Since I was equally a V/M and D/W fan during the 2011-2014 era (it really helped when your non-biased because this rivalry could make you crazy), here are my thoughts :
If the 2011 World title was given to V/M and the 2012 world title was given to D/W, I would have totally understand (but BOTH reversed). I thought the correct numbers of title were given, just not the right order.
Carmen did FEEL undone, the interruption at 4CC might have played (especially in the eyes of the judges). I would have loved to see 2 or 3 more competitions with it, instead one very clean competition at worlds.
Sochi (without team event) :
Their SD in Sochi was EXCELLENT. It came down to levels and I understand the mega frustration and yes it was underscored big time IMO. But I have a big critic for that SD : yes it was flirty, playful, but some of the arm movements in it was "too playful" I guess ? I'm being VERY picky, but it was that Meryl/Charlie type of thing that they do so well, and not every skater should have the same style.
To answer your question about seasons : yes that program was an issue for a lot of fans, including me. It was NOT a Malher 2.0 at all. Malher was deeper, more emotional, olympic grabbing moment. Seasons was light, in fact too light for a strong team like V/M. At least Romeo&Juliet or Bride&Prejudice would have had more of an impact (and R&J with a Russian crowd could have been a hit). But it did feel they were outskated by D/W in Sochi (not in the GPF though, I'll give you that one right) even though they skated lights out. I repeat this all the time but, V/M and D/W were different and I felt like V/M were given the D/W formula because it was working for them.
And if you thing I'm being tough, YES : it was frustrating. This is part of the reason that they lost, and it's a bit repetitive today between Shibsibs and WeaPo : one team constantly delivers and has a a creative hand in their dances, so who do you give the points to ? (I feel like the judges see it like that)
And yes people are very picky, strict and tough when it come to V/M : it's always like that with a top team.
About the injuries : doesn't matter how you play it, a 2-year break from competition/intensive training is the best thing they could have done for Tessa to heal properly, it was their best decision and look at them now.
Interesting point of view from a fan of both V/M & D/W.
Though how does your assessment of V/M’s Sochi SD points loss may be that of, in your words, “some of the arm movements in it was “too playful” and implied “that" is something that "only D/W could do very well" but not others be justified score wise? Where does the loss of technical or artistic element factor in this?
Way I saw it V/M were both strong technically (skate wise) & did have a great choreographed SD. (They danced to it in their usual V/M flair)
Timeline of surgery was speculated around start of new season 2010-11. Tessa by then had been training to skate differently too. They came into season late and competed at 4CC & Worlds. 4CC FD they withdrew, citing cramp middle of program and Worlds at Moscow they placed 2nd. I don't dispute their placement here because it was fair. They skated strong (not just artistically beautiful music & choreography but also their skating technique was very good ) for Tango Mir Dein Herz SD but not-so-polished-but enough FD.
But following season 2011-12, it’s over a year of post surgery. Tessa skated even better than she did pre-OG. Both of them still (i felt) outskated skaters in their field. It showed with Hopkins SD and Funny Face FD. It was only when we came to 2012-13 (2 years post surgery), Whether you want to admit or not, I did saw the subtle shift of flavor/favor.
Carmen - They were in strong form (technically actually) and artistically they ventured out of their usual lyrical style (which many complained about). Here is where conflicts began. They were too athletic (ding on their technical components), too vulgar (ding on their artistic components). Same in 2013-14. Seasons wasn’t “light” (or “too light” as you put it) for a team with V/M’s caliber. It was skated to their strengths.
Again back to my point earlier to Sochi’s SD, how’s that (i.e. if it’s something “wrong/lacking" with choreography/music/interpretation) relatable to loss of points?
Maybe for both (speculating) here as it was poor music choice (Season) - too heavy/boring. Carmen was warhorse but interpreted differently. Maybe Mahler was (and only best style to dance in competitions & Olympics). But to me, those things are superficial.
The one thing I saw was V/M’s consistency for BOTH programs (or any of V/M programs post-OG). Even with all that tinkering, they never lost their deep edges, use of whole ice coverage, power in skating, controlled speed, close hold, etc. come competing time. They were in fact sharper and better than I’ve seen pre-OG and actually increased difficulty of (beautiful) SD & FD lifts and twizzles. Artistically, they were still quite strong there too. Mind you, I’ve been watching them since 2007.
In my head, this is skating COMPETITION. If I can accept the fact, it’s politics then say so & so be it. But to continuously say like their skating skills were diminished (somehow by too much exercise or some obscure elements) or that their taste in dance style has gone down the drain (even evidence show they do try different things), is downright condescending.
Btw, I enjoy watching ice dance as a whole, not just for V/M. This includes D/W.P/B, W/P, Shibutanis, H/D, C/B, C/L, P/C and most recently, the Danes. I chose to focus my comments only on V/M (Skills or artistic flavour) here because this board is specific to V/M.
but so far, so good.
