I'm most excited to see Evan and Johnny's new programs. They both had choreography last season that was well below their ability level, and hopefully they will come up with something outstanding for the Olympics.
Evan I liked the programs Oleg Epstein choreographed for Evan, and I hope he does something else that is light and fun because so many other men are doing serious and dramatic. Frank must be thrilled to have a skater with potential to be a true Gene Kelly in ice after Tim's American in Paris in 2002 became just a thin cover up for his lack of style. I hope Epstein can bring out more of Evan's showmanship with more dance and more use of Evan's personality. Evan improved his spins after nationals last year, adding the A spin that got a good audience response at worlds, so hopefully he will utilize his long limbs to do more innovative spin positions. Whatever music he chooses, I can't wait to see him perform next year because he gained great confidence after worlds and his Marshall's performance was fantastic!
Johnny TT and Platov understand Johnny's romantic style, and the got him to bring some fire to the SP, so I'm glad he is staying with them. I would like to see him be more of a happy romantic next season because Otonal was sad romantic. I think he could be great with scores from French or Italian cinema. I really liked his Umbrellas of Cherbourg SP that he did in 2001, and I think the score from Il Postino could work well for him. I also loved Johnny's special Moscow exhibition choreographed by Oleg Ovsiyannikov and hopefully they will work together again, possibly on one of his competitive programs. I wish Johnny could take time this summer before working on the new programs to attend a variety of dance performances to find new styles that interest him. He says in interviews that he identifies with "the Russian style of skating," but he needs to broaden his experience to find his own style.
Hopefully Evan and Johnny will challenge themselves with memorable choreography. I am excited to see them compete with each other next season because they are so different in style and both are improving rapidly. I'm so glad there is finally a rivalry worth watching at US men's nationals, because I can't remember the last time that happened. I can't wait for nationals!!