I halfheartedly watched So You Think You Can Dance tonight and am feeling decidedly meh about the whole thing.
Why? Well, I hate to admit it, but I think my fave reality show has officially jumped the shark.
For those of you unfamiliar with the origin of this term (ahem, Chad), take a look at this clip from Happy Days circa 1977.
Yes, that’s Arthur Fonzarelli, and yes, he’s literally jumping over a shark while waterskiing. And wearing a leather jacket. This single episode turned a corner for the series–from good to lame. It’s a TV phenomenon, and it’s a rare series that can avoid jumping the shark at some point or another.
So, how does SYTYCD fit into this? Wikipedia has a good list of “Jumping the Shark” categories. Based on these, here’s my take:
- Exit…Stage Left. When Mia Michaels resigned as a guest choreographer and judge, fans were concerned with good reason. Mia’s “I’m not here to make friends” criticism stood head and shoulders above her co-judges, and her choreography always evoked the most emotion in both the dancers and the viewers. It’s a shame she’s gone.
- Moving the main characters from their familiar surroundings to a new setting, such as a new home or even a new town. Fancy new stage with weird back projection images behind the dancers (Look! It’s the Taj Mahal and they’re doing a Bollywood dance!), and a new boot-off regimen.
- Special guest star. Yes, this was last season, but I have yet to shake the memory of Katie Holmes hoofing it on a soundstage while warbling “Get Happy”.
- A very special…This season started with a very special “it doesn’t count” episode where every dancer showed off his or her own specialty. Meh.
- New kid in town. Adam Shankman isn’t officially a “new” kid, but he’s now a permanent judge, turning the rotating panel into a static Mary/Nigel/Adam combo.
Now, I’m not totally giving up on the show yet, but if Napoleon and Tabitha have a baby or if Ted McGinley makes a guest appearance, I’m out.
kp
1 Comment
November 3, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Like Chad, this is the first time I’m hearing about “jumping the shark” but I completely agree. Tonight’s SYTYCD episode was super cheese and super bland. Then again, not every reality competition show can have the staying power of American Idol (my eternal fave). It’s just not possible.