DWTS13 Week 5 Power Rankings
COWABUNGA!!! I don’t know about you guys, but I sure had fun during 80s night 8) I love how it brought out the fun side in all of the couples. Plus it felt like I was listening to the 80s mix on my iPod. Always a plus 😉
Can’t say I’m terribly surprised at how things stacked up tonight, although I hope that the voting does help a few couples who I’m not quite ready to let go of yet. Gotta say – song selection tonight really seemed to trip some up and help others out. Hope it’s not the final nail in the coffin for a few couples!
1.) JR & Karina – I definitely breathed an audible sigh of relief about 15 seconds into this dance when I realized that JR was gonna slay it, instead of going down in flames like I thought he would with that wretched song 😛 It was one of the better sambas I’ve seen on the show – JR managed to cut loose and really get his hips working in a way that most celebs attempting the samba can’t. The bounce wasn’t quite there, but he more than made up for it in sheer energy & fun. The dude even managed to do SEVERAL samba rolls in a row! Quite a feat, considering my bf doesn’t even like to do them in competition…let alone teach them to newbies. And best of all – it was nice to finally see him getting proper credit from the judges, both in comments and in critiques. No wishy-washy “8” paddles, no “Well, it was pretty good, BUT-“…just a sincere, “Well done, JR!” Considering the kinda crazy points spread tonight, I think the likelihood of them being in danger is about the same as Len doing the Safety Dance tomorrow night 😉
2.) Ricki & Derek – Wish I could say these two conquered their crummy song the same way JR did, but unfortunately Heidi & I’s qualms about “Easy Lover” as a foxtrot weren’t unfounded – this dance felt awkward & disjointed, although not necessarily terrible in the technique department. The judges were right about one thing – the parts in hold were actually quite lovely, and were indeed a proper foxtrot. The parts not in hold weren’t quite so lovely, but in the same token, why harp on someone for doing the Roger Rabbit if it’s freakin’ 80s week? It’s not like they did it for a very long time, and I felt like it was in the character of the dance, with the “80s prom” kinda theme it had going on. It’s the same beef I had with the judges last season when they ripped apart Ralph’s “Sweet Home Alabama” samba – honestly, what did you expect them to do, given the song & the theme? *sigh* Whatever…I kind of expected them to manipulate things so that Ricki had an “off” week, so I can’t say I’m shocked and awed. Just annoyed, as usual 🙂 I wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re completely safe (the points spread this week is looking pretty precarious…), but I will say that I think there are couples more LIKELY to head home. Besides, they might benefit from a bit of rage-driven power voting this week, since the judges decided to be asshats 😛
3.) David & Kym – Gotta say – David has pleasantly surprised me the past 2 weeks. His dancing is improving, he seems to be calming down (sort of…), and he seems like he’s got a better focus and perspective on the competition now than, say, 3 weeks ago. He’s not trying so hard anymore, and things seem to be coming more naturally for him…hell, in his rehearsals he seemed to be picking up on the tango without much outside direction from Kym! Nice to see him tapping into some of the potential that I thought I saw during week 1, but which disappeared in weeks 2 & 3 and has just now started creeping back into view. The one thing that still concerns me, though, is that he seems like he doesn’t completely trust Kym 100% of the time – the whole bit about “I don’t wanna break hold!” makes me worry that he may try to fight her on certain choreographic decisions that, let’s face it – are better left to the pros 🙂 That said – I think he proved tonight that he could be a potential obstacle for Hope to overcome for that 3rd place in the finale. He handled his tango, while Hope just kind of stumbled through hers. Judging from the scores, I’d say there’s still the POTENTIAL for a shock elim…but as I said before, I think there are other couples that are more likely to fall victim to it…
4.) Hope & Maks – Eeeeek. I’m afraid to say it, but that Hope backslid into week 3 territory with this tango – every step just looked so deliberate, stompy, wide, and…muscle-y? I don’t really know what other word to use to describe it – it just felt to me like every step she took felt more like a rep on a weight machine in the gym, than an actual dance step….she was just powering through them with such aggression & power. Now don’t get me wrong – aggression & power can be a good thing, especially in the tango & paso doble; but there still has to be a certain degree of finesse there as well, or else the dance looks more like a weightlifting competition. 🙂 All of that said – I don’t think the judges are being particularly tactful or wise in critiquing Hope, which only seems to be adding fuel to not only Hope & Maks’ fire, but their fans’, too. Saw a lot of rage on Twitter after Len’s comments in particular, which leads me to believe that Maksolo fans may just vote that much harder to compensate. Which may be exactly what TPTB want…who knows. I honestly thought they’d be pimping Hope a bit more for the last slot in the finale, since Chynna’s gone now, but at this rate I think David or even Rob may stand a better chance of making it there over Hope. Rage voting will likely help them this week…but can it save them until the finale?
5.) Rob & Cheryl – Once again, I’m probably going to illicit quite a few eye rolls from this one…but Rob isn’t a bad dancer at all, kids. In fact, I’d say he’s probably the most naturally skilled partner Cheryl has had since Gilles…ever since he shook off the nerves of week 1, this kid seems to be moving with a finesse that most of the other guys in the competition have yet to find. He had some pretty nice lines in this rumba, and managed to keep up with Cheryl without *gasp!* her having to dance circles around him. Now if only he could connect with the dances in the same way that JR, Ricki, & David seem to 🙂 Or the audience, for that matter – if this kid could connect to both of those things (and avoid sounding like a douchebag in interviews, too) and still dance the way he has been the past few weeks…I’d have him pegged for the finale. Seriously. But fortunately for some of you, I don’t see him suddenly waking up in the next few weeks and having a Romeo-esque revelation where he’s suddenly feeling each dance 100% and is blowing everyone’s minds. For now, I think he’s getting the scores he needs in order to stick around, but given his track record of kinda turning off fans of the show…I doubt he’s got more than 2 weeks left in him.
6.) Chaz & Lacey – Chaz makes me smile 🙂 Say what you will about his dancing, compared to other celebs this season – but I just have loved watching him grow and really throw himself headlong into learning how to dance the past few weeks. I really think this samba was the 2nd best dance he’s had, after his cha-cha…it was simple, it was cute, he stayed on time, and he looked like he had fun. That’s all I think I could really ask of Chaz, at this point. I know a lot of folks are balking at the fact that he’s still around this week, saying that “Ugh! He should have been gone weeks ago! He SUCKS!” but I’ve honestly seen improvement in the past 2 weeks. He’s sort of pulling a Kendra in my eyes: starting out ok-ish to good, falling into a slump, and then ending on a higher note – which is a good way to go out, IMO 🙂 If Chaz does go home this week, I think he’ll do it with pride, knowing that he did grow and improve during his time on the show. But I do think he’s probably got 1 more week left in him, so I’m verrrry cautiously calling him safe…although the scores are kinda dangerous this week…
7.) Carson & Anna – Ok, so the technique in this jive was pretty much non-existent, and Carson lost his timing & his steps all over the place. But do I give a rat’s ass? HELL NO 🙂 Why? Cause it was more fun than eating Pudding Pops in my Treasure Trolls sleeping bag on the shag carpet in front of my parents’ 17″ bubble screen tv while watching China Beach, circa 1989! And let me tell, my friends – that was a LOT of fun. 😉 Honestly, if there was ever a good argument for a couple on DWTS staying longer than they should have despite their scores – it’s Carson & Anna. These two are just so much FUN to watch that half the time I don’t care if they even dance or not…somehow I think Carson could walk to the center of the floor and read the phone book and still be hilarious. That said – I do understand why they got the scores they did this week…although I kinda wish they had pulled a Chynna and given Carson a very kind score despite him forgetting his choreo. Come to think of it – I actually think this was better than Chynna’s tango gone sour, since Carson managed to avoid the dreaded “deer in the headlights” look. Anywho. He may have the lowest score of the night, but after the craziness that had to occur with the voting last week in order for Chynna to go home – I think Carson has it in him to stave off elimination yet again. Especially since he’s likely more magnetic than the other 2 low-scorers…
8.) Nancy & Tristan – Sorry MacGrace fans, but I just don’t have as much of a connection with these two as I do the other couples. I’m afraid that they’ve fallen victim to the curse of decently well-executed choreo that just doesn’t excite. Aside from that filthy, delicious glance Tristan tossed Carrie Ann’s way at the beginning of this dance (ummm…meow? ;-)), this rumba really had little to no heat for me…yeah, Nancy did the steps pretty well and had some nice turns, but there was simply nothing that really jumped out at me. It was just kinda…there. And I can’t help but wonder if other viewers are starting to feel the same way. Nancy may have 3 points more than Carson & one more than Chaz…but does she have Carson’s appeal? Or Chaz’s underdog charm? I’m not so sure…and with the points spread being as funky as it is, I wouldn’t be shocked if any one of the 3 went home…hell, I wouldn’t be shocked if some of the higher-scorers went home! But since I have to guess…I’m gonna go with Nancy & Tristan. You can only do simple dances for so long before people fall asleep…
So did you guys find 80s night as rad as I did? Who’s number do you think is up this week? And who do you think will get the encore? I daresay it may finally be JR & Karina’s turn 😉 HOLLER!
I think Derek’s hair should get a 10 for its continuous dedication to period styles.
This happens every week, one couple does better than the other, I give credit to Rikki and Derek for dancing a foxtrot to that horrible song and they are still my favorite, JR was very good but I want Rikki for the win! We shall see!
Excellent as always Courtney!!!
Here’s how my rankings go down in order….
Rob and Cheryl – I can’t believe I’m writing this….but, this was my fave dance of the night. 80 You can even take my temperature if you want. This dance was sexy, full of passion, connection, and fire…almost straight from a romance novel. I love how Rob is settling into it all and not fighting it like he did at first. He’s starting to prove me wrong which I love. My Dad is one happy camper tonight. 9 A serious contender now, but, can he stay there?
Karina and JR – JR convinced me he definitely was Jose’ Martinez tonight! Excellent hip action…sexy, full of passion, and fun!! Loved the rolls, etc.!! Excellent! 9
Derek and Ricki – I didn’t see the mistakes the judges talked about. I thought they were nit picking. Derek and Ricki didn’t blow me away like last week, but, it would be so hard to dance to that song for a Fox Trot. The dance was still one of the best of the night and what’s more, they had fun. 9
David and Kym – David was smooth, full of power, and passion. I really liked this dance. Their costumes were ace too. 8
Hope and Maks – The first word I thought after watching them? WICKED! They were powerful and strong! Though sometimes I felt like their dance was a little “too” powerful and strong to the point they lost some of their connection. Something was off with it. I loved their costumes!! 8
Carson and Anna – “A crowning achievement in madness”! LOL Bruno described it best. Carson footwork was off a lot and he had a hard time keeping up with Anna, but, hey, he was full of A+++ entertainment as always which makes up for it all! I loved his take on what ‘dance’ is all about at the end! 7+
Chaz and Lacey – I feared for him getting the Samba, and no way did I think he could pull it off. It was a brilliant move on Lacey’s part to call her old coach who was big like Chaz. It was at that moment, Chaz gained some confidence with it. Loved the bounces. 7
Nancy and Tristan – There was some improvement with Nancy this week. She didn’t seem so nervous and she was more relaxed. But, she looked like she was losing her steam a couple of times (I sense she is super tired right now or something else is wrong?). I loved her kicks and the bend back at the end. Beautiful move. I loved their costumes too. 7
*Cries* I don’t want anyone to go home this week? I have a feeling I am going to cry tomorrow night for whoever it is! If I had to take a guess …it will be between Chaz and Nancy? I fear the latter like Courtney.
The End and caisuvua suvua! 😀
Well I agree that Nancy is one of the weakest dancers but they got underscored tonight for sure & I found that Rumba to be appropriate for a woman her age dancing with a much younger guy lol
It was sweet & classic, Tristan could create more intense difficult dances if he had someone younger & more able to dance but for Nancy he is doing as good as he can imo.
I hope they stay but think she will be bottom 2 with Carson for sure.
I loved all of the dances tonight, bit my two favorites were JR and Carson. JR was awesome both technically and in performance, and Carson was the most fun performance i’ve seen on DWTS since, well I don’t really have anyone…. Since insert name here.
Nah, they’ll put Derek and Ricki in the bottom 2, in a quest to get people fired up over a re-do of last week. Whoever is there with them should be worried – I hope.
If they put Hope in a faux bottom two with someone who ends up going home?? I would be very worried Hope fans cuz that means they’re trying to stimulate some votes for them.
Of course, if Derek and Ricki go home tomorrow, I won’t be so freakin’ tired on Tuesdays. :::sigh:::
I’m calling it for MacGrace, I hate to say. I think they’ve had a good run. Nancy showed a different and endearing side to her, and Tristan got to hang around long enough to make an impression on a lot of fans. Hopefully, he’ll be back next season.
That being said, I agree with you, Courtney. Nice rumba, but not sultry or sexy. And why would it be, with the two of them? To be honest, I thought the “camp” they brought to it was fun and very 80’s. However, unless she just has a ginormous fan base that we don’t know about, I think they’re done.
I’ll cry about it tomorrow. I’m too tired tonight.
Great write-up, as usual, Courtney!
Interesting night. You could almost call the fact that Derek and Ricki would get called down a notch or two to keep it interesting, but to me it was the right call. It wasn’t their best dance.
Rob keeps surprising me with his improvement each week. I don’t really expect to see him in the finals, but he’s got a couple of weeks left.
I’ve said this before, but Hope just isn’t doing it for me this season, although I think Len’s comments are over the top harsh. I wonder if Hope is turning off the fans as much as she is me. Maks has a pretty big fan base, but I’m still not seeing the connection between these two.
I was pretty happy for Chaz, and I think he made improvements this week. I suspect his fan base is enough to keep him around for one more week at least, but not to the finals.
Nancy is pretty close to going home I think. She executes ok, but I wonder if her complete inability to listen to Tristan is going to cost her some votes.
I know Carson has the lowest scores, but based on the audience reaction and his fan base, I’m thinking they could be here for another week. But at some point, the entertainment value may wear off. I’d be really surprised to see him go tomorrow regardless of the judges scores.
David, while improving drives me nuts. I can’t watch the man talk for 5 minutes without cringing. But, the judges clearly want him to stay around.
I’m going to say this was JR’s second best dance because I thought his tribute dance was the best, but this was really good. He nailed it totally this time and deserved the scores.
I’m going out on a limb here and say it’s either going to be Hope and Maks or Nancy and Tristan this week.
My points for tonight would be:
JR 28
David 26
Rob/Ricki 24
Hope/Chaz 22
Nancy/Carson 20
Since I only saw Hope and Carson, I really shouldn’t comment, but I will anyway. I thought Hope did ok with the tango..the music was awful, but it usually is.
Carson, as usual was leadfooted but so entertaining.
I’m like Heidi…if Maks and Hope go home next week I can quit worrying about it. DWTS is conflicting with my watching MNF anyway.
Go Chaz! It’s time to vote west coast! 1-800-878-3412 – or text VOTE to 3412 and please vote at http://www.abc.com – our strength is in numbers 🙂 great review thank you!
Carson or Chaz need to leave next. It’s week 5 people, what they doing is just not enough. The boot order should be:
8. Carson/Chaz
7. Carson/Chaz
6. Nancy
5. Rob
4. David/Hope
3. David/Hope
2. JR/Ricki
1. JR/Ricki
Goddamn! I hated and loved tonight, I have to say. I was somewhat disappointed with my team of Hope and Maks, I just don’t know why crapped out like it did. I think that maybe Hope was TOO strong and aggressive and was fighting Maks underneath it all. *kersigh* Maybe a dance that we thought right up her alley was TOO right up her alley. Was I happy with her scores? Oh yes! Were they correct? ummm… probably not. But I’ll take ’em.
There’s so much I could say, but… what would it gain? 🙂
What I will say is that I thought the foxtrot part of Ricki and Derek’s dance was good but the Running Man? Eee… not so much. Didn’t think they deserved all 8s though. A 9 thrown in would have worked for me.
Who’s going home? The hell if I know! If you force me to choose, I have to say Nancy. I just don’t think she’s got the passionate fans.
Yeah, I agree..I think it’s the end of MacGrace this week, kids. It’s not that I don’t like Tristan, I do, but his cuteness and Irish charm can only take you so far when your choreography is boring and you have a slight lack of fanbase.
I think there will be a bottom 3 of them, Carson and Anna, and Ricki and Derek (Ricki and Derek only there for “shock”).
I disagree, I think the boot order should be
8.) Nancy
7.) Chaz
6.) Rob
5.) David
4.) Carson
3.) Hope
2.) Ricki
1.) JR
I think about performance, technique, and attitiude in rehearsals, so that’s why input Carson in fourth place
Great review, Courtney!
That “hey baby, howz about it?” glance Tristan threw to CarrieAnn (and the camera) might get Team MacGrace a few votes. 😉 Hope so, because I’d much rather see Tristan for another week than Chaz. Chaz has had a good run; but I’m ready for him to go. Carson has to stay…please, let Carson stay.
Yes, definitely JR and Karina for the encore!!!!!
my rankings
1) JR and Karina: Boy can move his hips. The song was fast…and he brought it, fun, energetic, moves and all…he didnt seem to have the best samba bounce but who cares when the dance is that fun
2) Ricki and Derek: Not the biggest fan of this couple, and even i can see the judgest were looking for something to harp on. There was nothing wrong with this dance…i thought it was nice, not that exciting, but you are working with a foxtrot and a horrible song
3) David and Kym: I gotta give all the credit in the world to kym…i thought it was great choreography and perfect for david…she slowed it down a bit to calm him (so he didnt look as frantic and crazy as usual) but still showed his personality…steps were nice but i agree with the judges, his frame is a bit weak
4/5) Rob and Cheryl: cheryl always choreographs to partners strengths and is great at hiding flaws, which usually results in the partner not doing much. I thought they had good chemistry, and you can tell he is really trying and improving, and wants to do well. He did well with what he was given, which wasnt very much.
4/5) Hope and Maks: This was ok but i expected better. She had good frame but i agree with Len, she was suprisingly to “willowly and kinda soft” which resulted in her looking like she was being whipped around like a ragdoll by maks…or maybe maks just choreographed the routine too fast and she couldnt keep up
6) chaz and Lacey: fun routine…but it was glaringly obvious that chaz wasnt doing much…the bits he did were fun and cute, but come on now, its week 5, no more baby steps
7) Nancy and Tristan: Im actually surprised im ranking this so low because when i watched it i actually liked it. Maybe because it was a bit forgetable. She got the steps down, it was a sweet routine, she even tried a little with the emotions, but something is still just off. It doesnt seem like she is giving her all with the emotions…like that drag tristan did with her across the floor looked like he was dragging a dead body…she was totally expressionless.
8) Carson and Anna: love carson! love anna! love the dance! but that wasnt a jive that was a cheerleading routine.
I thought Hope, Ricki, Nancy, and Carson (sorry!) were scored fairly. JR was underscored (though he was rightfully atop the leaderboard), and Rob, David, and Chaz were overscored. Nothing that happened tonight made me change my opinion that Hope, JR, and Ricki should be the top 3 (even though Hope took a slight step back and Ricki a big one).
I’m starting to feel like their are too many irritating themes being repeated over and over this season and I’d like a change of script. Len is too harsh on Hope each week, Carrie inexplicably drools over Rob, JR is nitpicked, and Chaz is treated with kid gloves. I’d like one or all of these themes to change next week. (The only thing that changed this week was not worshipping at the feet of Derek, but that was a tepid jive – to admittedly a really sucky song.)
I think Carson is going home. I think he has a fan base, but not enough to overcome Nancy and Chaz who I think have bigger fanbases. I’d prefer Chaz or Nancy to go home, but I’m expecting it to be Carson.
Final thought: I’m not seeing what others see in David Arquette. I thought his tango was really awkward and his facial expressions were putting me off.
MaryS, Not to be nit-picky, but Ricki and Derek danced a foxtrot to a really sucky song. 😉
1. JR/Karina (Awsome! encore tomorrow!)
2. Ricki/Derek
3. David/Kym
4. Rob/Cheryl
5. Carson/Anna (wonderful entertainer)
6. Nancy/Tristen
7. Hope/Maksim
8. Chaz/Lacey (dance was nice, imo he will be safe for
tomorrow)
Er, I meant to say that Derek and Ricki had a tepid foxtrot, not jive. (I actually think their jive was my least favorite dance of theirs, but I understand the low scores for the foxtrot.)
I loved Rob today. He was sexy and the song was perfect!
JR is fantastic, he reminds me so much of Gilles. Natural dancers that listen to their partners and are extremely humble.
Gotta say Chaz’s dance was actually kind of fun, he was moving out there!
Carson was also hillarious though I did see some mistakes. Hopefully he is safe this week.
Gotta say, that I don’t know how Carrie Ann was able to concentrate after Tristan’s look. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I started to see his appeal, but damn the look he gave her was HOT. I couldn’t concentrate for a few seconds and I wasn’t even the one receiving it! LOL
Part of me wishes I would of watched tonight ive gotta say but I made someone in a hospital happy so it was worth it! No i’m not trying to sound like a cheesy life lesson episode of Barney. 🙂 I HAVE seen JR’s dance and….Wow….I THOUGHT BRUNO WAS GONNA DIE! Lol he cracked me up and you just know Carson was red with envy. 🙂 I hope Chaz goes tomorrow but i’m concerned for Nancy and Carson….Or even to some extent Ricki and Hope. We’ll have to see. The way elims are going this season i’m not predicting. The stronget term I am gonna use is ” concerned “. Can we vote Chynna back on now? ” Makes sheepish face and needs a hug preferably from a nice girl with pretty hair “. 😀
Well, I thought Nancy was underscored (as usual) compared to some of the other dances. I’m not quite sure where the love affair with David and Rob is coming from…it’s certainly not their dancing. Hope is very awkward and clunky, she gets bad reviews, and then receives all 8’s each week.
Nancy and Tristan’s rumba gets criticized for no sexiness in one breath, but then people say that they don’t want to see a sexy version with an older woman and a younger guy. Really, people, it seems like they’re penalized from all angles here.
And I would suggest that you don’t underestimate their fan base…the hits on their message board exceed any of the competition by tens of thousands. Nancy has a large fan base from her show, and from the looks of the posts and comments about Tristan on multiple sites and message boards, I would venture to say that he has developed a HUGE fan base. Don’t count them out yet.
mmmm…Again, I think some couples were over scored. I’m sorry, but what happened to grading the couples by technique. Comparing to previous seasons, I did not see a Rumba in Rob nor a Jive in Carson. And let’s not even discuss Chaz. Just don’t see it and don’t think they deserved the scores they got today. I was okay with Hope’s score, however, I don’t like the mean comments. The producers are doing an excellent job in showing the supposed “lack of connection” and the fighting. It’s getting old. I’m sure all that fighting is only a few minutes of their entire rehearsal. From beginning to end it had a very negative feeling.
JR was great. Carri Ann gave Rob and JR the same score, really?? Just don’t get it.
Can I just keep saying, Please, please, let Hope be gone! I’m sorry but I just find her incredbly irritating. To me she simply cannot connect emotionally with her dance partner, and as an audience member, I find her smug and artless to watch. Nancy & Tristan were great tonight and they keep getting robbed! They deserved a much better score tonight. Have to say JR was the best dancer out there and you just can’t beat the chemistry he has with Karina. They had it all in this one. Chaz did better, but I’m getting a little bored with him. As for everybody else, don’t much care…..but can we please vote Hope OFF?
lol…I keep forgetting about David. Not very memorable performance or personality.
Ok, I’m glad I’m not the only one whose loins gushed with that Tristan look. I was sitting there with my boyfriend and I think even he was like…damn, hahhaa. Tristan, goddamn. Made me swoon with a wink and a glance. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve watched it like 5 times now, lol. Someone make me a gif file of that!
As far as their dance goes, I actually thought it was extremely well choreographed and well performed – very appropriate for their ages and her abilities, and there were a few very good moments. There were a few meh ones too, but overall their Rumba was better than I expected.
Biggest surprise of the night though was Rob. He’s lost some weight and his face looks slimmer, definitely looking good. And what a great Rumba, honestly. There were a few iffy moments but for the most part I think it was his best dance by far.
Carson is so much fun to watch, I hope he stays. The jive and he were not made for one another, but damn he made it fun as heck. Props to Anna for this season, I think she’s done a phenomenal job with what she’s been given.
Chaz was alright, better than I expected – but I hope he goes home soon. I’m glad he lasted this long, and that was a great dance to go out on. Probably won’t though!
There were parts of David and Kym’s tango that I loved, others that made me cringe a bit, still I thought it was much better than Hope and Maks. I just do NOT like her as a dancer, at all. I love me some Maks, but she looked like she couldn’t keep up at all, her feet were as flat as any dancer I’ve seen on DWTS and way overscored compared to some other couples. To be at the same level as Ricki and Derek, no way.
So Ricki and Derek did a good job. Not great, but it was fun. They’ll be fine. Ricki looked really cute tonight. Derek looked adorable.
JR and Karina – excellent. Not perfect, but what a great job with difficult song/choreography. He’s so much fun to watch.
Put Hope out of her misery already. She can’t dance, fights Maks the whole way through the routine, and is getting overscored every week. And no the negative feeling/fighting is not only a few minutes – it’s the pervasive tone of their rehearsals.
Nothing else to say but Tristan is HOT, wish I could get that look from him!
Outside of JR none of these dances were memorable or very entertaining.
Call me old fashioned but I like having good heavy weight battles involving great dancers- Jennifer vs Kyle bs Brandy, Nicole vs Evan vs Erin, Mya vs Donny vs Kelly vs Joanna, Gilles vs Shawn vs Melissa, etc.
Right now this is JR and everyone else. Ricki clearly struggles in some dances but does very good in others. No one else is even worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as them. Rob and David are improving but still haven’t wowed me at all. Carson is hilarous and I have no problem with him staying on a bit longer. This show would be so boring without him. His technique is non existant though. I do like Nancy and find her and Tristan to be charming but their dances are extremely forgettable. Chaz should have been gone yesterday. Hope has just been so disappointing. Non existant chemistry with Maks and underwhelming performance after another. She is being over scored by the judges. Her dancing is worth 7’s not 8’s. I honestly think she could go home tomorrow she was so forgettable.
Okay, yeah. Tristan is WHITE HOT! Just had tosay that. WHEW!!!
I pretty much agree with the judges scoring with the exception of Rob. Too high…I hate to say it but with that unflattering and hostile package they decided to show with Hope and Maks I think they are in real jeapordy to be sent home. I don’t believe everything I see( but I know others do) and it was quite unpleasant to watch them call each other a**holes. Maybe they really don’t like each other. That is okay but they at least have to sell it and pretend. I think Hope is having trouble with the selling part of the dance. Most all other couples look like they are actually having fun except Hope and Maks. Super hope I am wrong. It doesn’t matter anyway because it should be JR all the way. Could it really be 2 bald men in a row winning?
Based on tonight’s performances, JR is where he belongs at the top of the leaderboard. Carson is also probably where he belongs, but he’s a lot of fun so I would let Hope go. She is clearly not having fun.
Super tired of how they show Hope and Maks. They are cute in all the videos but the dwts cuts. Hope really is a sweetheart in real life. She glows when she smiles. That’s what missing from their “package”. I don’t get it. Oh well. They arent winning me over for future seasons. That’s for sure. I never expected they’d go that route with her. I watched Carson because he is awesome, but that was pretty much all I had left in me. Did think it was hilarious Hope managed to start bleeding from a tango and the grappling in rehearsal caused a chuckle if only it wasn’t bookended by everything else.
I think they overscored Hope, and Rob!
I agree with everyone the foxtrot for Ricki and Derek would have been out of the ballpart with a better song. Why the hell “Easy Lover” is beyond me. Everyone knows Derek wasn’t crazy about this song!
I say its either Carson or Nancy going home
Thanks Courtney! Encore dance – JR and Karina. Going home tonight – Carson, I think. I love Carson, but this was so bad I was embarrassed for him. :O
My Power Rankings:
JR/Karina
Ricki/Derek
David/Kym
Rob/Cheryl
Hope/Maks
Nancy/Tristan
Chaz/Lacey
Carson/Anna
I think the scores were off for some of the couples. I also knew going into last night that Ricki and Derek would take a hit. My husband has even said that they will be “in jeopardy” tonight to prove that just because they were at the top of the board, they too, can take a plunge. JR did amazingly well and I have always thought when the latin dances came around – he would truly shine. Rob is overrated and Maks and Hope can’t catch a break with the scenes they show in rehearsal and Len’s comments. I think it will be Carson that goes home tonight or Nancy – but with the last two eliminations – there is no certainty at all with how people are voting out there. Loved the blue in Derek’s hair though – he’s adorable. 🙂
Best episode thus far!!!!!
1) J.R. and Karina: Loved it!!!! I thought he would get a ten from carrie ann but whatever.
2) Ricki and Derek: I actually liked it lol. The roger rabbit made my day.
3) David and Kym: I loved this one as well. I think he is going to get the encore. So good sto see him step up his game.
4) Nancy and Thristan: On paper it sounded like a disaster but on tv it was really good. I thought she was gonna get 8 8 8.
5)Hope and Maks: Didn’t love it and didn’t hate it.
6) Rob and Cheryl: Didn love it didn’t hate it
7) Chazz and Lacey: Best dance of his so far but I think he is safe this week
8) Carson and Anna: I liked the entertainment value but its down to the nitty gritty now and entertainment value can only take one so far. Saying that, can’t wait to see what he has in store for the finale results show 🙂
Bottom 3: Carson. Chazz, Rob
Bottom two: Chazz and Carson.
Leaving: Idk its gonna be close i think.
Lastly, the video of Hope and Maks’ rehersals was pretty rough to watch. I mean seriously, they make it seem like everything is happy for everyone else but not them in reheersals. I think she may have a bit of an atitude sometimes but I think she is genuinly a nice person and they are doing her no favors.
I actually forgot about Hope by the end of the show. That can’t be good. Thank God Carson was able to get his feet out of his tear-away costume and start dancing. Say what you will, they are fun – but Anna needs to keep the costuming simple. Chaz was great (that bit with Lacey’s dad was interesting).
I thought I’d never say this but I like Rob and Cheryl. I think they’re improving and connecting more. I thought he deserved a 26. My third choice to go to the finals over Hope and Maks.
Hope is not progressing. I was expecting more out of her and she had a great song for the tango. I’m losing interest in them and don’t find a connection with them as a team.
I liked Ricki’s foxtrot although it wasn’t her best dance. Adding the roger rabbit even though it wasn’t on beat was cute because that’s how normal people would dance at an 80’s prom – off beat. I think her dance is relatable to those who grew up in the 80’s as teenagers.
Carson – I agree with the judges it wasn’t a jive but he is embracing the experience giving it his all. I hope he sticks around for 2 more weeks.
It’s going to be between Nancy and Hope to go home. That would be my choice.
@Jay: the only reason I remebered Hope’s dance was becuase of the ending with the mircrophone.
Oh yeah, that microphone ending, yeah, WHAAA? Hell, if you want disconnected choreography, I could do that!
@Jay: it was something that one would expect from a bon jovi concert (I’ve been to many lol) so they got the bon jovi part down when it came to that lol.
@vin – I agree, Maks and Hope *bleeping* did them no favors, I thought Len called them out last week for doing that. Anyhow, their dance was gawd awful. I thought she would be better, but I am not seeing it.
JR and Karina ROCKED the house! This week they better have the encore!!!
Ricki and Derek, I gotta say, that shorter haircut is adorable on Ricki, she should consider a shorter cut… Derek did the best he could with that crappy song.
Rob and Cheryl, this kid is growing on me, I think he could be the Dark Horse and take the 3rd spot in the finals.
David and Kym, he is definitely getting better but something bugs me with him. If he didn’t have Kym he may have been gone already.
Carson and Anna, I *laughed* my butt off as soon as he did the cartwheel… A cartwheel, yup, hysterical… Love him, hopefully he has another week left in him.
Chaz and Lacey, Thought he would be a trainwreck, but I kind of enjoyed it… Who would of thought it!
Nancy and Tristan, I *love* these two, the competition is getting tighter, and I think this may be the end of the road for sweet Tristan and Nancy. We got to see another side of Nancy, quite funny I must add, Enjoyed their journey.
Hope and Maks, Forgettable. Week 5 and I don’t see much improvement in her. Her glaring at Len last night was a turn off. This couple dont seem to *mesh* together. (Sorry Maks). These two couple be an early elimination….
Ya know, after watching it again, I’m seeing a lot of relief in Ricki and Derek. Derek using words like “we survived it” and saying out loud that that song and Foxtrot don’t mesh. Then in the access hollywood interview he says that early on he knew it wasn’t going to be great. Yet he’s not bitter about it at all, like some would be. Part of me thinks that, provided it works out, that they’re a bit relieved to not be at the top of the leaderboard for the fourth week in a row. Ricki even said she was relieved about that.
Say what you want about Derek, but he is one of the few pros who KNOW how this show really works and plans accordingly, and preps his partner accordingly.
As for Hope and Maks’ package?? How do I put this delicately….that may have been all the producers had to work with. I’ve heard whispers that there was a lot of arguing. The judges overscored the hell out of her, the producers gave her a great dance with a great song – why would they give her a crappy package if there was something else to work with??
For whoever said they don’t believe anything they see – well, they didnt’ MAKE Hope and Maks swear at each other. That’s one of the tricky things about this show.
I vote for Susanna Hoffs… oh wait, she’s not a competitor? Huh. Weird, because she was the hottest thing on this episode…
And I say that even though she’s… holy c**p, wikipedia says she’s 8 years older than me… but I always say age is just a number. 😉
Let’s just hope that everyone voted and didn’t assume that anyone would be safe. We don’t need another “shocker elimination”. I can see Ricki and Derek going home if people think that they have been first for weeks and therefore don’t need to vote for them this time when they fell to the middle of the pack – same goes for voting for Hope and Maks. I don’t know what to expect about someone leaving tonight – however, we shouldn’t assume it is going to be someone with a low score because that hasn’t really been the case this season. Tom Bergeron repeatedly said to vote last night – so even he is trying to alert people. Brooke Burke on twitter today said she hopes Carson doesn’t get eliminated as she wants to see him dance to a Broadway theme next week. Carson is very popular and people shouldn’t think that since he is at the bottom that he is the one to go home. I am bracing myself for another shocking elimination! 🙁
Heidi:
Thats why I love Derek! He’s honest. I guess being on top week after week can have its downfalls as well. It takes a little pressure off of them. He does know how this show works, he’s brilliant!
I do also feel Maks and HOpe were a bit overscored and Rob as well. Hopefully Broadway week should be a bit more relaxed. Derek does a great quickstep, hopefully we’ll get to see it!
I also feel Carson will go or Nancy.
Heidi and Buttercup, after your comments and other comments I’m reading at Facebook and twitter with people not liking Hope’s attitude, I am fearing for Maks and Hope tonight. Heidi, I better go out and buy some Vodka after work today. I’m going to need to get through this results show.
Colleen – No campaigning here please, not that blatantly.
Do I REALLY need to go into detail AGAIN, why none of the past elimination have been all that shocking?? And why it doesn’t necessarily mean that the low scorers have huge fanbases?? Really??
Yeah that look Tristan wasted on CA OMFG that may get them some votes, Maks & Derek could take pointers from him! lol
Still think she will go tonight though, at least Tristan has his family to hang with for a couple weeks, that will make it better!
This is what happens when you vote for bad dancers. U get Carson instead of Kristin. You made your bed now lay in it.
Lighten up, Maddy! Speaking of beds, did you get up on the wrong side of yours today?
Poor Maddy! Still sore about Kristin and Mark being gone? And speaking of a bad dancer.
And sorry to disappoint you, I’m still very happy with this bed and that Carson is still here and hope he will be tomorrow as well. 🙂
Lol – I didnt mean it literally.
The show last night was manic. I can’t imagine how next week with 2 dances is going to be…BAD BAD BAD
@Vogue – Absolutely.. Carsons cartwheel was to die for!!! More Carson please. 🙂
Oh yeah, I’m sure Derek and Maks REALLY need help from Tristan in the women department. Lisa, do you think that you could offer some content other than relentless gushing over Tristan? Like Magnolia said to Margaret the other day – you’re sounding like a broken record. We usually have a bit more…discussion, in our discussions.
As for that “look” from Tristan, I missed it, so it can’t have been all that and a bag of chips – unless you’re already a serious fan.
Maddy, if you didn’t mean it, try using a smiley – you don’t really have the track record that allows people to recognize a “joke” from you.
Magnolia also apologized to Margaret…but I was WAY harsh. Heidi, not so much with the harshness.
Tristan is just another delectable addition to DWTS, just as Maks and Derek were when they started. There’s room for all the “hunks” in my book, including Val. 🙂
Of course there’s room, and we’ve always had Derek and Maks fans on this blog talking about them – but finding 10 ways to say Tristan is hot and nothing else?? Once per post is enough. It’s turning me off, big time.
Feeling bummed because Hope didn’t have the break through night I was hoping for. I re-watched the dance and I think I figured out what seemed so “off” about it. Too many props. That purse was not really necessary and it just got in the way when she threw it. The coat was also in the way. I could see Maks trying to dance around it. Tom mentioned that when they came over for their scores. Sigh. Better luck next week???
Anyho – JR was great. LOL at the samba clip of shame. TOOO funny. I fully understand why the Samba is the hardest dance to master (especially for the men). It did lack the bounce but who the hell cares. If he was able to master all that in 4 days and get the samba bounce….then he should be a pro.
Everyone else did just about how I thought they would…no real surprises.
Heidi, I can get my trusty thesaurus out and find other words…
But yeah, I know what you mean. Honestly, yeah, I think he’s great-looking and all that, but I’m sort of past it by now. For me, it’s his personality and charm. I LOVED the way he put Nancy in her place during the rehearsal footage. I really hope he gets a younger/less shy partner if he’s back next season so he can really show off his choreography. I think he’s immensely talented in that regard, as evidenced in the troupe numbers he designed last season. Of course, that’s all subjective, and I still think Derek is the best choreographer the show’s ever seen, but I’m hoping Tristan will get to show off his chops a bit more there.
Toni, you might be right – maybe the props were just too much for Hope to have to worry about and still pull off the entire dance. Maybe that was a mistake on Maks’ part for someone who was already struggling.
Magnolia, I feel pretty confident that Tristan will be back next season, one way or another. Even though I tend to agree that his choreo is either boring or just dumbed down for Nancy (which is what a good pro does on this show), I do think he’s having more of an impact than some that came and went before him. Like Damian, for example. And that’s important, because Maks is sounding very tired of the show and I’ve seen tweets here and there that imply that Derek SHOULD be thinking about a movie career (whether he tries to do it all for a bit longer or not is still in question). Tristan seems like their best bet for a replacement. I just prefer talking about all aspects of the show (including the occasional hotness) and not just gushing. And frankly, I was more entranced by Maks in eyeliner than I was Tristan – which I found rather shocking. 🙂 I may have traumatized myself.
And frankly, I was more entranced by Maks in eyeliner …
See, Heidi, we CAN agree on things! *wink*
Heh. We agree more often that you’d like to admit, Evaine. 🙂
Actually we do. 🙂
*wanders off to contemplate Maks in eyeliner again*
Week 5 rankings:
1) This season could easily be renamed Thank Gawd for JR. Good in Ballroom, DYNAMITE in Latin. Was if a perfect Samba? No. Was it DAMN GOOD? Absolutely!! This guy brings it everytime and no matter the tone, he pulls the audience right in with him. Kudos to Karina in challenging him so and kudos to him for so meeting that challenge. They truly bring out the best in each other.
2) Ricki: Not her best dance, but respectable all things considered.
3) Rob: Yeah, I know, I’m shocked too. Not my fav and still don’t think he’s all that as a dancer, but last night did see shades of what everyone has been raving about and a steady improvement.
4) David: About tied with Rob. Again not the best dancer, but he’s working hard toward slight improvement. Appreciate his authenticity even if he isn’t my particular cup of tea (but how bout that Len impression? :).
5) Hope: Disappointing. She seems disconnected and ackward in most every regard here (to the positive, like that she doesn’t pretend). Maks also seems uncharacteristically detached. Placed them 5th only because I think they are more ambitious and marginally better technically than the lower ranked pairs. Yet they seem to be the ones least enjoying themselves and, whereas their dancing doesn’t do much for me, wouldn’t mind seeing them hit the road. Doubt they’ll go out on such a low note (if at all), especially given their scores and fanbases.
6) Chaz: Was it a great dance? No. Was it one of Chaz’s better dances? Absolutely!! He did better seems to have a slew of supporters (or at least an iconic mom). Think he might be around another week.
7) Nancy: Nicely choreographed Rumba, though lacking on the delivery of her part. Her dancing doesn’t excite me, then again, it doesn’t make me cringe either. Depending on her fanbase, she well find her Dancing run dismissed tonight.
8) Carson: In the spirit of the 80s, “Where’s the Beef?” Not nearly enough Jive content, but so appreciate his enthusiasm and showmanship and expecting fans might rally around this bottom placer this week.
Wonder who gets the encore tonight? 🙂
If it’s not JR who gets the encore, then the show is rigged!!!
no really, i don’t think the show is rigged, bur honestly JR deserves the encore hands down!
The 80s rocked, right? I was getting bored with the show and somewhat disheartened because good dancers were getting the boot over bad ones and then I turn on the TV and hello!! Maks as Adam Ant! Hope as Madonna! So fun! Loved the music and the hair and the pictures of everyone! And OMG, has CA had some work done or what?
So the night was turned upside down pretty much for me. Didn’t expect to be sucked back into the show – but I was. Didn’t expect to agree with the judges at all – but for the most part I did. Didn’t expect to like Chaz or Rob – but I did. Expected to really like Hope and Carson and Ricki – but I didn’t. WTH? It was like bizarro DWTS. If it wasn’t for Nancy (who was pretty consistent) and Jose Rene (who was outstanding! Yay!) I would have been concerned.
We are definitely into the mid-point of the season and the overall improvement in the celebs is evident. Well, except for Carson. I don’t think Carson has improved much at all since the beginning. I thought he would shine last night – it’s the 80s!! And Carson!! – but I thought the dance was a mess. So messy that the entertainment factor slipped somewhat for me. I’m not ready to see him and Anna go home, but he really needs to improve.
Random thoughts:
Hope was too forceful and strong. And she has a bit of an attitude at times, especially toward the judges – which I understand – but she needs to rein it in. It’s not endearing.
Chaz was engaged and it seems he has had some sort of breakthrough in his confidence or something? Maybe it is the absence of pain, but it is nice to see him having fun.
Rob was dancing!
David was weird and seemed drunk at the end – I liked the dance, kind of, but the ick factor was back with his off-the-wall behavior during the scores. Not a fan.
I like Nancy. What can I say? I think Tristan is a hottie and I am impressed at what he has done with her. She is not the most exciting to watch, but I really enjoy their dances. And it surprises me that I enjoy them so much. I would miss them if they left.
I think Hope’s perfectionistic attitude and tendency to over analyze her mistakes aren’t helping. She didnt seem to think much last week and I thought she looked great! Also if you look at the unaired confessional (that’s available now), her tweets & Maks’ blog I really think the negative comments are getting to them, especially her. And let’s be honest, they’ve been getting a lot if negativity especially from Mr. grumpy pants Len. I hope she stays and is able to really show her potential. Also if you see outside vids her & Maks get along great. I think in DWTS they but heads because they are similar.
Overall I think this week I think most were scored fairly. I’m so happy that JR is at the top where he should be. As for Ricki & Derek everyone has a bit of an off day and that song didn’t really help much.
Hope & Maks must also be aware of all the negative commentary about her at Twitter, FB, blogs (including here) … It’s almost like a campaign to eliminate her. I find it very sad that so many people would judge someone they don’t even know so harshly, based on over-produced packages and perceived “attitude.”
Shep – I have no doubt that Hope and Maks are aware of it considering they’ve both gotten some hateful tweets in the past 24 hours. I would also say the rest of the cast is aware, which is why Nancy Grace is sending out tweets about Hope that “there aren’t many people sweeter or more true to themselves” than Hope. Nancy also tweeted she was going to put a poster of Hope up in her girl’s bedroom.
Awww. I love how close this cast is to each other.
All the pros and celebs get hate tweets – same story different day.
@MaryS – One thing I have learned from this season is – Nancy is a real sweetheart. Such kindness toward Hope.
@MaryS – Nancy said that? How kind of her … I’ve had a feeling a special bond had formed between Nancy and Hope. They’re both such strong and independent women, and both now find themselves very vulnerable in this situation while still trying to fulfill professional obligations. Nothing could have prepared them for this.
When Hope rolls her eyes at the judges, that’s attitude. Everyone knows they can be ridiculous in their comments, but it makes her look bad when she responds like that.
I think she needs to relax and get into the music.