In Search of the Partridge Family, Episode 7: The End is in Sight!

The show kicks off with a real Hollywood red carpet opening. Host Todd Newton is outside, announcing the arrival of the finalists. The “Keiths” (David Petruzzi and Leland Grant) arrive first, followed by the “Dannys” (Spencer Tuskowski and Keaton Savage). The “Lauries” (Emily Stone and Alexis Mero) are next and, finally, the “Shirleys” (Mary Kay Twargowski and Suzanne Sole) strut their stuff. It all seems somewhat staged, but, what the heck. This is their big night after all!

“It’s a big night,” Todd tells an excited audience, echoing my thoughts. Apparently, nearly one million votes were cast. He doesn’t tell us whether that was a million per week or the sum total of all the votes. Personally, I find it hard to believe that a million people watch this each week.

Danny Bonaduce starts off the action with a cutesy little clip showing a “smackdown” between Keaton and Spencer. They talk about each other, and we see scenes of them in the boxing ring. Keaton calls himself a “kick-ass” singer. Before “the moment of truth,” the boys do an interesting rendition of the song “Shop Around.” Finally, it is time for the results. The lights flicker and the now-familiar non-Partridge music plays. Who will it be? And it’s Spencer! He cries as his family celebrates in the audience. Danny asks him how he feels, and he says he thinks he “peed his pants.” He calls Keaton a great kid and is sad to see him go.

We return to Todd, who tells us that there is a big surprise coming. I can hardly contain myself! Spencer runs into the audience and hugs his parents. As much as I dislike this show, I have to say, this was a neat moment.

Now it’s “Laurie” time. We see the same stupid boxing ring vignette, with Danny as referee. Alexis says that acting is not her strength, and thinks Emily is a natural performer. The girls sing a duet of “We Belong.” Alexis has a very nice voice, actually, and they sound pretty good together. When the song is over, they hug. It’s time to find out who will be the next Laurie. Dramatic music plays. Todd says, “Alexis, I’m sorry to say it’s time to say goodbye to you,” meaning, of course, that Emily is the next Laurie Partridge. Danny asks her if there was ever a time that she felt that she just lost it. She says that she was constantly worried about Alexis.

Two down, two to go! After a commercial, Todd introduces the original Partridge Family (sans Susan Dey, of course). Shirley Jones, David Cassidy and Danny Bonaduce come out, and, once again, they all talk about how much fun it has been to work together again. Seems it is time for the surprise too. I hold my breath with eager anticipation. We are reminded that there were two other children in the family – Chris and Tracy – and clips are shown that include these two youngsters. Quite honestly, I had forgotten. Or maybe I never knew! At any rate, the actors who played these roles - Brian Forrester and Suzanne Crowe - are introduced, and join the rest of the “family” on the stage. Shirley tells us that their characters will also be part of the show, and the young actors who were “handpicked” by the producers for these roles – Hannah Lee Dworkin and Anthony Skillman – are introduced to the audience.

But wait, there’s more nostalgia. Danny tells us that one of his favorite memories is that of his relationship with the actor who played the band’s manager, Reuben Kincaid. He introduces Dave Madden, the actor who played the role, and the two banter back and forth. Danny thanks him for treating like an actor rather than a kid. Dave says Danny was a grownup in a little kid’s suit. We see some more clips and everything is just hunky dory!

After this little love fest, it’s time for Shirley to “pass the microphone and mop” to her successor. These boxing ring clips are getting ridiculous. The “Shirleys” are in the ring wearing aprons and carrying cakes. Mary Kay calls Suzanne’s style “tough,” and Suzanne says that Mary Kay is pretty and sweet. The ladies sing “Son of a Preacher Man” together. What an odd pair they are. Suzanne has on a red dress with red boots that come up mid-calf. Mary Kay is wearing a short, tight blue dress. However, they sound pretty good together, despite the fact that this song is real tired.

The song ends and, holding hands, they prepare to hear who will be the next Shirley Partridge. Todd says, “Suzanne, if you would, look straight into that camera and thank all the VH1 viewers for making you the next Shirley Partridge…” Suzanne seems to be in shock. She hugs Mary Kay and then Shirley Jones, who says she is thrilled for her. Suzanne is overwhelmed. I am glad this is almost over.

Last, but certainly not least, it is time to reveal who will play the role of Keith. We suffer through one last boxing ring segment, and then David and Leland sing “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” together. David’s voice reminds me a little of Josh Gracin’s. They harmonize well, actually, but Leland definitely has the personality, looks, and voice, and really should win this. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t. The song ends, and the boys stand together. Weird music plays, again. America has spoken. Todd has the name of the new Keith Partridge on a card and says, “David Petruzzi, I’m sorry David, you’re going home.” The new Keith Partridge is Leland Grant. Leland is totally overwhelmed and begins to cry. He can’t even talk.

We have one last look at the original Partridge Family, and then the new Partridge Family takes the stage to sing their brand new single, “Love Can Start a Revolution.” Leland is playing lead guitar and Spencer bass. Emily and Suzanne pretend to play the keyboard, and then Emily plays guitar. As sappy as all of this is, I find myself smiling. Was all this worth it? I don’t know. They certainly need practice!

The show wraps with a medley of Partridge hits featuring the originals and the newbies. Still, no Susan, and, in a way, I kind of expected her to show up tonight. She really snubbed them, didn’t she! The medley is fun, but Todd comes out and interrupts the frivolity, telling the new group that they begin rehearsals tomorrow.

And so it ends.

I need to say a few things about this show and my coverage of it. For those of you who have read my recaps of other shows, I think you know that, normally, I try to take the high road, resisting the temptation, no matter how strong, to rip a show to shreds. My cynicism here surprised even me, and, if I offended anyone, I apologize. This show has irritated me from the very beginning, and I was unable to call it any other way than how I saw it. Part of my problem with the competition was that there was no diversity. Sure, I understand that in casting these roles, diversity was pretty much out of the question. Still, it was a bit disquieting to watch a talent show where everyone looked alike.

In the end, it seems to me that “America” picked the right people for the roles. But who knows? I guess there’s only one way to find out, and that is by measuring the success of the show when (and if) it airs. Will I watch? I doubt it, but who knows. Stranger things have happened!

Donna Reynolds is an Assistant Editor for the RealityNewsOnline family of websites and a freelance writer based in Syracuse, NY. She is also the creator of “That’s Entertainment,” a weblog on syracuse.com. Whether you agree or disagree, Donna welcomes your comments, and you can email her at foxydonna@earthlink.net.

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