Monsters of Television

“With their lives at stake…”

Really, Slater? Are you killing kicked off crews now?

I had been mentally preparing myself for the auditory assault I would have to endure while watching this episode. As was the case last week as well, I do not like the featured superstar from this week. Rihanna is obnoxious. Her songs are more repetitive melodic talking with way too many “Yeah”‘s and “Uh”‘s and “Na na”‘s. Sorry honey, that market was cornered by Will Smith a looooong time ago. Luckily the visual stimulation overrode the auditory.

This week’s challenge included incorporating some of Rihanna’s toughest moves into their routines. Dance Hall (Dancehall?) is her style, and they had Rihanna’s choreographer to help them blend it with their own unique techniques.

Instant Noodles was the first safe crew. They weren’t my favorite but I will say that they’re getting better every week. I like them, they’re great performers, I just don’t know if they can compete with some of the other crews in the long run. Their dance this week was just okay, but that’s their MO IMO.

The first showdown was between Iconic Boyz and 787 Crew. Iconic Boyz won, solidifying some of the things that JC was talking about last week. They’re crowd pleasers and that’s valuable. It certainly paid off this week because I thought 787 crew was better in the last episode. D-Trix was actually right about Iconic Boyz this time. They were adorable, they had comedy, they had stunts and they had great choreography.

Of course IaMmE was safe. They are easily the best crew on the show. As if I didn’t love their moves enough already, their dance challenge was the Spider-Man. And boy did they bring it (see, I’m catching on). Not only did they have sick moves, but in amazing IaMmE fashion they built a human spider. AND they tossed in some fight choreographer with Olivia throwin’ up the web shooting pose at the end. Amazing! Spectacular! Other titular Spider-Man adjectives! I agree with JC. I too like everything about that group.

Street Kingdom. Sigh. How are they safe? They are a boring, one trick pony of a group. That said, I thought this week was their best dance. Their movement was limited as usual, but they incorporated a lot more than just krumping into the routine. They met their challenge and for that I applaud them. I still want ya’ll to go home though. Lil Mama mirrored my sentiments. She wants them to do better, wants them to do more than just krump. They need to bring it.

I was very conflicted going into the final showdown. I like both of the crews in the bottom two. While 787 Crew had the better performance last week, this week went to Phunk Phenomenon. They were far more impressive. I was a little disappointed that 787 didn’t incorporate Perry into their routine because he was the star last week. The judges agreed with me as PP got to stay. 787 had quite an emotional exit and deserved every second of the standing ovation they received.

FINALLY! Next week is the Bieber episode. I was kind of hoping they were saving him for the finale (which I’m guessing now will be Kanye), but I’m happy to finally get the episode. Bieber on repeat to prepare myself. As if I don’t do that already.

Final Thoughts:

• Some cool costumes this week. I want the shirts from IaMmE and the pants from Instant Noodles.