Supernatural: Top 5 Season Eight Episodes

The summer is winding down, which means the fall TV season is about to start picking up. Though the CW starts their shows a bit later than the other networks, I figure now is as good a time as any to revisit season eight of Supernatural and go over the five best episodes of the season.

As usual, the title next to the number is a link to a favorite scene from each episode.

5. Everybody Hates Hitler (8x13)

Perhaps you would not expect this one to make the list, and indeed I considered another, but this one was fun without getting super into the overall arc of the season. Plus, how often do you see someone dwarf Sam?

4. The Great Escapist (8x21)

The first time we meet Metatron. He seems nice enough. Or does he? Kevin starts to lose it. Sam hears things. A giant library.

3. Sacrifice (8x23)

The season finale was packed with stuff. Sam finishing the trials. Castiel finishing his own "trials." The whole converting of a demon thing coming to a head. Will the trials have a lasting effect on Sam now that he stopped before completing them? What's going to happen with a bunch of fallen angels on Earth? Questions, questions.

2. Pac-Man Fever (8x20)

 Whenever Charlie's around, it's always a fun time, though this was perhaps a more serious episode than her others. But it was fun to see her join Dean researching and also in the dream world kicking ass. Plus, a Winchester hug!

1. Goodbye Stranger (8x17)

We learn some stuff in this one - like what Naomi is up to with Castiel and how committed he really is to his favorite humans. Also, we finally bid farewell to the first demon that really messed with the boys - dear Meg.

What was your favorite episode? Vote below and let me know in the comments if you agree or think I've missed the mark. As you can see, I was not a big Benny fan, so none of his episodes are on here. Sorry not sorry. Also, are you looking forward to season nine? Honestly, I'm getting a little spent on recapping the show at this point, I am tempted to throw in the towel! Never thought the day would come!


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SYTYCD S10: Top 6 Perform, 2 Eliminated

Only one week to go until the performance finale - guess that means it's official - summer is coming to an end! Can I be honest? I don't know that I particularly care who wins. Sad trombone.

Joining Nigel and Mary on the judging panel tonight is returning favorite Jesse Tyler Ferguson. After the top 6 final group performance, we get on to the rest...

Paul & All-Star Kathryn - Tyce Diorio jazz - I'm not sure anything can really stop the Paul machine at this point, but can I be honest? There's something about him that doesn't come across as genuine to me in his dancing. He's always got a bit of the ballroom razzle dazzle going on, which makes me lose some interest despite him being super cute, la la.

Amy - That solo was pretty much the best one I think I've seen on this season so far. Well-planned, beautiful and moving.

Hayley & All-Star Joshua - NapTab hip hop - Hmm. I don't know. She just looked super skinny and kind of awkward trying to do those hard-hitting moves. Nice to see Joshua back though. I've kind of thought Hayley has been a dark horse this season, but I don't think she can beat Jasmine or Amy. The judges are pretty praise-worthy, though. Not sure they're really going to give much criticism tonight, honestly, though the way Nigel talks to her it seems like she's out.

Fik-Shun - Not sure that was very different from his other solos. Entertaining as usual, but not really anything new.

Aaron & All-Star Melanie - Spencer Liff Broadway - Was that missed hand at the end on purpose or did Aaron mess up? It seemed like a mess up, but then the whole thing was kind of about them hating each other, though from the comments seems like it was a mess up. Whoops! He is definitely the best actor of the guys, though. Nigel has a negative comment about his shoulders being too high, and apparently he has an injury in his shoulders as well. Seems a set up for his send off.

Jasmine - Good movement from her, but doesn't seem as planned out for some reason. A lot of spinning limbs.

Paul - Pretty sure this is the first time Paul has had to do a solo, right? Dynamic beginning.

Fik-Shun & All-Star Witney - Jonathan Roberts foxtrot - I'm not sure that Fik-Shun had as much to do in this as Witney, who was fairly awesome. I don't know how to really judge this kind of ballroom stuff, but Mary does call him out on some movement that wasn't the best, but compliments his closed position.

Hayley - Sweet solo, but nothing new in terms of contemporary stuff, and can't really compare with Amy.

Jasmine & All-Star Neil - Tyce Diorio contemporary - The voiceover really, really bothers me. Like, hit me over the head with subtlety, right? The routine itself was actually good, and didn't need any of that crap along with it. Sorry, the stupid message pieces really bother me, and Tyce seems to love to do that. Nonetheless, the dancing itself was good.

Aaron - Is this the first solo we've seen from him too? I can't remember. But I kind of love it. It's got such rhythm.

Amy & All-Star Alex - Nakul Bollywood - Can I be honest? I found myself watching Alex that entire time, which doesn't bode too hot for Amy. This genre is really one of the hardest to do, it seems. Also interesting because Alex had to leave his season because he was injured while practicing a Bollywood routine, so a bit of a redemption time for him.

Paul & Hayley - Dee Caspary contemporary - Wow, this makes me wish they'd been partners all along. Paul actually feels more believable dancing alongside her. Very fluid. Maybe my favorite routine they've done. Looooved Jesse's comment about Carly Rae Jepsen, omg!

Amy & Fik-Shun - Dave Scott hip hop - That was a fun routine, nice to see them back together again. They bring out the best in each other, as Nigel comments. I love the whole foot slide across the floor thing that Fik-Shun does, it just looks so cool.

Jasmine & Aaron - Sean Cheesman jazz - Man, her LEGS! Sheesh! Legs for days! Bendy legs! Straight legs! Legs all over! Nice to see these two back together again as well. Interesting that two couples both made it all the way to this point together.

Aaaannd the dancers who are in the final four:

Amy, Jasmine, Aaron, Fik-Shun

So, going home tonight:

Hayley & Paul

Wow, two couples stayed together the entire way through to the top four! Has that ever happened before? Who do you want to win? I'm routing for Jasmine, not sure between the guys.

Previous Episode -- Next Episode

SYTYCD S10: Top 8 Perform, 2 Eliminated

Apologies for the delayed post, I was up in Alaska. For reals! I was going to do it on Friday, but alas they don't put the show online legally for forever, apparently.

Anyway, this week's show not only features the All-stars, but also features their choreography. Should be interesting! Guest judge is Jenna Elfman. Apparently she does have a dance background, thank heavens. Let's not have another Carly Rae Jepsen experience.

In the bottom four:

Fik-Shun
Jenna
Tucker
Hayley

All do solos, wah wah. I feel like these solos don't really mean anything anymore.

Aaron & All-Star Chelsie - Jive - This is one dance where his height is kind of a hindrance, since he needs to move his feet so quickly, but he's handling it pretty well. The good news is my eyes aren't always drawn directly to her, so he definitely has some screen presence that some of the others lack. Mary actually gives him constructive criticism.

Fik-Shun & All-Star Allison - Contemporary - Good contemporary routine, though I did find my eyes drawn to Allison most of the time. He gets quite the screams and applause from the audience. Nigel loves to comment on his journey, and the way he says it basically makes me think Tucker is sunk, though if that isn't the end result, I'll be surprised.

Tucker & All-Star Courtney - Jazz - This routine is almost too matchy to the music for me. Kind of a weird ending, felt like it ended and then had a little thing at the end. I also love that there's all this saying-without-saying that Tucker is gay and that his father supports him, blah blah. Oh jeez and then they mention Courtney has MS, and now I feel bad dissing the routine.

Paul & All-Star Comfort - Hip Hop - Will Paul be able to stop smiling in this routine, is the real question. He's hitting the moves, but I'm not sure he's really getting down into it. And yes, the smile does make a few appearances. The judges don't really have many negative comments, and the legion of fangirls that seem to be behind Paul mean he's probably going to the finale whether he really deserves it or not.

Hayley & All-Star Dimitri - Rumba - Wow, I can already tell this is going to be a sexy routine. Doesn't seem particularly ballroom-y either. Honestly not sure any of the other girls could've done it as well as her. Pretty great. The judges all give her props, as well. Hope they don't save Jenna yet AGAIN.

Jenna & All-Star Mark - Jazz - You know I love me some Mark. Will be interesting to see what brand of crazy he brings. Pretty quirky and fun routine, seems like he's inspired by Lady Gaga, who he's been working with I believe, which Nigel confirms. Judges are on their feet. Oh jeez, that better not mean they're saving her! Agh! Love that the judges give Mark a lot of props, making him cry! Aww, we allllll love you Mark!!

Jasmine & All-Star tWitch - Hip Hop - I'm not really sure I got the whole superheroes thing from this routine other than the opening part. Also not sure I really liked the routine that much. She seemed a tiny bit awkward to me; am I the only one? Her legs, though very long and flexible, sometimes are a little goofy. Maybe I'm just looking for something to pick on at this point!

Amy & All-Star Travis - Contemporary - Well, what is there to say? Travis knocks it out of the park again. Beautiful. Really showcased how good Amy is, and always great to see Travis out there on the dance floor apart from choreographing.

And the two going home are......

Jenna & Tucker

Not a surprise! Next week will be the more nail-biting one. Almost time for the finale! Who do you want to win?

Previous Episode -- Next Episode

SYTYCD S10 - Top 10 Perform, 2 Eliminated

We're down to the top 10! Though I must admit, I feel like this has kind of been on forever, and we're only halfway there? Yikes. Also, news ALERT! I'm going to be on a cruise next week, so I may or may not (likely not) going to be able to do a recap on time next Tuesday. Instead I will be enjoying the beautiful Alaskan vistas! Muah!

Anyway! On to tonight's show! Joining the judging panel for tonight's first All-Star show - Debbie Allen! Yes! I've been waiting for her to come on the judging panel!

Bottom Four

Tucker (automatic since he could not perform last week)
Makenzie
Nico
Jenna

Nothing about this is really a surprise, is it? No. No solos tonight, which is kind of nice. The solos rarely bring anything interesting. On to the performances!

Amy & All-Star Brandon - Doriana Sanchez Disco. Of course it's Brandon, he's like a disco king. The ballerina spin is kind of fun. This is like, lift central. Whoa, death drop was really close to hitting the floor. I can't imagine the kind of trust you have in someone to be able to do that right. Mary mentions she's not crazy about the song, and I have to agree, it felt weird.

Aaron & All-Star Katherine - Stacey Tookey contemporary. I like this song so much that I'm a little distracted by it. My eyes are constantly on Katherine in this. Aaron is almost like a tree for her to climb there, she's just sliding up and down and all around him. Very emotion-filled, though, which was the point of it.

Fik-Shun & All-Star Melanie - Mandy Moore jazz. Melanie's on fire, she has such energy in her movement, it's kind of hard for Fik-Shun to keep up, though it does seem like she had more to do in general. He did well in what he had to do, and it was a pretty damn sexy routine. I'm just glad that Fik-Shun is better than Cyrus was last season.

Paul & All-Star Whitney - Jean Marc Cha Cha. This definitely seems in Paul's main wheelhouse. I do wonder if maybe he's smiling just a little too much, comes across as a bit pageant-y. Not that his smile isn't gorgeous, because duh, but he could do with some smolder, because there really doesn't seem to be much chemistry with Whitney. Mary goes a little insane for it, and Nigel says they're born for each other, but I'm not sure about that.

Hayley & All-Star tWitch - Chris Scott hip hop. Lots of hand movement in this. Not sure Hayley's outfit is really helping her. She's a bit smooth in her movement. Something's missing for me in this, honestly. Kind of light and not much going on, and I know tWitch can do crazy stuff in hip hop.

Side note: Did you know tWitch and Allison are engaged? Truth! SYTYCD love story!

Jenna & All-Star Neil - Mandy Moore contemporary. The jump spin lift thing was cool. They both dance that really well, though honestly it seemed like every other contemporary I've ever seen. Nigel comments that it's very fluid, which I agree with. His other comments about her seem like she's probably going home, though, along with her face.

Jasmine & All-Star Marko - Ray Leeper jazz. OMG, this song! I'm sorry, but I can't help but love this damn song. This is going to sound like treason or something, but I kind of think Jasmine out-danced Marko in this? Which is nuts, because that almost never happens with the all-stars, and you know I love Marko. The judges kind of agree, so I guess I'm not so nuts.

Makenzie & All-Star Jakob - Spencer Liff Broadway. I want that dress, hot damn. I much prefer these sexy type Broadway routines to those super cheesy ones. Really got the chance to see how amazing her feet are. Nigel says some comments that also make her seem like she could be going home as well, so who the heck knows.

Nico & All-Star Comfort - NapTab hip hop. I'm actually pretty impressed with Nico in this. He hit those moves pretty damn hard. I did start to get distracted by that weird fuzzy bit around his... bits. It got a little distracting, buttttt, nonetheless, better than I expected from him. The girls in the audience are going a little bit nutso in the crowd.

Tucker & All-Star Robert - Travis Wall contemporary. Weird, I was thinking at the beginning that it would be interesting to see two guys do a dance rather than all boy-girl pairs. I guess Robert was in a near-fatal accident last year? Sad! Wow, that routine kind of gave me some chills. I know it was designed that way, but because they had such emotion in it, it really elevated it. Eesh.

And, now to the results... The two dancers that are going home are...

Makenzie & Nico

Really? Keeping Jenna yet again? She's been saved so many damn times, pretty sure more than Makenzie, but I could be wrong. But I mean, unless something crazy happens, then Jenna's probably going home next week.

Well, that's another week down. Until next time, which may be the time after next...? We'll see what happens!

Previous Episode -- Next Episode

SYTYCD S10 - Top 12 Perform, 2 Eliminated

Wow, it just gets worse every season, right? Someone is always injured. Tucker has an infection in his knee? How does one get an infection in one's knee? Hmm.

Kenny Ortega is this week's guest judge. At least it's someone actually dance related this week, though I do wish they'd get Debbie Allen back soon. I love her comments!

In Danger:

Jenna - Straight to top 10. Really?!
Alan - Looks smarmy to me, sorry Alan, but you're in the bottom every week for a reason.
Malece - Okay solo. Eh? I admit I'm not a huge fan of hers.
Nico - Straight to top 10.
Amy - Kind of a haphazard solo, honestly. Wanted a little more coherence.
Tucker - Graceful solo.

Hayley & Nico - Sean Cheesman Broadway. Whoa, that leg lift flip thing was crazy, looks like she's going to break her leg or something! That was one of the better Broadway routines I've seen, I like when they're darker and not so cheesy. Judges on their feet, wow. These two are a good match.

Malece & Alan - Mandy Moore jazz. Love her dress. Cute dance, not sure it's ultimately very memorable, though. The judges' comments basically make me think they're the ones going home. Lots of negative talk.

Jenna (& Tucker) - Jean Marc paso doble. Since Tucker is injured, all-star Alex Wong steps in instead. Pretty good, though I honestly wasn't super, super impressed. Judges loving it, though.

Makenzie & Paul - Mandy Moore contemporary. Not sure I would get the whole boy from the wrong side of the tracks story if we weren't told it in the opening package. I do get the intention to create pictures with their bodies, though. Judges on their feet, audience going crazy (obvs, they love them some Paul).

Amy & Fik-Shun - Jean Marc Viennese waltz. The spinny move there at the end was pretty cool. Better than I was expecting, honestly. I think Fik-Shun actually did better than I thought he might, though Mary says there were some technical issues, she comments that there is something special about them.

Jasmine & Aaron - NapTab hip hop. That was a pretty fun routine, a lot of energy from those two. They definitely sold it. They judges are very praise-full yet again. They are just full of that tonight, except regarding a particular couple, which pretty much seals their fate even more.

Top 6 (minus Tucker) Guys - NapTab routine. Fun tug of war routine. I feel like I'm calling most of these things tonight "fun," not sure what that means.

Top 6 Girls - Stacey Tookey routine. Love this song, incidentally. Probably my favorite routine of the night, actually. Very beautiful, almost haunting. Makes me think the girls are better than the guys, really.

And, the ones going home tonight are...

Alan & Malece. Pretty much a foregone conclusion, really.

Well, now it's time for the top 10 and the all-stars! About time they started to switch things up, really.

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