In Search Of The Partridge Family
Episode 4 Recap
Battle Of The Danny's
by Kanika Wade
September 27, 2004
It's raining Dannys!!! As the search for the New Patridge Family continues, it's extremely late and I am asking myself "How in the world did they get those boys to hoist Danny Bonaduche in the air like the King of Sheba to open the show?" While I am left to only hope that these boys got some added incentive, the opening finds us being teased about the two Laurie finalists whom we will learn later in the show (I really would prefer the beginning but I won't probably get my wish until the Finalists show. Oh, well.).
After the introduction of the eight young men who hope to become the new Danny (now this group is simply adorable and each is hilarious in their own right!), we gain a glimpse of this group's time in boot camp. Like before, they are informed that they will be working with coaches in singing, acting, and style.
While David (Cassidy) remains on hand to offer insight, Danny (Bonaduche) comes in on his motorcycle to truly teach these boys about the character that he played for several seasons.
As the boys are taken through their paces in boot camp, Danny takes them to his new gig (radio personality) and shows them how not to take a mugshot (Danny, these boys are young, we don't want on True Hollywood story or the 11pm news anytime soon). They are then taken to Danny's home where they meet his daughter and get some 'splash time' in the pool. Overall, this group has a great time with boot camp, but as we all know only one will have the opportunity to become the new Danny Patridge (hopefully without the post-show drama and jail time).
As the top five are revealed, we are again reminded that the factors include singing, acting, and resemblance. Those who move forward will head into the singing competition. This week, Todd (Newton) simply 'cuts to the chase' and we learn that Alex, Spencer, Chris, Keayton, and Clayton have all advanced. As for Peabo, Blayze, and Matt, they return home, the journey abruptly ending. With this group of five, there were definitely happy loved ones in the audience as it was apparent by the looks on their faces.
Top five in place, we are now into the singing competition. First up, Spencer. From Wisconsin, he is a smooth one but is truly adorable and fun. He sings "For All My Life" and offers a great performance. Alex Oye is next and while he recalls his love for music and Hanson's "MMM..Bop", he looks at Danny as a "used car salesman in a 10-year old's body" (interesting view.). Performing the Aretha hit "RESPECT", Alex brings down the house and the judges' high marks virtually guarantees him a spot in the acting round.
Chris is third to sing and for his young age, carries six years of hip-hop dance experience. While I was unsure of him in the audition (felt he was a little out of place), he delivers a captivating performance of "Hungry like a Wolf", complete with energy and dance. Keayton is fourth with an interesting performance of "Burning down the House" while Clayton Griffin rounds out the top five with "Hit Me With Your Best Shot".
Singing competition complete, this talented group of five is about to become three. It's obvious that Alex has already secured his spot, but who will join him?? Todd answers that question and informs Keayton and Spencer that they are moving ahead to the next round. The most competitive singing competition thus far, the difference between Clayton and Spencer was a 1/10 of a point! If that is not competitive, then please e-mail me and tell me what is!
The acting competition takes the final 3 Dannys into a scene in which Danny flips out about Mom being on a date. Via the "blue screen", each of the remaining Dannys will take this scene on, interpreting it in their own style. Spencer is the first to perform and offers a solid performance. He's simply a sweetheart! Alex is next and brings a different style into the scene. He was very interesting to watch and still looked to be a strong contender. Keayton is the last to perform and he comes into the scene with a unique gusto. Overall, all three Dannys were excellent and of the three battles, it will be very interesting to see who will move onto the finals.
Before phone numbers are given for the Dannys, we finally learn which two Lauries will move to the finals. Emily is the first to move forward, leaving only Alexis and Alana to wonder if they have earned the coveted second position. Alexis receives the news that she is the next through to the finals, leaving Alana to reflect on the journey that has ended (and to go back to blonde!). As with the Keith's, no major surprises however I think what may have hurt Alana was the acting round (sorry, your acting wasn't that good). Her singing, on the other hand, was amazing!
To close the show, we are again introduced to the Shirley finalists and this week David chooses to sing the Patridge family theme song as the credits are rolled and the contestants sing along.
Next Week:
The Battle of the Shirleys and my early predictions on who will take each role. Don't forget to vote online for your favorite and also check out the message board on Vh1.com…FYI: some contestants have posted.
Kanika (Nika) Wade is a a full-time student pursuing a degree in Associate of Arts. In her
spare time she loves to read, write, and shop.
She can be reached at kanikaawade@aol.com
