McNamara & Carpenter have a
solid base of skills, which is exactly where potential lies. (This is where I interrupt this post to celebrate because I just realized yesterday that they earned Level 4 on their one-foot step sequence at Nepela and at Lake Placid International also this season
. These are M&C's first senior level 4s for a step sequence, and I believe McNamara & Carpenter are the first senior team on the Challenger Series to earn one this year. There are many teams that go their entire careers without earning a level four footwork sequence. To me, that has been the ultimate technical threshold over the past quad).
M&C also happen to be my favorite performers of this upcoming generation--the teams that have transferred up from juniors since the Sochi Olympics. I'm not sure where this sudden myth is coming from that M&C are only technical skaters, but I can't take it seriously. I don't fall in love with teams based solely on technique, and I fell hook, line, and sinker for this team back when they mountain-trolled their way through the waltz in 2016. Though I've liked them since I first saw their international-flavored SD in 2014.
I would have to rewatch, but I'm not sure if the above description of their tango is accurate. Perhaps it has been confused with the storyline from their tango last season? The beginning of their program this season is lovely, light, and in sync; and following the more intense tango section, the final position is intimate and soft. (If she wants to get away, I don't think she still wants it at the end). I'm quite impressed that this year's tango is so different from their FD last year. I worried that they might modify the old program, but they didn't. They've tried something with a completely different feel.
Also they have brand new elements in both programs this season. They've been working on low-positioned dance spins for the past couple years, and after getting dinged on the levels in the fall, have had to throw out the element mid-season; but they've kept working. The spin has evolved each season, and I believe the new rendition just received the highest GOE of all their elements in the FD. Also the lift in the RD is new. They introduced a similar over-the-shoulder position in 2016-17 and had to take it out before the end of the season (maybe they didn't feel it was ready to get the GOE?). But it's back with a tango-flavored second position, and already improved from their debut this summer. I'm excited to see that they didn't give up. They've kept after these difficult, original elements, working on getting them competition-level ready. (Plus her position in one of the other lifts in the FD is fabulous). These elements are brand new. If they keep working and keep polishing, those GOE marks have the potential to go up.
As for Popova & Mozgov, I like them together. They seem to be two peas in a pod personality-wise. I think she brings out more in him. They are a worthy foe for the young U.S. teams, and I like their RD. I don't yet like this new FD of theirs; but I can't see Betina's expression on the Nepela camera, and I know she'll sell the story to the hilt. (I remember that she managed to sell me on her
Master & Margarita program even when it was supposed to be a waltz back in the fall of 2015).
