I feel so so so so so bad for Alysa Liu. The poor girl. And of course this is not aimed at you guys, or at any one person/group in particular, but at how this whole thing has come crashing down as a result of so much mismanagement and unnecessary hyping of a young child. Alysa is extremely talented and hardworking. She sat in the k&c after that performance and didn't shed a single tear - she smiled through it all and hid her tears. It is impossible to reach her level of sport without an incredible character. Do you remember when you were a teenager, having a rough time at school, crying for some reason, being really stressed by your parents, the changes happening to you, insecure about your body, schoolwork, college, jobs, all the things around you. Also this little thing called puberty that everyone goes through. You know, when you feel as if everything is normal and then one day you wake up, taller, heavier, looking different, completely off your game, having to adjust, but sometimes not having time before it hits again. It's a hard period in someone's life. Now add a professional sport to that. Add an extremely involved parent. Add TV cameras and media pressure onto that. Add a future career and Olympic prospects. And who knows what else is piling on top of her in the middle of a pandemic. She's not in the best shape. She's not competing at the top level. Ok, and how does that hurt you? Why is it any of your business to comment on her body, her appearance, her personal life, or to make rude comments about her jumping and skating. Are you the one giving her a paycheck? We're not helping anything by making public comments about someone's personal issues. Her technique is gone, that is true and it is necessary not to be fake about it. If she wanted to walk out of the rink and work as a flight attendant or something right this moment, then why does it concern you? She's a human, she has eyes, ears, feelings. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say thing at all. Let her live.

THANK YOU Dave and Jonathan for being real about Tara and Johnny. I honestly don’t think I would still have interest in our sport after all these years without you guys. It’s just become so corny. You both make me feel that there’s some real honesty in the fan base. Huge huge thank you

While not a fan of her skating, I kinda feel for Alysa. She's just a kid who's being exploited by all the adults in her life and the system.

I think Tamara's couples have the edge because when I trained with her in Leningrad in the 80's we trained 2 sessions a day and both sessions were preceded with an hour ballet class taken by an ex Bolshoi ballet master and 1 hour of off ice lifting, jumping and choreography. Tamara is the most supportive, inspiring and passionate coach I have ever worked with or seen! Love her! Russia keep her safe!

Everyone that kept their expectations realistic knew that that Liu’s jump technique wasn’t gonna sustain past a growth spurt. The fact that she doesn’t have an experienced technical coach while all this is going on kind of seems like self sabotage by her team honestly. I would’ve called RAF, Alex O. or heck even Tom Z about 6 months ago to start the rebuilding “early”

Thank you for this! I look forward to your videos every week!

Tamara Moskvina was definitely in Kazan when Igor passed away. He died on 11/10, which was the day of the senior pairs SP.

Timestamps! Introduction: 0:00 Alysa Liu 19:36 Dmitri Aliev 1:18:00 The Vegas International was interesting, I do not have much to say bc I did not see much of it anyway. I thought Bradie Tennell’s looked very good same with Mariah Bell, Audrey Shin. Alysa Liu, her skating skills has IMMENSELY improved since nationals. The jumps were hit or miss but that’s ok she has time to refine them. Starr Andrews, very nice to see her here. Quad loop from both Krasnozhon and Chen! Nathan Chen looked really solid. Everyone else was fine but did not score near him. I personally do not like Tara and Johnny. This was an interesting event. New update on Rostelecom cup! Medvedeva has withdrawn! Elizaveta Nugumanova is her replacement. Eva Lotta Kiibus-really good start to her season winning CS Nebelhorn and silver behind Loena Hendrickx at the CS Budapest trophy Armenian Skater plug: Anastasia Galustsyan, wonderful skater, underscored most of the time in my opinion, can’t wait to see her skate soon Something very random, but I noticed that Mao Asada used the same dress in her FS at the 2010 Japan Open (Rachmaninoff Prelude in C# minor) and 2013 GPF FS (Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2).

I am doing time stamps tomorrow, so sorry for that. Thanks for posting. Sorry, rough week yet again.

Take it from someone who grew 8 inches in 10th grade... Alysa Liu's best chances of getting back are taking some time off and starting back again from scratch

It's 3 am here and I should really be writing this essay for school. But who can wait for This and That?

Finally noticing Mishina/Galliamov. It's refreshing that here he's the one with the skating skills and personality, I like Galliamov a lot

I think I clicked the refresh button like 20X.. worth every minute!! 📰 💕

Alysa seems like a sweet kid, but the media/Tara/Johnny should stop pretending like nothing is wrong. Especially when they pretended she was about to do a 3A when they know it's not possible. It also seemed a bit unfair to the team. Their big point maker was supposed to be Alysa with her 3A and 4lz when everyone there knew she can't land them anymore. Also agree she should withdraw from nationals. Maybe she can magically get all her jumps back before next year, but right now she'd be lucky to be in the top 6

I think they can make Zhilina look good if they try hard enough and use her flexibility. Her Hallelujah program from Ice Age got millions of views, and I think if they go that direction they good get something decent. Akatieva has much better skating skills though, I think she's great.

I like watching Johnny and Tara just to hear Johnny call Terry Gannon, Terrance ! 🤣

Thank you 💝

Eva Lotta Kiibus is an Estonian skater who won Nebelhorn and got second place at Budapest Trophy this season.

I fear that Tarasova and Morozov have broken down completely after the disaster at OG2018. There is just no love here anymore, as David said well - they look like they hate each other and skating. Tarasova is still trying, looks more mentally strong. Vladimir is just a robot. Mishina and Galiamov surprised me very pleasantly. They looked strong, very much into everything they did. Boikova and Kozlovsky ended up third but I really do fault it on the death of Igor and Dima having corona and jus basically recovered and trained not for so long before the event.

I'm so mad about what has happened to Alyssa. I know they're good at keeping her off social media, but no 15 year old should have strangers on the internet telling her she's overweight(not you guys)

So many thoughts!! First, real question, why on earth would nbc sports post Alysa’s Vegas invitational performance if it was, in their words, so ‘up and down’? If they are trying to promote her, why are they opening her up to more scrutiny? LOVED to see Alex Krasnozhon’s quad loop but more impressed with his interview afterwards and wanting to do it for the team and how he didn’t want to let the team down! Then Nathan doing the quad loop after seeing him do it, I am here for the competitiveness!!! Keep pushing guys! Super impressed with both Tamara pairs, can see them going 1-2 at nationals! She really is a mastermind!

I could see Alysa with Orser/Tracy Wilson. Tracy would be a positive, mother type of figure. Orser, could hopefully get rid of that awful wrap on doubles and get her technique changed, up her fitness level, get her triples... quads... you never know. She would be out of the US. I hope for the best for her.

There was a report that Zhuk & Svinin had covid so all of their skaters had to self-isolate. Then Irina Zhuk said that pretty much all of their skaters had gotten infected. Stepanova/Bukin were both still sick and had to withdraw from their Cup events and Rostelecom.

I have finals but TSL is my cup of tea and distraction... Priviet Dave

You guys rock. Another great post. Thank you ❤️

Alyssa could just say she has injuries from practicing quads...it was very difficult to watch, really should have Amber Glenn at the event instead.

You guys were matching eachother in energy!

Dave, were you the host commentator of 4 Continents? Previously? The voice sounded like you...If so it was excellent and informative...even my 85, year old dear friend appreciated it....

It's 3 o'clock in UK...I need to be alone in my room 😣 and boom tsl ...thanks I need something to get throw this covid19

Did you say you were in Holmdel? My home town! Fun episode, agree that Alysa needs to not go to Nationals this season. Her crash and burn was entirely predictable and so, so sad. I hope she doesn't get too wrecked psychologically from this. I'm with Dave, I'm team Zhilina as opposed to Akatieva. Johnny was kicked off DWTS tonight, sadly.

Oh hell no, as a German I don't know a single one of us who loves David Hasslehoff. We literally only know him bc Americans think we love him so much. This slander has to stop right now lmfao!

Doug Dorsey holds an edge Doug Dorsey looks sexy Doug smash’n that “Like” button Like a stomp’n T-Rexy

Do we know if we will be able to watch the whole virtual national qualifier stuff?

Just in time for me to do all of my school work due tonight. It’ll get done tomorrow I guess.

Ok, this literally has nothing to do with any of the topics discussed, but I just gotta ask: has anyone ever skated to parts 1 or 2 of Exogenesis? All I ever see is people skating to part 3. Just curious.

Osokinas spins are GREEEEAT!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 TAT approved!!!

I agree, I think Alysa should not skate at nationals this year. She’s obviously not at the top of her game and won’t be by January. Wether or not she can return to what she had or better no one can say for sure, but what we can say is if she skates at nationals and it goes horribly like her last couple of skates have, it will not be good for her mentally. No reason to put out skates that aren’t going to go well. No one wants to see it and she definitely doesn’t need to go through that.

Zhilina is definitely more athletic like Trusova. But Akatieva is a much better artist and has good skating skills, but she also has a huge 3A and pretty big 4T. It depends - if Zhilina goes to land 5 quads like Sasha is trying to do then there's no beating her. But Akatieva will probably be a much higher PCS skater.

I think Elisaveta Osokina is so refreshing to watch b/c she isn't choreographed down to the tips of her fingers. We are so used to seeing eteri's girls who come looking like they are 5 years older than they really are and polished down to the tips of their toes, even as juniors. Here comes osokina who is bouncing, literally bouncing after finishing her triple lutz in the sp and she's loose and she even looks more naturally musical than some of the eteri girls. Of course this won't win her the points... the paradox of figure skating today.

Jonathan at 58:50 killed me hahahaha

I wish Tanith and Canadian like Patrick Chan or Kurt Browning would commentate. I know no one who likes Johnny or Tara. I really miss CBC figure skating coverage :(

What is a Power Pull? At 30:35 into the show, you said Galina wants you to do your lutz from a back Power Pull?

What was Alysa’s music? I was confused by what the vision was. What was she trying to portray?

Time stamps?

Tarasova & Morozov should be skating to the final bit of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Not the famous slow part (18th Variation), as their lack of emotion would ruin it. The finale is so strong & exciting & matches their skating. Go listen to it. We know they look good to Rachmoninov! I know I'm right! Lol.

I really feel for Alyssa, I just can't believe they're still hyping her up despite the glaring unreadiness of her programs/techniques. I get that they need to build up an international competitor but fast tracking her isn't the way to go. She's NOT ready, and we can all see it but USFS's plugging their ears and singing la la la. It's too much pressure to put on one young girl and at some point, something's gotta give. There's too much toxic positivity with Tara and Johnny's commentary with her. They keep acting like everything's OK, but it's not. I hope they don't try to keep trying to resurrect her glory days and give false promises like with Gracie (I love Gracie but let's be honest she's done with elite skating). Honesty (handled with tact), is not cruelty. It's a necessity. Also, I feel like they keep overlooking the other ladies because they're so busy trying to match the Russian girls. Building that level of athleticism and competition takes time and a lot of investment. There's no fast tracking that.

No One: J: I am a star in the antique vase community follow me on Everyone: No we're good

I agree that the team format was cringe-worthy (embarrassing, even), but it was nice to see these skaters get a chance to perform again. Given that we won't get to see them in a second GP, the GP Final (probably) or 4CC, that means these athletes lose out on several opportunities to earn the prize money they depend upon to fund their training. The prize money offered (about $8000 apiece with $50K divided among six) will help a bit -- at least for the winning side! I hope every skater's agent negotiated a decent appearance fee! We saw free programs only, I noticed, not short programs -- so it was only half a competition. And only singles skaters were invited; clearly USFS doesn't care about the toll the pandemic is taking on our pairs and dancers! But we're all so starved for skating we watched it anyway, didn't we? Warts (and tacky sequined masks) and all.

can you do timecodes, please?

50:10 They need to do a "Torvill and Dean-esq" inspired version of The Butterfly Lovers taking inspiration from the story that Torvill and Dean injected into Bolero. The story of the Butterfly Lovers is magnificent, if they can capture that essence - it would be amazing. 54:30 If anyone other than Megan wins - there's something wrong. Megan is the Queen.

After watching Veronika Zhilina's Elastic Heart/Chandelier program, she became my Maddie.

Dave, who is judging the Grand Prix events? Is it an international panel of judges, or is it just local judges (Americans at SA, Chinese at CofC, etc.)

I wish I could have Johnny commentating all the skating for me, especially instead of Yagudin. Although I could never sit through the American network ad content. 😆

“It has not neutralized in Switzerland 🇨🇭 “ 😂

Where can we watch the Vegas Invitational????

I'm russian. It's so funny how you talk about "Russian Dramma" )))) Some name pronunciations are also))))

What's wrong with Veronika's glide and artistry? She seems to have all the makings of the next great skater, but these elements I mentioned are severely lacking from her repertoire. Do you guys agree?

Karen Chen😍

I really enjoy alysa's skating, just because she can't do a 3A doesn't mean she's out of the game or give up, like ppl keep saying about her, unless it's her choice and wants to take a break

1:18:00 Aliev can't bother to shower or shave, he's an artist. "he's too busy feeling things" LMAO I almost spat my drink

NYC Moms love these two men!!

19:36 alysa liu

@the skating lesson Any update on your evgenia video? How long it still may take?

You know, I think its good that so many skaters (like Nathan, Alyona) have "meh" programs this season. I mean its not even a real season, wouldn't want to waste programs on it.

LOL - Jon seemed to take his silly pills for this LOL

I've been watching this channel for some time, and i have a minor input about russian accent. Russians that call your accent "racist" probably want to use word "xenophobic", and while i have no issue with the accent, some might find it offensive for a reason. You see, many american movies, tv shows etc picture us as villains to the point where our accent might seam threatening, and to many russians this fact is pretty upsetting. Also as a russian that have been in english languaged internet for quite a long time, i want to say that sometimes people would attack russians for solely being a russian (including death and rape threats. like wishing a lesbian teenager to be killed since Russia is homophobic place). It's not very common, but it happens. I'm not saying that you cannot use this accent, i just show you where all these people are coming from and all i ask for is understanding, that's all 😔

I wish Tara and Johnie could be replaced. .l would love Michelle or someone who would give a real critique of the skating they see. An objective discussion would be welcomed. Agree with you both about the choreography in general this season- think the best will be hopefully kept for the Olympics!

I mean, doesn’t Tara only have one national title compared to Alyssa’s two?

OMG i thought the Zagitova 'Ballet' trauma has been healed by now...yet Dave is still so triggerred lol :* :*

Who's here first??

A little surprised that there wasn’t any discussion (*cough* snark *cough*) about “The Trio” article. Geesh, why was that article even a thing........

Sometimes I think you don't pay attention to like skaters from smaller countries...

So, as expected Medvedeva has withdrawn from GP Russia. But that means that FINALLY Elizaveta Nugumanova gets a spot. Watch out for her cool 3lo+3lo combo and her wonderful spins. Her jumps will all probably be underrotated, but who cares, she's a wonderful skater. The Russian Ladies GP will end like this: 1. Shcherbakova 2. Trusova 3 Tuktamysheva 4. Kostornaia 5. Safonova 6. Nugumanova 7. Samodurova 8. Guliakova 9. Ryabova 10. Kiibus 11. Urushadze 12. Galustyan

I'm really curious about Courtney Hick's downfall. Yes, the past 4 or 5 years she has completely bombed at nationals, but in between those nationals she got some good performances in (grand prix, etc). Now she's consistently giving poor performances, how did that happen?

I agree I don’t really like Nathan’s programs this season

I don't really know how you can NOT like Nathan's Philip Glass program. And saying that Shae-Lynn did not do a good job with the choreo is kind of mind-blowing because, in terms of choreo, it's probably one of Nathan's best free programs. You say you like it less and less each time you see it and that you'll never go back and watch it again, but many others will, and they do. They absolutely loved this program at Worlds. You seem to prefer the generic kind of skating where a skater is out there throwing their hands and arms around, making cringe facial expressions, and trying to be as dramatic as possible...and I guess Philip Glass just isn't dramatic enough? The program may just be way too intellectual and, thus, too unconventional for the two of you. In fact, Nathan, as a skater, may be too unconventional and not traditional enough for you, and maybe that's why you never give him the praises he deserves as a multiple, consecutive world champion. Have you guys ever liked _any_ of Nathan's free programs? Doesn't seem like it. In fact, the case is the same with this Olympic cycle. You're already saying that you don't like his free skate(or what you've seen of it anyway from Champs Camp). Obviously, you have your preferences, personal tastes, and ideas of what artistry is but it's clear they don't really align with those of the fans(those who aren't angry stans of another skater anyway), the judges, the commentating experts, or Nathan's own skating peers.

Alysa should move to Eteri to get her jumps back

I'm so worried about Alyssa, she was our only hope against the russians. Don't even get me started on Mariah.....Like stop trying to make her happen.

Hi, guys. You gonna loose all your Russian audience, if you continue doing your “mocking Russian technic”. Just saying...

When the Russians use American pop music in programs, as to the appropriateness of the lyrics, I think they get lost in translation.

IF Zhilina REALLY had corona, the whole team of coaches should have been self-isolating all along (hot Sergey, papa Plu etc) but instead they were out everywhere - in trainings (thanks, instagram), public events and competitions.

You know you two are just too much, especially you David saying that every time you see Nathan's (long) program you like it less and less. You NEVER liked it in the first place! As a matter of fact, after the first time you saw it you acted like you hated it, so much so that you had nothing to say about it at all! (but just made weird faces, which were kind of funny lol). As far as his Quad Loop goes, you gave it a lukewarm, "it was good, like he has never stop doing it" response and that was it. If it was anybody else doing a quad loop like that you and Jonathan would have been raving on and on about how great it was. Especially if it was Hanyu, Shoma, or Kolyada, I could just hear Jonathan saying it was the greatest quad loop he has ever seen! So predictable, just stop, be honest, be fair, be unbiased for once! My question, why do you both hate Nathan Chen so much? But it is not just him, you seemly dislike all American figure skaters. What I find most interesting is how you act like you just care about good artistry, but dislike the American woman figure skaters because they can't jump even though they have very good to great artistry. All the while you love the Russian girl skaters who mainly have jumps and little to no artistry (with Kostornaia being the only exception to that). Tell the truth, do you really care that much about the artistry or do you just say that when it suit's your fancy. I think the latter....

Hot take: Tarasova and Morozov will win the olympics

Heh, I didn't bother to watch the Las Vegas Invitational to know that Johnny and Tara would make commentating a travesty. I feel bad for the skaters who had to be on "Team Johnny" and "Team Tara". If anything, the teams should have been named after other famous US skaters like Boitano, Hamilton, Yamaguchi, Kwan, Cohen - even Harding or Kerrigan! Can't say I approve of the USFS hyping Liu. Johnny and Tara need to get out of the commentating business before they embarrass the rest of the country, because they're not helping anyone but themselves. I really think that Audrey Shin has more potential than Alysa Liu in getting to Beijing and going further in her skating career. Tennel, Chen and Shin should go to Beijing (if it still happens). As for the Russian girls trying to do the Yuna-spin...Osokina, honey, really?? If Trusova and Kostornaia can't do it, why should you? Are they trying to insult Kim further? They should be trying the Adelina spin instead, because after all, she's their Olympic champion, not the boring Olympic silver medallist of 2014! Just because they're not as flexible doesn't mean they should try someone else's signature move for points. If they need positive GOE and levels on their spins, they should stick to the ones they know or already have and improve on it. No point in trying to look cool when they look ugly doing it. It's enough that too many Russian girls abuse Boitano's special jump with gangly arms over the head, or spam Rippon jumps like it's nothing when they can't really jump. Giving high GOE just because these skaters happen to hold their arms above their head after every jump is getting ridiculous - Tano and Rippon jumps aren't required elements, are they? If they were, then judges ought to be comparing them to the Boitano and Rippon themselves and taking away points for incorrect arm movements! Thanks for another video! Will look forward to Rostelecom.