In Search Of The Partridge Family
Episode 7 Recap
The Battle of the Finalists
by Kanika Wade
October 12, 2004
We've seen four amazing battles with 32 talented finalists. As the field narrows down, we are now in the final stages before we are introduced to the new, modern-day Partridge family. Before the head-to-head battles begin, we learn that the final two Shirleys will not be revealed until later in the show (I am mad Vh1, why couldn't you do this in the beginning? Darn you! ::shaking fist::).
With each of the final battles, the rules are simple: 1 performance, 1 song. Each finalist has their own number (the voting lines are now closed, if you would still like to vote, go to vh1.com) which is available to viewers throughout the show and two hours after the show's conclusion. The first battle is with the Keiths. Before David and Leland perform, we are once again reminded of the original Keith Partridge.
Both David and Leland are attractive and with their expanding fan bases, I hope that they are ready to become the newest heartthrob (complete with fan mail!)! Leland is the first to perform. My Keith pick (see my predictions), his "Partridge Family" journey has been an amazing ride. Leland delivers an amazing performance and proves that he is deserving of being in the top 2. David is next and although he deferred school to participate on the show, in his eyes, it was worth it. Although David delivers a solid performance, overall it simply didn't match up to Leland.
The Lauries are next to battle and as with Keith, we are once again reminded of the original Laurie; sweet, but strong in her views (no comment on who I think the original Laurie would vote for!). For Emily, the journey has been a fun but at times nerve-wracking. She offers the audience and viewers a fun, smooth performance of "Love Fool". A different style from "Bitch", she played to the audience well and clearly showed that if cast as Laurie, she can change her style tastefully while still offering the twist the new Laurie needs.
Alexis Mero is the second to perform and surprisingly, she was intimidated by the beauty of the other Laurie contenders. Despite this, Alexis is simply excited to perform and states that "Skater Boi" was just practice for what she had lined up (Actions Speak Louder than Words). Performing Whitney Houston's "So Emotional", she offers a good performance but overall, she still came across as extremely cutesy which is what this new Laurie doesn't need.
The Dannys are third and from Danny's introduction (no you can't have your old job back!), Keaton is possibly starting to get into the role of Danny with hotel toiletries (if you got something on the side, do your thing sweetie!). For Keaton, he gained a lot of knowledge in boot camp, particularly in the area of stage movement. Despite a horrible musical arrangement, Keaton offers an adorable performance of "All Star". Student Body president Spencer is next and for him, he didn't expect to make it this far (I still think he should have gone home!). His school has already had "Spencer Day" with girls wearing t-shirts with Spencer's likeness. To his classmates, he his already their "Danny Partridge". With new hair and another bad musical arrangement (the musical coordinator should be fired at this point, giving out poor arrangements!), Spencer performs "Mambo #5". A decent performance, Spencer was off at times, but he overall worked the song and the crowd. Personally, Keaton still carries an edge and as I stated in my predictions it is crucial for Keaton fans (myself included) to rally together and put this cutie in the role of Danny. Spencer still has a promising future ahead but I can't see him in this role (no hate mail please!).
Teasers aside, we finally learn which two Shirleys are headed to the final battle. The women look great and before the results are revealed, I am still sticking with my original picks, Suzanne and Krissy. Much to my surprise, Mary Kay is the first to hear that she is moving ahead (I really thought she would have gone home.) leaving Suzanne and Krissy for the second spot. Todd then moves to Krissy, who is told (to my surprise) that she is going home, dashing fans' hopes for the modern day casting through Krissy and Leland (apparently there weren't no 'hanging chards' in the vote count). Taking the final spot, Suzanne and Mary Kay are left to battle to become the new Shirley.
The first to perform, Mary Kay looks back on her Partridge experience as a "life event". Singing Britney's "Opps, I did it again", Mary Kay has fun with the number but was slightly off key. Although I am still wondering the reason behind the song choice (I didn't think it was appropriate for Shirley's character), Mary Kay did her best. Suzanne is next and views the entire experience as "musical theater" (she does has a valid point). Performing "Walking on Sunshine", Suzanne is brilliant and offers a strong delivery. Although I originally chose Krissy for Shirley, Suzanne proved to me that she has what takes to take on this role (You can already see where my support is shifting!).
Battles complete, Danny reminds us what the new Partridge family will be like; Keith, the rockin' rebel, Laurie, the sassy female, Danny, the "old" soul (complete with new hustles!), and Shirley, the rockin' mom (balancing parenthood with rock-n-roll). Before the show concludes, we are once again reminded of each finalist's screen work from their previous battles. It will be interesting to see how the show concludes next week…..complete with a new Partridge Family single.
Next week…..Will my predictions stand and who exactly will be the new Rueben Kincaid?
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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