THE WILD CARDS
Hok Konishi Hok, talented as he is, won't sail through the next few weeks on the strength of his dancing, which still needs some spit and polish whenever he ventures outside his comfort zone. Nope, it'll be because he was the first to hug and congratulate (or console) nearly every dancer as they triumphantly (or dejectedly) emerged backstage after meeting the judges. It'll be because he was genuinely crestfallen when he beat out fellow break-dancer Twitch for the final slot. It'll be because he's just a super guy. Let's hope that by the time that crest of goodwill has passed, he'll have followed in the footsteps of season 2's Ivan and mastered more than freestyling showmanship.
Lauren Gottlieb I'm still not quite ready to forgive Lauren for destroying Spider-Man 3, but I've yet to see her deliver a bum routine. Whether viewers will be forgiving of her connection to the show (she was an assistant to choreographer Tyce Diorio) remains to be seen.
CONTESTANTS WE KNOW NEXT TO NOTHING ABOUT
Sara Von Gillern Given the rarity of a female break-dancer/b-girl/throwback to 1989, I was surprised the show took so long to introduce her. She appears to be mighty hungry for the championship, and I can see that determination pushing through any problems she may have doing, say, the flamenco.
Neil Haskell A blond with a penchant for knee socks, he can jump really high. He was also able to pull off some credible hip-hop during the group performances with Lauren, but we've still yet to see him really go all out in his own style.
Jimmy Arguello Of all the end-credit montage clips of the unknown finalists, Jimmy's was probably my favorite. Also, he doesn't like to wait and has some funky hair, though not nearly so funky as...
Kameron Bink He has hair with red stars painted on the side. He also points his toes well.
Ashlee Langas Sunshiny. Bubbly. Joyous. Perhaps even a licensed joyologist, but according to Mia, she brings that energy to everything, and we know Mia loves her some sadness. Does a good twirl.
Jamie Goodwin We're told she has ''magic,'' and I'd agree, insofar as smacking around your hair while in a split is magical.
Shauna Noland Twirls really well, and brings her leg up high. Also, blonde.
Sabra Johnson She has an Afro. That's kinda it, though her final montage clip was probably the worst, 'cause it looked like she was going to fall down when she leapt to one leg.
So who's your favorite so far? Which of the Mystery Eight do you think might break out? And does anyone have the chutzpah to call the race right now?
