Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009

Dancing With the Stars October 26, 2009: And Then There Were 9…

 For my loyal readers, I must apologize for missing last week’s update.  Unfortunately, I was completely buried in schoolwork and tests.  I had over 7 hours of homework on Monday night and I just couldn’t manage my DWTS post.  I’ve finally watched both last week’s and this week’s episodes.  I’ll try to give you a little recap of each.

Before I get into the review of the night… let me just say that the voting results of last week obviously reflected that the popularity vote is keeping some of the weaker dancers in the competition.  As a result, we’ve lost Natalie who was far more talented than (*ahem*) a few of the remaining dancers.  This saddens me greatly.  On the flip side of the coin, in past seasons the popular vote has kept in some dancers who I really wished could stay in the competition.  It’s a bit of a double edged sword, I’m afraid.  Anyway, I’m sad that she’s gone.  Really, it should have been Melissa! Or Kelly.  Or, Louie.

Here’s my nagging  and praising for this week’s couples:

 Last week, Karina donned herself a “cold-hearted bitch.”  Wow.  Really?  Let’s ask Maks!

Their Argentine Tango scored them a considerable amount higher than weeks’ past.  However, despite this good score, they landed in the bottom two.  He’s trying so hard.  Almost too hard, if you ask me.  He needs to relax and just enjoy the experience.  Winning isn’t everything, Aaron!

This week, they are given the Waltz.  So, Romeo-Boy shows up for rehearsal in a suit and delivering roses to Karina.  It was all a bit much and too dramatic for my taste.  Nonetheless, they practice and practice and ramp up for redemption.  Their dance was quite good.  Karina looked terrific and I loved the back of her dress.  She really just gave it her all in the performance and tried to really perform.  Aaron looked stiff.

Len said that the felt the Waltz was their best dance yet and told Aaron, “I’m proud of you.”  Then, gag me with a huge spoon, Bruno was back to making comments about Aaron going from a boy to a man by saying, “The boy has become a gentleman.”  What?  From a dance?  For Goodness Sake!  Carrie Ann thought their dance was beautiful.  So did I. 

Then, the camera zoomed in on Michael Jackson’s mom and LaToya.  Hmmm… I know they were there last week or the tribute… but, season front row tickets, huh?

Scores: 8-9-8 – Total 25 + Dance Off 8 pts = 33 Total. 

I love Donny Osmond on this show.  I just do.  I can’t help it!  The last two weeks have proved that he’s in it to win it.  And, he just might.  Their Argentine Tango last week was superb, bringing them two 10′s and the top score.  The best part of the performance was when Bruno was giving his comments after the performance.  Bruno called him, “Donny Darko.”  Donny bantered back with, “You took me there!” 

This week, they got the Jitterbug.  I thought they did an outstanding job!  I totally loved it.  From this judge, they get all 10′s.  However, the judges didn’t agree with me and gave them all 8′s.  The judges unanimously agreed that Donny knew how to work a room, yet they were all a tad nit-picky on small errors in the routine.  They’re starting to judge him at a higher standard, like Mya.  This infuriates me because he deserved better scores.  I don’t think that the scores will impact his stay-a-bility.  In fact, I predict that he’ll make the final 3.

Scores: 8-8-8 – Total 24 + 7 pts from DanceOff = 31 Total

So, Derek had the flu last week and Maks stepped in for him.  The Reader’s Digest condensed version of last week’s events are that: Maks and Derek are interchangeable (*totally*), Maks stumbled in the routine, and JoAnna/Derek were not safe from elimination.  She was so infuriated that I thought JoAnna was going to hurl something at someone… 

They rallied this week.  The Waltz never knew what hit it.  Their performance was simply… lovely.  But, Derek is pissing me off!  Why is he acting like The Dance Nazi in rehearsal?  Relax, DUDE!  Apparently the judges agreed with me on the quality of the dance and they gave decent comments and good scores.

Scores: 8-9-9 – Total: 26 + Dance Off 10 pts = 36 Total

Despite my love for Kelly, it’s time for her to go home.  Last week, viewers got an additional dose of Louis and his fascination with eyeliner.  Their Paso Doble to dad Ozzy’s Crazy Train was decent, but not anywhere near the other Pasos we’ve seen in the past on this show.  Kelly’s performance in the group Hustle was pathetic.  Atop of all this, she injured her ankle.

This week, Louis thought it would be fun to put her on a trapeze set and have her take a leap to get over her fears.  To be honest, I’m kinda done with her fears.  Enough weeks and performances have gone by and she needs to just get over it and perform!  Kelly… either you’re in it, or your not.   Their Jitterbug this week was like a tepid bath, you just don’t want to really be there and you aren’t enjoying it.  Kelly was totally heavy footed and didn’t have the much needed spring-to-her-step required for the Jitterbug.  Carrie Ann told her to “…stay in the happy place.”  Len thought that the dance was a little bit flat-footed.  He also said, “It was like a blueberry muffin with no blueberries.  It looked good, but no berries.”  Then he went on about the flavor, etc.  Bruno thought the performance was ”beige.”  It’s time, Kelly-girl! 

Scores: 7-6-7 – Total: 20 + 5 Dance Off = 25 Total

I think the judges are on a mission to eliminate Louie.  Last week, his dancing had improved.  Their Aregentine Tango was sweet.  I think he has a thing for her.  She looked amazing in her outfit.  Yet, the outfit wasn’t enough to outshine the other Argentine Tangos of the week. 

This week they got the Jitterbug.  As always, his hair looked like poop, she looked wonderful, and their dance was mediocre.  Except, he kissed her at the end.  Huh.  Len thought that parts of the dance were “fantastic,” while Bruno thought that Louie got all whacko.  Carrie Ann said that she loved the dance, even though he did drop her… TWICE! 

I so enjoy this couple, but I can see the writing on the wall.

Scores: 7-7-7 – Total 21 + 3 Dance Off = 24 Total

Last week’s Paso Doble last week was smoking hot!  Loved it.  Her outfit was super awesome!  They did a terrific job and worked themselves up the ranks.

This week, their energy stayed high.  Their Jitterbug was most certainly the best of the week.    What I couldn’t understand was why the judges were so picky with them.  Carrie Ann noted some footwork issues at the end.  Frankly, I didn’t even notice (*and, I usually notice these things*).  Len thought the routine was full of energy.  Bruno remarked to Mark, “You managed to keep up with that crazy kitty.”  I see some terrific improvement with these two and look forward to next week, sans the kitty/bow thing on Lacey’s head.

Solid Scores: 9-9-8 – Total 26 + 6 Dance Off = 32 Total

Thank God Mark finally cut his hair this week.  He was looking like a BushBaby.  Last week he was sick and wearing a mask as not to infect Melissa.  I have to tell you that their Argentine Tango from last week was so boring that I started playing with my kitty-cats.  Really, I did.  BORING!

This week’s Waltz was frightening.  Mark tried to bring in the troops and he called his MOMMY!  She’s a ballroom expert.  Despite how pretty Melissa looked, she was like a ton of lead on her feet.  There was no floating in their Waltz.  I was so mad that Natalie went home and we’re stuck watching THIS!  Bruno honestly said, “That wasn’t good.”  Carrie Ann said, “Well, at least you kept your puppies up.” (*puppies=boobies*).  Len thought that Carrie Ann and Bruno were being too harsh.  I DIDN’T!

Scores: 7-7-6 – Total: 20 + 4 Dance Off = 24 Total (Oh, please let them go home!)

Michael is steadily improving.  Last week, we saw improvement in the Paso Doble.  However, we might have to attribute the improvement to the nickel he had pressed between his butt cheeks.  And then, foolishly, he gave it away to Bruno.  He needs it back!   Why?  This week we saw another decline.

However, I have to say that I thought their Waltz was better than Carrie Ann and Bruno gave them credit for.  Len stated, “Best footwork of any Waltz we’ve seen so far tonight.”  He added, “It had a charm to it.”  I agree with Len on this one!  I simply like Mike.  He’s a good guy and he really tries hard.  Unfortunately, I think his days are numbered as the next two weeks hold a weird double-elimination thing in which the judges get to vote out one couple.  This could mean trouble for Mike!

Scores: 6-8-6 – Total 20 + 2 Dance Off = 22 Total.

Last week they were wonderful.

This week, they were great.

They are always great. 

Expectantly… great.

Almost boringly great.

This week’s routine had some theatrics at the beginning that I knew Len wouldn’t like.  And, he didn’t.  Despite that, they scored well overall and I can see them in the finals.

Scores: 8-7-9 + 9 Dance Off = 33 Total  

 Tuesday, October 27th:  The Results Show Will Be Aired on ABC

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