SYTYCD Drops First Two of the Season

So You Think You Can Dance already down to 18 as the curtain falls for one couple

As is the case with every season of So You Think You Can Dance, two people have to go before they really got started.

Monday's debut performance show, featuring the still-intact top 20, was solid throughout, with the predominant feeling afterward being that it was going to be all kinds of sad to see anyone go tonight.

And everyone had another triumphant moment in the opening Shane Sparks-choreographed group hip-hop number, which made all the guys and girls look just divine.

But a few niggling cracks in the polished facade (isn't it great when a show starts with everyone being pretty awesome?) were all it took to take down the first couple of season five. 

Which, despite who you might think, turned out to be...

So for all of his locking prowess and likability and her inspiring story and cute little tutu, their journey ended tonight.

As for those other two couples clutching voter-provided straws, the lineup was exactly what we expected when we stacked the performances against each other...

Latin ballroom specialist Asuka Kondoh and contemporary enthusiast Vitolio Jeune were on the hot seat after being saddled with a Tyce Diorio Broadway routine that played to neither dancer's strengths and required far more theatrical ham than either seemed ready to give.

The judges liked Asuka's true-to-form spitfire solo; they didn't particularly care for Vitolio's, but instead entrusted him to bring his personality back next week.

Meanwhile, salsa dancer Jonathan Platero and the jazzy Karla Garcia also had to hoof it out for the chance to stay put. Their cha-cha was perfectly fine, but for a salsa specialist, Jonathan's hips sure aren't that wiggly.

Once again, the judges had to harken back to Vegas week to find a reason to keep Jonathan. And Karla's solo was good, but Nigel Lythgoe reminded her that she has to bring more than "a series of steps" to the floor.

Taking an early breather tonight, just as they deserved, were Jeanine and Phillip, Randi and Evan, Kayla and Max, Caitlin and Jason, Melissa and Ade, Ashley and Kapono and Janette and Brandon.

The remaining 18 start all over again next Wednesday.