Private Members Area – DWTS Season 20 Week 7 Discussion
Tonight was week 7 (Era Week) of Dancing with the Stars Season 20. If you’re not a Pure DWTS Insider yet, you can do so here. If you are, then I look forward to the discussion in the comments.
What a night. Lots of angry people are hitting our contact us form and telling us about why they aren’t watching the show again. It happens every season when their favorite gets voted off before they should based on talent. Then, they usually say stuff like “the judges should decide it.” As if the judges wouldn’t make some stupid choices as well.
I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but this was a sad elimination for me. Also, people seem really angry about the 10 that one dancer received. I have to agree with them, but the overscoring of less skilled dancers has always annoyed me. I just have to ignore it and enjoy the performance.
That should get us started. What did you think of tonight’s show?
I don’t really know what to think about last night. It was okay…I guess? My favorite of the night was definitely Nastia. I think it was her best performance and while it’s terrible to see Derek sit out I think this whole situation has given them all new energy and probably bonded them closer together. Riker was probably my second favorite of the night but going first with a Quickstep doesn’t leave a lasting impression really.
The Rumer thing was so heavy-handed last night. “Oh look it’s Bruce!” lets also give her a SECOND package to show her injury. At least the judges didn’t hype her up for her Jive as it really wasn’t all that. I still can’t decide if the show has decided to move past their pimping of Rumer because she isn’t getting the votes or they are trying to write a new narrative for her as the “comeback” star now.
I am excited for Trio dances next week though. I almost always love them!
John, I was so sad (and still am) about Willow and Mark being eliminated. They were my second favorite. Mark’s choreo has been stellar these past few seasons. I really looked forward to watching more of it all season. What a sad loss. And even though this is the case, I still don’t think it should be the judges decision. Oh well.
John I wish I could do that and just ignore it but this time it was just to cruel IMO. They were a great couple and Mark was so good with teaching her. Very sad for Mark and Willow.
Putting the fate of a couple into CAI hands – not a good idea.
I will not go off on the “Bruce” and Injury packages. I still think she is a spoiled Hollywood brat and her sister last night taking a swipe at Ryker being a dancer and should not even be on the show.
I think Sharna is doing a great job with Noah and I like them a lot.
Of course for me the best was Nastia’s dance and Sasha was terrific. Great choreo from Derek.
As far as being too angry to ever watch the show again. Well for me it’s just that I am tired of the unfair scoring and all of the crap. Just really tired of it. I will watch it if I feel like it but won’t if I don’t feel like it. SSDD!
I’m wondering if TPTB didn’t have their hand tipped more than once last night. I’m thinking specifically about when Julianne told Chris he wasn’t going anywhere last night after his dance (um, if he was eliminated, it wouldn’t have mattered how he just danced…) and Erin telling Nastia/Sasha/Derek they won immunity before Willow and Mark danced. Her quick backtracking did not convince me…
Also wondered about the excessive Rumor package(s). I don’t recall anyone ever getting 2 packages, and I’ve been watching since Season 2. I figured the first one was really Bruce’s and the second one was so Derek wouldn’t be the only one with injury drama. But Derek’s broke my heart (“How do you feel?” “Useless” *wah*) and Rumor’s, well, didn’t.
An observation about Derek’s choreography and staging last night – this is what the boy can do when he’s in town and not multi-tasking quite as much. It was just brilliant (IMO) and he more than rose to the challenge. A friend commented afterwards that he has sold his soul to the dancing devil, and I said I think we are all the better for it 😀
Add me to the sad to see Willow go. I think she was having a blast and just didn’t want it to end, and I didn’t think the tears were just because she was 14. I seem to remember Brandy bawling like a baby when she was eliminated.(just to name 1)
My favorite dance was Nastia. She really looked like she was having fun. Kudos to Sasha. He was terrific. I really wish they would find him a partner next season.
I got a lump in my throat when Derek said he was “useless” in their package. He sounded so sad. I would take a limping Derek over some of the other male pros anyday.
My post is gone again!
It’s there now. I had to approve it. Sorry….not sure why it does that sometimes.
Thank you Vogue. You always find me when I am lost. lol 🙂
new here -so sorry if I am posting this in the wrong place. I saw all of the talk about too much troupe and wondered what the thoughts are about how the troupe has been used more this season. Val in particular has gone from never using them to almost every week. Next week is trio – so I doubt there is much troupe involvement, but is the troupe involvement completely the pros choice? or do producers, etc have some say?
Sigh. This was one of the toughest eliminations ever for me as a viewer – right up there with Charlie, Ralph, and Apolo. I do feel like Chris has been Bristol’d in a way – overscore and overpraise, and with the margins so small, it was nearly inevitable that someone would be upset. But even if he wasn’t, I have to admit that Willow was at least treated well and scored appropriately throughout her tenure – unlike the rest of my disappointing eliminations.
I’m also done with Robert. I realize he is a fan-favorite, shipper or not – but I just get the willies with him a bit, and I’m so done with the showmance/connection storyline. He has been judged pretty harshly when compared to Chris, but I just can’t get behind him – I realize I’m in a minority there, though.
I won’t declare that I’m done with DWTS just because a celeb that I liked got eliminated – especially since I don’t vote, I can’t REALLY complain when stuff like this happens. So I’ll just vent a bit here and look forward to the subsequent weeks with a little less enthusiasm. I think at this point I am just really pumped for the Sasha time, plus Derek/Nastia, and Riker/Allison.
#10 Fig – I just want to *LIKE* all over your entire post. Everything you said is EXACTLY how I am feeling. You did point out something I have overlooked in that at least Willow has been treated well/scored appropriately. That was the biggest frustration I had last season for Sadie, but then she had the fan base/voters that Willow obviously did not.
I’m definitely not done with DWTS, but I’m definitely done with investing my Monday evenings for this season. I’d much rather just watch the dances I want to watch on YouTube and read all the feedback here.
You’re not in the minority where Robert is concerned either. Or if you are the minority, than you have my company with you! 🙂 I don’t feel like he deserves the harsh scores (compared to Chris) that he has received but I’m done with the storyline that TPTB want to portray. I don’t blame it on Robert or Kym either, I put full blame on TPTB.
Fig, ditto on Robert. I’ve been over him for several weeks now. He’s always given me the willies too. lol
I still love Robert and Kym. I think Kym’s not that in to him though which is what makes it a bit awkward for me. (story of my life). I love Robert most because my son loves him. You might have seen this tweet last night: https://twitter.com/puredwts/status/592902809714065408
Willow’s sadness was tough to take last night. I wish that Noah and Sharna were sent home. Noah’s 10 was a joke and his routines have become far too one dimensional for me. We all know why, but that’s why he should be sent home in my opinion. Do I want to watch Noah do another dance that looks more or less the same or would I rather see Willow blow it out with something new and different. Sadly America voted for the former and not the later.
Good to know that I’m not the only one that gets the Robert willies, haha!
John, I think you hit on part of what I don’t like about Robert and Kym’s partnership – the energy is awkward for me, and it’s probably because Kym is managing interest that she doesn’t share, while also trying to protect the integrity of their working relationship (and perhaps platonic friendship) AND still play it off enough to the media to not dissuade voters. It’s a tough thing to balance, and I admire Kym for maintaining her integrity while in this situation. I’ve had similar (in real-world terms, of course) tough situations and it’s kind of stressful; but she’s all class.
Also, did anyone see the GMA today with Willow and Mark? I was wondering how she was holding up.
Fig, you can see Mark and Willow on GMA in the new media post, but, their interview was filmed last night after the show.
Okay thanks – will check it out!
On another note: Did anyone else think about all the partners Val has injured when Rumer hurt her neck? I mean, shit happens to everyone, but he doesn’t seem to have the same sensibilities that the other male pros have when it comes to protecting his partner. Maybe I’m offbase, and I’m positive it’s not intentional; just a serious flaw I think he has when it comes to certain moves.
Not that I’m invested by any means in the Robert & Kym chemistry but it does leave me a little perplexed. In my opinion, Kym gives the vibe that she’s not into him as he is into her but then I read via Jessica Radloff (from Glamour) that they are planning to go on a vacation together after this or how they were spotted kissing at the Race for the Cure Event last week.
I feel like this must be a precarious situation for Kym because Robert is still (technically) married and this is a very new, unexpected development for her as well. I’d think that Robert would want to exercise a little mystery to whatever they have/don’t have going on if only for the sake of his family since his pending divorce is such a public thing and I thought that news only broke at the beginning of this season? I’ve talked on this issue more than I probably should, but that’s just my input on the Robert-willies-issue. 🙂
I’m of the opinion that Jessica Radloff is about as unreliable a source as you can get – especially when it comes to anything shipping-related. She’s a funnel through which publicists and gossips feed misinformation to fan the flames of voters. Wasn’t she the biggest Meryl/Maks shipper in the world?
I had to chuckle seeing Henry as subway passenger #6. I wonder if he’s learned anything from this experience with Nastia. Probably not.
#19 Fig – Touche’. Very, VERY TRUE!
So I hear one of the Willis’ sisters said on All Access that Riker shouldn’t be in the competition because of his ballroom experience. I definitely won’t try and defend Riker’s past experience but give me a break…the Willis family has probably never watched an episode of DWTS before in their life and suddenly they are all experts on it and Rumer is the only one who deserves to win. I actually think the Willis family may be worse than the DWM fam. I don’t fault the family for being very supportive of Rumer, that’s incredible to see, but calm down.
I really like Rumer, but hearing what her sister said really turns me off. Whenever you’re demonizing another contestant, you’ve lost me. If Nastia and Riker end up being top 2 (I really hope so) I am expecting a barrage of negative tweets from the Willis family, and of course DWM.
I’ve heard many interviewers claim what a nightmare it is to interview Bruce Willis, may be it rubbed off on the family.
Suzy #20 good catch! I didn’t see him the first time I watched the dance, but sure enough there he was, haha. But I also think it speaks to Derek’s goodwill that he’d still include Henry. Or maybe a very, very slight dig. 😛
Fig,
I don’t think Derek thinks like that at all. If he does something it’s to be inclusive from what I’ve seen. In fact, he’s so aloof about those types of things, to a fault.
Yeah, I don’t think he’s like that, either. It’s just a little amusing to consider.
I didn’t think anything at all about it concerning Derek. It’s just amusing to watch, knowing the whole backstory, seeing Sasha front and center and Henry … well … not.
I was just teasing and musing. Derek’s a top notch fellow.
I just read Mark and Willow’s IG posts and I got a little choked up. I’m supposed to be working!!
As others have already stated Robert is creepy and I have felt that way before he came on this show. So when a number of women say that I tend to believe there is a reason why.
I disagree that Noah should have gone home last night. It should have been Robert or Chris IMO. Noah was not the cause of Willow going home. For what ever reason her fan base was not voting and that was just plain crazy because they were so good.
Thanks to the mods for reminding everyone to continue to vote for Derek’s team because I think people could get the wrong impression that immunity bought them a free ride.
Lynn,
Willow should have gone home and she did. Her fans weren’t voting and so she’s gone. I said that I “wish” that Noah had gone home and I still wish that. Of course, I’m totally bias to wanting a really entertaining show and hot blondes. Sadly, I often don’t get my wishes, but I’ve grown accustom to this over the years. Although, I’m still hurting from many early exits by Edyta back in the day. I’m sure you can find some tearful comments from me back in the early seasons.
John,
I didn’t want Willow to go home. I wanted her to go to the end. All I said was that Chris or Robert should go before Noah. Is he limited hell yes but he does better on one leg then they do on two.
Why would I want to find some tearful comments from you? That doesn’t make sense.
Hello everyone, I just signed up as a member & it’s my first time posting here.
Like some of the others here, I too feel the same way about Robert & Kym. Although I appreciate his enthusiasm for being on the show & learning how to dance, the whole showmance thing feels a bit awkward to me. I’ve watched a couple of their live access streams & it seems to me that Robert is really into Kym but Kym isn’t really into him but is willing to tolerate him for the sake of keeping their partnership civil & comfortable.
I also noticed from their most recent live access stream that Robert likes to talk a lot & has a tendency to control the conversation. There was an instance where Kym asked Robert if he could be quiet so that she could read a fan tweet, but Robert completely ignored her & started talking anyways.
Also, I’m not surprised to hear about Rumer’s sister calling out Riker. To me, Rumer/Willis Fam + Val/DWM Fam = perfect for each other. I have to give credit to the producers, they’re really good at pairing people up.
Not to defend Robert, necessarily, but their showmance is practically non-existent compared to the vomit inducing Meryl/Maks, Kelly/Val, Janel/Val combos. I mean, seriously. Robert and Kym are a fairly mild walk in the park compared to those. At least they aren’t staring deeply into each others eyes for uncomfortable periods. Yuck.
It’s also not a “showmance” if it’s actually happening off the show. Not saying that it is, but it’s seems like it might be from things I’ve read. Just because Kym gets uncomfortable talking about it, or changes the subject, when it’s brought up doesn’t mean she actually IS uncomfortable or it isn’t happening. Very possible that she’s just like Derek and essentially refuses to talk about her private life and manages to deflect the questions. Lots of people DON’T believe in telling all to anyone who will listen.
Just saw Willow and Mark on the Kelly and Michael show. They danced so beautifully. You can tell how much every one is supporting her through this tough week. They also did a short clip of their dances, and it was so incredible to see all of Marks creativity put together in a 15-20 second clip. You realize just how great his season was.
PH- Of course I don’t *really* know what’s going on within any couple’s private life or how they work together. But I do feel like it’s still a little heavy-handed and we’ve been directed to this narrative right from the start. Of course that’s a huge problem TPTB have anyway, so even if it’s a genuine relationship I don’t want to see another second of it, personally.
Sarina – I hope I can find that clip of Mark and Willow online! I think the support for her – while a little too late – has been enormous. I almost wonder if she’s better off in terms of visibility for this surprise, too-early elimination than if she had came in third or fourth – which is where I think she could have ended up. Granted, it absolutely sucks that we don’t get to see more of their dances together or them having fun, but I do think the show as a whole was great exposure for Willow, and I thought Mark was amazing in the last two seasons. I hope he’s willing to stick around for another go!
Not sure where else to put this question – but did anyone watch Derek & Mark’s house show last night? I forgot to put the DVR on, but I’m sure it’ll pick it up in rerun (I hope). Just wanted to get thoughts!
#Fig The episode is on YouTube. Whenever I want to watch something online I didn’t see on tv I just google “Watch ______” and you can usually get several different sites where you can see whatever you’re looking for. That’s what I did with Mark & Derek’s Excellent Flip and that’s what gave me YouTube. Enjoy!
It’s on PDH, Fig, and it was flipping (punny) hilarious. Those two boys together should have their own reality show.
“no one puts fireplace in a corner” ~Derek
Thanks Suzy & PH – I also saw that it’s on iTunes now too. However, the sound on my computer is awfully funky so hopefully they’ll replay it at some point. If not, I’ll definitely watch it online before I start the other episodes (which are now set to record).
I just want it to be silly and fun – so it’s good to know that I won’t be disappointed.
#Fig Just so you know, you should be able (fairly easily) to hook up your computer to your TV. Then you can watch anything on the internet thru your TV.
It’s so silly and fun, Fig, that their real estate guy compares them to teenagers hopped up on sugar. 😀
Crap, I missed it too!
Since I’m a newbie – I just went back and read through all of the private posts. Wow. Love the insight – but also the whole thought process everyone goes through. So after I stopped laughing at some of the sarcasm, I have a few questions.
About the Private Area – is it supposed to stay about only the show, or is the tour stuff going to be included also. Sounds like the tour was a big hit, but I wondered if there were any BTS info about the last one or the next one.
About the Pros – sounds like quite a few have large egos. Are there ever repercussions from the producers for that? Do they use the packages sometimes to exaggerate negative (or positive) things about celebs or pros?
Just getting started here – so appreciate any info or history you can pass along to help me catch up. Loved reading all of the comments!!
Sarina,
First, I’d like to say welcome. You’re in for a special ride.
If you read the comments, then you know that we always stay on topic and never talk about off topics things like boobs, packages, celebrity encounters, or other things (What? She said she enjoyed our sarcasm, so I thought I’d appease her!)
I’m sure we’ll have plenty of chat about the tours. In fact, it might be a good post-show insiders thread for each of the dance tours. Ideas on how to get the most out of them, meeting the dancers, etc. Thanks for the idea.
I think most topics are on the table if you think they’re interesting and even tangentially related to the show.
You’re right about many having egos. Welcome to Hollywood! I’m sure there’s a fun dance that happens between the producers and the dancers. One time I literally saw a dancer bring their hot friend to one of the producers. I can’t imagine hot friend was really that interested in this producer. It felt like this dancer had brought her friend as an offering to the producer to have him keep her on the show and maybe to make her packages nice.
Of course, I could be wrong, but it wouldn’t be the first or last time we speculate on something in the insider area that’s wrong.
Some more song spoilers for the trios (because it’s Friday and I love you all 🙂 ):
Riker’s jazz trio: “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” by Fergie
Rumer’s paso doble trio: “Scott & Fran’s Paso Doble” from Strictly Ballroom
I think Riker may end up with a perfect score – Allison, Brittany, and that song seem like a killer combo. Interesting to note: both of Rumer’s songs this week are from the Baz Luhrmann musical she was in…discuss.
I love that paso in Strictly Ballroom. I might have to pull up that flick and watch it tonight.
Agreed John – I love that paso, too!
I wonder if the show will clue the viewers in that Rumer has danced paso in that show or if they’ll ignore it.
I actually LOVE “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”…I always imagine my own DWTS freestyle to that song for some reason hahaha. I’m getting very high hopes for Riker’s trio but I’m trying not to. I just don’t want to assume anything and then be disappointed.
I just can’t get myself to get excited about Rumer…
#Courtney — I can’t “discuss” because the top of my head just blew off. But they are a perfect match.
Thanks John-
and what?? you speculate on things that end up being wrong? Completely unacceptable!
LOL – but really, marketing you friend to the producers is a new low I hadn’t even thought of. Do you think any of the tricks work? Especially after that rumor about a certain police investigation involving a producer?
And did I read that right – Rumer has already danced Paso in her other show? If thats right – I think it will backfire on her. The judges will have higher expectations if its a dance she already knows.
I LOVE Rikers song. I loved it in the Great Gatsby movie and then when the pros opened with it during S17. I can see them getting a perfect score as well. Allison choreographing what she is good at, Riker is capable, and Brittany is amazing at Jazz as well.
Interesting that both her songs are from the musical she was in…
John, I want to watch Strictly Ballroom tonight now as well.
sarina,
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe her friend just happened to be there and really liked the producer.
Kaitlyn,
Sounds good. What time? lol…as I recall it’s on Netflix or one of those streaming services.
I’m curious on Strictly Ballroom too? I have never seen that movie yet. I just googled the music and I’m loving it. I’m loving Riker’s music too.
OMG Vogue. Stop what you’re doing and watch it right now!!!
It’s Baz and ballroom – sooooooo much fun!
Now I need to go rewatch it. 🙂
Ok, I will put it as a priority to watch as soon as I can.
OK I’m in, I’ll watch it tonight to because my husband will be watching the draft. UGH!
Just for clarification and John will tell you this is true, I ALWAYS stay on topic.
I will bring ice coffee and DD’s. for the party.
Since you brought up the topic of the draft. I’m putting my money on Mariotta over Winston. Although, I wouldn’t put money on either. Should have drafted some linemen. They make quarterbacks.
Anyone picking Mayweather vs Pacquiao? It’s everywhere here in Vegas. I’m hoping Pacquiao can knock the arrogant Mayweather out, but I’d put my money on Mayweather.
Did someone say donuts? #TotallyOnTopicComment
My favorite part of Strictly Ballroom is the paso/flamenco steps they do – and watching my boyfriend try to replicate it is probably in my top 3 memories of all time. What I would give to be able to have that on video.
Enjoy the movie – it’s typical Baz- fast, silly, fun, but great. The guy is really cute too – Paul Mercurio. Little trivia about him: After the success of Strictly Ballroom, he was offered the role that Guy Pearce had in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, but didn’t want to be typecast as a dancer so he turned it down. I think he always regretted it!
We got a WR from SC because Andy Reid took our very good one. Now all we need is a Quarter Back so we can begin another losing season. Of course Tim Teboe(sp) might be able to pray us to the Super Bowl but I doubt it. I liked Mariotta but with the 20th pick that wasn’t gonna happen.
Pacquiao only because I always vote for the under dog.
Yes I did say that!
Back OT looking for Strictly Ballroom.
Some of my favorite lines from Strictly Ballroom:
“ARMS, CLARRY!!!”
“Son, can I bend your ear for a tick?”
“Pam Short’s broken both her legs and I wanna dance with YOU.”
“Havin’ trouble with the ol’ bogo-pogo, eh?”
Wow, I had no idea that Paul Mercurio was a judge on the Australian and New Zealand DWTS shows! He did *not* age well – at least compared to how great he looked in the movie. Ahh, the ravages of Time – she be a wretched beast!
Ok, you guys have sold me. I just bought the Blu-Ray at eBay for $6.23 with Free Shipping. From what you say, this is a movie I will want to watch over and over. lol
You won’t be disappointed Vogue. It is on Netflix though. Add that to Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player and all is well. First I have to watch Amazing Race with the kids and possibly the cheesy America’s Ballroom Challenge. I’ll save Shark Tank until my wife’s back.
That movie was so good! It was on You tube and of course watching it on my lap top with headphones might not be the best viewing but I enjoyed it.
Today like Vogue I will look for a copy on eBay.
Court I am really looking forward to Riker’s jazz trio. They should hit warp speed. lol
Favorite line from “Strictly”: NO NEW STEPS!
Cracks me up every time 😀 Agree with everyone – time to watch again!