The way the Shibs performed "Evolution" at 4CC created an experience as if it was my first time seeing this program. It really felt like a re-birth. The changes from Nationals and the GP series were not as major as the "Fix You" changes were from Nepela to the GP series last season, but whatever small changes that occurred really changed this whole routine. Their performance of it was also light years better than they had ever performed this FD. I really am shocked that they had it in them. I hope it's a new phase for Alex and Maia where they hit a higher level.
I don't know what specific changes the Shibs made for 4CCs, but for me, the
end of the FD was much more effective this time. Like I said, at Nationals, they had me rapt for about 3 minutes and then it fell off in the final 40 seconds or so. Here at 4CCs, there was no fall-off at the end for me. In fact, I felt it built beautifully up to the end. They looked very, very good. I agree with someone who said upthread that they would still like to feel a bit more intimacy
between Maia and Alex, but nonetheless there's still a strong emotional intensity to the program now. That aspect of the FD has improved so much since Skate America.
I am thrilled with their score and the increased separation from Chock/Bates. While my interest in the Shibs' FD has grown through the season, my interest in Chock/Bates' "Under Pressure" has declined. That program is simultaneously somewhat daring, yet monotonous, to me. Chock/Bates skated it well, but it just didn't go anywhere. So I'm glad to see the Shibs clearly on top of C/B here.
It was interesting to compare the Shibs to V/M. V/M have exactly the quality that the Shibs lack a bit--that is, incredible intimacy/chemistry between the partners. Plus that incredible knee bend and power. However, I did feel V/M looked a tad sloppy in their FD--just some small misses here and there, enough to mar the picture of the program. Whereas Maia/Alex were very ON. It will be interesting to see if the Shibs can continue to narrow the gap. I admire their scrappy determination to keep bringing it and getting better against the seemingly invincible P/C and V/M.
Maia said they had to get back to the rink and Alex said they didn't want to interrupt their process as they were competing.
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. Their korean fans are the best, when the Shibs are in the USA we don´t get much.
Love them.
Look out Steven Spielberg!
