I am still working my way through all the programs I haven't seen yet.
Tonight I saw Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon at Japan Open.
Adam Rippon is now doing a 2-6 layout, similar to Jason Brown, notably 3As in the second half (vs. 1 3A for Jason). Jason however, has opted to do a 3F-3T and a 3Z-1L-3S combos (vs. a 3Z-2T-2Lo + a 3A-2T (planned, he did 3A-1T at this comp) for Adam). So they're about even in BV in 2nd-half jumps which a slight edge to Jason (47.74 v. 47.3). Jason has also been training a 3A-1L-3S, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the 3A moved to the second half if it works with the program -- which probably means training to do it in the last 30 seconds of the program, which would be an impressive impression to leave the judges with. But given his past inconsistencies with the 3A and his ongoing efforts with the quad (including a desire to put a second one) that might be a huge ask.
Adam has a point advantage in the front half with a 4Z (23.2 v. 20.1), so on paper if Adam hits everything, he would win in TES. Of course, whether he will execute is always a question. And Adam lost points on spins here.
Adam likes the program and sells it, but it still seems relatively empty to me. He is doing a few more transitions, including some steps in front of the 4Z, which I assume he is trying so he can eventually add it to the SP. But while Adam sells it emotionally with his performance, it lacked more meaty content for me, especially since I watched it after Jeremy's program.
And speaking of Jeremy, I actually think he should and can make a successful comeback next year. I don't know what his goals are internationally, but based on his skate here, he could make another Olympic team, especially if the U.S. can gain a third spot back (not a given, obviously).
He's the most fit I've seen since probably the 2011-2012 season. Yes, 2012. I think he's actually fitter than he was in 2014, when he won Nationals and made the Olympic team. He had a 3-5 layout, but his third jumping pass was just SECONDS before the halfway point. Had they just added some extra choreography, he too would have had a 2-6 layout with all his combos -- looks like a 3F-3Lo, 3A-1L-3S and a 3Z-2T were planned -- in the second half. He popped the 3Lo and 2T, but still, this is MILES better than the execution of his 2015 FS, which was actually much easier and even his 2014 FS (where he ended up popping a few jumps and placing second behind Jason at Nationals ). IT remains to be seen whether he can turn that first half 3T into a 4T (and I think that's what he's working on), but honestly if he executed the planned content he had today, perhaps move that third jumping pass over a few seconds, I think he could post a big numbers at U.S. Nationals. Again, execution is key. I wouldn't say he's at Nobunari Oda levels NOW as far as a comeback (who is not coming back, but basically just matched his 2013-2014 season scores with his Japan Open free skate), but he made a very nice opening case for a comeback.
Also I liked the program. It was full of choreography really nice exits and entrances and both his step sequences were great. I also think it's a nice departure from his past programs. Folk music, in general, has not been really used by U.S. men, so Jeremy's program felt really fresh. Also delighted to see that another British singer not named Sam Smith be featured in a figure skating program. I hope he keeps it if he does decide to return in 2017-2018.
ETA: Yes, of course, Jeremy's program at his peak was never a lack of technical content, but rather the mind game of competition. And I do see teh argument that he did well because he isn't competing this season. But I do think physically he at his 2012 shape, which is pretty good considering he's 31 now. So if he could learn to have this same mindset -- carefree performance while hitting the jumps -- then a comeback is definitely in the cards. As Kori Ade said on TSL, show us what you got!
:yay::hap85:
