'Dance Moms'-When Stars Collide, S1 E5

"When Stars Collide"
What Happened During Season 1 Episode 5?

Yet again, what in the world is wrong with Christi? Okay, I agree that she was right when she said that Maddie dancing without a lollipop (while all the other girls were holding one) did draw attention to her. But it also made sense that if they were one short she would be the one to dance without it, because she was in the center. It would have looked very odd if one of the girls on the end was missing a lollipop.

And sure, the talent scout seemed more interested in Maddie than in Christi's daughter Chloe. BUT Maddie is a better dancer than Chloe, and she has more of that cutesy child star look. The harsh truth is that Maddie does appear more talented than Chloe. It's nice (in a way) that Christi thinks so highly of her daughter that she constantly wants to blame other people and make excuses when they surpass her, but the truth of the matter is that Chloe just isn't as good. Maybe her mother should help her build other talents, or help her be happy with what she is capable of, instead of constantly making her feel bad by comparing her to Maddie. Personally I think that Chloe will grow up to be beautiful and poised, and Maddie is seeing her main success as a child star. But Chloe won't be happy if her mother keeps comparing her to another child!

Of course, once again Melissa (Maddie's mother) is not in the clear. She thinks too much of both her children, and while I understood her frustration when her youngest daughter (Mackenzie) refused to sing for the talent scout, I also couldn't help but think back to one of the earliest interviews where Mackenzie admits that she doesn't want to be on Broadway. Why force your child to do something that they don't want to do? Maybe because it's your own dream? And that is sadly clear when Melissa (somewhat jokingly) mentions that maybe the talent scout will like her on stage as well, and cast her with Maddie in something.

Does anyone else think that Christi is being ridiculous? Do you think that Maddie is more talented, or is she receiving attention unfairly? And how do you feel about Melissa pushing her children towards fame?