Terry Gannon, Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir
In case you were wondering whether or not Terry Gannon liked working with Tara and Johnny, I think his matching gold boutonniere speaks for itself. In short: Terry LOVES THEM. That, plus the fact that they were on the primetime broadcast with Bob Costas to explain the results of the women's competition, rather than Scott/Sandra, AND they called the gala makes me think that Sandra and Scott maybe need to be polishing their resumes. And rightly. Let's talk announcers: Can you imagine if John Morgan (no relation) just waxed poetic about the bravery of the bobsledders instead of explaining to us what just happened in the race? Scott was actually, I think, WAY more technical than usual during the ladies' free skate, and I have to think that was a network note, but not having him on to talk to Costas? NOT GREAT (for his career), BOB.
The Gala Opening
I enjoy that this moment -- where all the skaters basically skate around warming up -- in that it makes it look like they're forcing the figure skaters to compete in speed skating relays, in a Olympic Freaky Friday scenario.
Meryl Davis and Charlie White Gala Performance
This is a REALLY lovely skate, and she looks beautiful. I adore Charlie White but even I don't know if I think he can TOTALLY pull of nearly-high-waisted velvet pants.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Gala Performance
This routine had a lot of rolling around on top of each other JUST DO IT ALREADY YOU TWO. GOD.
Volosozhar and Trankov
HIS HAIR. His HAIR deserves a gold medal.
Yuzuru Hanyu
Yuzuru did the robot. (I WISH. He did not. He actually did a program that looked like a Real Program and not the kind of half-assed thing you get at exhibitions sometimes.)
Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy
He, at least, is retiring ALLEGEDLY, and I have to give him a hand for showing up in FULL MAN SKATER CATSUIT. Bring it, Robin.
Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov
Speaking of half-assed. She's wearing leggings and he's wearing jeans. This, to me, feels like they woke up this morning and realized they totally forgot to pack their exhibition costumes.
Nathalie Péchalat and Fabian Bourzat
YES. This IS a Dirty Dancing routine and it is awesome. This is what the exhibition should be for: ridiculous silly goodness that you really want to do, but which would never fly as an actual competitive routine. Also, they're STILL two of the best looking people at the Olympics.
Denis Ten
In which we learn Denis Ten has the cutest dimples.
Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov Gala
This is basically like she went to her costume designer and said, "I want my Swan Lake costume, but like 65% less Swan Lake-ier." That being said, she is LOVELY. She looks like Catherine Zeta Jones to me.
Mao Asada
Mao Asada is dipping into the well of Skating Costumes You Could Wear to a Cocktail Party, which I always enjoy.
Pang Qing and Tong Jian
"YAY THE CHINESE SKATING FEDERATION IS LETTING US GET MARRIED AFTER THIS WHEEEEEEE!"
Adelina Sotnikova
"Now that I've got a gold medal in figure skating...I'M COMING FOR ONE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS. Get ready, Brazil!"
Yuna Kim Gala Performance
I like to think this is her salute to Gracie Gold's long program. "For my final skate before I retire, here is my interpretation of the 4th place finisher. READ IT AND WEEP, GOLD." The very fact that Yuna has chosen to skate to Avril Lavigne, of all people, has thrown my world view into arrears.
Gracie Gold Gala Performance
To Chicago, of course. That's what the hat means.
Carolina Kostner Gala Performance
First of all, I don't expect gala performances to really be any good. They're generally not THAT hard, for one thing, and nor should they be. But I will say that as much as I like Carolina, and I'm thrilled she took a medal, her "Sheherazade" is really mediocre, especially compared to all the OTHER Sheherazades we saw over the last couple of days. AND WORST OF ALL....
Carolina Kostner Gala Performance
The under-skirt portion of her costume is flesh-toned -- ala Britney with her boa constrictor -- and it makes her look as if she forgot to put on her bottoms. This is not alluring. It looks like a mistake. A VERY HORRIFYING MISTAKE. A MISTAKE OF NIGHTMARES. Pantless twirling is NOT the last image I wanted of you, Carolina.
Carolina Kostner
This needs to be her Facebook cover photo right now. RIGHT NOW.
Yulia Lipnitskaya Gala Performance
I'll allow it.
Yulia Lipnitskaya Gala Performance
Also, we get it. You are EXTREMELY flexible.
Javier Fernandez Gala
He is the cutest. He did a totally 80s aerobics routine, complete with voiceover, "Physical," and "Holding Out for a Hero." THIS is what your gala skate should be.
Javier Fernandez Gala Skate
There was even a costume change.
Javier Fernandez Gala Skate
AND A CAPE. FINALLY My prayers are ANSWERED!