The Next 2023 Episode 3

The first time I've been genuinely surprised about a survival show...

Ah. This episode reminded me about all the reasons why I don't tend to watch survival shows... A performance was cut entirely from the main episode, and all we got to see was the result, which was the lowest score a performance was given the entire round. Both contestants ended up leaving the same episode. I watch on WeTV because my mom and I pay for VIP (the main episode is already for VIP only, though they release episodes on YouTube for free). We had to go to the "essence" episode (also VIP) to see the cut performance. While there was a large skill gap & it did give me secondhand embarrassment, this seemed like a tasteless decision, seeing as the performers won't get a chance to perform again on the show. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to leave out a high-scoring performance? But, I ended up being really surprised this episode for a different reason. The stage recommenders also seemed to share my shock. While I know it was up to audience votes, I couldn't help but feel indignant on a performer's behalf when she ended up leaving. I think she did wonderful. IMO, she had a much stronger stage presence and gave a more emotive performance than her partner, who ended up staying. She was in the top 5 the last episode! I can't help but feel like this was more like a popularity contest rather than true evaluation of skill. I can't criticize the show for this, though, because this was mostly an audience issue (and is with pretty much every survival show that allows audience voting). But, I will say that this episode really knew how to take me through all the highs and lows. It was really sweet to see Jackson Wang helping out the contestants during rehearsals. There were a lot of endearing and heartbreaking moments in the interviews too. It was because of them that this episode made me come around to Wang OK and Li Tianzi ❤️ Looking forward to seeing more of them in the next episode.

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