In Search Of The Partridge Family
Episode 3 Recap
Battle Of The Lauries
by Kanika Wade
September 24, 2004
Last week, we had a chance to watch the Keiths battle it out. Although the judges got it right by advancing David and Leland, I'm still scratching my head and wondering why Lucais (adorable, but too goofy for the role) got the third position (Sweetie, were you sliding dollar bills under the table to the judges??). But before we find out which two will battle it out in the finals, host Todd Newton directs our attention to the Lauries.
One by One, the eight girls that hope to become the new Laurie introduce themselves to the viewing audience. As with the Keiths, each girl states her name and why she should become the new Laurie Partridge. Unlike the Keiths, it is too soon to tell who may have a shot; each in her own way brings a different style to the table.
After the introduction of all eight contestants, we are once again taken into Partridge Family bootcamp. To help the girls become Laurie, David Cassidy first gathers the girls to offer insight on the character (it would have been nice to have had Susan Dey participate in this, but David is a great alternate). From there, we see the shuffle begin again. As before (and will continue with the Dannys and the Shirleys), we see the contestants shuffled from room to room. While Rachel Kimsey gets sent the wrong way, Alana Allen goes dark (the hair, that is), and Emily Stone decides to pay David a quick visit by going into his dressing room. Thankfully, no one was put out of the singing area (like last week with the Keiths) for not knowing their song (I still feel embarrassment for the poor guy that experienced that. What's worse, he got put out by David himself *lol*).
To close out the camp, Shirley Jones helps the girls bake a cake (just as Laurie did with Shirley on the original show) and for the contestants it is simply "the cutest thing in the world". Rest assured that they definitely were all wearing their halos around Shirley because after the cooking lesson, we see a full scale food fight (When the cats away, the mice will play...). And to think that they let a good quality cake go to waste...hmph.
Bootcamp aside, we are about to go from eight to five. The five girls with the top scores based on singing, acting, and resemblance will move on to the singing round. First up, Christina Grace. Her scores put her through. Alana Allen is next to receive the good news. Allison Constendine is the first to go, but Rachel Kimsey is the third to move on. Next, Alexis Mero receives her bid to the next round while Essie Shue is told that she will be going home.
Down to two, we are left with Emily Stone and Allison Miller. Who will take the fifth and final spot as to move on in becoming Laurie Partridge? In non Ryan Seacrest style (Thank God!!!) Todd Newton immediately informs Allison that she is going home, leaving Emily to take the final spot in the singing round.
The singing round begins with Alexis Mero. Singing "Skater Boi", Alexis offers a good performance and while she looks the part, I think that she should be thankful that Arvil was not in the audience. Emily Stone is next and the former blond offers a rousing performance of "Bitch". Drawing the audience in, she captures Laurie's essence well. The judges seemed to agree, especially Mary Jo offering a score of 9.5, the highest score of the round.
Rachel Kimsey is the third to perform and while her performance of "Daydreamin'" was nice, I honestly couldn't see Laurie Partridge in the song. Alana Allen is next and delivers with a solid, soulful performance of "Nothing Compares to You" followed by Christina Grace's off key performance of "California Dreamin'".
Singing round completed, it is time to take this group of five and make a threesome. The top three girls with the highest scores move forward to the Acting round. The judges get it absolutely correct and send Alana, Emily, and Alexis (the three strongest) to the next round. Although Rachel and Christina are going home, both are extremely positive about their experience during their backstage time with Danny Bonaduche. It was very refreshing to see both walk out with tremendous class (Bachelor ladies, take note).
The acting round begins with David Cassidy introducing the scene in which all three ladies will perform in front of the blue screen. We are taken back in time to a 1972 episode where Shirely and Laurie discuss a matter that is in her diary. First up, Alexis Mero. She offers a good performance after which we are introduced to her parents (by Danny of course). Mom and Dad agree that her performance was great and that it was "so her". Truly proud parents indeed.
Emily Stone is next and she offers a solid, but funny twist on the scene (she wasn't ashamed to grab hers *lol*). After her performance, Danny talks to Emily's Mom and Dad. While Mom thought the performance was funny, Dad immediately corrected Danny on his relation, stating that he was an "adopted cousin". He looked annoyed and luckily Danny wasn't beat down for his minor error.
Alana Allen is last to perform and while her performance was good, she seemed a little nervous. The gentleman in the audience didn't seem to care as in their eyes, she was hot. Come on guys, did you really pay attention to the performance???
Before we get phone numbers for the top three Lauries (note: you can only phone vote on Sundays, however can go to VH1.com through the weekend to vote. Remember: 1 vote a day online and 5 times from the same phone number. ), we finally get to learn which two Keiths will move on to the finals (I hope that they will do this at the beginning the remaining episodes). Based on the public vote and the judges score (we don't have a full say until the finale), David and Leland move forward with Lucais going home on the bus. With David and Leland, it should be an interesting final and an extremely close vote.
After giving the phone numbers for the top three Lauries, Danny introduces us to the eight 'little guys' who hope to become the new Danny (now one is not exactly little, but the others are) and will compete next week. To close out, David Cassidy performs a revamped version of "I Think I Love You" to which all on stage join in.
Until next time, be blessed and keep rockin'.
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
