. I'm among those who like Jenn K, but I understand why some don't. And I actually think in terms of likability, she reminds me a lot of Kelli. She seems to value the squad's reputation, and the whole "process" of making it, over the actual people involved. It's a trait that makes you good at your job, but not really anyone's favorite. 

[SSAHotchner]

12 hours ago, Dance4Life said:

This season is off! Kelli is playing favorites.  Also, they don’t seem to have a strong team this year.  Past seasons have better dancers in dance skills, looks, personality.

 

I honestly think this is what is frustrating Kelli.  DCC is not attracting the cream of the crop, anymore.

 

They are keeping horrible dancers for way too long. That girl that her mom is a DCC choreographer.  The one that was late to the hair appointment (Dayton???) They gave her tons of chances.

 

MALENA!  Even if they keep her......No way Malena will keep up all season.  Even Malena has a shocked look at the end of each episode that she was the one that didn’t get called in to be cut!  What does that tell you? LOL

She can’t GROUP dance.  Period.   And, DCC is a group!

 

I was beyond annoyed she cut that Rookie just because she didn’t know about MeToo a few weeks ago.  WTH? DCC is the poster child for MeToo, low wages, low totem pole within an organization. The outdated bikini calendars! LOL

Of course, they still make the cheerleaders shoot them because they make DCC lots of money!

 

Kelli better pray that more girls are not woke.  Due to social media, is why they can’t attract good dancers, anymore.  Any hungry dancer can set up a You Tube channel, IG, get famous and make money.  Get GOOD jobs, etc.

I mostly agree with you. I'm not a dancer, although I've always wanted to be. But I do think that this years rookies for the most part are really good. I'll admit it would be hard to cut someone if they were all that good, but it's obvious even to someone like me with limited training that they are holding onto some of the ones that should be cut for reasons other than dance (Malena & Victoria). I would think by at least week 3 they'd realize who the weak ones were. I know there are some girls who need to go home and work to memorize the dance. That would be me. But if they continue to mess up on the stuff that was taught early on, that's it. Those are the ones to cut. 

[Kate2006]

12 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

It looks like he is an IT Specialist, so someone who works in the embassy, not actual ambassadors (but, dang, read her engagement "bio" -- got to hype yourself up).

Speaking of "me too"... one of her favorite interviews was with Matt Lauer? ?

At first I thought I was reading an obituary and not a wedding announcement. I've never see one that read like an obituary before. 

[Lona]

"I don't wanna let you off so easy with a decision that would crush me and that y'all might also regret"

Tara, I'm going to miss you so much! So wonderfully said.

[Pinknblue]

5 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

Darn it! I got my computer up and running again after a week of no computer, and I-tunes does not have last night's episode up. GRRR!!! I hope my computer will keep running long enough for me to see the infamous Victoria cut.

STILL no iTunes .... dying

[homelife]

I am cringing at the rookies/vets saying "If anyone were born to be a DCC, it's you Victoria." when VK walked out to tell the cut news to all, just as I'm cringing at y'all still nitpicking about Meredith and her husband's occupations. I agree it looks bad on the Cowboys organization not to have researched whatever possible fallacies or inflations Meredith was spewing, but LET'S TALK ABOUT DANCING.

This was my favorite episode of the season because it got to the heart of dancing.

[Misscarlett]

3 hours ago, Lona said:

"I don't wanna let you off so easy with a decision that would crush me and that y'all might also regret"

Tara, I'm going to miss you so much! So wonderfully said.

I admire her even more for how she handled that.  Yet another loss for DCC this season, such a sweet girl and a valuable team member.  As other posters said, you could feel the love from her teammates after she was cut. Best of luck to her, she is better off and hopefully whatever is troubling her will work itself out.  I remember some rough times in my 20's but everything worked out beautifully, and it will for you too, Tara! 

[WinkyFace]

18 hours ago, Dance4Life said:

This season is off! Kelli is playing favorites.  Also, they don’t seem to have a strong team this year.  Past seasons have better dancers in dance skills, looks, personality.

 

I honestly think this is what is frustrating Kelli.  DCC is not attracting the cream of the crop, anymore.

I agree that they don’t attract the creammof the crop, but I disagree that they ever did, and I TOTALLY disagree that this isn’t the best group they have had in years. Most of these women are excellent dancers, the show is only showing us the strugglers

16 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

It looks like he is an IT Specialist, so someone who works in the embassy, not actual ambassadors (but, dang, read her engagement "bio" -- got to hype yourself up).

This “wedding announcement” is an embarrassing excuse to name-drop. I’d be pissednif I was her husband and she got 80% of whatever you call this (cause it has no paragraphs, can I still call it an article?) 

 

14 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

They couldn't tell VK what each of her problems were, they would have been there all night! They could do a whole season on "reasons why we cut you, VK." Didn't someone say Tina was trying to get CMT to give VK her own show?

O M G. This would make sense on so many levels. Why they kept her so long, why she got so much air time, why she was over the top the entire time. 

[DocBrown]

It was really sad seeing Tara cut. I liked her alot last year. I get that she wasn't bringing her best, but it did seem harsh to cut her, knowing what she has been capable of in the past. I'm sure this has been asked and I apologise, but I couldn't seem to find the answer - does anyone know if she is staying in Dallas or she's moved back home? Whatever the situation, I hope she's happier in herself now. 

VK..... eesh. Definitely the softly softly approach. I don't see how they couldn't NOT cut her, just considering the condition of her stomach which you saw quite clearly on the leg lift. Kicks weren't the only thing that was heavy there! There's no way she could have been uniform ready in a week. I think its unbelievable she hung on for so long when you consider who was cut before her. I would hope that off camera K&J actually gave her some critiques to work on for next year rather than just saying "it's comprehensive" because as we've all seen, it is about more than just the weight. Prime example being how she was off during the player intros. 

LOVED seeing the group leaders choosing which dances to do! Always enjoy seeing the dancing segments and how they block their positions for a game. 

And I agree with what was posted above - Jalyn and her hair did not need to be an office visit. And while we're at it, leave Brennan alone. Go Jalyn, go Brennan! 

[Misscarlett]

Victoria, please switch to Trish McEvoy tubular mascara, I've worn it during marathons and it doesn't budge.  I felt like I was watching an SNL skit with that horrific mascara scene.  So overly dramatic and embarrassing! 

[hannahbanana]

7 minutes ago, DocBrown said:

It was really sad seeing Tara cut. I liked her alot last year. I get that she wasn't bringing her best, but it did seem harsh to cut her, knowing what she has been capable of in the past. I'm sure this has been asked and I apologise, but I couldn't seem to find the answer - does anyone know if she is staying in Dallas or she's moved back home? Whatever the situation, I hope she's happier in herself now. 

VK..... eesh. Definitely the softly softly approach. I don't see how they couldn't NOT cut her, just considering the condition of her stomach which you saw quite clearly on the leg lift. Kicks weren't the only thing that was heavy there! There's no way she could have been uniform ready in a week. I think its unbelievable she hung on for so long when you consider who was cut before her. I would hope that off camera K&J actually gave her some critiques to work on for next year rather than just saying "it's comprehensive" because as we've all seen, it is about more than just the weight. Prime example being how she was off during the player intros. 

LOVED seeing the group leaders choosing which dances to do! Always enjoy seeing the dancing segments and how they block their positions for a game. 

And I agree with what was posted above - Jalyn and her hair did not need to be an office visit. And while we're at it, leave Brennan alone. Go Jalyn, go Brennan! 

On her instagram, Tara said she'd be staying in Dallas "a while" then going to New York. Whether that's a permanent return to New York or a visit, I don't know.

After Miranda's reaction to them saying something about her hair on the field, they were probably afraid to do the same with another girl.

[PrincessLeia]

10 hours ago, PBSLover said:

Yes but unless you are from the area, no one would know this. Ha!

Her bio reminded of girl I knew who started a website stating that she was a pr professional (she wasn’t a publicist, just an assistant) and listed every job she did like it was something special or gave her credibility. We used to giggle because she was so clueless that what was on her site was a lot of not important tasks written to be more than what they were. But hey, to each his own.

Meredith’s segment sounds very scripted. She either memorized what she was going to say or has been saying it frequently all along. Not to pile on but that is what I thought when her segment was done and before I read the comments on this board. It was definitely one of the longest Where Are They Now? appearances.

I think her point was not to dismiss or make fun of something just because you’ve never heard of it! 

[PrincessLeia]

5 hours ago, Kate2006 said:

Speaking of "me too"... one of her favorite interviews was with Matt Lauer? ?

At first I thought I was reading an obituary and not a wedding announcement. I've never see one that read like an obituary before. 

That engagement announcement is obnoxious. Some people are so extra. ?

[LadyMsJay]

22 hours ago, Michele Butler said:

Unless it's real extreme editing, Tara's release confirmed the Savannah/Tara break-up for me. I was waiting for Savannah to run up and comfort/hug her. I didn't see her at all, it made me very sad.  Even though they may not be "best friends", they did travel from New York together, live together, and survive their rookie year together. I wish Tara well and I really do hope she comes back :(

I don't think it's a "break up"..people grow apart. They have a ton of other friends too. I'm sure Savannah got her hug.

20 hours ago, Linann Wall said:

So what about all that stuff about not going to the doctor and lying about it? Did that not happen? I can see Kelli not wanting to bring it up on camera and make Tina even more mad. This was one weird episode. I felt like there was heavy editing with Tara’s and Victoria’s cuts. 

Definitely alot of editing. There's alot we just aren't going to see.

13 hours ago, Mardo2044 said:

I always liked Jennifer.  But I must confess I was sad her comment supported cutting Tara.  "I hate it, but I understand it."  Call it loyalty or whatever, but I just did not like that Jennifer!  (That's the strongest I can make the statement because she is pregnant and I am not going to yell at a pregnant lady!)

I don't think her comment had anything to do with Tara specifically. She was just asked about having to cut a veteran during TC, which is obviously something she would hate but understand considering if a vet isn't looking like a vet, then they'd have to be cut.

[Nana J]

On 10/18/2018 at 10:58 PM, Teresa said:

Holy crap VK, get some waterproof mascara

I can't imagine she wears mascara that runs. They get sweaty during practice, and not 1 time have we seen her mascara run...her emotions seem real...however, suddenly shows maturity, running mascara, to me... fake...maybe scene recreated ?

[MyFavShows]

2 hours ago, PrincessLeia said:

That engagement announcement is obnoxious. Some people are so extra. ?

Yeah - I am not a Meredith fan now after reading that.  People that do stuff like that are so phony - if I were writing that I’d say “I was a rangerette and DCC” - would probably mention show group, going on USO tours (would never list them all though!) and the VOTY thing and that’s it.   Doesn’t everyone in her area understand what being a rangerette and a DCC mean too?   So probably half the people reading that are like “give me a break”.   The only people she’s impressing with that crap have to be the ones that have no idea what a DCC is.

It reminds me of these families that brag about things like “national championships” in cheer and dance, even state championships in gymnastics, when everyone that truly knows how those competitions work, know they are divided up into so many divisions and levels and age groups that many times it really doesn’t mean anywhere as much as they are passing it off to be to their social media audience.   Then all the clueless followers they have think their friends kids cheer and dance team is the best in the country when really they were the best of 4 teams at one out of 75 different competitions that held a nationals and they are competing in the level 2 division with a group of girls who mostly have level 4 skills.  Lol!  

[tvrox]

I hope Victoria fixes her hair before the next season. I thought it looked far worse than Jaylyn's, so messy, yet they never addressed it.

[cherryblossom]

I would be concerned if I was Meredith Oden. Both of those counties are well known for kidnapping, both adults & children. My brother worked for a non diplomatic & non military company for a number of years in Buenos Aires. He had to spend two weeks at the FBI training facility to learn how to drive defensively like driving backwards quickly & how to function in a kidnapping case. They even used his wife as a kidnapping victim that was very realistic. Columbia I believe has the highest number of kidnapping cases.

[Dccfanatic]

This was an intense episode. I felt stressed watching it. I found the pregnant Jen part sort of odd, not sure why. She is someone who I think was a fine dancer, but until I came here, I had no idea that she was a Jr. DCC and was so involved in the organization. I never thought she was pretty, so I will admit I glossed over her. I was surprised how she popped up in the stands and was forward with what she was saying to K and J. 

 

I really like Victoria, and I know that most of this board does not, but I cried during her cut scene. The same thing happens to me with mascara and crying, even if I wear waterproof. I liked that she just let loose and clearly wasn’t think about what she looked like. It found it curious that they didn’t get her a tissue, though. It was distracting and hard not to gasp at the black dripping all over the place. I loved how Kelli wiped her face for her. It was gentle and loving. 

I think that she did look heavy- there is no denying it. However, I think that a lot of people look very heavy this year. It doens’t really bother me in the sense of the weight, and I actually think it looks healthy and realistic. I personally am over the super thin standards, but that is just me. Maybe more young girls who look up to the DCC would be healthier, too. 

I do not understand that Tara cut. Poor thing. That was hard to watch. The look in her eyes was soul crushing. As I get older, I think it is important to give people a break when they are good to you, as you never know what is going on. If she was a great rookie and was working through something, why not give her the benefit of the doubt and give her some time. Maybe say she wouldn’t cheer in a few games until she was where they needed her to be. Why give her the chop so swiftly? I feel like they throw out the “come back next year” as a crutch. Isn’t it well known they don’t take people back who were cut? 

I was happy to see Meredith. I remember watching her when she first came on and thought she was really pretty and a good dancer,  and I absolutely remember that note on her mirror! I still think she is, but as someone above said, she looked tired. Sounds like she has big fancy job- would love to know exactly what she does. The house she was filming in looked quite ornate. 

How does Amy afford to open up her own studio? A lot of these girls come from major money! I thought her segment was way too long. I think she is fine but nothing special. 

Hated the filler promo with that massage machine. We already saw that last year. We get it. They have it all! 

[parrotfeathers]

Realizing I am seeing only what is on TV, I would rather have seen Savanah go than Tara.

[Dccfanatic]

2 minutes ago, parrotfeathers said:

Realizing I am seeing only what is on TV, I would rather have seen Savanah go than Tara.

Yeah,  I agree! 

[tinabee1967]

39 minutes ago, cherryblossom said:

I would be concerned if I was Meredith Oden. Both of those counties are well known for kidnapping, both adults & children. My brother worked for a non diplomatic & non military company for a number of years in Buenos Aires. He had to spend two weeks at the FBI training facility to learn how to drive defensively like driving backwards quickly & how to function in a kidnapping case. They even used his wife as a kidnapping victim that was very realistic. Columbia I believe has the highest number of kidnapping cases.

Likely they will have armed personnel with them at all times. One of my business associates traveled to Venezuela with a buddy of his and his wife. Armed guards is how they rolled anytime they ventured out of the hotel.

[Opine]

50 minutes ago, tvrox said:

I hope Victoria fixes her hair before the next season. I thought it looked far worse than Jaylyn's, so messy, yet they never addressed it.

Wasn't it addressed by Kelli at cameos?  VK has the best hair and legs?

[Mardo2044]

11 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

I agree. Calling Jalyn into the office to talk about her hair was done for the ~drama~ (both to scare Jalyn and to make people wonder how many people might get cut that night). That conversation required about 30 seconds which could have been done during a water break at rehearsal. All she had to do was say, "We made an appointment for you to see Marshall so that we can adjust your hair color. I'll text you the info."

I think they did want to have more of a conversation about it, about how it happens with red colors, how they do like the cut etc...which would be better done in the office.  That said, I did not like how Kelli said "We wanted to talk to you about something that was revealed to us on the big HD screen" BIG PAUSE "about your HAIR"... because of course she likely knew anyone who went into the office would be nervous.  She could have right away said, "everything is okay, this is about refining your look"  It looked like Kelli sort of enjoyed revealing the discussion the way she did, and I do think that was purely for the "entertainment" value.  I do think Jaylyn handled it well and just was her positive perky self, which is smart and I found with exception of Kelli's opening statement a really cute endearing segment about her.

[Mardo2044]

1 hour ago, Dccfanatic said:

I do not understand that Tara cut. Poor thing. That was hard to watch. The look in her eyes was soul crushing. As I get older, I think it is important to give people a break when they are good to you, as you never know what is going on. If she was a great rookie and was working through something, why not give her the benefit of the doubt and give her some time. Maybe say she wouldn’t cheer in a few games until she was where they needed her to be. Why give her the chop so swiftly? I feel like they throw out the “come back next year” as a crutch. Isn’t it well known they don’t take people back who were cut? 

I am a Tara fan and agree with you.  I am now starting to think Kelli was thinking, maybe get 1 more year out of Tara when she isn't that excited about her versus another potential couple years out of a TCC.  Doesn't make it "right" but I start to wonder if that is what her rationele.

[cfinboston]

5 hours ago, Misscarlett said:

Victoria, please switch to Trish McEvoy tubular mascara, I've worn it during marathons and it doesn't budge.  I felt like I was watching an SNL skit with that horrific mascara scene.  So overly dramatic and embarrassing! 

The mascara smearing was one good way to see how heavily edited the scene was. As the camera switches back and forth from Victoria to Kelli, Victoria's face keeps changing.  They probably did actually tell her what was wrong but edited it out so she wouldn't be embarrassed by talks about her weight and immaturity. 

Did anyone else get a severe MeanGirl vibe from Jennifer? Like she was delighted to be on the other side critiquing and having power over a cut.

[Mardo2044]

Does anyone wonder about Kitty and how that went between Kelli and Kitty with VK being cut?  I just always got the impression Kitty would pull hard for someone and normally a borderline with her approval would get in.  I am not suggesting anything different should have happened, just thinking aloud.  Kelli definitely tried to insulate herself a lot this season, having guest choreo, other members of staff, group leads make comments on VK performance.  I would hate to think she cut Tara to say to Kitty "Look, I even cut a vet and she did not make the top 36.  I did everything I could."

[UnicornKicks]

On 10/18/2018 at 10:35 PM, WinkyFace said:

Aww Meredith is cute, but damn she looks just like her mom now! 

She DOES.

On 10/19/2018 at 12:16 AM, pasdetrois said:

Meredith's choice of words was odd. There are civil servants, and there are ambassadors. I've never heard anyone in the Foreign Service use her terminology. 

 

I think that's on purpose to be sort of vague. 

On 10/19/2018 at 12:36 AM, PrincessLeia said:

I didn’t think Meredith looked good. Her hair was graying at the roots and it looked dull. Overall I just don’t think she looked good. She’s probably about my age. 38 ish? Maybe younger?

 

She is 33 with 2 little kids and not doing botox, coloring, etc. She looked fine to me and y'all know I'm harsh. 

23 hours ago, MyFavShows said:

I’m curious how she got this ambasssador job?   Was/is she an actual ambassador on her own, like if she was single/not married she’d still have that role, or is she just calling herself an ambassador because her husband is one and she travels with him as his wife?    If she’s just just married to an ambassador, like straight from a DCC to marrying some guy who had a career in foriegn relations and has no qualifications on her own besides being his wife, that’s just “marrying up”, if she’d be one on her own cause she has a background in that stuff independently that is impressive.

She sure seems to have an interesting life regardless.  And so what if she’s heavier and looks older - people don’t always age like Judy - I think it was good they showed that the DCC can become real people just like the rest of us when they retire.

 

13 hours ago, ShellyB said:

They both work for the US Embassy. Randy does something with information technology, has special clearance and might work with other agencies like DEA, CIA, etc...he ain’t just fixin’ computers. Meredith works directly with the US Ambassador and is often escorting visiting dignitaries and diplomats. 

This. He worked for State Dept. when they got together. He's not the guy you call and says reboot your computer then shows up in a wrinkled flannel to plug in your printer. My guess was she was being a little bit vauge based on what and where they are. 

I would not say a college educated woman who did work during and prior to DCC did not "marry up" more like married equal. 

Also, have to say Colombia def has some really bad areas and a lot of crime in major cities, but it is NOT ENTIRELY HORRIBLE. It's not all drug lords vs slums. 

5 minutes ago, cfinboston said:

Did anyone else get a severe MeanGirl vibe from Jennifer? Like she was delighted to be on the other side critiquing and having power over a cut.

 

Yes. Jennifer is drunk on the DCC Koolaid. 

Edited October 20, 2018 by UnicornKicks

[Mardo2044]

4 minutes ago, cfinboston said:

Did anyone else get a severe MeanGirl vibe from Jennifer? Like she was delighted to be on the other side critiquing and having power over a cut.

Yes, I did.  I was the unpopular opinion person who always liked Jennifer.  I now get why others felt otherwise.  

[ElenaFR]

12 minutes ago, Mardo2044 said:

Yes, I did.  I was the unpopular opinion person who always liked Jennifer.  I now get why others felt otherwise.  

For me, it is her tone. Just feels pretentious. I have no reason to feel this way; it is just how she comes across to me on tv. 

[UnicornKicks]

1 minute ago, ElenaFR said:

For me, it is her tone. Just feels pretentious. I have no reason to feel this way; it is just how she comes across to me on tv. 

My take on Jennifer is she is has lived a privileged life with no major upsets, and she does work hard and put in effort, but does not realize that every one has not had the ease that she has and also that just because people don't fit her mold it doesn't mean they are lazy, dumb, embarassing, need to change, etc. Like she's one of those people who would say people are just poor only because they don't work hard enough. 

[PBSLover]

6 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

After Miranda's reaction to them saying something about her hair on the field, they were probably afraid to do the same with another girl.

How about email? I’ve heard that’s pretty good.

[rose711]

2 hours ago, Nana J said:

I can't imagine she wears mascara that runs. They get sweaty during practice, and not 1 time have we seen her mascara run...her emotions seem real...however, suddenly shows maturity, running mascara, to me... fake...maybe scene recreated ?

I thought it seemed staged a bit as well. She’s cried before or at least fake cried when she was being overly dramatic about being cut and I never saw any mascara

It just adds to the clownlike quality of the whole show with her.