Impressions from TV

[Mathman]

If you saw the performances for the first time on TV today, what did you think? Did you get a different imprerssion than you got from hearing play-by-play on the Internet, looking at You-tube, and examining the protocols? Was anyone robbed?

I enjoyed Caroline Zhang's performance the best. Her spins are just out of this world. The pace might have been slower than some of the older ladies, but it suited the music and the choreography perfectly. I didn't find the high kick distracting at all (she's a tiny girl and she's got to do something to get off the ground, LOL).

Both Mao Asada and Yu-na Kim were great, but I did not feel that they are so far ahead of the pack that Worlds will be strictly a two-pony race.

In dance, it seemed to me (decidedly a non-expert), that Domnina and Shabalin might have had the greatest amount of difficulty in their free dance, but frankly, it did not hold my interest. Virtue and Moir were exquisite, and I also liked Belbin and Agosto. Delobel and Schoenfelder are usually my favorites, but today they were just OK.

I was kind of eh? about the men. Lysacek gave it his all, but was frenetic and disjointed (strangely enough, he did pretty much the same frantic straightline footwork sequence to Ave Maria in the benefit show yesterday.) Weir's program was, frankly, boring, IMHO. The music didn't help.

Lambiel deserved his victory, but to me it was like jump-jump-jump -- OK, now I'll skate for a while and catch my breath -- then jump-jump-jump. I think the CoP has taken the soul out of Stefane's skating (spins are still amazing, though). He got a gift when the tech specialist did not call a fall on his second element. Takahashi was fine but unremarkable, IMHO.

 

[Hsuhs]

1.

it was like jump-jump-jump -- OK, now I'll skate for a while and catch my breath -- then jump-jump-jump.

2.

He got a gift when the tech specialist did not call a fall on his second element.

3.

Lambiel deserved his victory.

 

[*Sniper*]

My Impressions from Today's Telecast:

1. Virtue and Moir, WOW

2. Where is Yukari? They didn't even mention her name.

3. Lysacek, oh my goodness.... he is like male Ando or something. No artistry, but sure tries hard.

4. CaroZ, a lot to look forward to from her in the future. What spins! Her jumps need to be higher though. She was barely off the ice but somehow squeezed in three revolutions, which is quite remarkable.

5. Yuna and Mao. Can't wait for the Worlds!!

6. Pairs.... BORING. At least in Ice Dancing there is some controversy.

7. Steph.... as usual.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

STEPHANE can fall all he wants and he still will be the most musical and interesting skater in the competition. Of course, you may go for a high jumper without any musical ability. That's ok.

Caroline has grown as a skater since I first saw her in junior girls back when. At this rate and if she continues at this rate, she will be golden by 2010.

All the dance teams looked fine but V&M get to me. There dancing comes from the heart and not because there is a gold medal which must be won. A very unique approach by them.

All the Pairs skate for the tricks. There are no B&S or S&P anymore.

Joe

 

[debdelilah]

Of course, you may go for a high jumper without any musical ability.
Joe

Who are you talking about there? Wasn't Daisuke musical/interesting in the SP?

I think Stephane deserved the victory too, but not enough to say that he will always have the best performance in any competition regardless of falls.

Daisuke's mistakes in the LP were as costly as Stephane's, with a program that wasn't as intricate, but if he had skated it cleanly, with the quad first, then the 3F-3T, and no popped salchow, it wouldn't have lost the steam it did.

 

[GoldMedalist]

*Lambiel's Flamenco is probably the best LP we've seen since Gladiator/MITIM from Yagudin. If you figure in all of the technical elements as well, though, I think Takahashi was just the tiniest bit better in the LP here.

*Lysacek's LP is gross. Overdone, emotionally fake, elements don't match the music...

*I like the music for Weir's LP and his skating style, but the program could use more transitions.

*Yu-Na needs to do less Sit spins. She's better at the Camel. I do not think her program ends with the right cut of music, however it does have the single best moment out of any female program this year (when she hits that upwards Camel position in the middle of the program right to the swell of the music). In terms of overall talent, I feel she's the best female skater out there right now.

 

[emma]

If you saw the performances for the first time on TV today, what did you think? Did you get a different imprerssion than you got from hearing play-by-play on the Internet, looking at You-tube, and examining the protocols? Was anyone robbed?

I enjoyed Caroline Zhang's performance the best. Her spins are just out of this world. The pace might have been slower than some of the older ladies, but it suited the music and the choreography perfectly. I didn't find the high kick distracting at all (she's a tiny girl and she's got to do something to get off the ground, LOL).

Both Mao Asada and Yu-na Kim were great, but I did not feel that they are so far ahead of the pack that Worlds will be strictly a two-pony race.

In dance, it seemed to me (decidedly a non-expert), that Domnina and Shabalin might have had the greatest amount of difficulty in their free dance, but frankly, it did not hold my interest. Virtue and Moir were exquisite, and I also liked Belbin and Agosto. Delobel and Schoenfelder are usually my favorites, but today they were just OK.

I was kind of eh? about the men. Lysacek gave it his all, but was frenetic and disjointed (strangely enough, he did pretty much the same frantic straightline footwork sequence to Ave Maria in the benefit show yesterday.) Weir's program was, frankly, boring, IMHO. The music didn't help.

Lambiel deserved his victory, but to me it was like jump-jump-jump -- OK, now I'll skate for a while and catch my breath -- then jump-jump-jump. I think the CoP has taken the soul out of Stefane's skating (spins are still amazing, though). He got a gift when the tech specialist did not call a fall on his second element. Takahashi was fine but unremarkable, IMHO.

So - I largely agree with you on all points - although I did feel Delobel and Schoenfelder were bueter than just ok - and I often feel they are undermarked; BUT since I almost always only see the FD, I can't say that with any certainty.

So Caroline - for me, is just beautiful to watch, period - she has such presence and grace. However, I get she needs to get off the ice - but the 'mule kick' always wrecks that sense of moment she gives me - and, frankly, it looks like it could hurt. Other than that, I actually don't ever care where she places, I just want to watch her over and over. I do, though, think Mao and Yuna are in a class by themselves - yet they have 'issues'. Not just the mistakes - which they make and which make them vulnerable to others, are at issue for me. Mao, for me, has such flow, line and power and some amazing jumps, that her NOT doing all 5 (or 6) triple jumps just bugs me. I know COP makes it possible for her to rack up points anyway, but it just seems like she should be able to do them. Yu Na has such lovely lovely amazing jumps and flow and power that her - to my eyes - ungainly leg line in spins and spirals and some stroking is like -- WHAT???? But i think i notice this with both of them because they are soooo good.

Evan impresses me with his competitive fire and his sticking to a long term plan. Other than that, his footwork minus the frenetic arms and jumps were great - I just find this LP very busy and somewhat over the top. I like both of Weir's programs this year but feel, like I did with his first Olympic LP (well, the one we saw in the Fall which I guess was his second has he dumped Liberstraum if I recall correctly), that he needs a little Yugudin in him - meaning that ummfff that ability to just show power/strength and get the audience believing it - the sort of beautiful glide and introspective approach just doesn't sell this kind of music, imo. Some more transitions might help - but a does of 'tada' would go further, imo (I also think of Michelle in this regard, with Aranjuez - she sold it and drew me in; i think Weir could try).

About Stephan - I'm shocked to say I agree - I was watching his LP - which I love, and I was like, wow, he stops and rests a lot - no Buttle like continuous movement of the feet - and I was wondering if he emptied the LP a bit at the final or if it was always like that and I just didn't notice until now. I still love him and think this program is joyful to watch and creative. THis was not Taka's best in the LP - he seemed like he had to really concentrate and was wiped at the end - but I think this is a good program for him and there is still room for more points, which will make a world's show down interesting, imo.

 

[volk]

Zhang is increadibly talented. I love her spins and spirals. But she still skated like a girl. At 14 finishing 4th among the best skater in the world is something she should be proud of.

The skater that impressed me the most is Carolina Kosner. She really matured as a skater. Finally she aquired the consistensy she was always lacking.

My favorite Yu Na Kim, although not at her best, won! Mao was on fire in the LP, nailing her triple triples and triple axel. But she needs to be stronger mentally.

 

[waxel]

I enjoyed hearing Paul's commentary. I watched ths SP's on espn360 and missed many things that Paul brought out on the telecast.

I was disappointed that Johnny didn't skate better, but hope he can re-group for Nats.

GPF Favorite: Caroline Zhang
GPF Least Favorite: Carolina Kostner

 

[fourclover]

Who are you talking about there? Wasn't Daisuke musical/interesting in the SP?

I think Stephane deserved the victory too, but not enough to say that he will always have the best performance in any competition regardless of falls.

Daisuke's mistakes in the LP were as costly as Stephane's, with a program that wasn't as intricate, but if he had skated it cleanly, with the quad first, then the 3F-3T, and no popped salchow, it wouldn't have lost the steam it did.

I'm in the minority here but I'm one of the few who's never been that impressed with Lambiel since Torino. I find his facial expression over the top and his skating style kinda boring. I found Daisuke's SP most entertaining and was thoroughly impressed with Johnny and Evan's performances. I think Johnny and Evan is like Mao and Yuna of men's figure skating. I think Johnny and Evan will push each other to the point where each can take gold or silver at 2010 Olympics.

 

[1795]

Dance:
- V/M, im sick off, only thing i respect them for is their spin...and it traveled
- Del/Sch, lack emotion and expression but beautiful skating , very meaningful
- B/A - stop smiling and i'll like you
- D/S- monotonous...but good i guess...i liek the opening

Ladies:
- Mao - crazy woooman...perfect
- Yuna - great as always her musicallity
- Zhang - i do not like her jumping style but kudos on the chinese acrobatic ability
- kimmie.....aw....this really shows what she is compared to the other skaters...her world "tilte" is.....no comment
- kostner - stop popping...nice ice coverage and speed

Pairs:
- S/S - just some mistakes on their side by sides but...beautiful
- they only showed clips of both chinese pairs...so...yeah....pairs sakting isnt important to ESPN i guess...no americans hahaha

Mens:
- lamibel.......is magic
- weir...i dont bother watching
- lysacek - maybe will watch later on tivo
- takahashi - meh....the FS does not work....his footwork does not work with the music....just wrong choice...

 

[Hsuhs]

I'm in the minority here but I'm one of the few who's never been that impressed with Lambiel since Torino.

You may be in the minority, but you're not alone. To me, it's the same zebra to different pieces of music, over and over again. Plus it always contains mistakes. Plus, there is this certain body part which seems to get bigger and bigger. Brr.....
IMO.

 

[slutskayafan21]

I'm in the minority here but I'm one of the few who's never been that impressed with Lambiel since Torino. I find his facial expression over the top and his skating style kinda boring. I found Daisuke's SP most entertaining and was thoroughly impressed with Johnny and Evan's performances. I think Johnny and Evan is like Mao and Yuna of men's figure skating. I think Johnny and Evan will push each other to the point where each can take gold or silver at 2010 Olympics.

Johnny and Evan like Mao and YuNa!?! One small difference. Johnny and Evan are only the two best in the U.S. Mao and YuNa are the two best in the world. I do think they could push each other to 2010 gold and silver though, not at the Olympics however, at the 2010 U.S Nationals.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

You may be in the minority, but you're not alone. To me, it's the same zebra to different pieces of music, over and over again. Plus it always contains mistakes. Plus, there is this certain body part which seems to get bigger and bigger. Brr.....
IMO.

And you don't see Otonal in Johnny's present LP except there were more elements in Otonal that this one. Johnny, I am afraid, is a one note skater. I like the guy very much but I have yet to see anything versatile.

Joe

 

[Hsuhs]

Joesitz, for heaven's sake.

I'm not a huge fan of Johnny's programs this season, and I said so before. I dislike the music, I dislike that watered down 'choreo' he's been trying to sell as his good ol' him. I still like the guy though and wish him luck. And - OF COURSE - I wish he could have a skate of his life at Nats. Just because.

Pls remember I told you this.

 

[bekalc]

I'm in the minority here but I'm one of the few who's never been that impressed with Lambiel since Torino. I find his facial expression over the top and his skating style kinda boring. I found Daisuke's SP most entertaining and was thoroughly impressed with Johnny and Evan's performances. I think Johnny and Evan is like Mao and Yuna of men's figure skating. I think Johnny and Evan will push each other to the point where each can take gold or silver at 2010 Olympics.

Huh? Johnny and Evan have been in figure skating a lot longer than Mao and Yu-na, and already both Mao and Yu-na are more successful than they are. Mao and Yu-na ranked 1 and 2 on the ISU charts, and they are regarded as hands down the best skaters in the world...

Johnny doesn't even own a world medal yet, and neither guy was on the podium last year. There are other skaters right now who are a lot above Johnny and Evan.

Not only that on a personal level Mao and Yu-na are completely different than Johnny and Evan. Mao and Yu-na may be each other's biggest rivals, but they are respectful towards each other, and you never see one degrading or complaining about the other.

Johnny and Evan have nowhere near their maturity, and it's sad because both girls are quite a bit younger than they are.

 

[californiea]

Mao and YuNa are the two best in the world.

Mao and Yu-na were awsome.
As for Yu-na, hey, whoever says she ain't got the the kick in her textbook "killer" 3F3T jump ?
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5531/yunakickti0.jpg

 

[GoldMedalist]

LOL!!!!!!!!! That was amazing.

 

[californiea]

LOL!!!!!!!!! That was amazing.

Yu-na is thankful, but I think she is bashful..
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2609/yunalovedo5.gif

 

[dizzydi7]

It surprises me to read that someone finds Stephane's skating boring. Of all the male skaters at the GPF, I find his skating the most entertaining, musical and yes, creative. Stephane by far has the most interesting and innovative spins. His flamenco program is filled with interesting choreography and he is one of the only skaters who really skates an interpretive program and still has the technical element as well.

As much as I want to like Evan's long program, he skated with no connection to the music. I really dislike that type of skating which reminds me so much of Pleshenko, one of my least favorite skaters. Evan looked so frantic skating his long program. The footwork may have been good but I was so distracted by his arms flapping around, I didn't notice the actual footwork. I've seen Evan skate better so I know he is capable.

As far as the ladies, Yuna and Mao are both the best in the world by a mile in my opinion. Caroline Zhang is just too cute for words and certainly an up and coming skater to challenge for the podium. I've never liked Carolina Kostner's skating and Kimmie Meissner---just a bad competition for her. I have not counted her out as so many have. In my opinion, she isn't the best skater out there on any given day but she is a good competitor and will take full advantage when others mess up.

I really can't comment on Pairs. I don't like any of the current pairs. Ice dance---well I always cheer for Ben and Tanith.

Dizzy