Dancing with the Stars Season 23, Week 3 – LIVE BLOG!!
Site rules in are effect – don’t hit refresh every 2 minutes, make sure you’re not posting one-liners, etc. Instead of doing two live blogs, I will probably use this same blog for both nights, since tonight is only an hour.
So, I rewatched the last week’s shows over the weekend and something struck me – it wasn’t just Laurie (and Terra) that got no real critique and was possibly over scored. V.Ice made an obvious, huge, glaring error and not only was it not called out, but he got the exact same score from Bruno as freakin’ Marilu (with the gorgeous foxtrot)!! Len gave him a *7* with the huge glaring error – the same score he gave to James, Calvin and Babyface…and point higher than he gave Maureen. Just thought I would point out that the monkey business is more widespread than Laurie.
Also, my *feel* from watching the show is that there are a few couples getting short shrift when it comes to camera time and BTS packages. We saw LOTS from some couples, and relatively little from others. Note that I didn’t have a stopwatch out, but it seemed like we didn’t see much from Jana, Marilu, Maureen, Amber or Babyface. I didn’t think we saw overly much from Laurie. But I think we saw a lot from some of the others. One of these days I might actually get a stopwatch. Eh…probably not. 🙂
So, we start the show with Tom’s audio being totally f@#ked. The studio mics are screwed up cuz the video is working fine.
Love Babyface, but Allison isn’t giving him a ton of content…at least compared to previous Jives this season so far. Oh great, they aren’t scoring until both dances are done. Ripe for manipulation.
Come one Jana, move those feet. So far, she’s got more content than Baby face and she’s also executing it pretty well, but still below the jive standard of Marilu and Laurie.
I would go with Jana on that one. We’ll see.
Babyface – 25
Jana – 26 – so Jana and Gleb get the immunity.
Giving Len the tiebreak is BS – but as usual, they do what they need to do to get the preferred result.
So, Rick and V.Ice are bros….I think V.Ice is bros with everyone, he’s so awesome. 🙂
Emma is seriously a genius. Remedial Paso, but she manages to make it look like an actual Paso. And he’s actually doing steps, unlike what Allison gave Babyface.
Come on V.Ice – Just for the pace of the dance, V. Ice is ahead and he’s got more content. He’s in character, love the outfit.
Wow…this is a tough call I think. I think Rick had better shapes but V. Ice the better performance and more content.
Rick – 23
V.Ice – 23, so it goes to Len. Len goes with “Vanilla” which surprises me, based on the technical aspect. I guess.
Side note…watching All Access at the same time as I watch the show and blog and the skybox camera has Marilu and Derek rehearsing…and she looks amazing. Let’s hope she can bring that to the floor.
Then Val and Laurie are up there and they also look good, although I don’t find the choreo I’m seeing as very compelling.
The Men who Race for a Living – good work, there, TPTB. 🙂
LOL on Ryan with his sense of humor.
James starts off a bit stiff and off time, but he gets it together really quickly and relaxes. He ends up doing a really good cha cha for a complete novice.
Yeah, don’t ever underestimate Cheryl. That started off great and while he didn’t seem to do much, it was an entertaining, pretty good dance. There was a bit of screwing around in the middle that might hurt them with Len.
James – 29
Ryan – 25 – honestly, I think Ryan was a bit hosed on that one. I didn’t see any place where he was that much worse than James. It should have at least been closer, IMO.
Not seeing the humor in the dancing Donald and Hillary. Maybe I will later…
Sasha is wisely playing the game of this show, giving Terra an emotional dance. They’re doing well, but she’s so small that it’s tough.
Lindsay gave more in-hold dancing and I think he acquitted himself very well. I lean towards Calvin.
Terra – 30
Calvin – 32 – congrats to Calvin on all those lovely 8s.
Now, Maureen versus Amber. Come on Maureen you can do it! Heh. This is one of those times when Maks’ self centered ness works well with his sense of humor. 🙂
Amber is dancing small and missed a few steps but he made this dance full out and rather fast. But, her feet seem wrong. Doesn’t look like a Salsa either, really.
Tom: Real Housewives of Hazard. LOL.
Maureen is too timid – if not for that she would take this dance. Her technique is better, it looks like a Salsa and she doesn’t miss as many steps as Amber…and then it fell apart a bit at the end.
Amber – 25
Maureen – 28. I’m doing pretty well on calling this crap. 🙂
Now for the big contest. Curious on this one.
I do love Laurie. She’s so cute. Takes two to…make things go right. LOL. She could be a bit sharper, but she’s doing really well. I feel like the choreo is a bit uninspired. But she’s doing it very well. Can you do a lift in standard tango??
Looked like Marilu lost her balance right at the beginning, but she did a damn good tango. Pretty dang close competition to me.
Laurie – 31
Marilu – 28 – yeah, don’t think Laurie was that much better than Marilu. I call BS.
NIGHT TWO
Okay, it’s almost that time and Tom says it’s “close”. Hmmmm….
Heh. Tom mentions that Babyface and Jana are tied in cumulative points. See, told you they use the when it’s convenient.
Format this evening is much the same as last week, except they are adding comments after they replay the dances. This time it was Len saying how great Jana was….er, okay.
LOL….those are little tiny mirrorball. Hah.
Well, this is gonna get old kinda fast.
Thomas, leave Kym alone. 😀
Wow, Len really doesn’t care for Vanilla’s ball cap. Get over it Len.
Len says V.Ice won because it was more full on, passionate Paso. Then why did he give it to him like he was under duress??
So, that was a really good dance from James – better than I remember and he got 7s too. CAI gave the same score to Amber, James, Marilu, Maureen and Laurie. Laurie’s was due to the lift so that would have been an 8. But explain to me how Marilu and James get the same score as Amber and Maureen.
OMG…Ryan’s grandma. So Cute.
Anyone else seeing a difference this week? A big one? We’re hearing a ton of judges commentary. Make me think that they saw what the producers did last week and decided to use it this week.
What this week also did was create a real potential problem for the producers. You have several couples (V. Ice and Jana) who are lower scored than Marilu and Terra, but who have immunity from elimination. If either of them goes home, the shit should hit the fan. I have to think that they did it this way knowing that neither of them was in danger. I hope.
Maks, you ain’t 25 anymore, dude.
Ohhh….Julianne, throwin’ some well deserved shade. 😉
Yeah, Len, why did you suddenly get all soft on the rules, dude. Julianne calls out Maks, Tom calls out Len…perhaps someone reads the site and thinks we’re right.
Hmm….I can understand Maureen beating Amber. But I don’t get where Maureen has the same score as Marilu.
I think perhaps Laurie was emotional cuz he made it sound like there was something wrong with being “cute Laurie”. Ass.
Have they been talking to all the couples after they dance?? Huh.
Oh Derek. goof ball.
Still don’t see 7s on that Tango. You can give immunity to Laurie, but those 7s were a crime when compared to the others who got 7s. This is a problem this show has season after season and they can’t seem to correct it. It’s often why better dancers go home.
Okay…tacky with Jenna down there in front. Another Mandy Moore bump and grind. I know Mandy is capable, why can’t she do better by these women? Just tacky.
And that’s three weeks in a row I believe that Marilu doesn’t speak on camera during the show. This is looking pretty suspicious.
Marilu and Derek are safe, while Amber is still in jeopardy.
And Marilu/Derek get the bad edit. Okay someone actually go back and look at the last two weeks and tell me if Marilu has actually spoken a word during the show. That’s my feel and I would feel much better if someone would tell me I’m wrong. Because I’m getting a bad feeling.
Okay, just remembered that Marilu and Derek talked to Erin after their dance last week. But they’re getting nothing extra, that’s for sure. Is anyone else getting this treatment?? Babyface??
More Maks and Val pimpin’, I see. I wonder if they actually rehearsed this time.
I’m digging this musical number – reminds me of old school “new wave”.
Hmmm….got it wrong this week. Babyface is safe and Rick is in jeopardy. Still have a hard time believing that Rick is going home. Perhaps it’s Amber?
Or perhaps they threw out the other couples scores. If Rick goes home, I’ll revisit the numbers – as I recall the margins were pretty big if you threw out the immune couples scores.
I swear, they are reading this blog. 🙂 Cuz there’s Derek and Marilu and Derek putting the lie to the editing. 🙂 And there’s Babyface.
I feel like I’m being watched. 🙂
Just when you thought Makes and Val couldn’t do a worse job than last time. At least the dancing is good this time. But note: The C Bros can’t do comedy. Not even a little.
I think I figured out the problem…they want to be funny, but they aren’t funny people. They are too….self important to be truly funny. To be funny, you have to be truly humble as well.
Oh Sasha, you are winning me over again.
Now, next couple safe is Ryan and Cheryl. Terra is in jeopardy.
Gee, Cirque night isn’t tailor made for Laurie or anything. :::rolls eyes::: And the producers are really making me sick of Val – he’s talking at least twice in all of these dang VTs. Shut. Up.
By the way, Designated Survivor was a really good show. As was MacGyver, shockingly.
Okay, here we go.
Safe – Terra and Sasha!
Rick and Emma are eliminated. I’m surprised by that, actually. I thought he had more juice. I was off by one – I said Babyface, then Rick or Amber.
Court said Ryan was at the bottom.
Vogue said Amber and Maks.
So we were all wrong this week. We’ll get ’em next time. 🙂
Excited to see all the dances. Do I have it right that there will be just scores but no commentary on the dances? Like some have said I would have prefered they had split the dancing up over the 2 nights like they have done before but it is what it is, so let’s see how it plays out.
Remember how much Julianne went crazy over Vanilla Ice? Guess he is a favorite!! Going to be an interesting, but probably frustrating, evening!
Ok so those jive costumes for both couples are pretty awesome (especially Jana and gleb who reminded me of Minnie Mouse for some reason). Babyface and Allison were good but I didn’t love it either. Same for Jana and gleb. Both had energy and fun but not their best. I’d give both a 7.
I would go with Jana, she had some decent flicka kicks even though it was rough in patches, Baby Face just didn’t match the energy of his partner.
I think both were good performances. But I soooo glad that Jana and Gleb won. Yeah, they’re my favorites.
I wasn’t too impressed with either of those jives. Babyface’ didn’t have a lot of content and Jana seemed to be just kind of phoning it in and did I imagine it or did she go off time a time or two? Shame, because I like the both of them! Anyway I know they have the time crunch because of the debate tonight, but man am I already annoyed by how rushed this all feels. Especially with these scores coming out with no critiques. So easy to just give the result TPTB want without even attempting to justify.
Jana and Gleb had amazing energy in their dance. I feel like Alison and Babyface didn’t match that energy but they both did an amazing job.
I think the ICE has the edge on this one.
I have that little Richard song stuck in my head….thanks tptb. Those paso costumes……I love how Rick is all traditional and vanilla looks like Danny from grease but gothic lol. Their bromance is hysterical to me though…..their amazingly fun atitudes make my day. Leave it to Rick and Emma to deliver that. It was kinda awesome in my opinion. I’d give that an A for effort and 6 for score. I wasn’t feeling vanilla ice and witney’s paso. I’d still give that a 7 though. It was just odd.
I surprisingly liked Rick’s dance! It was incredibly simplistic (remedial sounds about right), but he executed it and it still looked fun. I think that’s Rick’s charm. I loved the song and mood of Vanilla and Witney’s, but it wasn’t their best. I thought 5’s were too low though!
What was the name of the song vanilla ice danced to?
Neither Paso was very strong in the footwork department, but I think ICE tried to match the intensity of the piece a little more than Rick who sort of lost his frame.
Well that was no contest. James actually did some Cha Cha.
ok so the costumes for the cha cha pairs are literally amazing in the case of the ladies but Ryan looked better than James costume wise for sure. Rehersal footage 🙂 that’s all I’m gonna say. James was born with the dance gene. Like a duck to water. Actually my fav dance from
Him thus far. I’d give that an 8 and want to watch it again and again. Ryan and Cheryl’s best dance yet. Never would have pegged him for the Latin dances at all (I was expecting a trainwreck) but damn did he just show he is not going out without a fight. I’d give that a 7.
Again, I am shocked to agree with the judges on the winner! I liked James’ better because I felt like Ryan’s relied too heavily on staging and looked awkward in bits. 3 6’s though? Another lowball, imho.
Love the commitment from Vanilla Ice. James and Sharna were great! They are becoming one of my faves this season. Sharna has worn that blue number before, looks great.
I failed to see any Cha Cha from Ryan, but ripping open a shirt seems to work for a lot of fans.
Their version of Hillary and Trump definately get along better than the real ones lol. That was really funny though. Oy, Calvin and terra definately got Great songs this week and the Rehersal footage was great. I expected terra to be good this week but she exceed my expectations for sure. I loved the costumes were good too. I’d give that an 8. Calvin and Lindsay….wow. His best yet in my opinion. I’d give that an 8 too. Both are winners in my book this week…like wowza did they just go “I’m going to own this dance”.
Calvin and Lindsay’s routine is very nice, but I think they will go with Tara and Sasha since they did better in hold. Calvin’s frame was not good.
I am shocked that Calvin won that. That was all choreography and not technique. I thought Calvin had the votes. I guess he doesn’t.
I still think this show just wants Ryan gone and that’s why he got the scores he got.
Even though Lindsay and Calvin had a better dance I have to give a shout out to Sasha for that stunning waltz that really made Terra shine. Gorgeous
Calvin was so much better than Terra. Thankfully the judges got that one right.
I think they made the wrong choice though between Rick and Vanilla Ice. Rick did a very good job.
I feel they lowballed Ryan, so my votes are headed his way.
Hillary is wearing Red tonight & so is Marilu 🙂
Ok so Amber and maks and Maureen and artem literally have what the other needs in my opinion so this is just a great face off now that I see it in action. Amber needs to stand out more and light up the ballroom like Maureen does and Maureen needs to just go for it like Amber does and go crazy out there (just my opinion.). Anyways, that dance from Amber was very fun and something I am definately going to remember lol. I’d give that a 7. Artem looks like he is wearing the same thing he wore in a dance with Patti. Anyways, Maurern was more fun to watch in my opinion but I’d still give that a 7.
I don’t know what I loved more: Maureen being so happy or the look on maks’ face during scores.
Babyface is toast then – I can definitely see Rick making up the 2 point deficit.
I think the choreography for Amber was not good and therefore Maureen wins by default. A nice careful traditional Salsa. Good job Artem!
Go Maureen! I kept waiting for Amber’s wig to go flying. Also Amber’s dance did not seem like a Salsa. I think Maureen looked lovely in her green.
I thought Calvin and Terra both had the best dances of the night thus far (IMHO). Glad they gave it to Calvin though. He and James probably tie for my personal fave. 🙂
And finally the judges and I disagree on a “winner.” I definitely preferred Amber’s and again thought the judges underscored the “loser.” I feel for Amber. I know she isn’t the best, but she’s trying so hard and seems stuck in the same place. :/
Ok so random but my family has been putting pepperoni and cheese and sometimes bacon in pizza crust for years (my cousins and I had those rebel years where traditional Italian food made us roll out eyes and my mom and grandmother adapted but now it’s the opposite lol)and now seeing Pizza Hut selling it like that makes me wonder if we really missed the boat on that one. Anyways, that Rehersal footage was great. Sometimes I forget Laurie is so young lol. That dance was intense and the best dance from them this season thus far choreography wise for sure. I’d give that an 8. Marilu and Derek was just so intense and hot. I’d easily give that an 8 as well. So glad I’m
Not one of the judges cuz this was just a masterclass tango round.
Sidenote, Marilu in that dress was amazing. She should buy that from the show for sure.
I am disappointed in both Tangos. Laurie and Val put a lift in there, and Derek and Marilu you could drive a mac truck between the two of them.
Marilu and Derek’s score was crap. I was thinking they were going pull out at least one nine for them – and then they didn’t even give them one eight. Just crap.
Honestly, I’m going to have a hard time voting becuase I loved terra and Marilu but I really liked Ryan as well. Well played powers that be well played.
I honestly thought they would tie Marilu & Laurie and have Len break it. They both were equally great to me.
Amber needs to let go. James and Ryan were both great. Loved V.Ice and Rick both. That was a tough one. Terra was my favorite although Calvin was great too.
Very tough match ups. Tough competition this season!
I far preferred Marilu’s Tango to Lauries…Hello LIFT! Thank you CAI for calling it!! STILL ticked that TPTB HAD TO PROTECT THE PRECIOUS!
*sigh* An ILLEGAL LIFT in the Tango and they still win. And these judges are meant to be non-biased. Derek just can’t catch a break.
I think Laurie was better on a technical level, but the choreography was kinda boring (I wish Val would step up his tango game, it’s the same stuff over and over). Still liked it better than Marilu’s but just barely. I thought Marilu and Derek had the better choreo and in general she kept up. And they DEFINITELY deserved at least a couple 8’s. I’m side-eying the hell out of the scoring in general tonight.
Since the precious is now protected even after doing an illegal left.:: I think that Laurie isn’t getting the votes that the producers were expecting her to get .
Marilu and Derek deserve a way higher score than that.Their score was BS.They deserve at least two 8. The routine was fantastic
Looking at the scores, and CALVIN is the highest score of the night. Wait what? I like the guy, but I’m surprised, I thought Laurie was supposed to be running away with it to TPTB. Oh well, I thought Calvin’s dance was better than Laurie’s anyways, but man! I didn’t think TPTB would hand it to him like that.
Thank you CAI for calling out the lift. Val’s face was so baffled it made me laugh. Wish Derek and Marilu got a higher score though, the dance was amazing. I thought they would tie or at least come close.
Tonight just felt rushed in general and no one really impressed but I thought the judges were mainly right.
Babyface/Jana- I didn’t like either of these at all, super disapointed, and didn’t really see a clear winner
Rick/Vanilla- I actually would have given this to Rick- he was on time and didn’t miss a beat, but it was by a hair- neither impressed though
James/Ryan- I LOVED this cha cha cha. Have to disagree with Heidi- I thought James was a lot better. It was Ryan’s best dance, though
Calvin/Terra- both were nice, but there was just something extra that I liked about Calvin’s dance. I was surprised they gave it to him, though, since I’m worried about Terra’s voting base.
Amber/ Maureen- I would have given it to Maureen, but not by much. I think Amber is in real trouble tomorrow
Marilu/Laurie- best matchup of the night but I thought Laurie was clearly the winner and the best of the night. I was actually a little disappointed in Marilu’s dance (but I think my expectations were just super high because I love Derek’s tangos) but it was still much better than almost everyone else.
I agreed with the judges on all their selections. I think some of the scores should have been closer but I agree with who came out on top.
Terra and Calvin’s face off was my favorite. I thought they both looked great. And I was really happy that Maureen won immunity. She and Artem’s dance looked more like a salsa to me than Amber and Mak’s. Since Val won immunity, I imagine the fam fans will vote for Maks in spades.
I liked tonight’s format more than I thought I would. Tomorrow night will be interesting.
Hit submit too soon
Even though I agreed with the winner, the scores were a mess. Calvin in the lead? I love him but that wasn’t the best dance. Maureen and Marilu get the same score? Marilu was miles better than her and better than Terra, IMO.
I’ve never been able to watch a presidential debate live, it makes me too nervous, I always watch a tape the day after, so I’ll distract myself with DWTS.
I love Laurie. I giggled insanely when she happily answered “To make a thing go right!” to his “It takes two…..”. Never give up your sunshine honey, even in the face of grumpy pants.
To my eye, Marilu spent more time in hold and had more International Tango content than L&V. One thing that makes Derek’s tangos so awesome is the lightning fast changes in direction he puts in there, which Marilu handled like a pro.
My other favorites of the night were the two VW. S&T’s was emotional and used the whole floor impressively, L&C’s was lush and ardent.
As a big Hinch&Sharna fan, I actually preferred Chery and Ryan’s cha cha. I’m not sure why.
Is there a way to watch the live stream from tonight? I forgot to watch and anyways if anyone knows how I will be your biggest fan 🙂
What BS! There is no way Marilu and Derek’s tango was a 7 score! Beautifully choreographed and executed with beautiful lines, too. Laurie and Val did go for the sympathy vote in that video package in my opinion- life experience versus “no boyfriend”. Having said that, she danced well although Precious gave boring choreography again. The fix is so obviously in….they sure want Calvin, James, and Laurie in the top 3 don’t they? btw, Derek should kick his sister out of the house for her shameful scoring. One other note, I did not like the lighting for their tango at all- dancers were in the shadows and the camera was too far away in some parts. At other times, light flashes were distracting.
Witney: Paso Doble
Vanilla Ice: “Paso Doble”. What language is that?
Witney: Latin? I don’t know…
hahahaha
I enjoyed tonight. I wish they would do the shortened format every week,
Btw, the dress Emma wore reminded of the dress Chelsie H. wore when she did that pro number with Derek..
Calling it now, next week’s package with Laurie and Val will feature Val’s signature: “Oh my gosh, I feel so horrible after seeing that package! I just get so intense because I want her to be amazing, but I saw that package and realize that I was way too hard on her. I hope she can forgive me and realize that it was all out of love.” He seems to like to pull that one out every time he yells at a partner and they show it in the package.
@Joanna, the house Julianne lives in is hers, and thankfully someone can’t kick you out of your own house.
I hope that Julianne is being paid a lot for following TPTB’s BS plan!
I also wonder how many votes Laurie is getting compared to Marilu!
What is this scoring?? I love Terra but I dont Believe she is just Below Laurie and 3 points higher than Marilu, Marilu did a beautiful tango at least she should’ve tied Laurie…
And I agree with your comments on James and Ryan, maybe they are trying to get rid of him by overscoring Terra?
While I agreed with most of the winners from the different face offs, some of the scoring was just cuckoo. There is no *way* that Marilu’s tango wasn’t at least as good as Terra’s V. waltz – I thought that overall, it was at least equal to Laurie’s, if not one point better. Ryan was also underscored – I thought that his cha cha had more cha cha feel, and it was definitely his best dance so far. I agree that James was the winner, but I thought it should be closer than it was. I also think that the paso was Rick’s best dance, and I might have given him the win over Vanilla.
I’m a bit disappointed in Julianne especially – does she just hold her brother and his partners to a much higher standard than anyone else? Seriously.
If anything, Julianne is being held to a higher standard than the other judges IMO. If they all give the same score, she is the one who is criticized.
i don’t think that Marilu deserve the same score as Maureen.Marilu’s dance was much better than her
#52 JM I know it is Julianne’s house, but he should still kick her out. Since she is just a pawn, executing “the Plan” without fair, impartial judging (and I do not believe she has only been unfair to Derek), I have lost respect for her.
I didn’t appreciate Marilu’s lighting and close ups of her face instead of the couple. Made her look severe and tense. She needs to loosen up. Scoring Bs!!!! Close ups of Val’s face of course.
I really liked Calvin’s dance. Lindsay included new shapes and lines. Beautiful choreo!
Loved Ryan’s dance!
I hate this format!! Ugh.
I agreed with most of the winners with the exception of Lorie and Marilu’s face off. In comparison from what I observed I saw Lorie as good but her frame was no where near as elongated as Marilu’s. I saw some what of a space at times when Marilu and Derek changed positions but then Lorie’s footwork seemed a bit “clumpy” for lack of a better description, to me anyway. Yep should have been a tie and then of course why didn’t the other judges deduct a point for the lift. I don’t know what’s cooking. I’m anxious to read Derek’s blog to see how he will explain tonight.
I agree with you JM, I don’t understand why it’s Julianne who gets all the hate about a score, especially if she gives the same score as the other judges?
In my opinion, she’s just giving the score she believes each couple deserves, and when you actually get to hear the judges comments, I always agree with her since most of the time, she actually tells couples how to improve. Personally, I’d much rather that than other judges who only compliment but still give a low score.
Power rankings are up: https://www.puredwts.com/2016/09/26/puredwts-season-23-week-3-power-rankings/
Interesting that Derek, Maks, and Cheryl are all in the jeopardy group, don’t you think?
Build them up last week and take them down this week. Ah, reality TV…
I am guessing that Marilu might be more nervous and in her head when she gets on stage than she lets on in interviews and that the judges are seeing that more than we are. There were some beautiful moments in that tango that required more flexibility and balance than I thought she still had, so there were definitely some wow moments, but there were also tiny moments when fluidity and shape was lost which I think the judges penalized far more than they should have. One just gets so used to seeing Derek’s partners look perfect. I think, then, they might be judging Marilu by the same yardstick that they used to judge Corbin… with higher expectations because they think she can do much better, or more generically, “his partner” should do much better. In the long run, though, it shouldn’t matter as long as she gets enough votes to stay in.
Emma gets my award for the best costume, though!
Don’t get me wrong – I love Julianne, which is why I’m disappointed in her. Even if all of the other judges climb on board TPTBs’ plan, I’d hope that she wouldn’t. When comments are given, I think hers are probably the best out of the four of them.
However, when I look at Marilu’s dance vs the other couples who got eights tonight (Laurie, Terra, Calvin – maybe James? did he get an 8?) and the all the other couples (who aside from Rick and Vanilla all got at least one seven), Marilu’s tango tonight definitely belongs in the first group, and not the second – which is why I think Julianne must expect more from Derek and his partners or *something*, because I think if any other celeb had pulled off her routine tonight (or if Marilu had been paired with another pro, and did what she did tonight), then there would have been at least one eight in the score.
So she is being held to a different standard……..and should be kicked out of her home…….
Tonight felt weird and rushed but here is my take on the pairing and dances:
1. Babyface/Jana: Babyface didnt have much content and just wasnt as sharp as he could have. I thought Gleb’s choreography was brilliant. Jana’s dance had the potential to be really good but it seemed a bit underrehearsed.
WINNER: Jana was the clear winner for me
2. Rick/Rob: Emma is brilliant for what she did. It was slow but Rick was on time and actually did pretty well. Loved their costumes too. Rob on the other hand had harder and faster choreography that wasnt executed as good. was missing the paso shaping
WINNER: I would give this one to Rick
3. James/Ryan: Jams really impressed me in this. That was a pretty good chacha. He was into it and his technique wasnt bad. This was Ryan’s best dance definitely but it felt very stop and go to me. His shoulders also seemed kinda weird.
WINNER: James was the clear winner for me
4. Terra/Calvin: This was my favorite face off. Terra did okay. Wasnt as good as last week but wasnt bad. Thought it was slightly overscored though. Now, Calvin, holy bananas that was amazing. Choreo (bless lindsay), execution, costume, dancing, everything just came together for me. Well deserved highest score of the season IMO
WINNER: Calvin by a milestone for me
5. Amber/Maureen: Didn’t like Amber’s dance at all. She moves way too small. Maks was clearly outdancing her and he wasnt even overdancing. She killed the booty parts though. it just felt really flat and it didnt look much like a salsa. The sneakers didnt help her footwork too. Maureen had more content and a more salsary look. she didnt seem that confident in her steps though.
WINNER: Maureen for me
6. Laurie/Marilu: I thought Laurie & Val killed it. i thought Val’s choreo was pretty good, allthough I am over neon lighting tangos. And bless you CAI for that lift call. It really bothers me that Laurie’s rond de jambs dont go all the way around though. Marilu was also preety good. Derek had good choreography as well but Marilu’s upper body and neck was doing some weird things. Also would have liked her to be sharper beside Derek.
WINNER: Laurie was the clear winner for me, although I think Marilu should have gotten at least a point or two higher than what she was given
I think Julianne is held to a higher standard in judging the way she and the other judges are holding DEREK to a higher standard when it comes to his partner’s dancing and choreography. Simply put – she’s a better and more rational judge most of the time and she actually delivers substantive commentary and constructive criticism and she does it in a nice way. When you have that kind of rep compared to the buffoonery that her co-judges often exhibit, people are going to be MORE disappointed in her when it seems she’s conforming to the agenda. This I can understand, if not necessarily agree with.
With regards to Julianne,I feel the girl can’t win. She gives the same score as the other judges but gets criticized. Granted, D&M deserved better scores. If she gives higher, people will think she is biased and if she gives lower people will think she is holding Derek to a higher standard. She is my favourite judge after Len and she definitely gives comments to backup her scores most of the time, so I believe her.
Also, @ette, CAI is the only one who usually deducts points for illegal lifts just like Len is with breaking hold and unnecesary fuss. I’d think it’d be unfair if all the judges decided to deduct for lifts all of a sudden. But then again, nothing is fair on dwts soo
Derek, Maks and Cheryl and their partners all being in jeopardy really sticks out since their return seemed to be this season’s narrative. I think the fact that Val and Sharna both got immunity freed up all the Fam fans to vote for Maks so Amber will likely pull through.
Geri, I’ve been saying since week 1 that they are working overtime to keep Maks on since it became obvious almost immediately that he and Amber were short timers and tonight was nothing short of a gift gift to him.
So much going on tonight and with the debate! The show flew by. I actually thought the face off was exhilarating for a view and kind of a nice change. But, hello different songs and scoring after both dances is fodder for manipulation.
Ryan and Cheryl’s performance for me was better than the score they were given. I think Sharna could have produced a great dance but it ws soooo basic for me.
Really hope Ryan and Cheryl aren’t a surprise elimination tomorrow ?
Yeah, if they had to do the face off, they should have had the couples dance to the same song.
Julianne is my favourite judge also, so my comment was based on sheer disappointment for caving to TPTB’s agenda! I expect it from the other judges, but not from her. She’s been a pro in the competition. She knows that tango deserved at least one 8 if not more, but Derek knows that this is a reality show, so he will be very disappointed, but he’ll know why!
FWIW, my comment #55 was in response to #54 which I took as kind of light and cheeky, so mine was meant that way too! Do I think Julianne is drinking the kool-aid? No! She knows how good that tango was! Do I think she’s doing what she signed up for re agendas? She sure is! Derek knows it too!
I was really mad at Val. He needs to chill. Laurie is young. Be patient. She was fighting tears when he was fussing at her. Her eyes were full of tears. I wish she could have had Mark or Derek.
Note to Val-this isn’t the marines!!
I agree with Amber daning too small, I think it’s because she is counting in her head so it kinda seems like she is dancing in reharsal with no music jus counting. But just from time to time, she was great at other time bue the choreo wasn’t really. I think even a more salsaish outfit would have helped.
I really hope she will still be here for switch up week because whoever she get will be beneficial for her. Like for Andy in season 21.
It was also interesing to put techno tango vs classic tango back to back. Even though in execution I prefered Laurie, in the mood I prefered Marilu. By the way the way Marilu would be amazing during Haloween week (for me it’s no brainer she will still be there) if she get a Vienese Waltz she has so much elegance and avery dramatic VW would suit her so well.
Here’s my thoughts on the face-offs and who I think were the winners:
Babyface vs. Jana – Okay, this had the potential to be a great dance but it just didn’t deliver for me. Though Allison was tamer with this jive than her previous jives, I do think that Babyface was a bit low energy. Towards the end, he definitely looked like he was running out of steam. A lot of people say he’s smooth and has got swag, and I can see that he does, but we hardly saw it with this dance. In fact, I always feel like he can give more. He just…doesn’t. Wasn’t too fond of this dance. As far as Jana, I didn’t really think she was that much better than Babyface. She was making some “Oh shoot, what do I do next?” faces and she also looked like she was running out of steam in trying to keep up with Gleb. It was a little bit sloppy too. If I had to pick a winner, it would be: JANA. Only because she seemed to put a bit more effort and energy into the dance, whereas Babyface was just meh.
Rick vs. Vanilla Ice – I was actually impressed with Rick here. Yes, it was simple and slow in pace, but nice effort on the shaping there. Emma looked gorgeous by the way. He delivered well. Now Mr. Ice, yes it was more intense, but that was about the only thing I liked. His posture is not the best and he seems heavy-footed at times. Witney really needs to work on refinement, because I see potential there. This honestly looked a tad all over the place for me. I would pick RICK as the winner, simply because his had more of a Paso feel to me.
James vs. Ryan – OMG WHEN JAMES GOT OUT THERE, DAMMMMMNNN SON! I was actually a little nervous for him because I know we hadn’t seen what he’s capable of in the Latin dances, but he did NOT disappoint last night! Work those hips, boy! I love Sharna but I actually didn’t like the choreo too much. I don’t even know what the move is called but it looks like a side to side bump and grind that she threw in there about 3 times. Didn’t like that. Their costumes and the dance reminded me a lot of her cha cha with Nick. Man, I hope James nails the other Latin dances. He’s so dang cute! He did amazing here. As for Ryan, I appreciate his effort, but there was a lot of Cheryl dancing around him going on. Barely saw him do any cha-cha. Content wise, James’s was definitely superior. Clear winner here to me is JAMES.
Terra vs. Calvin – I thought Terra’s V. Waltz was beautiful. She glides on that floor and she’s so graceful. Good job, Sasha. As for Calvin, I thought he did a great job as well. There were times where he’d lose his posture. As always, Lindsay delivers on choreo. They’re a fun couple. I personally thought Terra’s dance looked cleaner. If I could pick them both for winners, I would, but for me, TERRA comes out on top this round…just barely.
Amber vs. Maureen – This was a dance that Amber could’ve SLAYED, but she didn’t. She moves so small and it creates little impact. Also, I don’t know what is up with Maks this season. It’s like he just doesn’t care. Would rather another pro have taken his place than seeing him phone it in every week. You could tell Amber wants to do well. Maks is just not doing her any favors. As for Maureen, I actually really liked her salsa. Traditional but cute. Midway through her dance I knew she was going to win it. Artem went that route rather than the showy non-sense Maks aimed towards, and it paid off. Clear winner for me is MAUREEN.
Laurie vs. Marilu – I thought Laurie killed it. I think she captured the intensity of the dance well. Posture wasn’t so bad for someone who had yet to dance in hold. Now Marilu, I’m sorry but I didn’t think she was better than Laurie. It lacked some sharpness, especially with the head snaps, or whatever you call them. I love Derek and I know he creates some amazing tangos, but this one wasn’t my favorite. I don’t know if nerves just got to Marilu or what, but I needed more from that performance. Winner is LAURIE for me.
I do think Amber is in real danger, and for some reason, I feel like Rick will stick around longer than others are expecting. He is fun to watch and he’s just so happy go lucky. No idea who will be sent home tonight, but if it’s Amber I wouldn’t be surprised. Shame, because I do think she wants to stay for the long run, but with a partner like Maks and what he’s giving her this season, I don’t know if that will happen.
It does seem intentional that none of our returning pros, Derek, Cheryl and Maks, were given immunity last night. If one of them is being eliminated tonight, I foresee them all being in jeopardy for “drama.”
Isn’t Jana ahead of Babyface by 1 point in cumulative scores?
I just turned on the show and the first thing I see is artem and gleb in their underwear….and I’m sitting there with a frosted and fries from Wendy’s….motivation to go the gym for sure lol. Gleb seems to be having fun tonight though lol.
#Amanda Yes She is .She got 82 and he got 81.
#Soph Ok thats what I thought. Wonder why they even said that? Thinking Babyface is in danger now
As of last night she’s ahead…but I don’t know if she was before that. Not really important since they decided not to go that way. Much safer having Len call the ties.
Oh hot damn, it’s kym! I was dying with the name thing…that goes up there with Sasha and the universal dick line this season. Watching the judges watch Rick makes me laugh becuase one judge in particular looks so happy watching him…gotta love Bruno sometimes lol. The judges watching vanilla ice is even better lol. Special performance from the brothers….oh joy -_-
I’m kinda watching this in the background at my office- no idea why this has to be two hours since its mostly just rehashing what we already saw. There were a couple of great quotes though:
“I wasn’t nervous about eliminated. I was pretty certain it was going to happen.” DWTS is truly an amazing world where Rick Perry becomes one of my favorite people.
“What does Vanilla Ice have on his head- a cap?”- Len, echoing my thought throughout that entire dance
Also, Kym is always stunning but she looks especially incredible tonight. Man do I miss her as a pro.
hayley and keo 🙂 more of that please. Bruno described James’ stage presence perfectly. Hearing Ryan’s grandma made me laugh becuase that’s the same thing my grandpa used to do. “It looked like she was dancing around a lamp post”. LOL
i love terra. She cracks me up. I wish we could have seen maks’ reaction to what the judges said…just to see him squirm but then again he doesn’t seem to care as much this season so fatherhood has already mellowed the ballroom bad boy I guess.
loved the comment that Julianne said about Maks .That it wasn’t a proper salsa
I think Ryan’s death was worse upon second viewing. But his grandma is so cute! I’ll miss the goof if he goes, but I think Baby face or Amber are more likely.
Anyone else get the impression Terra was a little irritated during that bit with Kim?
I also don’t think Julianne is particularly fond of Maks. Some of her commentary felt more salty in his direction than a real critique of Amber.
Ryan’s *dance
Maureen and artem are kinda golden together. They compliment each other so well and I think this might be my favorite artem partner ever becuase he is really happy and she can dance love this pairing. Plus she lights up the room like nobody else can which is just amazing.
Teenager Val is kinda hysterical….older Val not so much lol. I don’t buy why they gave Laurie the immunity over Marilu still. In fact if anything Carrie Ann just made me roll my eyes.
Why does Val get more screen time than any other pro. This show makes me crazy when they show their hand so obviously.
Len gave Marilu and Ryan a 7. How? in what world. Even Shirley Ballas called out the scoring from last night.
Poor Laurie. She really looked close to tears in that package. I missed it last night. Val needs to adjust the coaching style. I don’t think he knows how to handle the softer contestants longterm.
The crazy thing with Marilu’s score is that it was the same as Maureen’s – but her dance was light years ahead of Maureen’s.
Listening the second time it seemed like they dubbed the ‘cute Laurie line’ in. It just sounded different from the previous conversation.
I really like listening to the judges commentary during the dances more than their critique after. It just seems more natural and honest.
I should be shocked that TPTB managed to make Derek reassuring his partner that mistakes are okay look like an asshole pro disappointed in his partner. But after seasons of agendas? No shock. Just annoyance.
I hope Amber stays. I really do enjoy her and just want her to nail ONE performance before leaving.
So last week we found out that Sasha was a “Universal Dick” and tonight we discover that Kim is very attached to “the Johnson”. I wonder what revelation we’ll get next week….
Marilu got the bad edit and its is really messed up. This is too early for this junk. Anyways, I’m a huge Florida Georgia line fan and have seen them live in concert and the great thing about them is their fun and this song is just so not them and I love that. Saying that, their stylists are insane.
Thank goodness – Derek safe. But the producers are treating him extra awfully this week – 7’s for a Tango that deserved 8’s and now this.
Hoping Amber goes but will be surprised if it’s anything but bye bye Babyface.
It feels like Nastia all over again. However, if Val is making the adorable gymnast cry, we need to take Derek down a peg or two. It is wonderful to have Derek back. However, he has outgrown this show. He shouldn’t have to put up with this snarky crap! TPTB want him for the ratings and then treat him horribly. Makes me furious.
So Julianne correctly critiquing a dance has upset the fam fans….derek looked none too pleased with that package…
Oh come on a Maks and Val dancing together . Rather see Derek and Julianne or a pro number than them .
Remember at the beginning of this season, Maks said he had no rivalry with Derek as there were new producers of the show and they were very supportive of the FAM! Derek is so loyal to this show but that loyalty is not returned!
No idea who fitz and the tantrums were before the Ellen show but they remind of the band that had the traffic cones and sang whip it lol. Also might just be me but the costumes were very interesting there. Rick and Emma make me happy since he just rolls with everything….I guess after running for president this is more fun lol. Rick didn’t look surprised….I hope he sticks around.
I love Derek and Marilu 🙂 telling it like it is. The maks and Val thing was kinda amusing. Definately memorable. Can we have the Derek and Julianne show next?
What the heck is this Maks & Val ‘Shout’ fiasco. Very amateurish. Can’t we see quality dancing. This 2 hour result show is not very good. It’s a repeat of Monday with I exciting entertainment & filler. So disappointing.
Kim certainly must’ve had a little birdie in her ear telling her to keep harping on Derek’s “frustration.” Reminds me of the time they kept trying to push the DEREK IS TRYING TO BE MANIPULATIVE narrative a few seasons back when he made a suggestion during the dance style picks. Ridic.
I really enjoyed the C BRO dance til it got gimmicky af during the audience participation.
Oh my God!
Watching that Maks & Val catastrophe was embarrassing. I cringed and felt extremely uncomfortable watching Maks grab that older woman, put her in the chair, and open her legs! WTF???
so next week theme is Cirque de soleil
I was just thinking the same thing about theme week. So obvious that Laurie will be tumbling her little butt off no prob. And the other celebs? What a farce this show is
What is sad is I loved Laurie before DWTS. TPTB are, with their constant, blatant pushing starting to make me dislike her. Now she gets a whole theme week. Come on. Meryl Davis treatment 2.0.
Man, I am gutted that Rick left and I’m mad I didn’t vote for him. Nothing against Amber, but Emma and Rick were working their butts off and Maks literally looks like he’s collecting a paycheck (that salsa choreo was a joke). I really thought he had a few weeks left in him- I would have bet Amber or Babyface over him.
Also Cirque? I’m not much into the manipulation stuff, but they could just call this “Laurie Hernandez week.” And that dance by Maks and Val was a mess. Was their show that bad or did it just not translate well to TV?
Well, Evangelina, what she said (Julianne) was very much accurate.
I hear Cirque and now all I think of is that group rumba where Nick, Sharna and Val had to make sure Tamar didn’t kill over, quite literally. I’m cringing.
They could let Val have the mirror ball now. We could finish the rest of the season without him and enjoy all the other pros and celebrities. This is just so blatant and nauseating. It is even more difficult to watch other pros and celebrities being sabotaged to make Val look good. SMH!
Word, Butterflywhirl – that’s what I was saying in the post. It’s crazy.
I used to like the cirque shows but not so much anymore…I find them to be a bit creepy. Laurie should thrive. Ryan, Jana, Marilu, terra, James and Calvin should do well since they seem to be up for anything. I’m guessing Amber is going to struggle and not ire what to expect from vanilla and Maureen. Ugh next week is going to be something that’s for sure. Hope Val likes the high score he evnstually gets. Anyways, Rick I’m gonna miss ya.
On a positive note, Kim was lovely as a co-host! Articulate, natural and classy!
The rest of the show sucked for several reasons: a rehash of last night for almost 2 hours; that Val and Maks mess; the manipulation of the producers re Derek and Marilu’s edit, and finding out that they are doing a Cirque de Soleil night with a gymnast on the show! I sure as hell hope they will be having a singing night the week after and a football night the week after that!!!
Wow. Really surprised and bummed Rick left. And for Emma. They were such a great pair. It’s hard to believe Amber got more votes than Rick but maybe the debates really did sidetrack some loyal fans of his.
I love Kym as co-host & I would kill for her dress. But then I’d have to kill myself to fit into it. She looked stunning.
Darn, gutted to see Rick go, he had so much more to give. Amber on the other hand, is such a disappointment – she should have gone instead.
I think last night’s debate might have screwed Rick – most of his voters were probably focused on that instead of voting.
And hmm… I wonder who’ll be top of the leaderboard next week? I can’t possibly begin to think.
I forgot how beautiful kym is.
It was funny when kym unintentionally cut off allison and allison looked SO MAD. lol.
Emma looked like she really wanted to cry!!! I think that shes sick of being used that way by tptb just getting whoever cannot dance. Poor girl. Also she looked stunning in that paso dress.
Ryan has such a goofy sense of humor and such an adorable grandma.
Maybe tptb does listen to us anyone else notice the latina and black girl in the girls number?
Nice to see hayley in a different hairstyle they have her hair half up and half down so much but she looked great the way they did her hair today.
Cant get over how beautiful sharna is.
Irritated that derek with hus awesome gymnast are plotted against but val and his gymnast get whateber they want although i do like laurie.
I was going to mention in the blog how nice it was in the women’s pro dance to have all those women who were something other than blonde. So nice to see all that variety.
#Steve J. I think TPTB kept Amber because of Max. Or maybe when Val had immunity,all his voters voted for Max. There is a good chance he’ll be leaving next.
I like Erin but Kym really wowed as co-host! Love her!
@Maria- if the voting was as close as Tom seemed to indicate on twitter, Rick could have gotten more votes that Amber/Ryan/Babyface and just not gotten enough to close the point gap.
I had forgotten about the train-wreck Nick/Tamar rumba until someone above mentioned it- one of the most uncomfortable numbers ever on the show IMO.
There did seem to be quite a few off moments. Terra, whatever was going on in Val and Laurie’s package, and Derek after last night’s performance. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him tell a celeb that quite a lot went wrong. Jana seemed exhausted too.
I don’t think Derek was mean . He was just telling her a critic. I think it was a bad editing
No, Derek wasn’t remotely mean. I think what people are reacting to is a much lower energy than normal Derek. It seems odd from him.
It may just be me but for some reason I thought Terra seemed a little dejected when Kym was asking her questions at some point. I know she was in jeopardy but still. I’ve never watched her show so I didn’t know her before this but I hope she’s ok emotionally.
With the blatant over and under-scoring for some of the celebs and Rick leaving too soon and Laurie getting her own week next week, I’m all in for Hinch and only Hinch from now on. I don’t trust I can let any vote slide with these shenanigans.
Seriously, I reached for meds to control nausea and vomiting after this mess. Bad edits, manipulated scoring and outcomes, that awful male underwear model stuff chapter 2, way too much of the C brothers, a juvenile comic routine/dance producers thought was worthy of primetime…I just want to tell Derek and Marilu, Emma, Sasha and Terra not to let this crap get into your head. Stay strong and classy and don’t let the bullies (TPTB) win. I’ve got to believe that most of the pros are just as disgusted as I am with this mess. How far down it has gone…
I definitely wasn’t saying Derek was mean- Like Heidi said, it was odd. He’s always remained positive and balanced, and even his critiques are not usually like that. I was really thrown by him (and Marilu) after the dance and in the interviews.He just seemed off, which apparently was the theme. I’m not worried its going to be a long term issue, but it was weird.
I can’t understand how the producers let that carp of a routine of Val and Maks on the show especially the bit with the poor lady from the audience. So tasteless. Then compare that to the 3 Macy Stars of Dance that Derek did, no waite you can’t!!! But oh yeah the brothers must get their time too cause it wouldn’t be fair… Not!! I swear Robe Wade you drive me crazy what have you done to our great little ballroom show!!
Has DWTS Production lost it’s collective mind? Cramming the C-bro’s down our throat was disgusting. What those two did to that poor woman was so uncomfortable. I was embarrassed for her. How can production condone and broadcast that behavior?
Their treatment of Derek on the air was reprehensible. If they treat him like that publicly, how pray tell do they treat him off camera?
I am more than outraged.
I don’t think Derek was mean in the slightest. It was, however, very unusual to hear him say something, especially to a celeb partner about her performance, that didn’t have a positive spin. I think (hope) Derek will talk about the situation in his blog. FWIW, my guess is that Marilu’s brain presents a different kind of challenge for Derek, and that it’s proving very difficult to get her out of her mind, and into her body. In one interview she did, Marilu said that people who have her type of memory have certain brain structures that are much larger than normal. The detailed 64 year narrative that lives in her as a constant companion probably exerts quite a pull on her consciousness, making it that much more difficult to just let go and DANCE!! Anyway, very happy they’re still in it.
PH, I wonder if Derek is going with the low energy now with Marilu because she is so hyper and she feeds off his usual high energy too much. She gets distracted and can’t focus. I’d like to think that’s all it is anyway!
I have to watch the edited video again, but I believe he said something like, “There was a lot that was wrong, actually” and not “You were wrong” or “Your steps were wrong”. I believe he could have been referring to the nonsense going on in general, and not his partner in particular. The crude antics sanctioned/developed by the producers and the blatant manipulation hurts many people, not just Derek. He dislikes bullying and that’s what some of this really comes down to. All in the editing, isn’t it?
C-bros performance definitely made me laugh but not in the way they intended. I got second hand embarrassment and am I overreacting or did Val really tap that woman on the ass.
The majority of the night annoyed me. However, I did notice that Hayley’s latin technique seems to have greatly improved between this season and last season.
Yeah when Maks said the new producers were FAM friendly, he wasn’t kidding. That performance lowered the show value by a ton. Hate to think what is happening to our once classy show.
I’m really bummed that Rick left – he and Emma were great together, and he was enjoying the experience so much. I would have preferred Amber to leave. I guess either they tossed out the points for the immune couples, so the margins were wider, or all of Val’s fans really dumped it on for Maks. And given all the shenanigans, it makes me wonder if Rick had enough to cover the gap with all the points, so to get the result they wanted, they decided to just use the points from the couples in jeopardy.
Copying this comment from another post, since it applies here as well:
When someone you’ve been watching on a TV show (and other places) for YEARS suddenly acts much differently than what you’re used to seeing, then you HAVE to recognize the not-so-subtle hand of the editors. I have a feeling we might hear about it in Derek’s blog this week.
You people REALLY need to start watching UNReal – it’s about a Bachelor like show, but you’ll get the drift. One of the creators is a former field producer for the Bachelor. It’s quite illuminating.
It occurred to me when writing my previous comment, Meggie, about how VERY different Derek acted in the packages and the editing that goes on…he might not even have been talking about Marilu when he was talking about “alot being wrong”. Could have been responding about the judges, actually. I was editing video for PDH and there is a shot of Derek after James gets his scores from last week and he makes this incredulous face – like he can’t believe James got scores that low. So…I wonder. This is a guy who apologizes ON camera if he says something to someone that he feels was too much and he was given the opportunity last night and he kinda acted like Kym was pulling it out of left field. And he’s not Val…there’s a lot of discordant stuff in last nights episode. Can’t wait to read that blog.
I don’t think the new producers are THAT Fam friendly – I think that’s what Maks tells himself to sleep at night, and to explain how he and his bro both won MBTs AFTER the show became more manipulated than it had ever been before. The producers want EMMYS – Derek is the only one to manage that and NO ONE in the Fam has even managed to score a nomination. It’s entirely possible that Derek doesn’t have the time or inclination to choreograph pro dances these days. Any day now, rehearsals for Hairspray are going to start.
PH, I have taken your advise and watched Recap for UnReal season 1 and intro into season 2. Much food for thought. Still pondering how I feel about being an enabler to the manipulations.
#143 and #144 – PH, I agree with you on all counts! It is odd! The thing that stuck out for me is when Marilu said either,” Derek is mad at me,” or “Derek is mad!” Wish I could remember which it was! It was after their dance and I think she was talking to her husband in the crowd. Either way there certainly was some bad editing going on!
I also hope that Derek explains some of this in his blog! I know that this is a reality show which I have to explain to my mother every week (I’ve ruined the show for her she says!), but the manipulation is just getting worse! Does there come a point where people just stop watching??? I feel like boycotting the Cirque theme show next week, but really would it make any difference to ratings? Nope!
I can’t wait for Derek’s blog either. I know he’ll tell it like it is, and if he had a moment he’ll own up to it. Unfortunately, so many of his detractors have been itching for a sound bite like that for so long now and the producers finally delivered for them. I know Derek will set it straight and make the producers look like the fools they are.
I doubt that even Maks can keep track of his stories since they change every other day. Whatever he says goes in one ear and out the other.
I do think they want Emmys, but ratings too and they are not looking good this season at all so far. I think desperation is in the air tbh. Not that the mess the bros put on made a difference. Last night’s ratings were dismal to say the least.
She said “Derek’s upset” which is even more….easy to interpret how ever you like.
Thanks, PH! Yup, you are right — “easy to interpret how ever you like.”
I love Derek and Marliu but I think their chemistry and dynamic isn’t translating well on tv. Especially when the producers are not even helping them be seen in a good light. Sometimes the partnership works and other times it doesn’t. In this case, I think Derek is actually over this show. But he’s trying really hard to make this a great experience for Marilu.
I think Derek and Jana would’ve been a nice partnership. I just think both Marliu and Derek are too tense right now. Marilu needs to just come out and have some FUN. 🙂
I know what you mean, Ginny. 🙂
:::rolls eyes::: If Derek was “over the show” he wouldn’t have signed on again. It’s not like they can make him.
The rest of it is just projection, Priscila.
Derek is a great guy and cares about the show. He also always wants to make the journey for his partner the best one that he can. I will be interested in what he puts in his blog. This is just my take, but I think Derek has become much more open in the last year or two instead of just accepting what is said and done on DWTS.
Meanwhile, I was a little bummed that Derek did not get to dance even once on Tuesday. It cannot have been easy for him.
Mandy Moore’s panty parade was pretty disappointing. If you have to announce beforehand that something will be “sexy,” it probably won’t be!
I never ever thought I’d say, “Please bring back Pitbull and his Zumba anthems,” but the weekly corporate country concerts are getting old, fast.
Seeing Babyface hanging out with L.A Reid was pretty awesome, and I liked seeing Emma and Sasha get all kissy at the end. That couple brings a lot of heart to the show.
Who watches? In my original core group, of about 25, how many still watch faithfully? 3. Most don’t watch at all until about the last 4 to 5 weeks; that includes the finale. The rest are just done. I’m in the record and rewind group. Rarely vote. Regarding the producer’s provocative Huffy Hough, screw them. TPTB proudly showed him defending their “good show” during the Lochte wackos, then they flip on him with that b.s. clip.
Kelly K, I don’t think Va-Laurie (sorry Bobby Rydell) are raking in the votes either. Had tkts to the Kelloggs Olympic Show, gave them to my neighbor out of fear that Va-Laurie might dance. No thanks.
Why r they pimping V so much. Pimping a guy that has been sued for posting/mocking a girl with Down Syndrome on Social Media?!!
Is he still being sued for $6M by the girl’s parents? Since then, I have no respect for him.
I guess bullying & pimping the pros/celebrities are part of the agenda, the drama side. Thing is … it is so obvious when it happens. I know it dramatized at least one of the celebrities after that person left.
I think Derek is just tired of what the new TPTB are doing with the show. This is his first season without Mark, who has done this whole show journey with him.
Anyone else notice Haley in almost half the playing time? She’s in the red room, she’s talking on All Access, she’s dancing with Maks in the front and most of the numbers. What’s going on with that I wonder. I don’t really notice stuff like that, but when Tom makes a point to say Haley has 20 something costume changes and Dominic teases about her being the next pro, I’m thinking something is definitely cooking.
Well, Sheri, she’s STUNNING – that’s probably part of it. Her ballroom technique has improved by miles to my untrained eye. Next pro?? I dunno about that, but perhaps one of their metrics has shown a Hayley uptick. I know she has a smallish but ardent group of fans (aka Derek fans who are shippers :::rolls eyes:::).
Maybe they’re pandering to the “shippers” for an effort in ratings boost. I feel like I’m watching the Haley and Val show. ☺
If they were REALLY pandering to just shippers, it would be the Hayley and DEREK show.
True