In Search Of The Partridge Family
The Finale Recap
by Kanika Wade
October 20, 2004
After six weeks and five battles, the time has finally come to learn who will become the "New Partridge Family". Despite the cheesy opening (complete with a wrestling ring and attire), the eight finalists are given the red carpet treatment (complete with Limo!). "Dressed to the nines", each of the eight finalists arrive in pairs of two. First, the Keiths (Leland and David), followed by the Dannys (Keaton and Spencer), then the Lauries (Alexis and Emily), and the Shirleys (Mary Kay and Suzanne). After the arrival of the final eight, we are then taken into the studio.
Before the results are revealed, Todd announces that through phone and vh1.com, over one million votes were cast for the four leading roles. Numbers aside, the first role to be cast is Danny.
In a pro wrestling style clip (with "lucha libre" masks and Danny Bondaduche as the referee), Keaton and Spencer verbally spar each other as they look at the other's strengths and weaknesses. While Spencer views Keaton as "Robin to his Batman", Keaton reminds us that he is a "good (censored) singer". Jabs aside, we take one final look at these adorable young men through a duet of the classic "Shop Around". Regardless of who wins, each has shown that have a promising future in the entertainment world (complete with a strong family support system).
After their duet, Todd, accompanied by Danny (Bonaduche) reveals the voting results. Between Keaton and Spencer, the nervous energy is apparent as for one of them, the journey is about to end. Todd turns first to Spencer who then informs him that he has been cast as the new Danny Partridge. In tears, Spencer embraces Keaton who heads back stage. As Danny asks Spencer for his reaction, Spencer responds "I think I peed my pants" (his own Fantasia moment). As Spencer celebrates with his loved ones in the audience, we now have a quarter of this puzzle filled.
Turning to the Lauries, we are taken back into the ring as Alexis and Laurie prepare for their own "catfight". Their verbal spar takes a different approach with each embracing the other's strong suits. While Alexis finds Emily's personality "unique", Emily describes Alexis as "feminine and beautiful, with a great voice".
For their duet, Emily and Alexis performing "We Belong". With a solid musical arrangement (Emily could have left out some of her motions), Alexis and Emily nicely blend with their harmonies. At the conclusion of the performance, we are taken back into business by Todd with the result. This time, Todd first goes to Alexis, who after a silent pause is told that she is going home. With Emily as the new Laurie Partridge, Danny commends for her hard work and then asks for her immediate reaction (which is one of shock and disbelief). Emily admitted that she didn't know how the vote would go and once again commends Alexis on her talent and beauty. Like Spencer, Emily heads into the audience to celebrate with her parents and loved ones.
With two castings complete, Todd brings out the original Partridge family (without Susan Dey) complete with Brian Forrester and Suzanne Crow (the original Chris and Tracy). Also in the mix is the original Rueben Kincaid. After the family is reunited on stage, we are finally introduced to the new Chris and Tracy, child actors Anthony Skillman and Hannah Leigh Coleman. As for the new Rueben, we learn that we will actually have to watch the show itself to find out which popular actor has the managerial role (very slick marketing ploy VH1!).
It's finally back to the results and casting as it is time to cast the new Shirley. Like the Lauries, Mary Kay and Suzanne's verbal spar consists of positive words with Mary Kay embracing Suzanne's humor and "tough edge" and Suzanne embracing Mary Kay's sweetness and beauty. Performing "Son of a Preacher Man", the duet was truly an interesting blend of completely different styles between the women. Performance complete, Todd then returns to the stage to announce the result. Turning to Suzanne he asks her "to look into the camera and thank everyone who has made her the new Shirley Partridge". Immediately embraced by Shirley Jones, Suzanne is "overwhelmed" but thankful for the support that she has received.
Three castings in, we finally learn who will complete the cast as the new Keith Partridge (complete with screaming girls and fan mail!). The verbal spar between Leland and David is different from the previous three as each weighs in the other strength's and weaknesses. Between these two, it comes across as more of a semi-slam fest. Their rendition of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing" comes across as extremely shaky with Leland coming forth as the stronger of the two in the performance. With David Cassidy in tow, Todd announces the result of the public vote. Turning first to David, he informs him that he is headed home making Leland the new Keith. As David (Cassidy) seeks to get Leland's reaction, from Leland there is none. Through his tears, his joy is apparent and he immediately heads into the audience to his family and friends (Looks like Butter will be on the market for a new singer dude).
With the new Partridge Family in place, we finally get a taste of the new Partridge Family single "Love Can Start a Revolution". The performance is circa the original Partridge family: real singing, full instrument improv. Despite this, the early chemistry between the new cast is lively and I can only hope that this continues as they prepare to tape and air the new sitcom.
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
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