After emotions ran particularly high and the criticism ran rampant during Wednesday's Top Eight performances, Thursday’s results show looked to return So You Think You Can Dance to its comfort zone of smiles, positive vibes, wildly entertaining routines.

Unfortunately, the episode was both somber and anticlimactic.

From the moment Cat announced who would be joining Alex Wong in the bottom three - he was automatically down there because of an injury that kept him on the shelf the previous night - worried fans sensed that he might be done for the year.

Then the arrival of Billy Bell in the bottom three was a surprise.

Robert Roldan and Adechike Torbert were rescued from the bottom three, leaving Ashley Galvan to dance for her life along with Billy. Which they did, though it was a moot point.

Alex Wong couldn't go next week, and therefore had to go from the competition.

When it was revealed that Alex is having surgery for his lacerated Achilles tendon, it became clear that while he'll dance again, it won't happen in the next three months. He’s out of the competition, with the only bright spot being he's welcome to try out next year.

It's a brutal break for Alex and for viewers who became supporters of this fan favorite, whose swan song this season ended up being his hip-hop routine with Twitch.

The kid's good. Real good. Get well soon, Alex.

As sad as Alex and the judges seemed, no one appeared more upset than his fellow stars Kent, Jose and Billy. That's what makes this show cute. You just feel the love.

Despite the bad news it was a very touching moment, closing off a rather unusual, sad episode.  Next week let’s all regroup and just have a good time.

Another highlight of the night? Watching Anya and Pasha. They’re ballroom pros, and they're the most fun to watch when they do their thing together.

Also we were treated to a performance from the Broadway show “In the Heights,” and singer Natasha Bedingfield featuring the All-Stars dancing backup.

Since there was nobody actually voted off who danced Wednesday, who do you think might be in danger next week of the Top 7? Discuss!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.