I think "romantic" on-ice chemistry is overrated. Too often teams rely on that instead of actually giving a meaning to their programs. Look at Kaitlin and Andrew for example: after the success of "Je suis Malade" and "Yo soy Maria" they have had an endless amount of programs that make little sense and only showcase their "chemistry", while programs like "42 street" and "The sound of music" still show their great connection but are also 1. less generic 2.more suitable to show their personalities 3.still make their connection shine through without being thrown in your face for no reason.
Zach and Madi are another example: last season I think they struggled to make their FD work, but in the end it was probably their best program ever so OF COURSE instead of continuing on that path, this year they are doing a supposedly sexy hip-hop SD that is a hot mess, and the most boring schmaltzy FD ever, which is continuing this trend of not taking risks and not even making any effort to try something different.
Even Tessa and Scott have often stagnated because it was easy to just take the romantic route: some of their lovey dovey programs are gorgeous Mahler, Umbrellas of Cherbourg), but some were totally uninspired and done due to lack of better ideas (Seasons, Funny face, The waltz goes on). Programs like this year's SD or their Pink Floyd FD are just so much more organic: you can see a concept and a choreography to match plus their chemistry, and that takes their performances on a different level.
I think the connection and complicity between the partners is an important aspect of their skating, I only wish it wasn't the centre of the performance all the time. I love the way Anna and Luca or Piper and Paul act and interact on the ice, and the supportive "we are family" vibe that the Shibs and the Parsons can bring, as much as the insane chemistry the Tessa and Scott of this world can have.
I agree on this year's SD and Pink Floyd FD are my favourites from Tessa & Scott together with Flamenco 2010 OD. Umbrellas from Cherbourg were wonderful as well. They have great chemistry on the ice but ''The Seasons'' 2013/2014 FD was not my favourite either, felt like recycled Mahler 2.0 - coincidentally from previous Olympic season.
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