elimination

(S04E17) Well, we've certainly moved on to the next part of the competition. America decides. And we don't have to listen to cranky Nigel or that lunatic Mary anymore. Lil C, however, I will listen to. I thought he was a great judge last night. And his comments tonight were good, too. Speaking of Wednesday night, the big announcement was that Comfort would be replacing Jessica (who has a couple broken ribs).

But we got another big announcement last night -- So You Think You Can Dance received four Emmy nominations. The make-up team was nominated as well as three choreographers. Wade Robson's Hummingbird & Flower piece got a nod as did Mandy Moore's Table routine (the one to "Sweet Dreams") and Shane Sparks' Transformers number to "Fuego." Mia Michaels is crying in corner somewhere. You'll get 'em next year Mia.

(S10E01) We were spoiled this year with Big Brother. The winter season of BB was arguably the only good thing to come out of the WGA strike (if you're a sucker for low-brow television like me). And now it's back again in its regular summer schedule.

Speaking of schedules, Jackie and I will be covering the show this summer. I'll be doing Sunday episodes with Jackie covering Tuesday and Wednesday. You can also count of TV Squad for Jackie's Live Feed Reports and I might post a few updates from Big Brother After Dark which airs on ShoToo (I knew there was a reason I added Showtime to my cable bill. And I thought I was just getting The Tudors and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.)

Okay, let's get to what happened last night.

(S04E13) It was a long night on Wednesday getting through fourteen routines, most of which were lackluster. When do you think the judges will start admitting that season four is just not up to snuff? Now it's time to see who was able to snag enough votes to stay one more week on So You Think You Can Dance.

The Opening Performance

The top fourteen dancers performed a Broadway routine to "Money Money" from Cabaret (Original Cast Recording) choreographed by Tyce DiOrio. The performance started off slow for me, but at the part of the song where the company starts whispering "money, money, money, money," I thought the dance picked up as well. I think that's testament to Tyce's ability to pace a number.

(S04E09) Mia cried. Mary kept relatively quiet (Thank God!). Nigel lectured. Cat wore a green dress. And we eliminated another two dancers last night on So You Think You Can Dance. Off we go!

Opening Performance
"Elevator" by Flo Rida featuring Timbaland (choreographer: Shane Sparks)

What a great hip-hop performance! And I'm so glad that Shane Sparks is lending his expertise to the show again. I was worried he'd be totally wrapped up in America's Best Dance Crew this summer. The girls part on the floor was great but a few of them messed up the arm movements. The best part of the piece was Comfort with the three guys. It was near perfect. My eyes never left Comfort. I wasn't impressed with her krumping on Wednesday but this opener proved to me why she's there.

Let's get this out of the way. Arrrrrrrrrrrgh. That will be the pirate-speak portion of the post. I will now proceed without the use of the words scurvy, booty or matey. I will also refrain from shivering anyone's timbers. Mark Burnett, however, is just getting started.

Since the pirate trend refuses to die, CBS and Survivor creator Burnett are whipping up a pirate-themed reality show for summer 2007.

What is known thus far is that the adventure-reality show will take place both on land and at sea. Standard issue competitions and elimination ceremonies will take place.