I think the "more emotion" thing was less skirting a racial stereotype (although, yes, that was there...Goddamned if I don't hear Asian dancer stereotypes on a regular basis) and more about the constant SYTYCD theme of editing for a conflict between "Diamond-in-the-rough-emotive-powerhouse-without-training vs professionally-trained-in-need-of-taping-into-emotion."

I'm glad we finally got to see a shot of Alex's overjoyed parents in the audience.

Even more than Jose, I think Alex is the ego-less dancer this time around. Jose knows he's in over his head but Alex seems to think he is and is constantly shocked and grateful.