Russell is the only one that takes the game serious. He’s the one gets up early and takes back the tree mail. The other four are still sleeping when comes back.

In the first immunity challenge of this evening, players must race across a net and a balance beam to retrieve a bag of puzzle pieces then back and up a steep ladders to a puzzle board. Russell and Brett get off with a good start, but everyone catches up and working on the puzzle right after the first two. Mick and Russell both get qutie close of finishing their puzzles, however, it’s Brett that wins immunity again. (Russell’s plan of voting off the female members of the Galu tribe fails miserably. He should have taken out the strong players first.)

Back at camp, it seems that Natalie’s on the chopping block at first. But Russell wants her around, so the target turns to Mick and Jaison. Russell succeeds in having both of them voting against each other. Then he tries to work out a better strategy with Natalie. There are good and bad points to keep either of them. Jaison won’t win any votes from the jury but he sucks in challenges. Mick is a strong and nice player and might win the million in the end.

When the votes are read at the tribal council, it’s Jaison who becomes the first Foa Foa members to join the jury. And the remaining four are told that there is only one immunity challenge left.

The next day, Russell tries to play his game by aligning with Brett, promising him to bring him to the final three if anyone of them wins the immunity challenge. The four contestants then go on a typical Survivor journey atop the cliffs of Samoa and pay their respects to the players who were voted off before them. In pervious seasons, people tended to make it a touching moment. But, none of these four have any nice things in their minds about most of the other competitors.

Then it’s time for their final immunity challenge, before the last tribal council of the season. The players must balance a statue on a pole, and add another foot long pole on every two minutes. Mick dropped his statue first, Natalie followed him right after. Russell and Bret are each balancing their statues on seven feet poles. It’s intense and nervewracking for them and for us watching it. Finally, Brett drops his statue and Russell wins. (At this point, I really don’t think that anyone can manage to get more votes from the jury than Russell does.)

It’s an obvious decision to make at the moment, no one can beat Brett with the majority of jury are Galu members. But Russell’s having a hard time with it, he wants to sit with the best players in the end in some way.

At tribal council, Russell does the best thing for himself, and Brett becomes the final member of the jury.

The next day, Russell is very confident that he will win. He tries to trash talking with Natalie.

Now it’s time for the final tribal council, and the jury will decide who deserves to be the winner. In their opening statements, Mick says that he stays with the parameters he set for himself, Natalie thanks everyone for helping her get where she is, and Russell states that he’s the best player and derserver the million.

Jaison asks each contestant to let the jury know who they really are and says that no one needs the money. Shambo gives an overdramatic speech, calling Mick feckless (which he doesn’t know what it means), Natalie a coattails rider, and stating that they will not get her vote. Brett talks about going out on a bro date with Mick, Kelly accuses Natalie of needing help every step of the way, and Monica questions Mick and Natalie’s passion for the game.

Dave asks everyone what they think their chances are of winning, Mick says 20%, Natalie says 30-40%, and Russell says he comes to council with great confidence while it drops to 55% at the moment.

Russell tells Laura that if he didn’t take her out, she’d be sitting in his place right now. Mick tries to play the good guy card to John, asking for his vote. Erik asks no questions, he tells Mick that he never deserved to be a leader, calls Russell unethical and proud of it, tells Natalie that she’ll have his vote.

(My take on the jury, they are the worst jury of the Survivor history, period.)

The votes are read in L.A., and they are Natalie, Russell, Natalie, Russell, Natalie, Natalie, Natalie… Natalie wins.

Quite a disapointed result I’d say. This is really the worst jury of all time, they didn’t want to vote for the one who worked very hard to get their asses kicked, so their only choice was to vote for someone who literally did nothing to get to where she was.

The look of shock and hurt was painted all over Russell’s face when he learned the results. I can understand his feeling, that really hurts.

Though he’s been crowned Survivor Player of the Season by America, still, losing the game means much more for him. I can only wish him have a bright future. You are the man!

So this is it, after a twisted and shorten season, it’s the finale of So You Think You Can Dance Season 6. At this point, it’s really hard to tell who’s going to win, anyone is possible to win the American’s votes.

As tonight we have a two hours show, so we are reminded of some of the best routines that the judges think.

But first up, the Top 20 take the stage for a very exciting and energetic routine to open the show. Then it’s a quick recap of the previous night’s performances.

The season’s best routines are then relived. First up is Kevin, Legacy and Russell’s hip hop routine that reminds us how great they are in their own style. Next up is Elleonore and Jakob’s Sonya Tayeh jazz number. The three tappers (Phillip, Peter, and Bianca) then let us recall when they made the top 20. Ashleigh and Ryan show off a new Latin ballroom routine that they choreographed themselves, and it’s hot and incredibly amazing.

Leona Lewis performs a new song from the movie “Avatar”, which sucks. Then the dance group The Groovaloos impress us with some serious street dancing, love them.

Another two favorite routines come from Kathryn and Jakob’s emotional contemporary, and Mollee and Nathan’s Bollywood.

It is time for some results, but right before all the contestants take the stage, Russell mysteriously injures his knee. It’s no big deal, but unfortunately we won’t be seeing him dance this evening any more.

Anyway, the first one leaving the competition is Ryan, not a surprise to me.

Adam Lambert gives a subdued performance.

And the next dancer that gets least votes is Ashleigh, a bit surprise to me, I thought American would love her more. Maybe it’s because she didn’t dance last week?

Ellenore and Legacy perform their dangerous contemporary table routine by Travis Wall. Then, as Russell can not dance at the moment, we are shown a video of him and Noelle’s African Jazz routine. I believe it’s really hard for him to be sidelined at such a moment.

Next one that pull the least votes is Ellenore. Her weird dance will definately be remembered.

The four contemporary dancers of this season perform their first routine again, then it’s another video showing Russell dancing hip hop with Kathryn. It’s great to see that he has quite a few memorable moments this season.

Mary J. Blige takes the stage to perform her latest single “I Am”, love it. Then the top 20 perform their first routine fo the season, choreographed by Wade and Amanda Robson.

Another elimination, and it’s Kathryn. She’s become a superstar this season, peaking at the right moment. Still, people love the other two talented dancers a bit more. Anyway, I hope she has a bright future.

Jennifer Lopez performs, along with some dancers from season 5 and 6.

It is now time to find out who’s America’s favorite dancer.

And the winner of So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 is… RUSSELL!! WOW!!! Nicely done, you deserve it. Congratulations!

I really hate season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance very much, it’s been twisted so much. This evening’s finale performance has again been shortened to a one-hour time slot, what the ****!

Because there is only one hour, so there is no solos, no girls’ or men’s group dance. Still, each contestant has to dance three times, with different partners. Here’s how the night goes down:

First on stage, Kathryn and Ryan, Samba, by Jason Gilkinson. I really hope that Jason will get more choreographs in the future seasons. He’s done another incredible job of presenting us a tribal-like samba. Ryan is of course great in his style, while Kathryn has very great control in all her movements. Great start of the night, if they could have shown a bit more emotions it’s be perfect. Adam Shankman even commenting that the show should be renamed “The rise of Kathryn.”

Second couple, Jakob and Ellenore, Broadway, by Tyce Diorio. Another fantastic choreography. Both dancers’ strengths and personalities are shown amazingly. There is no doubt that these two are the best technical dancers of the six, and you’ll never disappointed with anything they’ve performed. The combination of Jakob’s flexibility and Ellenore’s smoldering look amazes everyone. You can’t criticize them with anything.

Third, Ashleigh and Russell, lyrical jazz, by Sonya. Russell’s growth is really unbelievably impressive. Having never been formally trained, his talent is just so extraordinary. As the judges say, there is no denial that Ashleigh is a great dancer and performer, BUT Russell completely owned this piece. His extensions and pointed toes look just like professionals. Mary Murphy even cries for she has “never watched someone grow as much as Russell has.”

Fourth, Ellenore and Ryan, Jazz, by Gary Stewart. This is a weird robot dance, and I think it might do some harms to both of them in the voting. As for me, I could not find myself liking the dance. Both of them performed this number as well as they could, but it’s not connected to me. Ryan’s still a strong partner, but there are times that he does not fully straighten his legs or really get himself into the character. On the other hand, Ellenore is completely into her character.

Fifth, Ashleigh and Jakob, Fox Trot, by Jean Marc Generaux. I agree with Nigel that they are a better couple than Ryan and Ashleigh. Their chemistry is so strong that you would think are the real couple. Jakob has always supported Ashleigh in every moves, making her shine. This is not a better performance than some others of the night, still it’s a great routine. And I believe both of them will get many votes.

Sixth, Russell and Ellenore, Paso Doble, by Jason Gilkinson. This is a dance all about passion, and both of them show their passions from beginning to the end. Ellenore’s silhouette move in the dark, and the fire in Russell’s eyes, if you say that’s not passion, you are blind. Though this style is way out of their comfort zones, and they could have improved in some areas. The attention that they commands in their movements and facials will make you forget to look at their steps.

Seventh, Kathryn and Jakob, Contemporary, by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. I am full of emotions at the end of this dance, and I’m not the only one. This is the best routine of this season, without any question. It has brought on the first and only standing ovation of the season. They are just amazing, there is nothing that you can criticize them. Never have we seen such sincere and emotional dance as this. I really hope that Jakob will take Nigel’s advice to join a company after the show, and hopefully Kathryn will get a chance too.

Eighth, Ashleigh and Ryan, Contemporary, by Travis Wall. Finally, this married couple gets a chance to dance together as a couple. And what’s better than a Travis’ piece? Both of them show happiness and sincere emotions throughout the dance. Together, they are beautiful and make an amazing partnership. The husband and wife are brought to tears by the tenderness of this piece, which I think will pull some votes for them.

Nineth, Kathryn and Russell, Hip Hop, by Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo. Now this is what we’ve expected from this married choreographers. It is HOT. Russell is great in his style, but Kathryn is right up there with him. Both dancers are so hard-hitting and uninhibited that every movement they do is beyond what you’d have expected from them. Great piece to end the night.

Last word, my bet on the winner, I think it would be between Jakob, Kathryn and Ashleigh. We’ll see.

So this is it, the final leg of the race, the winner will get $1 million.

The first clue tells the teams to fly to Vegas and go to a wedding chapel on the strip, where they’ll get their next clue from an Elvis impersonator. It’s obvious that all teams will end up on the same flight, so everyone’s back to the biginning line.

It’s only when Brian and Ericka arrive at the airport that we know the other two teams don’t know they are the third team. Interesting, wonder how the production team has kept all of them in the dark. Anyway, Ericka’s very excited, saying “When I see that finish line…I’m just gonna run like I don’t have any common sense in my brain.”

If we judge from previous legs’ results, Meghan and Cheyne are the couple to win, but anything could happen.

All teams get to the chapel at the same time, while they have to wait to sing “Amazing Grace” with the fake Elvis to a newlywed.

The next stop is the Mandalay Bay hotel, a Roadblock, where one member must rappel 600 feet down the side of the hotel face-first. Meghan and Cheyne arrive first, but Cheyne is caught up and beaten by Ericka. Sam and Dan’s taxi gets lost and they are falling hehind. However Sam’s quick rappelling has made up some grounds for them.

Now the race is getting a bit different than previous legs, the clues they get don’t tell them exactly the place to go. First clue, : “This desert only has one mirage.” Not a hard one for all the teams, everyone makes their way easily. They then have to join the cast of “Love”, the Beatles-based Cirque du Soleil show, and launch one harnessed member high enough in the air so that he/she can grab a suspended bouquet of flowers.

Brian and Ericka are the first team to arrive, however the task seems not that easy for them. Ericka’s tension tightens after a couple of fails. Then, Meghan and Cheyne show up, making her much more nerve-racking. Her motion gets worse when Sam and Dan get there. Ericka starts kicking at Brian every time she comes down with failure. Soon, she ask Brian to switch, but he doesn’t. Ericka’s response, “Don’t piss me off, now!” So they switch, only to get things worse.

Meanwhile, Meghan and Cheyne and Sam and Dan get their flower within this time frame. The next clue, “Go to the most popular casino in Monaco.” Both teams don’t what it is. So it takes them some time to figure out where they should go.

Meghan and Cheyne’s taxi driver thinks that it should be the Venetian, though they doubt it’s true, they go anyway. Sam and Dan’s driver doesn’t know what it is. So they end up following Meghan and Cheyne’s taxi at first. But they soon find out they should go to Monte Carlo after asking people through phones. Good job.

Brian and Ericka finally finish their task, they know where to go right away.

Sam and Dan get to the poker room of the Monte Carlo first, their task, to count out $1 million in poker chips. (Oh, I really wish the poker girls are here!) Brian and Ericka are next, while Meghan and Cheyne are the last to arrive. The never-stop-arguing Sam and Dan make slow progress, Ericka’s still emotional.

All teams submit their chips almost at the same time. But it’s Meghan and Cheyne who get it right with their first try. The other two teams pay their price, they have to retry.

Next clue, they have to find Mr. Las Vegas. This is a easy one, as every taxi drivers know who he is.

While the other two teams are strugglling to find out what they did wrong, Meghan and Cheyne walk in to the Suite in the MGM Grand and find Wayne Newton (aka Mr. Las Vegas). They are told to go to his house to find the finish line. By the time they get down and hop in their taxi, Sam and Dan just arrive. They don’t recognize Wayne Newton when they see him, and they say it to his face.

Meghan and Cheyne’s taxi driver take them to the ranch, but they don’t know which gate is the correct one. It looks like Sam and Dan are catching up with them (thanks to the editors). But then we see all the teams line up at the finish line, and it’s Meghan and Cheyne that arrive first. Sam and Dan are second, while Brian and Ericka thrid.

That’s all for this season. Until next race!

A very long show this night, so we’d got to watch some of the judges’ favorite routines one more time.

Adam Shankman picked Jeanine and Philip’s first Hip Hop dance of the season, “Mad” , reminding us how well Philip was in his own style.

Nigel picked Brandon and Janette’s Argentine Tango. Glad to see Janette again, it was really a pity that she could not manage to the top 4, or the crown’s hers.

Debbie Allen Asuka and Vitoli’s waltz. Surprised, I meant, there were far too many better dances than this one.

Mary Murphy picked the Travis Wall routine done by Jeanine and Jason. Good choice, we’d got to see them kiss again.

Mia Michaels picked Kayla and Max’s samba. Good to see Max backed, he was cut way too early.

Then we’d got a sneak view of the upcoming movie Fame, Kherington from season 4 was also in it. The clips seemed not bad, waiting to see it some time later.

Debbie Allen picked again, the Top 16 got to perform their dance to “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho).” Nice to see this Samba and Hip Hop mixed routine.

The winner of So You Think You Can Dance in Australia wass here and did a ballet routine, choreographed by Sonya. Her technique was amazingly shown in this.

Lil C’ chose his favorite as Caitlin and Jason’s Bollywood dance. And we were spoiled that this would be on the tour.

Then we got down to business, Kayla was in the fourth place. Not a surprise.

Adam picked Mia’s butt dance, while Mary Murphy picked Jeanine and Brandon’s paso doble from the previous night.

Evan was revealed as the third place. Sad, because he was put into such an unfavored position.

Tyce picked Mia Michaels’ routine done by Kayla and Kupono, “Addiction”, and Mia picked Tyce’s emotional dance about breast cancer. And we were told that Tyce’s friend was now cancer free, good news.

And the final moment came, Cat announced the winner was Jeanine. Congratulations!

Thus ended season 5, we’ll have one month free of dance shows. See you in September.