This and That: 2021 Skate America (Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, Alexandra Trusova) 

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction *before I start with timestamps, just wanted to say that I only watched the mens and ladies event. I only saw the scores for the pairs and ice dance events. I thought that Nathan Chen’s programs weren’t great, not my favorite however, it could grow on my the more I watch it. Same with Daria, overscored to win silver over You Young who skated really well (Finally!!! I was like if she doesn’t pull it together then the federation would have the right to not send her even if she won nationals with the poor performances we saw earlier in the fall, really disappointed the judges put Daria a sliver ahead of her. I really thought You Young deserved the silver for all the struggles she had over the last year and a half and to skate this well today.) before you all attack me over saying I hate Daria that isn’t the case I love her skating effervescent qualities on the ice. The free program music is dreadful (I don’t like Turandot as much as Tosca but that is personal preferences) and I don’t love the female version of Turandot that even Elena Radionova skated to in the 2016-17 season because I remember her last program wasn’t good either to Historia de un amore wasn’t great either. That’s why I don’t like the free program it’s not that I hate Daria. Daria is wonderful to watch! She is great! That short program no matter how overused the music is works for her and she embodies every musical note in the piece/song and I like that about her. Her PCS should have been the highest and (if judged fairly, slightly below Satoko but of course Satoko had mistakes and her PCS was Too low as many have stated on twitter, yes I follow Jackie Wong and I read all the comments as well). I try to be as informed as I can. Rant over this isn’t what you came for (also a Rihanna song, wow I know pop music as a classical musician. Shocking! I’m being sarcastic if you couldn’t tell). 5:09 Nathan Chen (Bronze Medalist, was 26.19 points lower than Vincent Zhou; will be competing at Skate Canada next week). Dark music for free program. Short program was not very good and Nemesis is really a nemesis for him since using that music at the Olympics (yes that was a pun, not intentional). I think he needs to change his programs maybe not next week because that would be too soon. I don’t know what to say really. Some good jumps but some mistakes as well. First time out this season. Great Quad loop!! Hasn’t lost since the 2018 Olympics. Russia loves Nathan Chen. 9:37 Peacock posting practice sessions. I didn’t see them. But I did see that it was posted on there but I didn’t watch them is what I meant. 14:57 Tatiana Tarasova 15:16 Yuzuru Hanyu 17:05 Vincent Zhou really great victory for him! Some q’s on the jumps but really great job! The costuming is really great. 19:31 Shona Uno I like the short program music (similar to what Kaori skated to last season but that was the Bach version that was most likely adapted from the Marcelo Oboe Concerto). I agree that its generic but I do love the music in general. Free program not my favorite similar to what I said about Valieva. 25:18 rough mens event, I have to agree with Dave the short program was very interesting to watch apart from Vincent and Jimmy being the only ones to skate cleanly. Splat-fest is what I wrote down in my notes. I kept a journal next to me and I wrote a lot of stuff but I don’t want to bore anyone with that. 25:19 Jimmy Ma (5th overall, 3rd in short program but last in the free) good for him. I don’t love the black swan as much as I thought I would. Not sure why. 26:19 Kevin Aymoz, last one short program withdrew before the free program citing injury. He was literally just recovering from one and he was forced to go here (from what I heard, this may be incorrect) and fell on all three jumps (3Lz, 2F* invalid element in short program and 3A). Tough to watch but I really don’t love this short program. The music in My opinion is dreadful. I wish him a well recovery! I did not like seeing him like that. So hard to watch. French federation wanted him here. Off the ice for four months. Like Pogorilaya falls. 28:29 Shun Sato, skated really well here! He did have a shoulder injury. 29:54 Artur Danielian inconsistent. Was last place here. 30:59 Daniel Grassl, could have been a dark horse here and win the bronze medal but far too many mistakes in both programs. The SP 8: a choice after Kolyada, just saying. Needs to work on the presentation. Just not there yet with Matteo Rizzo but if he lands the quads the technical score will be huge compared to Rizzo if he lands only one quad in the free. Inconsistenties plague both of them. But I do like the material for Matteo this season. I can’t choose one or the other. It’s hard to tell this early on. Wait and see till Italian Nationals. Could Matteo go again to the Olympics. I think Daniel would have a chance for the next Olympics in Milan in 2026 he is only 19 now. But that’s too far ahead. Can’t predict that far in advance. 32:05 Nam Nguyen, more of the same since WTT. Not good but not great. Only one quad in the free. It’s between Roman or Nam. I think Keegan is guaranteed. Roman got the last spot for the 2nd spot. It’s between them for that 2nd spot. Bad music choice in the free. 33:34 Pairs event! 34:01 Danny O’Shea, chose to continue competing after Tarah Kayne retired. (7th) 37:03 Pepeleva/Pleshkov (6th) 37:18 Walsh/Michaud (8th) 41:17 American teams (Knierem/Frazier and Calalang/Johnson) 42:28 LOL Johnathan’a Alexa went off after he said Alexa. Hahaha 🤣 Too funny 48:43 Miura/Kihara (2nd, ahead of Boikova/Kozlovskii). Great for them! Scary throw fall in the long program. 52:04 Boikova/Kozlovskii. Hot mess in the free. Bronze medal. Lost to Tarasova/Morozov and the Japanese team. Boikova posture not good. Music cuts not great in the free. Feels forced. They would have been the 2020 world champions had it happened. Without the 3S+1Eu+3S it would be hard. 54:31 Lol!! Yesss a Maria Butyrskaya reference!! I love her!! Stuff jumps though. “It’s like the Diet Coke of Maria Butyrskaya’s 3T+1Eu+3S.” -Dave Lease 2021 55:32 Trajectory of Tarasova/Morozov (1st). Programs don’t do anything for me but they are building consistency. 1:00:52 Ice Dance 1:02:33 Olivia Smart/Adrian Diaz 1:03:12 Carolane/Shane? 1:04:48 Chock/Bates (2nd) 1:04:57 Hubbell/Donahue (1st) 1:05:11 Chock/Bates vs Hubbell/Donahue 1:17:07 Ladies event 1:17:13 Alexandra Trusova (had an injury here, won the gold medal ahead of Daria) dress is not good for the free I didn’t like it. Fun fact the dress maker for Kseniia Sinitsyna is the same for the Tutberidze girls just wanted to point that out. I heard that on Paola la’s channel. I thought that Trusova was good here especially with the unspecified injury. No triple Axel in the short. Only one quad in the free as supposed to the 5 we saw at the test skates (was that an anomaly or will she do it for real one day). The free program choreo was not as good as it was in the test skates since she had all that magic with the 5 quads. It was a bit meh here. I thought she did well. The PCS was a little high as pointed out by a lot of people on twitter. Frida program was nice. Unspecified leg injury. Had a plan in the practices. Landed a great 4Lz in the warmup. Didn’t really sell the program even without having the quads. She skated smartly. The spins were slow here. Without the quads it is evident of the lack of skating skills and the emptiness of the program. 1:21:18 Daria Usacheva. Should have won the short program but after the free program I would have had her behind Kaori for 4th. The lutz is an e (flutz, even Mark Hanratty said it in the broadcasting). The short program is doing something for me and the free not so much. Winning silver here was good but common they really overscored her enough to win the silver ahead of You Young who had the performance of her life minus the 3A and flip edge call and Kaori Sakamoto who did quite well in the free. Such a shame she was 4th. But she did only do a 2F+3T in the short program that was just enough for Daria even with her poor FS to get that silver. She only needed 140.27 to had beaten Young You and she received 140.60 for a program with 2 flutzes (let’s be real and honest) and two scratchy flips one with a step out and no triple triple either (I don’t count Euler combos triple triples). I really like her skating but the dresses in both programs don’t match the music. I would have done a medium blue colour for the Greatest Showman. Very elegant to watch. Doesn’t have any ultra c elements. Better consistencies than in the JGP circuit. Gave away points in the free. 1:23:20 Young You, who really deserved the silver but ended up with the bronze. Second GP medal after winning bronze at Skate Canada 2 years ago. Fall in the short. Placed second in the long with a really great performance. Both programs are lovely however the free program not doing it for me and neither was Evita either. The music she isn’t selling the agony and the pain/suffering moments of Les Miserables. It’s A choice doing Les Miserables considering that Kwak Jung-Min used it in the 2009-10 season and at the Vancouver Olympics and Kim Yuna in the 2012-13 season winning her 2nd gold at the Worlds. I think it could grow on me. But wow was this amazing for her. She beat Yelim who I thought would do well. Great on her end for keeping Liebestraum SP. Loved it at worlds. It’s going to be really between them and the juniors and the other girl who almost beat Trusova at US Classic that I cannot remember her name who had some incredible jumps and spins. 1:21:51 Yelim Kim. Missed lutz toe in the free. Disappointing in the free. Great choice to keep the Liebestraum short. I think that the Vanessa Mae Turandot is ok. Same music that Shizuka Arakawa used. See below for more timestamps

I like that Jonathan and Jenny each bring a different perspective and expertise when they’re on. Jonathan brings his musical expertise and perspective as an artist, and Jenny brings her technical knowledge and perspective as a former elite figure skater. I love it when either of them is on. It’s sad that praising or complimenting one of them when they’re on is seen by some as trying to shade or make a dig at the other, when that is not the case. They are equally valuable to the show.

I actually wanted Nathan to lose a competition because the pressure of going undefeated going in, I just couldn't imagine that being good.

I got to meet Jonathan this weekend and it was the highlight of my skate America experience. I could talk to him for hours. Thank you!

Vincent was amazing. He always believed in himself and worked hard to improve. I think he will just build momentum and confidence. His program made me feel something. Not at Shoma's level but really pleasant. Going to be a great season! I am starting to love Bolero.

I completely agree with Dave: solo dance skating should totally be an event. For example Jason Brown as well as Satoko MIyahara.

Young You and Satoko were my highlights yesterday! Transported me back to the days of beautiful skating and Yuna Kim and Mao Asada.

Can’t believe you two don’t like Shoma’s short, beautiful music with beautiful & unique movement, Gorgeous Costume, even with him singled the Flip. He Interpreted the music so beautifully. His FS is still feel rushed as he hasn’t managed all his quad jumps and program is new. Don’t forget he hasn’t been with Lambel since Spring. I will take Shoma’s skating program any day over all the men’s. Currently nobody moves and interprets music like him in FS for men.

It was unconscionable for France to send Kevin to compete with a GROIN injury but especially when the Olympics are 4 months away!

Trusova looks like she is using Manic Panic hair dye which is a semipermanent hair color. ( and I'm all for it!) I love Dave referencing Christopher Guest. Dasha was exquisite in the SP but a little off-for her-in the FP. Can I say I love Katya Kurakova?!! She feels and interprets her programs with her entire body! Such joie de vivre! Thank you both for releasing this episode so quickly-I wasn't expecting this until tomorrow at the earliest.

Nathan’s free skate costume reminded me I need to pay my Kohl’s bill. Madison Chock wasbest-dressed as per usual. And in person, even more other-worldly beautiful. Wish Chock/Bates had won and Smart/Diaz had won the bronze but you could see what way the wind was blowing. Vincent laid it down so kudos to him. Ladiezzzzz were…well, Young You was excellent and Satoko is the queen of the PCS chills. And finally, I need to know why Shane Firrus wore that Paul Lynde on Hollywood Squares in 1974 neck scarf because honey, that was a CHOICE.

Thanks so much for this! Was so glad to catch this. Wonderful way to end the weekend. Did bring to mind my favorite story of rehearsed bows: Jacques d'Amboise’s tale at the Kennedy Center Honors for Alexandra Danilova about how she taught him to bow “like a prince, not a peasant.”

The two of you always do such a great job when you discuss figure skating, love watching this!

going to watch this episode on repeat! Love the coverage, thank you TSL!!

anyone know why Tara Lipinski wasn’t commentating this weekend? It was great, made me realize Johnny by himself is really not bad

It's so fun to watch ice skating on Peacock. Watching all the practices, and watching the entire competition without commercial breaks or commentators. So we got to see the full warm up which is always so crucial in seeing the headspace the skaters are in going into the performance.

Eteri totally gives pair girl energy omg

Voice overs need to be banned or limited to 5 seconds or something. The sheer number of voiceovers is getting out of hand! My section at Skate America was tittering through Kaori’s long program. It was super cringe!

Satoko was the moment for me ❤️

Nathan needs to bring back Caravan and Rocketman. Hanyu recycled programs from time to time and so have many others (Jason Brown this year - and we are glad he did).

I am in LOVE with Chock and Bates free program, even moreso after seeing them live. They can push the end a little more.

Finally here!! It’s 3:34 here in Paris but I had to wait for your video before I went to bed haha 🙌🏻😂

I just have to say, as a fellow podcaster, I just want to hand out COMMENDATIONS for what a wonderful thing you two have put together. The consistency week to week, the REAL detailed criticism are what I want to hear. It’s not “I hated this”. It’s “I Hated this, here’s why, here’s where she/he went wrong, and here’s what they need to do going forward”. Really, really good stuff, you two. I’m also living for Jonathan’s steaming takes in this one. I am only halfway thru the show, and he’s already basically buried the careers of Walsh/Michaud, and sent a chill up the spines of Calalang/Johnson fans everywhere. GOOD, INTERESTING, FRESH, BOLD TAKES. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 As Jimmy Connors would say, “this is what they pay for; this is what they want!” 👍🏻❤️❤️🌈🌈

I agree that Tarasova and Morozov are in their best ever form. Their throws are more amazing than ever. Alexa and Brandon were the highlight of the free skate and they deserved a medal even though there are several things they can and will do better with time, like their awesome throws. Alexa performed the program beautifully and with joy and she and Brandon have a great athletic energy together. I was totally feeling it and then she broke the mood by pointing to Chris. This is her and Brandon's journey and I want her to stay in that moment with him a bit longer. Both their programs are great for them. Let's not act as if they can't compete with the Japanese pair when they've placed ahead of them twice in the past 7 months. They were only behind because of their own mistakes, and they're still a new pair. Give them time and you will see how great they be.

argh you can't make allowances on PCS because there's a lot of quads in a program, they already got marks for that in the technical score! The two marks are separate and the athlete has to choose what their priority is.

I saw Kevin in a restaurant after the short program. He was sitting with Silvia and Ari Zakarian. He was wearing flip flops and had a big ice bag wrapped around his foot. I heard later in the evening he had injured his toe.

The Korean ladies really understand the power of ✨sparkles✨their costumes just shimmered on the ice. Shoma’s short costume was also so beautiful

So excited for Skate Canada 🙌🏻

I wonder why Jonathan didn't like Young You free program performance. I thought it was one of the highlight for women free program event. The long 3A preparation is already infamous but after it was landed, everything went smooth sailing. The music cuts are great, elements placement are also right at the music notes. You also seemed to connect with the program. From the video it seems that the audience enjoyed it as well, some standing ovations even.

For Sasha it was a calculated win. Very smart with the injury and all.

Finally T/M look happy, going to Eteri brought smiles on their faces)

Always been a fan of Vincent so happy for him

So glad I had the time to watch this entire event (Chopin competition is over: such a different esthetic to a skating competition...minimal transparency, some of the judges (there are 18 of them) have former or current students in the competition. a former judge saying the jury is much more focused on who they want to lose than any other criteria, It took the jury over 4 hours after the final to come up with the winner, a lovely guy from Canada who really plays superbly. Just such a different approach to activities that are similarly subjective. And I don't want to hear another Mazurka for the next couple of years!). Anyway, totally here for Dave Lease crayon metaphors! Thanks! Had similar thoughts to Dave about Amber Glen: I was thinking she should model her skating on someone like Denise Bielmann...being powerful has it's own kind of beauty.

Satoko's Tosca was a work of art. Like Michelle's in 2005? But different patterns and highlights.

Did not like Nathan's free.....even the footwork, it didn't leave me with a good feeling...overscored. Satoko's skating is beautiful, it's almost criminal how she doesn't get the PCS she deserves. Trusova, just jumps and overscored too

I really liked Chock & Bates exhibition performance at ISU awards, which was gorgeous. I was really hoping they would do a program like that this year.

Both Weaver & Poje and Hubbell & Donohue said that they were always in the shadow of Virtue and Moir. But both have had their chances once VM retired. But neither teams had/have been able to rise up and prove themselves. Which is too bad because there could have been a push for something even better than what we got in the last olympics. Or atleast something close to it.

Omg it’s finally here!!!

Skate America was really interesting. Love you, I am happy that you spot on Sunday. Sunday funday. The program that i like with the mens was the skater that I liked was the person that was the "Star Wars" program that a skater did.

Thanks Dave and Jonathan for such a thoughtful and lively discussion so quickly after the event was finished! Your coverage of Skate America this week has been golden! Agree about Nathan's programs. Bad music choices and bringing back something that was such a painful moment can't be psychologically healthy. I agree that he should bring back Caravan for the short. Also, maybe that Phillip Glass program for the long.

Shoma should definitely do the Michael Jackson sp. It has personality, and no one has moved as well as Shoma since Daisuke Takahashi. Even though Michael Jackson is problematic, millions, if not billions, of people still love his music. Even my mom still loves to hear his music.

I really enjoyed the Japanese pair team and smart/diaz!

Been waiting for this 🥰🖤

This weekend was wild. This season is cursed already

Wow, you guys are so quick!!! Thank you! 🙏

Mozart’s requiem is perhaps the most powerful music ever composed. It demands perfectly organized headspace to interpret. Nathan seems artistically bored, checked out in both programs. They probably didn’t want to mess up something that worked up until now in terms of structuring of programs, but simply maintaining is not working for Olympic season for such a talent as he is. It’s like an end to an incredible wave, too much of a fade down instead of a grand finale. They should scrap it all. Bring different people in.

Super excited for this!!!!

This time we don't necessarily agree on Shoma! :) Very interesting take on how his unpredictable performances affect his PCS, I never thought about it but it can be true! Even though I think the tension should affect just the fans and not the judges who should consider just the outcome, but I think you have a point. As regards the programs, I think bolero has the potential but still needs a lot of work, while his SP is amazing. Yes, the music of both programs is not original nor exciting, but what set Shoma apart from other (and this is a personal opinion, not an objective one) is the fact thathe doesn't just skate beautifully to the music, he brings it to life: the music become phisical, he's like a gifted painter with a brush, you can see and feel the emotions while he skates. But I know that's just what I perceive! :) As regards Nathan, I think his costumes are have been pretty bad at least in the last couple of years, and while he's an absolutely amazing skater (maybe the best at the moment), I think his PCS are always too high, but again, this is based on what I feel while watching him skate!

you activated the Alexa in my room too lol

So funny how Dave is color-coordinated with his room, and so is Jonathan!!!😅🤣😂

I was very happy for Vincent but now the question is if he can keep the consistency. Am not worried about Nathan having an off day or his outfit since that typically changes throughout the season but i did not like the music. It didn't feel like something he would skate to and it didn't feel like it was fit for the Olympic season. I think this might be Nathan's last season and that might be on his mind since he will probably want to concentrate on the school. I also got the same impression that he doesn't really care much for skate america but this is a season where he needs to be in it and take it seriously to avoid surprises. I also thought that he was going to take the school year off but he probably thought that he could deal with both.

Totally agree with Jonathan. I attended Skate America from Canada, and my moment of the whole event was Smart and Diaz's FD.

Here's my thoughts on Hubbell/Donahue vs Chock/Bates. H/D bore me. And I find his facial expressions forced and unsettling. Chock/Bates don't look like any other team skating now. I happen to love both programs, both musically and in terms of choreography and packaging. I think both of her costumes are stunning. And when we complain about generic programs to genric boring music, why not reward the unusual?

I think Nathan should change both programs tbh

Nathan needed the Japan Open just as much as Andrade did not need to do AA in Japan.

I agree, B/K's (both of them, frankly) postures drive me crazy. And I still don't love their skating skills. I don't think they're handling training with M/G well, which is unfortunate, since it sounds (ideally) like such a great way to push and motivate yourself. And on a more personal level, I honestly prefer P/K(and real talk, they're faster); they could definitely take that third spot with their tech content if B/K don't clean up. T/M...it was definitely good for them to win over B/K here but mistakes on both sbs in the free. Obviously one doesn't want to peak at SA but with their track record, you really don't know...I'm glad Jonathan brought up the lack of ice coverage with them. They're marvelous skaters overall but he always appeared crawling to me on the lifts. Again, great skater overall, not the greatest lifter.

I saw Johnathan in Wynn. OMG. I was so happy and was about to interrupt his dinner with his friends 🤣🤣🤣

this was my first in-person skating event ever! my moments were definitely miura/ryuichi winning silver, young you’s free skate and satoko’s free skate before the scores were announced (shhh, we’ll pretend for a moment that underrotations don’t exist and that judges actually give her the PCS that she deserves). i don’t think these are her best programs, but i think kaori was robbed of bronze. i love nathan but i’ve given up on the hope that he’d actually get decent costumes. shoma’s costumes were gorgeous!

Great recap as always! Jonathan might hate Vegas but he seriously looked smoldering in this video so maybe Vegas likes him😉

Yay! Been waiting for this! I wish Nathan would go back to Caravan for short. Love that program! 😍❤

I think the pairs event in Beijing will be so intense. I could see the Japanese make a push for the podium, even. Boikova and Peng have both opened the door. Tarasova/Morozov could always implode again. Sui/Han need to land their 3S. Wow, who would've had Japan in the mix 12 months ago?!

I actually feel ok about BK after this event. Yes, they made mistakes, but in an interview afterwards they said that they were nervous and knew where and when the mistakes were made, Sasha said they "stumbled a lot". But still they were happy to present these programs at their first international event. I actually found them to be giving very positive vibes even with being third. Look, we may love or hate the programs due to music choices but at this time I would say stick with what you have and just work on polishing off these programs. At least they seem to be enjoying their material unlike Mishina and Galiamov. Because once they do polish everything, they really look strong for the podium. The costumes are great, I wouldn't change a thing and actually it made me feel warmer towards their programs. I was pleasantly amazed by the level of speed in the free, they clearly need to work on the artistic side but again I didn't want to judge them too harshly given their first time. TM - yeah, still not loving the music or the costumes, it baffles me how these gorgeous skaters have to skate in such awful and just blahhhh coloured outfits. Happy for Tarasova, she really did better this time than Morozov. I was pleasantly surprised by Trusova's short Frida program, I felt like finally I saw some effort to show artistism. Daria should have won the short though. Sinitsina had the best dress overall, the one in the short program. I am continuing not to be impressed by the dance event. The more teams I see the more I realize that the french pair trully stands out, at least because of the originality concept of their rhythm dance. I do not understand why Hubbell and Donohue are pair number 1, when clearly Chock and Bates are so much more captivating in everything. First of all Madison skates with such a look on her face as if "why do I need to do this, just give me the gold medal because". I really don't understand how their first lift in the free is allowed because it is almost already pair skating level hight. Overall, they bore me to death, I would rather rewatch the Spanish pair or even Morozov and Bagin's Scheherazade. But if I am being totally honest, can't wait for the Olympics just to see the top dance pairs retire and finally have new faces, I am really tired of these teams, none of them excite anymore.

Excellent analysis of the men.

From the arena- C/J lifts were really beautiful, but Alexa and Brandon clearly had more speed/power. I practically yelled when C/J actually landed their sbs in the short, but clearly that luck ran out. Smart and Diaz won the dance for me- all medal teams after fell flat tbh. I’m trying to like C/B free dance but I think it needs completely new music. Also- the sex noises from H/D rd have to go- very disturbing, esp among an older in-person audience

I was worried that Nathan Chen did not have enough training during the off season after seeing his endorsements on Instagram. I was so disappointed but it was clear that Vincent really devoted his time to his skating. Did Nathan experience the "twisties" (what is it called in skating by the way?)? I hope he gets it together soon.

Yes been waiting all night for this 🥳

The beginning of the Tarasova/Morozov's (short?) program where he lifts her like a mannequin is, sadly, very fitting.

@TheSkatingLesson: "come alive, bro-y, footwork sequence" has now joined my all time favorite descriptors!

Same sentiments about Nathan's music. Don't like the music in the first half of his SP. If Nathan really wants to own and redeem the Nemesis program (which I don't mind, it's completely up to him), he should just use it for the entire SP. As for the FS music, Kolyada's skating is what's on my mind for the first part (since he has skated to the same music). And it's funny how Jonathan described the music as something used in a film when something's about to go wrong! That second piece is the music used in the anime HunterxHunter when this dark "villain group", the Phantom Troupe, is in the scene. 😆 And the FS ended on that really upbeat track; the combination felt weird to me.

Nathan's been at the top for so long it's like he doesn't know what to do with himself other than just maintain and try to keep it going. That's a much more difficult mindset to be in than just being hungry and on the climb to the top. You can kinda see he's at a point where it's like, how does he one-up himself, do a 6th quad? He could probably win with 4, but god forbid that's "all he does" because the expectations are so different for him. Not that I wish him harm, but I think it would almost be better if he was out with an injury for a few weeks and builds back up towards Nationals while the media cast doubts about his prospects and finds someone else to fixate on. And then when he comes back and does the exact same thing as he always did before, the narrative would be "wow, look what he's doing coming back from injury" and not "boring same old Nathan."

Building on Jonathan's statement that he would rather have seen Deanna and Maxime over Evelyn and Trent at Skate America, I totally agree. And, given the very poor showings by both Evelyn & Trent as well MooreTowers & Marinaro's 8th place finish at Finlandia, perhaps those 2 teams have opened the door for Skate Canada to re-evaluate Deanna & Maxime? As Jonathan says, "at least Deanna would (put up a) fight."

Was waiting to hear your perspective on Nathan guys, and I 100% agree. His programs are just not good. Hope he makes a change soon.

My favorite moments from the event: Zhou FS (not a fan of his, but so happy for his success) Daria and Satoko beautiful skating like it's 1999 Trusova showing up despite injury

Dave said it all: Jump drills, then come-alive footwork’; I always feel watching Nathan’s program is like watching two different competitions; the jump competition in which he produces high-skill jumps (like individual gymnastic competitions), then the step sequence part for an artistic competition…Wouldn’t some sort of coherence or blending be required?I always feel watching Nathan’s program is like watching two different competitions; the jump competition in which he produces high-skill jumps (like individual gymnastic competitions), then the step sequence part for an artistic competition…Wouldn’t some sort of coherence or blending be required?

However, i do not know why I like more Dari than Alexandra : each time, Daria has skated so elegantly and beautifully. If and only if she had generated a 3A in FP, she would have passed to 1st (of course if also she had not made mistakes in her 3-3 loops).

I have liked Alexa and Brandon, but since they paired up, there was and continues to be a lack of chemistry/connection. So thanks for mentioning it so I know it's not me. And also, probably unpopular opinion? But Danny and Chelsea have AMAZING chemistry and connection, right off the bat. I didn't care that they didn't do well - I really enjoyed watching them because they looked like they were enjoying skating together.

Does Jonathan wear manliner? Just want to take a minute to say how beautiful eyes he has.

Kevin - hopefully Team France knocked on his door and said, “Pack your bags. Going home.” Good to see Vincent fight through adversity. Satoko - less air than a pudgy stockbroker on an NYC basketball court but artistry at 11.

as Shoma fan, i agree with dave in term how i worry about what he gonna do next. i cannot sit still and always praying "please let him landed all the jumps"

"Who is the new Aunt Viv?" Dave was on fire tonight!!!

I think Nathan will bounce back next weekend. I agree his programs are uninspired this season and maybe by Nationals he will change them.

Mark H said on the isu feed that Jimmy took out his hair band so it wouldn't fall on ice and get him a costume violation. Mark was great on commentary this weekend.

“Alexa off. Alexa off. That’s what Jessica Calalang wants to say.” 😂 Dave I agree with you. I thought the sparkly blue dress was an odd choice for Coldplay. I loved their costumes for last years free. Frankly I liked their old free better even though the Coldplay is fine.

Wow, I thought Skate America would be predictable - in the men's competition, anyways. Nathan's not in good form in either short or Free, but I doubt that he wants to peak here when he's won the event like 4 times. New quad - the Loop; I think he should just stick with the 4Lz and 4F instead, since they're his best. The event he means to win is the Olympics; I doubt his coach is too concerned that he didn't win here. I have every confidence that Chen will win his next GP and make it to the top of the podium again at the GPF, that is, if Hanyu doesn't get to the top. Vincent Zhou deserved his win here, he did really well to finally overcome and win gold over Chen. Shoma managed to keep 2nd place, which is good. Sato Shun didn't have such good performances here, but it is the first competition of this season. He actually had a good outing here. Hope he improves as the season goes on. The ladies' was much more predictable. Sad to hear that Trusova injured her right foot; however, she did so much better in the Free without the whole 5/6 quads in her layout. See what clean program with high GOE gets you? Once she's better, no doubt she'll put her best quads in there. Glad to see Ksenia Sinitsyna here; she skated so beautifully! Too bad she was up against Team Tutberidze here. You Young rallied in the Free, which was way better than the Short program. Hopefully she stays with Hamada this season to improve herself, because her 3As and underrotations are doing her in. Good to see her on the podium. Good job for Riku and Ryuichi on getting silver at their first GP event! So happy for them. I hope they can make a case for the podium in Beijing 2022.

Re: Shoma's material, "Both programs look like all stress and no fun." Yes, exactly!

Love you guys and enjoy this channel so much--with that said I respectfully disagree with Chelsea and Danny. Give Chelsea a chance- this is a world stage she is not used to, certainly not recently, and normally she does not struggle on the triples. She's also small enough that he can manipulate her in fantastic lifts which is what pairs SHOULD be. Give her a chance--- I think they will surprise you! Our other Americans struggle on the triples--if they land it they act as if they just landed the first quin and get so excited its embarrassing. Chelsea will get consistent in competitions--give her a chance!

This is my Team Event for US (after Skate America): Pairs SP/FS: Knierim/Frazier Men’s SP: Nathan Men’s FS: Vincent Women’s SP/FS: Alysa Liu Ice Dance RD: Hubbell/Donahue Ice Dance FD: Chock/Bates They should deliver a silver medal but I’m not convinced until I see judging panels through 4 Continents (in Tallinn!!!).

Can someone please tell Amber to skate to When The Lights Go Down by Faith Hill!!! She can give than emo face because the lyrics are introspective, and she can give power cuz it’s a powerful song. I’m visiting Texas this coming weekend and there’s just no time to get to her rink and be like, can we have a discussion… So, someone please just get that idea out there. I don’t have enough coffee to process anything beyond this.

Hanyu is by far more popular in Russia than Nathan.

Yes, Daniel Grassl’s head tilt during jumps! Han Yan’s head does the same thing, but with Grassl’s hair, it makes his jumps look so aesthetically unpleasing.

Skate Canada put 3-day tickets on sale this week. It will be great to see fans there too.

Great show! Need to get peacock so I don’t have to dig for videos on RU-vid before they get blocked!

I haven't seen anyone comment, including Jonathan, on the condition of the ice at the arena during the practices and the first night of the event. It was BAD. It was clearly too hard, as though the temperature was never adjusted upwards slightly from the AHL hockey ice the arena is usually used for. I know for sure Kaori Sakamoto mentioned it, I'm not sure about others, though I have seen lots of fans talk about it. I'm only a long time fan and beginner level adult skater myself, but even in my limited experience I could tell from the falls I saw that it was too hard. It's why Trusova's first practice went so terribly, and why the six minute warmups for the men's short programs were splatfests as was the men's short in general. (because 3As and quads cause more torque on the landing, those are the jumps that will be harder to land safely and cleanly than triple jumps and down, when the ice is too hard the blade skids instead of cuts into the ice). Vincent also benefited from being the first on the ice in the men's short because the ice wasn't full of huge divots left from previous skaters (just the warmup), something that's also worse with hard ice - at least one of Nathan's falls was due to his skate getting caught in a rut. I'm also sure this is why Amber did not try the 3A in her short, and she was probably hesitant enough after that to not want to try it in the long. The ice manager must have gotten several earfuls after the first night of competition on Friday, because it was where it needed to be by Saturday. But this was a big deal. I'm not saying skaters shouldn't be expected to adjust to conditions, but this was a major factor in Nathan's problems in the short.

I have so many thoughts about Skate America - first, it was sooo good to watch live. I live in New Zealand, and the time differences make it impossible for most European and Asian competitions, but the North American ones are normally ok. It was so much more exciting not watching clips here and there, as Jonathan mentioned. Moment of the week for me was absolutely Vincent's win. I have preferred him over Nathan for awhile now, I find him more interesting and with better flow (Nathan's landings in particular often don't have much flow). I also feel like he really puts in effort and performs throughout the programme, rather than just in a 20 second choreographic sequence. I love both his programmes this year, and was so happy for him after he won. I also think it was good for Nathan to not win for once, hopefully this will motivate him to be even better. Don't get me wrong, I think Nathan is incredible (I'm a figure skater myself so really admire what he can do), but he just doesn't really do it for me in general. Honourable mention also goes to Shoma's SP costume - quite possibly the most stunning mens costume I have ever seen. I also can't believe I'm saying this, but I like the Bolero free - and I despise Bolero with a passion. But his music cut was actually really good and I enjoyed it. I love Valieva, but dread watching her free because I hate the music so much. Also, agree Shoma should do the Michael Jackson short, that was way more entertaining and memorable. In the womens, I absolutely think Daria should have won the short. Sasha has improved a lot, but no way her components should be that high. I absolutely love Kaori, her jumps are huge and the speed, flow and charisma is great. I don't have an issue with her posture, I actually think a lot of the footwork and skating she does off axis is really good, and not easy. I don't know what it's like in person, but her step sequences also look so much faster and stronger to me than a lot of the others. Other highlights were Satoko of course, Amber, and Starr. I've always liked Starr, she also has a really infectious charisma that a lot of the top US women don't. I loved both her programmes (I didn't know that was her singing At Last, I actually thought it was great). The free was also great, great music choice and I loved that she was full on dancing to it at the start. Overall a very interesting competition!

I know they're not the preferred, but I think Hurtado and Khaliavin are the only team that came close to nailing the RD assignment this year. I just think she's spectacular.

Omg!!! ❤️❤️ I love you both so much!!! Blessings!

I like Nathan’s free skate music. There’s a lot of potential to be dramatic, powerful, and Olympic. I like the twist at the end. The short program music is uninspired especially the first half…Baffling choice. I have been a defender of his costume choices in the past but enough already with the wicking athletic shirts. At least go back to his previous styles - solid collar shirt with dark pants is a good look for him. I’ll even take his exhibition look.

Great video! I wish Alexandra could change her free program. Cruella is a vibe, but definitely not for an Olympic season and not something where high components are deserved. Give her something to tell on the ice like she does in her short program, it looks amazing. But free- a big no.😕

Ksenia Sinitsyna is underscored 🙄 Do you agree with me?

You're going to add footage of Nathan furiously texting to the opening montage right?