Sophie is my favourite and I was hoping to see her perform a fantastic Argentinian Tango.
And yes, the dance was well-choreographed and had some great technical moves, but it didn't show Sophie in her best light.
Darcey remarked (I think?) about the way Sophie responded to the moves as being great technically and I do think Sophie had more control than the judges gave her credit for.
But the way the dance was choreographed meant that Sophie appeared to be guided by Brendan all the way.
So Brendan became the 'star' and Sophie became the also-ran.
Now it could be that this was the best way for this particular AT to work, allowing that Brendan had put in some really technical moves and there was a lot for Sophie to learn in a week.
Brendan is definitely pushing Sophie to do her best, and credit to him (and Sophie), but for Brendan, 'doing her best' appears to be all about ever more difficult moves, rather than taking a step back and getting the characterisation right.
For me, Sophie being able to do the difficult moves (and remember them all on the night) is fine, but the judges (and perhaps many of the watching public) want to see characterisation.
Someone mentioned Louis last year and I agree. He learned everything Flavia taught him, but kept the same 'stern/staring' face throughout until the judges kept on at him to 'put some character' into his performances.
What we were then left with was Louis gurning through an average (but impressive in parts) Charleston. It wasn't his best dance, but it pleased the judges and was seen as his 'turning point'.
If Sophie follows the same pattern, Brendan needs to act sooner rather than later to choreograph a dance that helps Sophie 'build character' in some way.
It may not be great, but it should please the judges and those who say they are fed up with Sophie's non-expression.
Then she can get on with winning the competition (fingers crossed!

).