Lost

Stayed up to watch the premeire of Lost and then got up for a 5:50 a.m. session. I'll need a Starbucks run this afternoon. Maybe it's the anticipation of a caffeine jolt, but I'm thinking about some "lost" skaters this season, that seem to be trapped on their own mysterious island from a dangerous mix of hubris and bad decisions while debating their destiny.

Mao Asada

Mao Asada - She can do a triple Axel-double toe combo with one arm over her head. Amazing! However, if she misses that her programs are dead and she lands way far away from the podium. Especially since the triples she goes on to attempt include a triple flip and triple loop. She can fly across the ice with grace, but she's been coming out with these heavy programs that don't use her lightness on the ice to her advantage. This year her long is to Rachmaninoff's "Bells of Moscow." I find the music and the choreography interesting, (a blogger called the music the "Bells of Death") but it's painful to watch Mao laboring through to the music if she misses the initial triple Axel jump passes. It's becomes "Bells of Mao's Dying Olympic Dreams." She's coached by Tatiana Tarasova who helped Alexei Yagudin become a legend. It seems Mao and Tarasova are attempting to recreate a Yagudin highlight reel with her programs. Mao needs to find her own style and inner muse. Jumps are easier when you're happy on the ice and skating for you.

Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto - I lamented earlier on this blog that they're great skaters but, similar to Mao, haven't shown their style this year or created a memorable program for the ages. They also seem to be attempting to channel some former Soviet or Russian champions instead of being Belbin & Agosto, the most decorated American ice dancing team ever. I did get past the gaudy gear they wore at Nationals and saw a beautiful free dance hidden amongst the nude lycra. However, I don't want to go back to it to review sections and nothing stands out but how horrible their costumes looked.

Tanith & Ben: Great Position, Bad Outfits

Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

Brian Joubert - Brian has plodded through the season. The spins and footwork are improved which garners more points, but he doesn't look like he's having fun on the ice. As Scott Hamilton commented during the Grand Prix, "He's a meat and potatoes skater, not a lot of parsley on that plate." Brian looks like he's completely weary of the little bit of parsley about him. Brian does have his own style but I also don't think he's used it to his advantage and insteads tries to add some dried, crushed parsley instead of producing a juicy steak covered in a marinade that's got a kick. I've got an exhibition program to Coldplay from a couple of seasons back below. The choreography is similar to the in between jumps moves in his programs, but he seems free to move and enjoy skating. If only he could find this mix during competitions.