DWTS Season 18, Week 8 – Let’s Recap Tonight’s Show (Spoilers)
Okay, due to heavy traffic, we have to institute a few ground rules for tonight show. Most of these are good rules ALL OF THE TIME, and are basic netiquette.
- DO NOT hitrefresh every few seconds – in fact, do not hit refresh every five minutes! Read, comment if you like, then walk away from the computer for five to ten minutes. I know this is hard, but it will prevent others from losing their minds trying to read and/or update the site.
- DO NOT use the comment section like it’s twitter – it’s not twitter. Make an actual comment with context of who you’re talking about, who you’re talking to (if it applies), etc. Context, and more than one line. If you break this rule more than one time, I start deleting. If you do it a couple times, you’ll find yourself on moderation. Perhaps for life. 🙂 Keep in mind that if you can’t follow this rule, I can make you follow it.
- Try very hard to keep the ugly to a minimum. Think before you post. If you’ve been called out previously on this blog for your behavior, this will be extra important because there’s only so much I will tolerate. I’m not talking about differing opinions, I’m talking about nasty. If I get the sense that you are purposely trolling (look it up if you’re not sure), I will just block you. No warning other than this one.
Okay, that’s all I can think of. Let the games begin. Take a drink every time ALM is a mean ole beyotch and you’ll really enjoy the show! 😀
Court here, filling in for Heidi, who is running a tad late 🙂 Is it just me, or is Mark sounding an awful lot like Robin Thicke these days?
Oh, I see Abby Lee has her happy face on tonight…NOT.
Good to see Charlie is safe. Mama Spence, however, is worried that Sharna’s bewbs are gonna fall out of her dress during their quickstep.
Charlie kills the quickstep, and both Len & Abby go in for the kill. Tonight is gonna be a loooong night, I’m afraid.
Ok, happy that Charlie got that long-overdue 40, but did anyone else think those were the most incongruous scores/critiques EVER??! The way they were critiquing, I was expecting 8’s. Why pick someone apart if you’re gonna give them a 10? Kinda defeats the purpose…
ETA 1: Heidi here – I’m back!! Is it my imagination or are these dances really short. Perhaps it’s just that Danica’s dance took so long to get started. Ha! Len just copied me. 🙂
Meryl and Maks – Rumba or contemporary? I saw rumba content, but they were skating awfully close to the edge there. Of course Bruno loves it. Lord, I’m tired of hearing about their chemistry – and is that CAI justifying her good comments?? She’s recalling Charlie’s rumba – and she’s right about that. Len’s coming down with CAI…and ABL needs to be put out of our misery. Seriously. LOL…sickled feet. Beyotch – bite me. Maks: “Can we go now.” Come on MAKS – if ever you were going to spout off, NOW is the time!!!
ALERT….ALERT…ALERT….for the next 10 minutes I’m going to be a Maks fan. I might even declare this “Maks day” on the blog. Seriously – MOST of the time I hate his spouting off, but I think this time was beyond appropriate.
ETA 2: I knew Mark would give Candace a good dance to that song. Very nice. One or two tiny rough spots, but I loved it.
ETA 3: So a Derek fan just asked me if his critics would comment about Val’s smoke machine. :::crickets::: LOL – as if.
ETA 4: Wait…so Meryl gets an 8 from ALM, but JAMES gets a 10?? And we thought CAI judged with her vajayjay. Lord have mercy. I’m okay with Meryl getting an 8 for that….but in that case, James should have had a 7, not a 10.
OMG, Amy and Derek…perfection. And I rarely use that to describe anyone. But I have to comment on Derek’s face. He was working up a good head of PISSED OFF on Amy’s behalf. I’ve been watching that boy for a long time, but that was his “You diss my girl, I kick your asssss” face. 🙂 I think it’s very good thing for ALM that she didn’t take any unwarranted shots at him. Anyway, that was a kick ass AT – I expect nothing less from Derek Hough.
ETA 5: Well, can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I think Meryl and Danica got a bit hosed. Of course, that song is the worst thing I’ve heard on this show in a while, so there’s that too. I tried to block it out and just look at the dancing and I didn’t think it was as bad as 8’s. All 9’s would have been more appropriate.
ETA 6: Wow wow wow….Candace and Charlie!! Excellent dance. I wonder if the producers will blur Sharna’s lips in the skybox for the west coast. 😀 Love it Sharna, keep it coming.
ETA 7: Ouch – that fall was kinda bad…and Derek’s face. And again, I have to go to Derek’s face during the judging – I don’t know if he realizes it, but he has a face when Abby is talking that says he’s either pissed or disgusted – not sure which. He was pretty vehement a few years ago in his criticism of ALM, either he or Mark called her teaching style “child abuse” and it appears to me that he’s not had a change of heart on that one.
Man…I don’t want any of them to go home at this point.
And the eliminee is….Danica. I’m sad to say I called this one correctly. 🙁 I had no trouble with the site tonight, so I think that means our readers all behaved themselves -thanks ya’ll.
Great opening number. Ms miller is such a bitch.
I can already tell tonight is going to be a long night. ALB is not the person to have on this show and I will never understand why TPTB did it. I can see her nitpicking everyone.
Yup Abby is playing up the bitch already.
Knew they would put Charlie safe this week. Really enjoyed his dance..Hopefully 10 worthy. Think he will end up with 29
Bottom 3 imo: Meryl, Danica, Candace
Finally! Not only a 10 from Len, but a perfect score. It surprised me. I thought they would get a 39 with ALM being the odd one out.
Heidi…help me out! I thought the judges were not allowed to go to rehearsal. ALM said she was at rehearsal. So glad Charlie and Sharna got a 40. They really deserved it.
And the Charlie redemption story begins. I knew he was going to get a perfect score off of that.
Good for Charlie on the 40. I guess they’re going to make sure there’s a Charlie/Meryl showdown in the finals.
I liked Mark’s song. Loved it! Glad Charlie was called safe!
I didn’t think Charlie was going to get a perfect score based on how they each critiqued him. Which means to me that someone else is gonna get dogged…or not. I guess we’ll see.
I’m gonna go refill my wine glass now. I think I’m gonna need it.
I’m taking bets that Derek will hit Abby Lee with one of Amy’s legs by the end of the show.
I’m confused at how Abby Lee gave that critique to Charlie… and then gives it a perfect score? What, does she think it’s out of 20 or something?
Very confused about Charlies score after the feedback he received. It almost feels like they ( Len & Abby) gave the 10’s out of pity or most likely so they wouldn’t be stoned after the show for being the “bad guys.” Happy for Charlie though – FINALLY!!
I thought Charlie’s quickstep was fun and good. I don’t think it was his best dance ever yet he got four 10s. That was also the least enthusiastic comments about a perfect score. Just weird start to the night.
OMG ALM called out Danicka. I heard you could have been a professional dancer. Poor Danika said it was her sister or something. Now that was TOO funny.
What did you think of Danica’s tango? She is getting a lot of kudos from the judges. Was a fair bit of “messing about” imo.
Which means to me that someone else is gonna get dogged…or not. I guess we’ll see.
I’m thinking Amy. I think she’s going to get slammed this week.
Two 10s for that Tango? I feel like the scoring/comments seem even more off than normal. I feel like they are boosting the people that had low scores last week. I just have a hunch it is the Meryl/Maks smack down tonight.
#14 – I doubt they would slam Amy. My bet, if I had to pick one, would be Meryl (for rumba or samba). I had the same feeling last week before Charlie’s paso so I hope I am wrong.
Mark’s song was awesome!
Tonight I am glad I have the fast forward button. Does Abby Lee Miller know anything about Ballroom? I am not an expert but there has to be alot of differences.
The girls on that show (Dance Moms) are precious and I feel for them on a regular basis. I watch the show only because i’ve been invested since the beginning. Ugh, I really hate ALM.
That was a good dance that Meryl and Maks did. But it seemed sooo short. The shortest so far. I don’t understand why. I can’t think it would be not enough time to have the dances longer.
I didn’t see much rumba in that dance. The drama was there but it wasn’t sensual. Good job CAI for calling out that there could’ve been more rumba content. And good for Len for saying the same thing! Good for Abby Lee on calling Meryl out for sickling her feet!!!! Not all praise for the goddess of the ballroom/prize pig. Hope it ain’t all 10’s
I think after that package it was obvious Charlie was going to get 40. It was like the story of starting at the top, falling and struggling, and finally achieving the perfect score.
So far these scores have been super close.. I’m wondering if they are doing this to keep next week in complete suspense and it will all be down to fan voting..
I know we had some doubts, but WOW I thought Meryl and Mak’s dance was so so powerful!!
@Germ, #16, you called that one! ALM has to have something to say about every dance.
Whoa! I am not a Maks fan, but I loved what he said about ALM’s comments, and I LOVED even more how Derek applauded!
Maks-I don’t care about anything she has to say!! Just fell off my couch!!! And did you see derek clapping with his hands in the air laughing?? Haha! I loved it!!
Derek was clapping at Maks comment. Too funny and good on him for saying it cuz I am not sure who would have done it other than Maks.
Loved Mark’s song, but as always, I prefer to watch his dancing which was wonderful. Great opening number!! Loved Charlie’s QS but I just love watching him dance, period. ALM just had to take aim at him, didn’t she….aargh, already I’m sick of her. But, boy oh boy, did I love the look in Derek and Charlie’s eyes when she was introduced. It looked ike they were thinking:”That no-talent person is going to judge us? What a joke!”. It was priceless,
I don’t know if they’re “not allowed” of if it’s just not usually done. For obvious reasons.
Ya’ll read my update. I might make it “Maks Day” on the blog. 🙂
I missed it. What did Maks say?
#21 I had a feeling Maks wouldn’t choreograph a traditional rumba which leaves room for deducting points. Plus I wasn’t confident in her hip action so yadayadaya. She’s more than capable so I am not sure why Maks does not do more with her. But I’m sure folks love that she got those scores.
Loved that Charlie was safe right off the bat. Makes my viewing MUCH more pleasurable.
Loved that quickstep HOWEVER,I fully believe the Paso last week had more of a “wow” factor for me, and maybe that’s because it was SO far outside of what we know of Charlie’s personality.
Felt the heavy hand of storyboarding (but maybe that’s me being cynical).
Knew Meryl & Maks would be safe.
Making Danica dance after being told they were in jeopardy is just mean. I thought she looked uncomfortable at times.
Wow… ALM is going down in flames… Maks .. Good job .
PH, I’m with you. Right now, Maks is wonderful. That comment to ALM was so good. She has to know that they all think she’s a joke. They’re letting go in one ear and out the other. She’s such a waste of time.
MAKS, MAKS, MAKS…..I am dying laughing! That was awesome and so called for. I just cannot stand the woman!
I loved the feel for Maks and Meryls rhumba. I agree maybe not enough content but I was glued to the tv watching it.
Best part though was Derek cheering for Maks’ comments.
Candace’s dance was a lot of fun. I hope she’s not the one leaving tonight. I would like to see Danica go.
I feel like James or Danica are going home. Mostly Danica. And ALM is going to get her tail booed out of the ballroom before 9:30pm if she keeps “messing about” during the judging because she makes no sense. I didn’t think it would be this awkward hahaha.
The way Carrie Ann talked to Candace about her growth etc and it not being about winning, makes me think Candace is going home. Do the judges know who is leaving ahead of time now?
Sickled feet get 2 points off? Ehhh I think Maks got angry because like all the other pros, I don’t believe she has the credentials to judge. Not ballroom anyway. She’s judging these celebs like they have been dancing for years and will continue to dance after the show.
She sure does have the Maks and Meryl (myself including) fans angry and voting even more than ever….but maybe that was the point. Anger a fan base and they come back swinging?
Let’s hope ALM isn’t as rude for the duo
Well Maks just took several steps up in my opinion of him. I am very proud of him. I saw his cheek ticking when he was talking to Tom so I was wondering if he would say something. Kudos to him. And then he turned and looked at Derek and Mark. Derek couldn’t stop clapping. That was so funny. Then she makes that idiotic remark to Mark about dropping Candace. She is too dumb for her own good. She thinks she is smart…I get that. However, she is making herself look even dumber. Karma is always fun. Please, can’t we just riot and make her leave???
@Judy: I don’t know for sure, but I know that they have been shocked in the past by some of the eliminations.
$10 says that comment comes back to haunt him in the duel round, though.
LOVED Candace and Mark’s Foxtrot. Sad to see that they’re in jeopardy! I think they’ll be safe though. I really do. Their dance brought tears in my eyes…too cute. Actually, it kind of reminded me of mine and DH’s relationship in a way and next week, we celebrate 15 years of marriage…..we’ve been thru a LOT of up’s and downs..but we still stay together. Been realclose to calling it quits.
36 isn’t a bad score….now on to the duo-dance!
Courtney I didn’t even think of that nooooooo. Guess Meryl will have the lowest scores this week haha damn.
Maks might just have lost the mirror ball if he has pissed off the producers by embarrassing the guest judge. Sometimes shooting your mouth off comes back to haunt you. Just another take on his comment.
How did Candace manage to get 36 when she also got criticism… Did Maks piss in ALM’s cheerios before the show? Candace is improving so much but even if they are calling M&M’s dance contemporary, it was a good bit better than C&M’s.
I honestly think ALM was giving M&M that 8 no matter what… TPTB may have pushed that on her. As some have mentioned before, this might be M&M’s “train wreck” week before semis. Similar to Charlie and Sharna’s that will propel both to the semis
Nah, TPTB brought that woman on precisely because they wanted fireworks with the pros. They’re loving the drama.
Meryl & Maks, nice contempor…errrrr…I mean “rhumba?” Very intense but reminded me a LOT of how Peta choreographed for Charlie. Lots of poses and stops? Is it just me seeing that? Abby Lee Miller and her supposed “hatred” of ice skaters coming thru? Sickled feet comment.
Candace was absolutely adorable in her package. I kinda loved her tonight. I could see some posture issues a couple of times during the dance, but it was super super cute.
I agree Courtney that it could come and bite him in the butt next round. If ALM is smart though she will not let that play into the next dance as she will then get buried alive by the C Bro fans.
And what a ten to James…..
Courtney, I agree. When Maks does the duel dance, I think his comment will come back to slap him in the face. But it was worth it. He said what all the pros, and others I’m sure, were thinking.
Just came in from dinner out. I’m joining the Maks party, so no need to recap what I think of ALFNM.
And that ladies and gents is why Derek wins Emmys. Enough said!
I never agree with Carrie Ann about anything, but I stopped breathing at a couple of points myself. That was amazing.
O.M.G! IF THAT doesn’t get a 40, well, I don’t know what will! Abby was complimentary of Derek which was shocking, in and of itself.
Hell ya! a 40!!!!! AWESOME! WELL deserved!!! Derek’s argentine tangos are his best!
Once in awhile I like to be right and tonight I was. To all the naysayers who once again said Amy couldn’t do it. She did. She did. She did. I don’t know what to say about ALM. I love Maks for what he did and at first I couldn’t figure out why she was being nice to Amy. Then it all became clear so she can use Amy to berate those precious girls some more.
Poor Max, he’s got the best partner he could ever dream of and he still won’t beat Derek dancing with a girl that has no legs. When Derek pulled Amy and the stool down on that angle I was screaming at the TV “OMG,OMG!”
Well, ALM just slobbered all over Derek and Amy and Derek get a 40. Amazing choreography to overcome a double challenge this week. Always love Derek’s AT.
I don’t understand the judging this season at all. As a Meryl fan, even I can say that the scoring hasn’t been consistent with the dances that are put on the floor. I think that rumba actually lacked enough hip action to be called a rumba, and her salsa was not deserving of tens. Now as for Charlie this week, if there were any week to give away tens I guess it would be this week. Charlie’s dance looked sloppy in parts, and it didn’t really leave that much of an impact on me. It seems as though the judges just planned to give him 10s ahead of time despite how he danced. I think both his paso and jazz numbers were far cleaner and more deserving of tens than this one. You can honestly tell there is a lot of debauchery going on from the judging panel.
LOL @ James. I think even his hardcore fans are starting to realize that he was never “as good” as the judges and they thought back in the first few weeks of the competition.
Most of the celebrities on the show begin at one level and end up increasing in scores and technique as it goes forward. James began high and has consistently gone down.
He has to be out either tonight or next week.
Oh dear that was not a good dance for Val and Maks.
For us West Coasters: Can someone explain exactly what Maks said to Abby that is making everyone laugh and cheer?
I’m absolutely agreeing with the judges on this first “duel” “duet,” whatever the hell it is. Thought it was weird and awkward and I HATED the wedge sneakers.
I don’t even vote and am debating using multiple phone lines to cast them all for Meryl to keep her safe next week. I felt underwhelmed by the samba (especially the “solo” part). Sucks for them because I expect the next two routines to be amazing.
Contemporary routine is very cool and pretty, but I think it was a cop out to have the two celebs do lifts instead of actually dancing..
Now I am nervous for next week.
I TOTALLY GOT CANDACE AND CHARLIE’S CONCEPT MID DANCE! lol. I am such an idiot but that was so cute!
Whoa Val….give ALM heck. Must say I agree with ALMs heels comment. Wish Zendaya had taken her footwear with her. Ugh on the sneakers. Wow, all of a sudden CAI critiques dance technique. Who knew she remembered out?
This entire night for me has been lackluster. I think the duel dance theme is a dud and should never be used on the show again. I’m starting to hate how inconsistent the judges scores and comments are. Abbie is pointing out flaws in everyone’s dance but yet passing out tens at the same time. This week for me is a throw away. As a fan, I’m displeased with what the show is becoming.
@Heart, #58, he commented that he didn’t care what a guest judges thinks. It also had Derek laughing and clapping.
I’m wondering if this isn’t Amy’s mirrorball to lose. Everyone I know is voting for her. I think she’s fantastic and as long as she doesn’t slip up she’s going to win.
I didn’t think that the judges took points off for a pro’s mistake? Karina fell during Apolo’s hip hop routine, Make fell with Kirstie, and Karina fell with the Karate Kid…
I loved Candace and Charlie. I thought Meryl and Danika did well too. I don’t know what I think. This night is so confusing. Not to be outdone by his brother, Val had to get into the mix too. It just didn’t have the same oomph though.
WOW WOW WOW!! I LOVED that “duet” between Charlie and Candace. They used Charlie’s ability to partner & lift to FULL extent. They all looked amazing to me. I didn’t even see the slip they all pointed out. Guess I was looking somewhere else.
This looks like DEFINITELY a redemption story week.
Did Abby get threatened by a group of Derek fans before tonight’s show? LOL I am really surprised at the high praise she directed toward him tonight. Not because he is undeserving. I wonder if Maks’ reaction earlier may be a factor in her being extra nice. Hope Amy is enjoying her experience on the show. She seems stressed in the packages last few weeks but I know they pick and choose what they show us.
Oh MAN!! Kenny Ortega as a guest judge? Holy CRAP!!!!
And that duet between Amy/Derek and James/Peta was terrific. Bet it’s solid 10’s across the board.
Abby is kissing Derek’s a** and it’s hilarious. Obviously she is eating her words because Derek has an Emmy and she has a joke of a TV show. I had a feeling she would go that route with him!
The highlights for me have been Candace, Charlie and James. I just hate that two of them are in jeopardy. Hopefully Danica goes.
I loved the contemporary routine with Candace/Mark/Charlie/Sharna..thought it should”ve been scored higher.
The jive routine with Amy/Derek and James/Peta was also incredible. I do think that it was the best of all 3 duo dances. I agree that Danica and Meryl were a bit out of sync at times.
I really thought Abby was gonna bag on Mark and Derek harshly but she was VERY complimentary to Derek which surprised me! So she obviously respects Derek’s work as a choreographer.
Thanks, Cindy! I can picture Maks saying that! How funny!!!
#66. I am not voting for Amy. But I don’t doubt that she deserves votes especially since she’s with Derek. He’s a genius and likable. Personally, I am voting for Charlie and Meryl no matter what!!
I think the duet scores were right. Meryl may have peaked early this season. Danica and Meryl were not in synch at all. That was a big part of the duet, synchronicity between the celebrities.
Abby is kissing Derek’s a** and it’s hilarious.
I said the same exact thing. She is sucking up and it is hilarious. Derek is seeing through that bull, too.
YAY!! Candace is safe!!!
Hmmmm…Danica or James. Danica fades from my mind quickly and James is a bit clumsy at times.
Aaaaawwww…too bad Danica. But then, like I said, she fades from my mind pretty quickly after she finishes. She super sweet tho.
Wow, what a night. Abby drove me crazy all night, but, other than that, great night.
My 3 faves tonight I this order: Derek & Amy, Sharna and Charlie, and Maks, and Meryl!!
I’m also a little shocked it was Val and Danica to be eliminated. I thought it should have been Candace. But whoa Candace…wasn’t she great in the dual dance? Amazing!
My guess is that the real bottom two were James and Danica. I think Candace is getting more votes than we think. I’m not disappointed Danica left.
Anyone think Meryl’s score is a bit TOO low? 4 points behind Candace and 8 points behind Amy? She could be going home and that’s not what anyone wants to see.
I feel bad for Danica. She (and Candace) both deserve semi-finalist spots over James.
This was week 8. James is so weak with ballroom. You can’t be that weak in ballroom dances in week 8 and survive. Not saying Danica or Candace are ballroom wonders but they are better.
James SHOULD definitely make his exit next week. I said he wouldn’t make the finals back in week 3 and I absolutely STAND by that.
Val and Maks duel dance was just not as polished as the other two numbers. I find it interesting that in that particular number the talent didn’t multiply it divided so to speak. The other two numbers were enhanced by the extra couple. They really didn’t mesh well at all which surprised me.
Well, I didn’t see Charlie’s dance (yet) but I did agree with the comments on Meryl’s rumba. The Samba, on the other hand, wasn’t as bad as 8s.
But seriously…she ain’t going no where. They wouldn’t put her near the bottom if there was any fear of her leaving. Neither dance was close to a 10.
Who choreographed the opening number? I didn’t hear if they announced it!
Loved the show tonight.
Theresa, I think the judges were levelling the paying field but maybe a bit too much. Meryl will be fine because she has Val’s fan votes now and no vote splitting.
Dave, give it up on the James vendetta already. What did he do, sleep with your girlfriend??
Thanks for your weekly anti-James rant, Dave. I’m beginning to look forward to them. 😛
A cop out for the celebs to do lifts?? Are you insane Brook – those lifts were KILLER and it was two celebs (albeit one a very experienced lifter) doing it. That was incredible.
Not so much kissing Derek’s A**, but more like, “Oh yeah, he’s the one with the Emmy for choreography.” Abby has bigger plans for herself. She’s trying to reconstruct the Derek bridge she lit a match to. Professionally, she’s not that stupid–I don’t think.
This was a hectic show. Danica crowned herself the loser tonight. Sorry ’bout that. But as stated by others, I simply don’t remember any of her dances.
Of the 3 duel/duets…Team JAMY…nailed it. Looked like a team dance with some missing members. Absolutely loved the way they transitioned James to Amy.
First time this season, for a big “YES” when Danica was eliminated.
And all those dances had points off, Jamie. What’s your point.
I was pleasantly surprised with the duel dances. I think Meryl & Danica were at a disadvantage for a # of reasons 1.) Samba to THAT song, 2.) Their both female so can’t dance WITH each other and 3.) ALM was gonna low ball them no matter what.
Happy that both Amy & Charlie finally received their perfect scores they both deserved. Shocked that Meryl & Maks are at the bottom of the leader board though – they certainly have a lot of points to make up to stay through next week.
@Princess Heidi and @Courtney
It isn’t a vendetta. My comments are justified. He just isn’t very good in dances that he should be much better at this late in the competition. He has got to go next week.
#82 I expected the other two dances to be better than their samba because of it a) being the samba and b) past performances of each celeb for their chosen styles. If Danica/Meryl had jazz or even a cha cha, the end result may have been better. Expected more which is why I’m not too upset about the scores.
My guess for next week’s bottom two: James and Meryl. Praying to the Mirror Ball God and Jesus that she doesn’t get eliminated.
highlight of the episode was Maks stating that he doesn’t care about what Abby Lee Miller has to say (COMPLETELY AGREE) and Derek in the background cheering and clapping as loud as possible.
I think that Maks and Meryl were very underscored tonight. Especially the samba. Two girls dancing side by side is a lot different, especially with a dance that has a lot of content and rules when the other two groups got dances that had a lot more freedom.
I loved the jive that was great! I am iffy on the contemporary piece. It was really pretty but I watched it back and felt like Sharna and Mark were doing all the movements and Charlie and Candace were just standing there and then during the solo Charlie had to do all of the work and lift Candace…I don’t know I wish we could have seen something different from these two.
So sad to see Danica go, she really wanted to be there and she was always so positive! I think Candace is the next to need to go, I get that she is trying but her choreography is not up to par with the other four. Her movements are overly simple.
But to end this…Abby Lee Miller was horrible, she ruined the night for me; I’m very disappointed in TPTB for allowing her to be on the show.
Sure, Dave. Sell it to someone who’s buying. Why is it you NEVER comment on anyone else?? And I guess you missed his Jive with Amy?
i know just as many people who are voting for Meryl/Maks. #66 & 75. I dunno, I guess we will see. I DO think that either Charlie, Amy or Meryl could take it at this point. Although, the judges gave Charlie criticism yet still gave him a perfect score. I don’t get that at all.
I’m hardcore voting for Amy and Derek of course. She came back from a pretty rough injury I think. Her footwork with the AT was stellar. I feel sorry for ALM’s students when they go back to the studio after tonights show & having watched a woman with no lower legs/feet and coming off an injury KILL TWO dances as Amy did tonight. Derek NEVER fails to disappoint. I honestly do not think that Amy would still be in this competition if she’d been partnered with any other pro.
I think Amy and Derek had the best dance of the night, followed by Charlie and Sharna, then Meryl and Maks, Candace and Mark and James/Peta.
You’ve also been predicting his elimination since the very beginning, Dave. You don’t get any credit for being right if he goes home IN WEEK 8. LOL
And lol Heidi to declaring it Maks day on the blog. Now this is a first.
And now I need to go watch Derek’s “You diss my girl, I kick your asssss” face again. Holy cow. That was a great dance.
Yeah, I think ALM sees the writing on the wall where Derek is concerned. The boy has an amazing number of irons in the fire and perhaps she’s taking her own advice about not burning bridges.
Tonight was an eye opener.. Candace being safe kills me, this shouldn’t be based on”niceness” it’s about talent and although I was loving her duel dance, I keep wondering on how she( Candace) gets the scores she gets! Compared to Meryl, And Danika’s talent, she is really lacking. I hate to admit it but tonight I wonder if this whole thing is a strictly based on popularity and not on the obvious talent or lack of on the “stars”.. Scripted for who the bad guys are, the saints and the SUPPOSED romances… What a let down!
Women dance together all the time, Jackie – there is no “can’t”. Have you never watched SYTYCD??
I think Maks was a rude jerk to the guest judge. I don’t watch Abby Lee Miller’s show, so I had no predetermined opinion about her. I thought she was fair, for the most part, in what she had to say.
Double negative, KellyK. 🙂 “never fails to disappoint”….or is that mixing a metaphor. I always get confused. 🙂
PH – I have not. I just didn’t think it would look very natural dancing together w/ one leading and the other following (or however it goes) in a Samba. Not saying it would be fact, just my opinion though of how I saw things tonight.
Sorry, “disillusioned” the show is about what ever the individual viewer decides it’s about. If it were about talent, the ringer would win every time and how fun would that be??
I loved Charlie’s and Candace’s dance! LOVED IT! I didn’t think they could do it, but I am glad I was wrong!
Well that was interesting. In a perfect world, Candace would go next week and leave James, Charlie, Meryl and Amy.
But there hasn’t been a “shocking” elimination yet, so next week could be anyone’s guess. Right now, I guess it depends on whether Candace or James has the bigger fan base that actually votes, because I think Amy, Meryl and Charlie are in the finals.
Who is this guest judge? Ick. And kudos to the brothers for calling her out.
James’ smile gets me everytime, even when he messes up and he’s not the worst dancer.
Amy blew me away tonight with both dances.
I think it was Danica’s time to go. And I can hope it is Candace’s next.
It’s been an interesting season. Next week’s guest judge should be a hoot!
Let’s put it this way, Melissa – Derek Hough, the single most PC and non-badmouthing pro dancer ever to be on this show, took to twitter to call out ALM and basically said her style of teaching was child abuse. That should tell you something about her show.
#Dave you must really hate James, you never comment on anyone else and according to you he was ‘definitely’ going two weeks ago and he’s still in . Are you guys happy to have Kenny Ortega as a guest judge next week? Seems a better choice than some they have had 🙂
Do you think Val knew he was the sacrificial lamb for Maks to win the Mirrorball? TPTB knows that Val’s votes will now go to Maks!!
Even though Charlie got all 10’s, it sounds like the judge’s comments were not favorable, so it’s not satisfactory to Charlie? It’s more condescending, like they felt sorry for him? I can’t tell from the comments.
Charlie was great tonight! i loved both his dances. My favorite was when ALM criticized Charlie about his leg position up the stairs and then Bruno corrected her. Haha. Sooo does she actually know what she’s talking about?
I agree that Kenny Ortega is one of the better choices this season as a guest judge…. but he’s kind of eh as a judge on SYTYCD. I’m sure he’ll look like the messiah compared to ALM.
I am excited for inside info of the dances next week and am even more excited to see the after show interviews to see what the pros are going to say in their interviews about ALM.
I have a question though, do the scores given by the guest judge count? Because the averages for the couples on Wiki and other sites are only out of 30 points…
I think Kenny Ortega will be a great guest judge as he actually is qualified and has a soul (yes that is a clear stab at ALM)
I think that ALM may have been sucking up to Derek because she has mentioned that her students want to be professional dancers (ovbs) but Derek Hough has A LOT of power in the dancing world and he is the wrong person to piss off
Meryl is 4 or 5 points behind Candace?
Either way, that’s a lot of ground to cover. Now I’m going to be nervous until next week, but it may end up being Meryl leaving sadly. Should M&M gotten a 40 on the rumba? No it wasnt near the excellence of the tango they did…But an 8 from Abby.
Does anyone know if someone 4 points behind the next person ever made it to the next round? Especially the week before semi-finals?
I do think Kenny Ortega is a good choice, probably the best they have in this season (maybe beside julianne). He is a choreographer and won an emmy for choreography. And I remember he praised Derek somewhere so he should be familiar with some of the pros.
Probably the best show of the season thus far.
First off, Charlie & Sharna: retribution at last!
Danica & Val: Wonderful tango, Danica really sold it, for me anyway. 🙂
Meryl & Maks: Right… I don’t know what to make of this. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t hate it as Contemporary. Can we please petition to see Marks and ALM cage fight? 🙂
James & Peta: Even if this V. Waltz was filled with so much gushy mushy moments it was endearing to watch James and Peta. It kinda left me felling as if they did their foxtrot again.
Candace & Mark: Candace is just a natural when it comes to “quitting”?- my favorite wtf comment of the night.
Amy & Derek: This woman is a force to be reckoned with! Excellent execution, loved the tutting section where Amy is facing the stage, and worthy of a perfect score. I don’t know if this was just my eyes playing a trick on me, but did Derek cry a little? You could see the dedication and commitment he has to Amy.
One last thought about James’ hardcore fans: check out #TeamJeta on Twitter.
In slightly more than the time it took me to write that one sentence, there were about 20 new tweets.
I was wondering what so bad about what Derek and Mark said, but it wasn’t even that bad. They just were advocating for child dancers. They were those kids when they were young so they should know. Oh well. It’s over. Except I have to watch the show now!!
@Meghan: As far as the Wikipedia averages go, that’s an attempt to avoid perpetual pie fights over how to calculate the average, “it was decided” to leave out the guest judges’ scores.
PH-I think it’s mixing a metaphor….In my world, it’s a good thing.
Just one thought….for those complaining “it’s not fair/disadvantage” for the 2 girls to dance together what were your thoughts when they were together on Team Loca aka “all stars”? They were good enough together then right?
@Kim:
Those that make all stars are usually just that…all stars. It’s the best of the best. It’s also their second time around at DWTS…
#114 @Brook, during season 11 at final 4, Bristol Palin advanced to the finals with a score of 53, over Brandy with a score of 57.
Tonight was very interesting. If I am honest, I did not mind ALM as much as I thought I would but sometimes I did just want to stick a sock in her mouth and make her shut the hell up. But anyways, my favorite dances were Amy’s AT, James’ and Amy’s Jive and Charlie and Candace’s Contemporary in that order. I know Charlie’s Quickstep was amazing and very earning of that perfect 40 but he went first and I normall forget the dances from those who do. When I watch it again, though, I am sure I’ll love it.. again.
Wow Meryl in the bottom of the leaderboard. That’s new. I guess this is TPTB’s way of saying “watcha talking about? we ain’t pimping her! pfft…..”.
And Dave, your opinion is always welcomed but I just think you should give it a rest with the James dissing and try something new like expressing how much you liked someone else’s dance. Just a thought.. Now I hope he makes it to the finale just to hear what you’ll say there 🙂 Btw you must have missed his Jive because it was pretty amazing. But you’ll probably won’t acknowledge that..
Kim – They had a lot more liberty because they were dancing a Latin Freestyle during the Team Loca dance. I, personally, just like the judges said – Samba is a tough dance to do together.
I don’t want to take away from the other duels b/c they were wonderful and I enjoyed them very much. They deserved their great scores but I think Meryl and Danica didn’t deserve an 8 from ALM. But the scores are what they are. Every week somebody gets hosed and unfortunately for meryl x2 (and Danica) this was her/their week.
WOW! Just went to vote on FB and took a look at the comment section for tonight and there were already nearly 7000 comments for tonight. People HATE ALM (& there’s an awful lot of negativity towards Amy and Derek’s AT, surprisingly). It makes my head hurt.
I fully expected to hate tonight’s show as I am not a fan of ALM, but it ended up being probably my favorite episode of the season.
– I loved the opening number!! Mark’s song was great, the dancing was awesome, and I’m glad that DWTS has given Mark the platform to promote his music.
– CHARLIE. So happy for him and Sharna. I really don’t think that he has been given enough credit for what he has accomplished on this show. I thought that his quickstep was sharp and had TONS of personality and charm. The judges comments were a bit misleading but I was happy to see a perfect score.
– Meryl and Maks- I have to include the “AND Maks” because I feel like this journey is about him, not her. Quite frankly I’m over it, and I’m over the comments regarding their chemistry. Meryl is a great dancer but nothing she does surprises me anymore. It’s always another great dance from Meryl. I’ve got to give props to Maks for sticking it to ALM. That was one of my favorite moments of the episode. For once I felt a sense of comradery and support between the pros. If ALM was good for anything tonight, it was getting the pros to stick together and unite. I just loved watching Derek and Mark react to Maks’ comment. A very good moment.
– Candace- Her foxtrot was darling and I am just LOOOOVING Mark this season! Candace is the perfect partner for him and I’m thinking of opening new email addresses just to give her some votes 🙂
– Amy- OMG OMG OMG… Girl is INCREDIBLE. I absolutely love that she is not afraid to be vulnerable in her packages and then goes on to just fully attack and KILL her dances. I am truly in awe of her. And of course Derek’s choreo. was stellar. Any thoughts on what the missed stool move was supposed to be?
– Duel dances: Meryl/Danica I thought were sloppy and the energy was low. The song didn’t help but I don’t think that the choreography or those awful wedge sneakers did them any favors either. Charlie/Candace-I must’ve watched that dance at least 10 times already. I loved the song, loved the choreography, I LOVED the emotions from both Charlie and Candace. I thought that the judges could’ve given Charlie a little more praise, but I’m just happy that he and Candace got a great score. Thought it was odd that CAI deducted because Sharna stumbled? Very weird. I thought that C&C were magical together! Amy/James- another WOW. Props to James for being there for Amy, and props to Amy for looking like the mirror image of Peta in that jive!
It was Danica’s time to go. I love this stage of the competition when everyone starts to really bring their A game! Overall I really liked this episode.
No Brooke I was referencing Vals comment about ” All Stars” last week…nevermind. point missed totally
Yes, the guest judges scores count – why wouldn’t they? Wiki is not the bible.
Also, does anyone know what was so historic about M&M’s dance? the slapping? the props?
@PHeidi
You got that right! Derek doesn’t need to bad-mouth to get noticed since he is “Who He Is”— 21st century combination of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. ALM has enough smarts to know that you don’t target a living legend in his time. I truly felt she wouldn’t try to ruffle his feathers. She knew who she could though, and it worked. Sometimes biting the tongue is better than biting off your nose to suit your face. If you know what I mean.
I want Max to go home next week, he is such a jerk.
I didn’t believe there was a way possible to have more respect for Derek but he did it AGAIN!!.. Props to you Maks for somehow shifting to focus on to him with the whole ALM hype. Geez Derek can’t even negative attention without you being jealous. I personally enjoyed the shade he threw Danica more 🙂
Of course someone four points has made it to the next round. People farther back have made it.
Kenny Ortega is very, very familiar with Derek – he was at the choreographers thing where Derek was feted…actually, think he and Paula Abdul were in charge of it. I’m also about 90% sure he cast Derek in Dirty Dancing before it was put on the shelf.
I don’t get why you’re surprised, Angie – the Meryl and Maks fans are feeling more than a little threatened and didn’t you know everything is Derek’s fault??
Pretty sure that before tonight they were thrilled with ALM being on the show, thinking she was going to go after Derek. 😀
I’m disappointed to see Danica leave. I think she deserved to stay at least one more week, and I could see her in the final three. But what really annoyed me about the elimination was having to watch Peta’s “if we get eliminated, I’m going to commit hari kari right here on live television” face again. The girl seriously needs to get a poker face.
There wasn’t a single dance I didn’t enjoy tonight, but the scores confused the heck out of me. I understand giving Maks and Meryl a 9 if the judges felt there wasn’t quite enough rhumba content, but anything lower mystifies me. And Candace really was much better tonight than in previous weeks, but she is clearly the weakest of the four women dancing tonight, and to have her score than much higher than the others is …I’ll settle for “odd”, for discretion’s sake. And James getting 10’s for his dances? Yeah, Abby sure judged him dispassionately and completely on the basis of his technique. Suuuuuure she did. As for Amy and Derek, they continue to amaze me. I do think that the judges (all of them) have occasionally given them higher scores than a celebrity dancer of comparable skill but with two good feet would have been given, but even with that, she is more than holding her own in this competition. If she’s this inspiring to those of us without a disability, I can just imagine what seeing her do this show, and do it so well, must mean to people who are dealing with a significant disability or illness. And I just can’t wait to see what Derek will do choreographically when he finally leaves this show. He is already so insanely talented at such a comparatively young age. Imagine where his talents are going to take him and the dancers he works with over the next few decades.
I don’t think anyone should discount the amazing dances tonight. Amy and Derek were amazing, Charlie as well. I’m so happy Charlie finally got that 40!!! I didn’t think it was as good as last week’s paso though, but still deserving of a 40.
Danica and Meryl’s samba was a little hard to watch. When the pros were with them, I enjoyed it. The song just ruined it for me..the beat..the lyrics.. everything
I do have a question and Princess Heidi, I always enjoy what you have to think: Abby criticized Charlie for his legs and feet, but gave him a 10. She did the same thing to Meryl, but gave her an 8.. Any reasoning behind it?
PH #136, I don’t know that it was Meryl & Maks fans cuz who can tell with 7000 comments on a single post. They kept going on and on about an obvious mistake with the stool that frankly, I missed the first time I watched it. (I’ve noticed the negativity over the past couple of weeks actually.) Hopefully, it doesn’t reflect in the votes. I almost feel like the people who take the time to comment on fb during the show also take the time to vote on fb. I’m obviously no expert on how the voting goes. However, this episode felt SO scripted to me. Charlie & Sharna getting a perfect score for a dance I thought wasn’t as good or “special” as last week’s and Meryl & Maks ending up at the bottom of the leader board? Can you SAY it’s anymore of a producers plan?
I thought the point of the Celebrity judges was to bring in a 4th person that would could actually be CONSISTENT for the night and make up for the points that the other 3 judges are constantly inconsistent for every week. You know, like they have the liberty to be a bit nicer and not take the job as serious – they can give extra points for dances that may not necessarily deserve them because they are only there for the night. How naive I was to think ALM would be the same as all the other previous judges (for the most part) – I know nothing about ALM except what I’ve read on here about her, it certainly felt like she lived up to her name.
Lastly, I don’t have an issue that she was kissing Dereks but. What truly annoyed me is that she gave a 10 to James! But, I guess with that fact, she fits right in w/ the normal judges and their inconsistent point system.
I really liked Danica’s dance and the whole Cleopatra theme! That was one of my favorite dances of hers!!
Ooh Maks was mean to Danica in that “coming up” duet rehearsal part. Meryl’s smile disappeared and gave Maks a dirty look.
So far that Abby judge isn’t adding anything beneficial to the show.
Huh. I COMPLETELY forgot about James. wth? Hmmmmm…even after watching it the second time it kinda faded for me. He’s very pretty to look at and Peta went from practically naked last week to probably the most covered she’s been all season. It was very sweet but there is no WAY it deserved that 10, altho, if we let ALM get by with judging based on how the performance affected her? I guess James really “moved” her. *eye roll*
The stool leaned over with Amy sitting on it during the dance….then it fell at the end, AFTER the music stopped. So that’s probably what the Amy/Derek haters are referring to. They also call DWTS, Derek Wins The Show. Someone also had the audacity to say they saw an interview with Derek where he said it’s set up for him to always win. I asked for a link to that interview. I’m still waiting for a response.
I recommend going rewatch Meryl and Maks’ rumba..Strictly for when Mak’s makes his comment. The pros and celebs behind him were dying. Sweet Charlie was clapping along. And I think Derek near crapped himself..his hands are going to be sore tomorrow from clapping so much
I just about spit out my drink tonight when ALM called Derek a legend. Then I thought maybe it was a dig at Peta, dancing with a legend. Then I decided that was her last ditch effort at sarcasm maybe. I don’t know. I have watched it like 100 times which probably accounts for me not posting as much Heidi…lol. I also have looked at the issue of the stool. It does look like Amy grabbed a bit at it and Derek reached out to almost steady her. It however was no worse than any other itty bitty thing that every celeb has every week. Perhaps the Maks fans would have liked her to fall on her rear end. I think they made it look like part of the dance and maybe it was. I am still not sure. Either way, the dance was beautiful. They all just have their tail feathers in a twit. That’s all.
Kelly – I saw the stool wobble during the middle, possibly 3/4 through their routine and Derek stopped it with his foot. I wasn’t sure if it was by mistake or if they were going to do something with it there. Neither of them were on it at the time but they were facing the stool. I think that’s what the commentators are talking about.
Adding on to my post:
I just rewatched again and before Maks even said his comment, Peta and Derek had a grin on their face, almost like they knew it was coming. Please someone go watch it and tell me I’m not completely crazy
Other than her being a freak, Brook? No idea.
Angie, I’ll say it again for the 500th time. You can’t vote someone OFF the show. You can only vote for someone to stay on. Will Amy win? I doubt it, and so what? I seriously doubt all 7000 comments were negative to Amy AND if you think that Maks fans aren’t obsessive enough to generate that many comments, you’ve not been watching this show long enough. As for a mistake? They can SUCK IT because Meryl has been getting great scores on dances that didn’t deserve the points they were getting. Tough shit – that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. That was the best dance of the night, even if there was a mistake – which I missed – if a dance is so great you’re holding your breath, well sometimes it deserves a high score.
Maybe it was the producers plan for Charlie to be redeemed – but Meryl’s scores for her rumba were not surprising in the least. It was too contemporary and I was saying it was going to get dinged even before we got to the judges scoring. The samba could have been two points higher, but she’d still be on the bottom, would she not?
It’s not worth paying attention to those FB comments. They are OBVIOUSLY crazy Maks Meryl shippers. When they say Amy’s dance wasn’t a tango and she just sat on a stool the whole time, they lose all credibility.
I know it probably won’t happen, but if Meryl and Maks get eliminated next week, I’ll be perfectly happy with any of the remaining four winning.
There’s no accounting for stupidity, KellyK and Lynne – really, unless they come here and act like asses, I pay no attention to them. They are scared to death that Amy is going to win and deprive their precioussssss of his trophy. 😀 And that just makes me laugh. I’m still leaning toward Charlie.
You guys were right! Maks was awesome with his comment towards Abby! Charlie and Derek’s faces were priceless! Even Len’s face looked like he hated her.
I honestly don’t see any romantic chemistry between M&M. Especially nothing during that Access Hollywood Live show. I didn’t like that abusive rhumba. It bothered me. Where is the grandma?
Candace did great! She is relatable to the general audience who votes.
Yep, Ananya – there is a serious lack of credibility for anyone who can’t see how amazing that dance was and claim all she did was dance on a stool. That’s moronic.
I’m sure in all the years of this wonderful site, you guys have covered this, but is it unusual for a judge to sit in rehearsals? ALM mentioned something about it, then Amy just posted an instagram which showed her sitting at the judges table.
Also, have to say, I know this isn’t supposed to be like twitter, but i wish the moderator comments had like buttons – I’m loving some of your responses some of the posts – hilarious!.
When Charlie gets downed in scores, it’s the worst thing ever, but when it happens to Meryl it seems no one cares and “they had it coming”.
Seems a bit biased to me. This is not coming from an Amy/Derek super fan, just from obvservations that this site seems very pro-Charlie and anti-Meryl (or Maks), when from my point of view, she’s the better dancer.
What Derek and Amy did with the AT on the stool tonight was simply incredible. Stunned silence at my home watch party. I’m usually not a big fan of prop-centric pieces but that was so sharp and innovative all at once – especially with the week Amy just had – Derek, I formally take my hat off to you.
That being said, I couldn’t *stand* ALM tonight. If I could reach through that screen… her scoring was so ridiculous and inconsistent. I acknowledge my bias: I am a skating fan, and love to see my 2 dancing week after week. But in what universe does Meryl’s 8 line up with James’s 10? That particular juxtaposition seems so… strange. Dual 9s, maybe, or a 9 and an 8. But 8 vs 10? Did you SEE that look Bruno gave ALM? Ha!
On the flip side, so happy to see Charlie have his night. He’s an Olympian, though, and I’ve watched him for a while – I LOVE Charlie! – and he knows when scores and comments don’t add up. It’s a pity because he has had some incredible weeks fully deserving of 10s, yet the week he gets them is… this one? What? I fail to understand.
(I HAVE been looking forward to his Quickstep, though. I love the dance, and it was so suited to his personality.) I was surprised, though, to see him bobble one of the transitions in the Candace lift. He’s such a lift genius most of the time!
Well Matt, I think you’re a bit biased. You really want to try and tell me with a straight face that Meryl was as good tonight as she was in previous weeks??? That samba was a lackluster mess and that rumba was barely a rumba…arguably even LESS rumba than the one that Charlie got completely hosed for a few weeks ago. And Charlie’s been hosed for several weeks now, honey – while Meryl has been lavished with praise week after week. Don’t get your undies in a twist over one week.
Still havent watch the show
Is the trio round next week ?
I saw on twitter that there will be another macy star of dance so exited derek is the best can someone confirm it ?
Thank you for the answer
And Matt, if you don’t like it here – leave. Cause nobody is gonna change their opinion to make you feel more comfortable.
:::rolls eyes::: You must have missed the comment on the blog where I said Meryl was underscored on the Samba, eh Matt?? As for Meryl – she has been scored very high all season and several times it was not warranted. The complaints about Charlie’s scores are IN COMPARISON to Meryl’s. Tonight, anyone who’s watched this show for a while knew Meryl was going to get dinged for that contemporary/rumba – YES, she had it coming because that is NOT the first time that Maks has choreographed a dance that didn’t have enough content. EVERYONE gets docked for that from time to time.
And you’re biased as well – own it.
Lifting a novice is a very different thing than lifting Meryl, Char.
Yes, mariam, I heard that Derek has another Macy’s Stars of Dancing coming up. And in front of Kenny Ortega – couldn’t be better.
No, it wasn’t her strongest week, but not enough to deserve to be on the bottom of the leaderboard. The other dance duels completely suited them while she gets a Samba to a terrible song with another woman? That’s fair.
She doesn’t deserve to get eliminated next week and I can’t help but think if she does, people wouldn’t be that upset around here, but if it was Charlie, it’d be World War 3. Again, just my opinion, that Charlie isn’t as great as he’s made out to be as some second coming and yes he may win, but I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion.
Boo fucking hoo. Someone has to be on the bottom, it is Meryl’s turn. And, frankly, if she wasn’t going to be on the bottom she would only be one up from the bottom. The only dance that wasn’t strong tonight was James.
She’s not going anywhere – for the past 7 weeks they’ve been pimping the crap out of her. They would have found a way to over score her (again) if she was in any danger of leaving. Maks hypersensitive fangirls will be up all night voting because ALM was mean to their boo. And really, as much as I love Maks’ comment to ABL, if he were thinking clearly he would have saved it until after the second score.
The finale will be an interesting one for sure. You basically have what the producers wanted since the beginning- the Olympians dueling it out for the MBT. You will have Amy as a potential spoiler and then Candace probably doing well with the casual voters.
I still think it will totally come down to Meryl and Charlie but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Amy could sneak in there with a victory. Candace will get 4th, which considering her dance technique, she should be very happy with.
See? I spoke about other people and left a certain someone OUT of my post
So, what if Charlie was at the bottom, it would just be his turn?
Also, I’m not a “hypersensative Maks fangirl voting all night because AML was mean”, i’m a DWTS fan who happens to think Meryl is the best dancer of the season and it’ll be a terrible shame for her to miss out on the finals for one week that wasn’t strong, when everyone else can get away with a not strong week.
Meryl won’t get eliminated next week – you know they want her and Charlie in the finale too badly to let that happen, Matt. And why would you care if we’re upset about Meryl or not? Once again, I reiterate: why do any of the Meryl fans give a sh*t what we think of her? We don’t decide who stays and who goes. And we certainly don’t go crawling into very pro-Meryl & Maks forums and cry that they’re being “biased against Derek”. I’m just a bit puzzled that some of the Meryl fans feel like they need our validation or something – or they just can’t process differing opinions, not sure which. But it’s getting tiresome, and I’m about to put anyone that uses the word “biased” on automatic comment moderation. Cause it’s seriously stupid, at this point, and it’s just derailing actual good conversations going on here.
OFC there’s a massive difference between Charlie lifting Meryl (who he’s been with for years) and Candace, for whom this is all so new. I was so in the moment for their dance, and so used to his lifts being perfect, that seeing it just snapped me out for that tiny second.
I for one am really glad that Candace was paired with Charlie, and that she had a contemporary with him as well. Pretty much an ideal matchup for her, out of anything that could have happened. Also, though obv the costuming color scheme was intentional, I also loved (from an aesthetic perspective) she and Charlie with their flowing gold hair, and their partners with contrasting darkness.
Sad to see Val & Danica go home, though I think most of us had called it as their week. I don’t have high hopes for James the next time around. While he really surprised me in the beginning and is incredibly entertaining in his storytelling, he doesn’t ever seem to be comfortable in hold. I feel awkward as an observing viewer. Granted, the show is always full of surprises.
I would love a Meryl/Charlie/Amy final. Except for the part where my usual ‘three way vote split’ would be kind of a useless exercise then… lawl. First world problems…
So interesting, I went to vote (for Amy and Derek) – I use three different accounts. each time at the end of voting the site suggested a related video – of Maks and Meryl’s Salsa. How is that related?
@Matt
Meryl isn’t going anywhere. They might do their usual “in jeopardy” shtick with her next week just so the fans can be riled up to vote but she is hardly in any danger of leaving.
Depending on whether they announce 2 or 3 couples in jeopardy next week, it will be a combo of James/Peta, Candace/Mark, Meryl/Maks. If they do 3, Meryl will be announced safe first. Then James will exit and Candace stays. If they do Meryl and James, because they REALLY want to pump up Meryl’s fans to vote like mad, the result is beyond obvious.
No need to worry. Meryl is safer than safe.
PH, I wasn’t trying to imply anything about fb. Mainly, I was surprised at how fast the comments had built up. I’ve checked it the last few weeks simply because I’m going over there to vote and it was the sheer number SO FAST, that surprised me. Then I started reading and realized that 90% of them were negative ALM comments, ut there was another thread running through the remaining comments. It made me go huh? Then I figured out that ABC got EXACTLY what they wanted in the controversy of having that witchy woman on the show as a judge.
But, since it’s obviously a bit of a “hot button” issue, I’ll try and refrain from mentioning that “other” place from here on out. lol
All I’m saying is that i’m disappointed Meryl got the run down tonight on a night so crucial for voting and when the scores are so damn close and I think my panic comes from her fan base never being tested before so we can no real grasp on how she’s doing, then again, I always get worried when my favorite couple is at the bottom at such a crucial week.
My apologies if I came off annoying, it’s been quite a long day and AML in general put me in a sour mood during the show.
EDITED BY COURTNEY: Minnie, you know better than that – keep it about the show (and not about us) or the next stop is the comment blacklist.
BUT I will give in to the more experienced watchers of this show and buy that that rumba was very contemporary. And i also saw the out-of-sync on the duo dance. I have a feeling meryl will be in jeopardy next week… booo. I was looking forward to this dance given maks’s twittering about how special it would be. I like Maks less and less. Seriously, does it all have to be about him and the fam, and bringing in Grandma? I do not believe that it was not staged.
Derek’s choreography is always sooooo amazing! I love how he perfectly uses the music as part of the dance!! He makes every partner look the very best – every single time. I always forget that Amy doesn’t have the bottom part of her legs. I would probably vote for her if I didn’t have favorites already! I bet Charlie and Meryl wouldn’t even feel badly if they lost to Amy.
This show is offcially a hot mess!!!
I didnt know about ALm beofre this show, so watching her didn’t annoy me as much as the rest of you. Were her comments about the dancing valid? Anyway, Amy killed it tonight and if its between meryl, charlie and her, she wins hands down. Charlie and Meryl are splitting their constituent vote sufficiently enough that will have Derek kissing his next mirrorball.
Why do the judges “hate” Charlie so much… it was almost as if they were forced to give him tens. I love Charlie and I have ranted on here every week about his scores, but that was a 36-37 dance for sure (imho) compared to his last couple of weeks where he should have received the 10s. Im guessing TPTB read these blogs and know we have been ticked off at the very unfair scoring treatment he has received and did something about it. Its hard to feel sorry for the Meryl score although that 8 was completely undeserved. No one likes to be manipulated and thats what many people have expressed about Meryls scoring which is one of the reasons some people dislike the partnership. Not to mention the nauseating pseudo-showmance with Maks… I wish Meryl either A never did the show or B were partnered with Val/Derick from the get go.I love her skating and I cant wait to wash the DWTS TPTB pimpin from off her…yuck. In 3 weeks she’ll be my queen of the ice again. There are no words for Derick and Amy tonight, that AT was out of this world great. I think the missed skill was derick sending the stool Amys way for a trap and kick return. he didnt push it with sufficient force to get it to her. Amy looked ready though, can’t wait to hear what Derick has to say about it. As for Candace, I love her growth and the dance with charlie was great. A little disappointed that they got dinged for Sharna’s mistake, but wait thats right Charlie was in the dance (no not sour grapes Amy and derick did not get dinged for Dericks mistake). Anywho, I think that either James charlie or Meryl are packing their bags next week. Candace and Amy are safe.
This should go without saying, but if you come in here throwing shade at us for not liking so-and-so or accusing us of being “biased” (pot, meet kettle), you’re gonna get met with hostility. If you come in here and talk about why you like Meryl (and can keep us and our opinions out of it), you’ll find that most people will happily discuss it with you. Biiiiiig difference…and it’s one that most trolls can’t make.
Char #155, I’ve been rewatching that “duel” dance for the past “mumblety-mumble” minutes and that little bobble on the transition happened EXACTLY at the point where Charlie had told Candace during the package to NOT grab onto him. She looked like she was wrapped around him a bit like a limpet. I wonder if she had an arm or leg in a funny position?
And I can’t BELIEVE the bobble that both CAI and Len called Sharna out for? It took me watching and re-watching it MULTIPLE times to see that THAT’S what they were talking about. YEESH!
Am I the only west coaster here? The Charlie and Candace duet was really great!!! I really loved it! So happy for them!! I am going to watch that over and over!
Did you guys see the look on Derek’s face when ALM was talking about their Argentine Tango?
I mean did you see the GAMMA RAYS OF HATRED SHOOTING OUT OF HIS EYEBALLS?! Like whoa. I got some goosebumps from that.
So glad Maks said something about ALM. He’s usually shooting out of his mouth, but tonight was soo right on. And Derek clapping was just GOLDEN.
Really hope Artem and Jenna make full time pro next season. IMO.
If I even thought for a second there was something going on between Maks and Meryl, tonight sealed for me that this is a showmance played up totally for votes. The over the top groping is starting to remind me of an SNL skit.
I’m no dance expert and as soon as their dance was over I said that wasn’t a rumba. And was I the only one who was a bit put off that Maks would choreograph that kind of storyline considering his time with Hope Solo?
I loved Charlie and Candace’s dance and was blown away by Amy keeping up with James, Peta and Derek in their dance. The samba was definitely the worst of the three but Grandma C is so cute. I also loved Val translating for her and getting all upset she was happier to see Maks than him. But yikes — what happened to Teddy?? I barely recognized the former cutie pie.
Sorry!! really. i will watch it. don’t want to offend anyone.
@ Donna. Yes, the showmance is too much. Meryl is a good enough dancer, she doesn’t need that to win her anything. She’s shy and reserved so I feel like Maks thinks he needs to compensate.
@Angie. I was listening to Afterbuzz for one of the weeks and the pros were talking about how the camera angles can really show you very selective things and the judges get a completely different angle. Maybe it was obvious to them. But i mean, they love calling charlie out, so its no surprise. I mean, come on even his perfect score was marred with all the comments.
You mean this look, Chloe?? 🙂 http://www.purederekhough.com/2014/05/05/derek-hough-and-amy-purdy-week-8-argentine-tango-screencaps-part-i/#jp-carousel-31544
Charlie HAS BEEN at the bottom, Matt, and closer to it than Meryl AND with better dances. If she misses out she missed out. That’s the way it goes. But she’s not going anywhere.
I’m with Court – why do you need our validation that something is good or not? Why do you care what we say??
It’s not that I need validation if something is good, I know whether or not I liked something.
I’m just in worry mode because my favorite couple is at the bottom and I don’t want to see her leave before she should.
I was just making the observation that there is a lot of Charlie love here and I don’t necessarily agree that he’s the best one left.
PH-can you please post the “dancing by the number” post a little earlier this week? We are really curious how big the gap is and how many votes meryl/james/candance need to get into the final.THX.
Aye aye aye Amy and Derek blew me away twice in one night!!! They both deserve it so much. Just incredible the way Amy danced side by side with Peta too. I loved both of Charlie’s dances as well and Candace was great.
Some last minute thoughts and observations after watching some of the dances again:
Yeah there was that shaky stool movement during Amy’s AT but did it really matter? I mean come on. It doesn’t even qualify as a mistake. I would have been pissed if one of the judges called her out on it.
Derek’s faces tonight were priceless.
I am also failing to see where Carrie Ann said James/Amy/Peta/Derek lost sync. Is it that James and Derek came into the dance one earlier than the other? That seemed planned to me. I am still lost. But oh well.. I have watched that dance over and over again and I am amazed.
I also rewatched Charlie’s dance and I now remember how great it was. Yay Charlie!
I’m guessing next week dances will be (just wild guesses): Amy&Derek/Foxtrot and Samba, Charlie&Sharna/Argentine Tango and Salsa. Meryl&Maks/Quickstep and Paso Doble. James&Peta/Argentine Tango and Rumba and Candace&Mark/Tango and Salsa. I am worried for James next week and I have a bad feeling he might not make it but I’ll just do my hard voting for him online tomorrow. Regardless, I will be happy to have seen him make it this far (and seeing him do an Arg. Tango if he gets it next week).
Can’t wait for next week!
CC – not to bust your guess bubble but Charlie & Sharna have the Samba next week. They told an interviewer from Glamour tonight that will be their dance.
Derek and Amy were amazing, and the duel dance – that was the best! I can’t stop watching it. Peta and Amy DID look like sisters, just like Bruno said. James kept up with Derek, and when he danced with Amy, I couldn’t believe it. They looked like pros!
Amy’s costumes, again, were beautiful.
I feel very, very sorry for Danica tonight. I know this sounds paranoid, but I feel like the C brothers got together and threw her under the bus to ensure a place for Meryl. Danica is better than that horrible samba.
Oh, Matt, I would not be upset, at all, if Meryl and Maks (well, Maks) were eliminated next week. I have had my fill if the fake canoodling. Just dance already!
@Jackie darn. not gonna lie that was my initial guess and then I just changed it to Salsa. Hahaha. Thanks for the info anyways 😀
Matt (183): There’ll be a lot of people think like you and voting like crazy for meryl… and i’m crossing my fingers she’ll be safe.
Meryl might be a better dancer by a slim margin (I think she has more natural talent just from watching ice-dancing), but charlie is so much more relatable and friendly. People just like his personality more. BTW. ALM wanted charlie’s hair slicked back for a quickstep. what are you talking about woman?
Carlie (188) : aww come on. really? you would have to believe that the C-brothers are actually horrible people to do that to Danica. Esp, Val who has been working so closely with her for 8 weeks now. I think they can be arrogant a@#)(*@ but I don’t know if they can be that cruel. Unless, danica actually wanted out because of her injury.
I viewed ALM’s kind comments to Derek a bit differently than a lot of people. I didn’t see it as her wising up and kissing up to a talented and influential choreographer (although he is). I saw it as an attempt by her to force Derek into saying “thank you” to someone he doesn’t respect or like and therefore force him into a submissive role by thanking her. ALM had to know that thanking her would be the last thing Derek would want to do but if she was extravagant enough in her compliments, he would probably be forced to respond. I was so thrilled when he barely responded and clearly was not impressed that she was impressed.
I’m so glad she got the cold shoulder from everyone tonight. I could feel how unwelcome she was all the way through my TV. I can’t imagine how clear it must have been in person.
Matt, I wouldn’t worry. People will be email voting all night for them. Rather than worry here, vote. It may have been planned by TPTB in order to increase their votes. It has been known to happen that way for a reason.
I think Charlie will probably win but man I would like to see Amy walk away with it. She didn’t even know if she could dance when she started and OMG how far she has come.
I also cant’ wait for the Macy’s Stars of Dance next week. You know it will be killer. I think Kenny Ortega will be a good judge. I don’t know that he is trained in ball room, but I think he will be good. Just wait until the Maks crazy fans hear that he and Derek have a history. Oy Vay!
One question….is the free style next week???
Looked at the Glamour article and loved the picture of Candace & Mark and the hair… too funny.
Hm. I thought that some of Abby Lee Miller’s comments were actually valid (Meryl did have slightly sickled feet, although imo that should probably warrant a 9, not an 8), but her scoring was rather inconsistent to me. I mean, seriously, she gave James a 10? Seriously? That was nowhere near the level of Charlie or Amy’s dances imo!
Go Maks for speaking out against her! Although I agree with some other posters, that was not a good move especially at that point in the show … I think it probably did impact their duel score. Well anyway, it gave TPTB their dose of drama that they crave for, right? “Maks goes head to head with dance mom Abby Lee Miller”? Add in that La Famillia are probably voting in full force because Val was eliminated today – Yeah, I don’t think Maks and Meryl are going home next week. I’m guessing probably Candace or James.
so they have Macy’s performance next week? That’s great news!
Amy and Derek…wow, wow, wow! In my opinion, the best dance of the season! I adore Derek’s AT and oh man…he does not dissapoint. I was holding my breath the whole time and that moves on the stool. AMAZING! And Derek’s facial expressions were priceless :)even though Abby Lee praised him, he didn’t look too happy haha 😀
Meryl and Maks…loved the story, but really disliked the dance. That was not a rumba. Not at all. I agree with scores, although I would expect an 8 from Len. You know, because he gave Charlie an 8. But Maks made me very happy with that “I don’t care what she says” comment 😀
Danica and Val… I liked their dance. But I agree, it took a little too long to start, but I really liked it 🙂
Candace and Mark…I don’t know why, but I thought it was boring and a little weird.
James and Peta…beautiful dance, but he really has a problem with his bottom sticking out.
James and Amy killed it, that dance deserved a perfect score, I have no idea what Carrie Ann was saying.
Candace and Charlie. Wow, Candace was good, she really suprised me. I was not a huge fan of the choreography, but I agree with scores.
Meryl and Danica were out of sync and it was just really boring to me.
What a great show!
Loved Mark’s song and the opening dance. I had no idea what to expect but I loved his song.
ALM – So happy that rude, pig of a woman got hosed herself. The audience booed her several times. Bruno told her to shut up the first voting round. Len looked disgusted with her. So did CAI, especially when ALM made that weird comment that she’d liked to know what a one night stand was like (I’m sure she would, or a 2-night stand, 3-night…). CAI looked like she was going to throw up. And Maks’ comment with Derek applauding…PRICELESS! ALM looked like a joke, perfect since she is.
I love the personal stuff. I enjoy seeing Candace being herself at home with her kids. Now that Danica’s gone I hope she makes the final 4. Her duel dance was beautiful. She’s personable and fun.
Loved Grandma! A shame it isn’t about Meryl’s personal life but it is what it is. For a split second I thought Maks was being rude to Danica but when I play it back Maks asked her how they were being insulting. Danica told both brothers never mind and that she and Meryl talk about them when they’re not around. It was a rude and snotty thing to say, imo, and Maks called her on it.
LOVED Amy and Derek’s AT. Took my breath away.
This is going to be one heck of a finale show. Can’t wait!
I keep trying to figure out why the Chmerkovskiy family samba was so so so akward and uncomfortable…. The package, the coreography, their chemistry as a group, their styling.Even the grandma thing which sounded like cute was all a bit forced… Although on paper they were the ones that should have got along best, the brothers and the fact that they all worked with eachother already… Did anyone else feel the same? what do you think caused it?
I noticed that as well, Annie. Not sure why it didn’t go well, maybe a combination of reasons. I found Maks/Meryl/Danica/Val a lot quieter tonight.. mainly Meryl. But to me all 4 were acting distant
I liked all the dances. Even Meryl’s and Maks’, if it was officially a contemporary piece with the music and all. Nobody deserved to go home this week, imo. So I’m sad to see Danica and Val go.
Can’t wait to see the next Macy’s Dance. Always the highlight of the show for me. Did I understand it right Derek and Christopher Scott creating it? That’s AWESOME!!!
What an overrated/under rated night. This episode was clearly adjusted to be “nicer”. According to this episode, Candace = James > Meryl. Seriously?! And comparing Amy’s Argentine Tango to Meryl’s Argentine Tango, there was no way that Amy’s was any better than Meryl’s. After Abby’s comments to Charlie, that was no 40 deserved or earned. I know producers are doing this to make it seem more interesting because if somebody kept winning all the time, it would just be easy to assume that somebody will win. I was sad to see Danica go tonight, this was definitely not my night. My picks for finals are Meryl, Amy, and Charlie. Also, Amy and that sympathy vote is getting really annoying as well with the crying in the video package. The first few times I feel sorry, but after a while, IT’S NOT SPECIAL ANYMORE. I’m hoping for a better episode next week and pray Meryl and Maks don’t get eliminated. If they don’t win this season, this is probably the most messed up season yet. Furthermore, the show will put a big T-shirt on their front/back saying “Maks will never be able to win”. I’m glad to get my thoughts out right now. 😛
Christopher Scott does amazing group routines and Derek, well he must be doing something right. His success and talent are known but when the critics are out in full force their criticism contradict each other, he and Amy did well. She was amazing and for those saying she just sat, she danced. Funny bc in our house, everyone was just amazed at her dancing and leg action. The stool was used unlike just messing about. I know the anger over the 40 and the stool, I missed it the first time. Not a hug deal since Jason Taylor got tens and perfect scores when there were visible mistakes. That he did. Though Meryl must be doing well in votes. The panic in her fans seems part of the plan but I really hope james and Amy play spoiler. As for Candace. She is the every person the journey but she should go next. But think she may stay another week.
People who complain ab Amy don’t know/understand this show. It is not really a dance competition so you can’t use the argument “oh, but Meryl is a better dancer”. In an actual dance competition you would never have dancers vs non dancers. In that respect, it is also hard to judge DWTS bc how can you score Amy/James agains Meryl, Charlie, Danica..so yeah it is not easy to score them. I’m not excusing the awful inconsistent scores this season I’m just saying it is not as easy at it may seem. I’ve seen comments today ab how “Amy was stading on a chair for 20 seconds”, to those comments I would respond: Derek’s partner has no legs, what is Maks’s excuse for choreographing seconds of nothing just holding hands and looking into eachothers eyes. All these complains I read ab Derek dancing around his partner, or how he uses different tricks to cover for his partner shortcomings, that’s called being smart, that’s creativity. Who is stopping the other pros from doing the same??? That’s why Derek won 5 times, he knows how to make a dance look good no matter who his partner is.
I loved their tango, I feel like Amy is getting better and better. The jive and now the tango were amazing.
Carlie’s scoring is so ridiculous :))) I love him and actually hope he wins but I don’t think this was his best dance, that said I don’t care bc he was screwed so many times by now.
I don t really know this new female judge, I only read comments ab her and saw how everyone was upset ab her coming on the show. So having all that in my head I trully enjoyed the Maks and Derek moment :))))
I feel like Val was the only one capabale of a good freestyle but now if Meryl, CHarlie and Amy get there, I think it will be between Sharna and Derek, since I can’t see Maks choreograph someting entertaining.
Julia – sympathy votes for Amy?! Well, let me tell you something, girl. I vote for Amy. And I def don’t vote for her because I feel sorry for her. No, not at all. I vote for her, because she is, and that’s my opinion, better dancer without feet that most of the people who are in the show and have two feet. I vote for her because she continue to amaze me every single week. I vote for her because I can see her improving and getting better each and every week. She was injured this week, she didn’t start rehearsing and dancing until Friday, yet she went on that stage and own it yesterday. I vote for her because she is making it look so easy, yet it must be extremely hard. Have you seen the legs she is dancing with? She is basically balancing on her toes. Please, go on and try to do this yourself.
So pleased to see “non-dancer” Danica go. For someone with previous ballroom experience I never thought she was that good anyway. My dream now would be for Meryl to go next, so we’d have gotten rid of Tony, Val and Maks in consecutive weeks; unfortunately I don’t see that happening as the shippers will be voting like crazy as they’re at the bottom.
Also, after tonight there is only one deserving winner for me: DEREK and Amy. How amazing would it be for a double-amputee to win over possibly the three biggest ringers (Meryl, Danica, Charlie) to ever be on DWTS?!
To no one’s surprise, the regulars are still treating this like Twitter, and it’s annoying. Unlike them, I’ll post once unless a follow-up is warranted.
Glad Charlie got his perfect score, albeit in the most unusual way. I do not agree with the perfect score for Amy, though. If you eliminate the stool, then yes, but I give Derek credit for his innovation. Let’s be honest: Meryl’s rumba had little rumba content, but as a freestyle two weeks from now, it rocks! Neither the 8 from CAI nor the 10 from ALM to James was warranted, but the 36 total was about right. Danica’s tango was beautiful and Candace’s foxtrot was fun. I really love how Candace has grown through the season.
The judging on the dual dances (they certainly weren’t dueling because they weren’t trying to knock the other pair out) was spot on, and I actually cheered Amy and James’s jive.
Did the right star go home? I think so, though not necessarily because of the dancing. When James landed on the bottom last week, his fans and followers mobilized like crazy, and surely Charlie’s fans weren’t about to let him go home. So, that left the question of whether James’s fans could lift him past Danica. We got our answer.
I’m sure the people who think Amy just sat in the stool throughout the dance probably also thought Shawn Johnson only did gymnastic routines on DWTS. It’s a shame that there’s negativity surrounding Amy’s dances from a lot of Maks/Meryl fans when I think what Amy is doing is amazing. I was so nervous for her after hearing that she had struggled during the week, but I was blown away by the end result. I don’t mind the little fumble with the stool because it wasn’t Amy’s fault. Her leg action was mesmerizing.
Charlie and Sharna’s Quickstep has become one of my favorite ones done on the show. Their bodies were so close during hold. It literally looked like the tummies were touching while they were executing the very fast, intricate footwork.
I did get choked up a bit watching Charlie and his mom. The way he was beaming and laughing when she was talking to him was very sweet.
I’ve decided to re-board the Meryl and Maks train after disembarking a couple of weeks ago. Her port de bra during the Rumba was exquisite. Often we see celebrity arms in the Rumba that are stiff afterthoughts, so I loved her arms.
I’m so happy we have the kind, thoughtful and fun Mark back! Very happy they get to dance another week.
I really can’t put into words anymore how amazing Amy and Derek are. I wish they’re was an emoticon of a head exploding with rainbows and hearts, that’s how I feel.
Per Afterbuzz Tv interview: Meryl & Maks have Jive & Viennese Waltz next week. James & Peta Cha-Cha & Rumba (Could change b/c of music stuff per Peta)
I hope the camaraderie between the pros lasts for awhile. It was heartening and amazing to see Mark’s giggling and Derek’s clapping after Mak’s rebuke to ALM.
I know I sound like a broken record, but contestants need to wear the damn correct shoes. Meryl’s hip action in the Rumba would have been more defined if she had the correct shoes on. And if I see those idiotic wedge sneakers again on the ballroom floor I’ll scream bloody murder.
YOU GO GIRL !!! (Tamara). Love how passionate your post (#205) is. That is EXACTLY what I was thinking and feeling when a read post #202. Amy makes it look so easy. And the stool thing … c’mon guys … I can imagine, that the lean on the stool is not that easy. LOVED IT!!!! I voted for her and will vote for her the next couple of weeks and I hope she will win. I will feel a bit sorry for the other pros, but Amy deserves it,and Derek, too, because he doesn’t make this all about him like a certain pro.
Thank you, Iana 🙂 it pisses me off, how other people try to take away her hard work by saying that she is still in the competition only because of her story, when it’s just not true. Yes, her story is inspiring, but she is doing a damn good job as a dancer too. I swear, I forget that she has no feet, she is that amazing 🙂
I agree with you both. So, Julia, you were fine Amy as long as she was a token figure for a few weeks. Lovely.
I must have missed the part in the definition of blog/message board etiquette where it says that the people who post there should not have the same opinion or same favorite because it makes the fans of another person uncomfortable?
Anyway….the dances and music were generally much better than last week! Looking forward to the Power Rankings!
For those wondering, a 1-point difference in scores corresponds to a difference of either ~2,250 votes per million (if Danica’s points count) or ~2,650 votes per million (if they don’t).
Why does everyone think that Vals votes will go to Maks I voted for Val & Danica. I am now voting for James
I’ll try, Theresa, but I have lots going on and I also have to consider what’s the best timing for the blog.
You are so right Tamara as is #Katie. I find it so funny how much Maks is struggling with a good partner, according to Suri (from Afterbuzz) Tony said that it is much harder to choreograph for a good partner, I had to LOL at that one. When Derek had Nicole all I heard was “well, sure they are great, Nicole is a dancer”, so aparently is not that easy to win and a good partner is not all it takes.
That said, I agree I love to see the camaraderie between the pros. I belive they are all friends, sure Tony is closer to the C bros and Derek is with Mark and other pros etc, but even if they all have strong personalities I doubt they hate each other. I can’t say the same for their respective fans :)))
Tamara, he can’t give an 8 to the chosen one. 🙂 If it were Derek he would have given a 7 – there’s video proof of that from several seasons.
I think that Derek and Amy’s AT as well as the contemporary number with Mark,Candace, Sharna, and Charlie were the best dances of the night. Amy danced beautifully and Derek’s choreography was great especially the part with the stool. I loved how well Candace and Charlie danced together and I really liked the whole concept of their dance.
Candace has been my favorite this season from the beginning and I think she’s really improved. I hope she makes it to the finale with Charlie, Amy, and Meryl.
Kudos to Maks for saying what I’m sure a lot of the other pros were thinking about Abby Lee Miller, but that probably hurt his group’s score.
I re-watched Meryl and Danica’s duel (dual?) dance and on mute it is FAR better than with the music. That song was just atrocious…it definitely has my vote for the worst song on DWTS. I’m not at all worried about Meryl, she will be safe next week. It looks like they are setting things up for a “shocking” elimination next week with a Meryl and Charlie final two.
Maks & Meryle have to win. They are the best! Abby Lee is rude and abusive to children. Please – never have her on the show again.
Great night of dancing. I’ll keep my comments about the couples for Court’s power post.
I have a curiosity and since it doesn’t fit any typical thread, I’ll post it here maybe some of you here can help me out. Do you know why Amy is not wearing shoes in her dances? I would have thought that having shoes helps with balance because you have another point of contact with the floor and you’re not constantly on your toes.
Please do not take it as part of the discussion of inappropriate footwear. I’ve noticed the lack of shoes a couple of weeks ago and I could not figure out a reason for it. Thanks.
Amy? Sympathy vote?? Crack is wack, ya’ll. She danced a killer Argentine Tango – killer. It was hard to believe she did that on prosthetic legs – which is why there are silly people claiming it’s not special anymore. She makes it look too easy. That was a better AT than anyone else on the show with two legs has done this season – probably even Meryl for the sheer drama. Hard to believe she would get frustrated from time to time, all things considered. :::rolls eyes::: Do some of you people know how you sound or are you sounding cruel on purpose??
Where were the critics who say Amy sat when Maks puts 20 seconds of nothing but walking or running in most of his routines?? Oh, right. Unlike Maks’ walking/running, that stool was some amazing choreography. The shrill screams of “Amy is being pimped” and “Amy is being over scored” and “Amy sat” are actually sweet vindication of some great dancing – those fans are scared to death that Amy might snatch that MBT out of Maks’…I mean Meryl’s hands. I don’t think it’s going to happen, but the sheer terror is fun to watch. 😀
Ken, STFU about how other people are posting – that’s my job and if I didn’t see a problem with it, then there is no problem. Period.
I don’t know, Anna, but intuitively it seems to me that perhaps she already has too many barriers between her and the floor. If you think about it, she can’t feel the floor, she can only feel pressure on her legs and she has to balance on those plastic toes…adding shoes to that might actually make it harder to do that. I can’t really explain it better than that – I’m just trying to imagine adding another layer to the material between Amy and the floor.
I was very bothered by Val and Maks’ duel package. I found it incredibly awkward to watch when he silenced Danica. She was clearly uncomfortable by his behaviour and yet people seem to ignore it and support him and his partnership with Meryl. I find it hard to believe Meryl would like that kind of treatment. I really dislike men who tell women how to behave and on camera it is doubly offensive. No other pro acts like that it seems or gets caught on camera with so little self control. It is the same lack of self control he had when he blasted ALM. Sure it is drama and maybe it was even scripted, but I found him very dominating. If he treats women who question him like he treated Danica it is not surprising he has not had much luck in relationships.
Anna, in a way her new demi pointe feet ARE her ballroom shoes. They give her the lift and forward momentum that a typical ballroom shoe gives real feet.
If you lay your foot down flat on the floor and then slowly lift up starting with the heel and ending with just the backs of your toes touching the floor, that’s the range of motion and articulation of a normal foot. Amy has none of that ability. It’s astounding how she can move on the floor like she does.
During the first couple of dances that she and Derek did, she wore her regular flat feet with low heels. I think she and Derek found it very limiting for her to dance with, therefore they started using the demi pointe feet. She was incredible to watch with the regular flat feet, but once she started using the new feet it was like watching a tightly closed flower open up the the warm sun. It freed her.
I will say although I thought what Danica said was rude, Maks repeatedly has no sense of tact. And Danica saying they’re like family and families fight. I don’t want to see other people’s family drama. It’s uncomfortable. You make me uncomfortable, I don’t want to vote for you and unfortunately that includes your partner you dragged into it.
Manners go a long way in public support and good opinion and when things like Maks’ lack of them are added into wanting someone to win in a very close competition and the other contestants are well mannered and thoughtful, it costs votes, imo. Votes Meryl can’t afford to lose when it comes to the good will and admiration of the other couples as well as dancing.
Agreed Ashley. Danica is a super intelligent and confident person who probably doesn’t like to be treated condescendingly so she bit back. Meryl might be used to being spoken to harshly from all her judging for skating and maybe doesn’t get upset by that. Perhaps Meryl sees beyond that attitude towards women that keeps coming out with him. I don’t know, it just bothered me and stood out as a moment in the show that was awkward and unpleasant. Even if scripted, where there is smoke there is fire imo.
who’s idea was it to bring in Abby Lee Miller? Worst night of judging ever – loved Maks’ comment and Derek cheering – but I fast forwarded through all the judges comments – they were not reflective of the scores given.
Charlie & Sharna’s dance was good – it didn’t deserve perfect score across the board – he’s had better dances.
i LOVED Charlie & Candace’s dance. one of my favourite ever on DWTS.
James & Peta were severely over-scored.
Meryl & Danica’s duo was awkward.
Derek’s choreography of the argentine tango was Magnificent.
Abby Lee Miller was just the worst judge EVER!!! please stop with the guest judges.
Sorry but Mark should stick with dancing, did not like his song or his voice, the song will go the way of Derek’s movie – nowhere!!.
Sorry to see Danica go, I really liked her.
Will say it again and again, I totally hate the guest judges, they bring nothing to the table except extra point for the dancers. Abby said nothing constructive to any of the dancers.
Well lets just stop the competition and give the MBT to Amy, enough said.
Big Maks/Meryl fan here, but found Amy’s AT to be amazing! Derek does a great job with the choreo to show her strengths, without taking anything away from the dance.
Thought maybe Candace would go instead of Danica, to me they are interchangeable. Next week it’s either Candace of James. I did love Candace and Charlie’s routine tonight though.
My top three Meryl/Amy/Charlie. I just hope Maks reaches out to Val when it comes to the freestyle…because though I do heart him, I’m not blinded to the fact that he has the weakest choreography between Sharna and Derek overall.
I read that the ratings were ‘softer’ than usual for last night’s episode. Hope that changes next week.
Charlie has definitely been getting hosed all season.
I don’t think people are voting for Derek, they’re voting for Amy because what she’s been able to do is astounding and she’s as good if not better than the other women remaining in the competition.
CAI always judges via her va j j and it’s sickening already. I really would like her to be replaced.
What I realized last night is that the toughest job on DWTS has to be co-host. Erin is the third and she’s not much better than Brooke or Samantha. Maybe they should try an ex-pro dancer from the show who is familiar with the professional cast and will ask specific dance questions in the dish bowl. I think we’ll see another new co-host next season. Probably Maria Menounos.
I want to see an international champions show.
If Meryl, Amy or Charlie win the MBT, I’ll be happy for them.
All wonderful dancers imo.
Amy brings an amazing spirit and I think she’s outstanding despite no feet. Never had one pity thought towards her. She just blows my mind.
Meryl is lyrical and lovely and emotes better than the rest, imo.
Charlie, charming and charismatic.
Thanks PH and Susan2. I do not follow very closely Derek’s blogs, I thought that maybe he brought that up somewhere.
I totally agree that her feet look beautiful as they are, without shoes. But I remember her package for the duel with james where she explained how she needs to hold on to something to balance her body. That’s when I was wondering if not having her heals makes her more wobbly when not in hold.
This aside, she is just beautiful to watch.
Changed my mind and watched the show last night after reading the posts here.
Please do not get another guest judge. It does not add anything to the show and most of their scoring is just weird.
Meryl and Maks dances did not wow me although the 8 is a little low.
Candace impressed me at the duel dance. One of the most beautiful choreos
I’ve seen in the show. Kudos to Mark and Sharna and Charlie – those lifts were just great. The emotions were spot on and overall it was just lovely.
That was a really good AT from Amy and Derek.
I think the right person left. Next should be James.
Nancy, please let me know when any other pro will get a lead role in the movie. Thanks.
I can’t decide which of these 3 things about last night’s show infuriated me the most:
-The fact that they had ALM on as a guest judge in the first place.
-The fact that she gave James’ OK-but-not-amazing waltz a 10.
-The fact that they made Danica and Meryl dance to that awful JLo “song.” I am pretty sure whoever ended up with that song was going to be doomed to fail (although I did think the 8s were a little low).
Last night was my least favorite episode in a very long time. There were dances I liked, but I wasn’t particularly inspired by any of them. I’m very disappointed by this because I always look forward to the point in the season when all of the “riff-raff” is gone and everyone left is good. With Nene’s departure last week, we finally got to that point.
I really liked Danica and will miss her. I hope next week’s show is better.
I have read most of the comments on this thread and perhaps I’ve missed it, but can someone please tell me what was so historic or epic about Maksim and his Rumba? I must have missed something. I did see Amy Purdy and Peta M. in almost perfect sync during the Jive, now that was pretty epic.
Derek’s choreography of the tango was remarkable as choreography; I think he has a stronger understanding of what makes for compelling images for the camera than any of the other pros on the show. I’m not convinced it was a 40 in terms of meeting what’s expected as an Argentine Tango, but if we were rating choreographers I’d go for the 40 in terms of overall impact. Sometimes it feels like we’re being told stories about what Amy can/can’t do that seem to be inconsistent week to week — I would swear that I see some moves I’d call pivoting in the early part of this dance, though we were told weeks ago that Amy can’t pivot. But overall I loved the dance and really like how she brings the characterization in.
OTOH, the Danica/Meryl combined dance was pretty weak choreography, danced not all that well. It looked like it was thrown together.
I really liked Charlie’s quickstep; he’s a delight on the upbeat dances.
Meryl/Maks’s rumba was great dancing, but no clue why it wasn’t designed for her to wear heeled shoes and incorporate more extensive traditional rumba. I think it was a whole lot better than James’ or Candace’s dances.
The Charlie/Candace duel dance was cute but not overwhelming. His ability to lift Candace so easily and fluidly was danged impressive; she’s a whole lot larger than Meryl. Why Mark was carrying Candace like a sack of potatoes, I’ve got no clue, but it was ugly.
Good for Makes for saying what a lot of pros clearly think about Abby Lee Miller, and for Derek to so clearly applaud in the background. Bruno clearly despises her, and so does CAI, and when you’ve managed to get on Tom’s bad side you know you’ve done wrong. (“This is only a two-hour show.”)
I do not get James at all. Nor do I get his scores. Inconceivable.
Oooo…Nancy’s knickers are in a bunch. 🙂 Let me guess – Meryl?? Or just Danica? 😀 I liked Mark’s song…and Derek’s movie is doing just fine for being a low budget indie with no promotion. No one was expecting Titanic. :::rolls eyes::: Best of all, it shows he has leading man potential and can act – mission accomplished.
As for giving Amy the MBT…works for me – some of you have SUCH bad karma, it just might happen. I saw lots and lots of Maks fans tickled to death that Abby was going to be on the show, thinking she would ding Derek and Mark. How’d that work out for you? 😉
That was C-bros epic hyperbole, Sherry2. 😀
Charlie should’ve gotten some judges’ love and kudos for choreographing his and Candace’s 20 second lift!! Candace was getting all the love but Charlie also did am amazing job with that difficult lift!! They had really great chemistry together, more so than with Sharna yesterday. DJ was his Full House crush, he said!
Also, loved Mark’s song and dance routine! So fun!
And I’m so glad that Amy got Derek as a partner. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be as amazing as she is now.
Have you not heard of “learning”, Ziggle?? I think it’s likely that as Derek and Amy go along and try out different feet, they are figuring out how to do things that they thought were impossible. Hell, I would have thought that a Jive, for Amy, was impossible, yet she killed it. People are not *static* – particularly not someone like Amy, or Derek for that matter. As for “what’s expected in an AT”…I think you need to watch the dance AGAIN, because it had all the elements of one. It looked a tiny bit similar to Jennifer Grey’s actually.
Heidi, about Maks’s fans being happy that ALM is going to be on the show…. I can’t stop laughing, she was praising Derek all over the place and Maks was the one who she picked on (I’m not going to say that it wasn’t deserved). Karma is a bitch 😀
Jennifer Grey’s is probably my favorite Argentine Tango EVER done on the show (followed closely by Nicole’s and Gilles’). Amy’s AT though was stellar and is now probably in my top 5 Arg. Tangos.
@PH: Amy’s inability (or relative ability, perhaps) to pivot might also be a question of the feet she’s using at the time.
Oh, what a night. I’m sooo happy Charlie and Amy got the scores they deserved.
Charlie and Shawna – A little bobble, no big deal. Loved his performance and the choreo was spot on. Shawna is so impressive I have to remind myself she’s still a new Pro on DWTS.
Candace and Mark – I’m really enjoying her journey and for someone with no dance experience, I think she’s doing quite well. Sweet personality and bubbling over with enthusiasm. Hope she stays awhile longer.
James and Peta – I think James is a nice guy but his performance last night was not good and I’m not impressed by Peta. James has yet to WOW me. Certainly did not deserve a 10.
Meryl and Maks – Very little Rumba content and broke hold a lot. Like my Mom always says, don’t kill the message because you don’t like the messenger. I agree with ALM. From the onset the stooges have been pimping Meryl week after week, lavishing her with praise, high scores and virtual no criticism. Thank you Abby for pointing out the flaws and not pretending that the princess is perfect. Regardless of their low score last night, TPTB have already decided that Maks will win and assured it by getting rid of Danica.
Amy and Derek – WOW, WOW, WOW. It was mesmerizing from beginning to end. They Kill it. Derek is in a class of his own and his choreo is unbelievable. ALM was right again, he is a legend. And Amy is so special, so talented, words failed to express what I think her. TPTB underestimate her and they maybe in for a big surprise. I hope Amy and Derek win the MBT but I would also be happy if Charlie won.
#131-(sorry, am just catching up with all of the comments on this particular thread). Meryl/Maks dedicated last night’s dance to ChildHelp, per twitter, so I imagine the “historic” is tying the dance to a cause (child abuse). Given how he is working with them to establish art and dance therapy components in their in and out of residence therapeutic programs, I could understand why he feels so strongly about ALM and her teaching methods. Could he have expressed his dislike of her better? Probably.
Really liked Charlie/Sharna/Candace/Mark’s group dance. Liked James/Peta/Amy/Derek’s dance. Not a big fan of Meryl/Maks/Danica/Val’s dance. Something was off there, the bros looked grim before it, IMO.
I still feel like I am waking up from a bad nightmare that was ALM. No matter who you support or if you think her comments were warranted, the issue I have with her is what she stands for. Her show is disgusting, and is not what the love of dance is about. I was a shame that ABC stooped to that level as there are so many other more qualified, respected, capable judges that could have been utilized. I think the one thing I really saw was the pros really supporting each other and standing as a group of individuals who love dance, and were ashamed that ALM was on the program. It was great to see that unity.
On another note any updates on next week if there are any “special” dances? I assume the trio is out which is a bummer. Always loved to see who each group chose as their “3rd wheel.”
I hated ALM, but I hated her for different reasons than I thought I would. I just thought she was going to be a real bitch (which she was), but she was actually rather incoherent at times and tried to be funny and failed and just generally embarrassed herself. I don’t watch her show but Joel McCale shows clips on the Soup all the time in order to rip her and I expected her to be a bitchy diva, no a rambling mess. If she was hoping this might catapult her to the next level of “stardom”, she failed miserably.
I think it will be Charlie, Meryl and Amy in the final 3 with Charlie winning. The only explanation I can think of for why they always give Charlie negative comments even when he dances well(and even when giving him a 40) is that he’s running away with the audience vote and the show doesn’t want it to look like he’s running away with it.
All the remaining dancers are good, all except James could legitimately win talentwise and might have won in weaker seasons. All should be getting fairly close scores on their talent alone, so I’m curious to see who gets overscored and who gets underscored by the judges going forward. But I think Charlie has the edge in the likability factor, I just think he’s going to get the biggest slice of the audience vote and take the mirrorball in the end.
That “stool wobble” later in Amy and Derek’s dance was a trick they decided not to do apparently. Didn’t need it.
Ziggle, check out this piece on Amy – http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/30/how-paralympian-amy-purdy-dances-like-a-star.html
It talks about the different type of feet she uses. For her contemporary dance she used feet that were designed for SWIMMING!
“What Purdy was wearing in that dance weren’t feet designed for dancing at all. They’re actually feet designed for swimming, made by a company called Freedom Innovations. The feet have two settings, flat and flexed, so that amputees can walk along the beach, get into the water, and then flex the foot to an angle to swim. No one had ever danced on them, like Purdy did, but when she came to Freedom Innovations and asked for feet she could use to stand on her toes, the company had to think fast.
Even though the foot wasn’t tested for this kind of use, Purdy felt it was worth the risk. “We were a bit concerned, because obviously the product isn’t meant for walking in that position,” says Meghan Seus, the senior product manager at Freedom Innovations. She admitted that watching Purdy dance on the foot was both exciting and a bit stressful. “I was holding my breath,” she says. It paid off for Purdy though, as the dance brought the audience to tears.”
We already know the judges will pick the rumba for Charlie’s redemption dance. If for some reason Meryl makes it through this week (fingers crossed), it seems as if she will do the rumba as well. I doubt they would make her do a third samba. Charlie and Meryl doing the same dance on the same week for redemption…what a weird coincidence
Thanks for the recap! I am really interested to see the “by the numbers” post this week. I am so bad at numbers and scoring, etc. that I don’t know what the odds really are for anyone to stay. I am thinking Meryl is definitely in jeopardy, but is it almost certain she is going since there is such a large gap? Has anyone stayed with that large of a gap in numbers? Going to be dramatic no matter what happens!
:::sigh::: That is not a large gap and yes, people have stayed.
Lol. I am really dumb at knowing how the numbers all factor in. Sorry!
Any theories on what they are going to do Monday?
I can’t decide between whether “pulling a Candace” (when she was in the bottom 2 the week before and called safe first the next week)or if they will actually put M&M in jeopardy. I think next week would be the week they pull something shocking and have a “shocking” elimination. Plus they need a little bit more a boost after last night..wasn’t it said somewhere it was a little lower viewing?
@Buttercup
Thank you for the info!
@Brook I don’t think they’ll make her do the Rumba. I have a feeling they’ll probably make her redo the Salsa (because Len did not like the extra dancers) or ChaChaCha (since it was her lowest scoring and can improve).
It’ll be interesting to see what they choose for other dancers.. I can see them making Amy do the Salsa again, Candace the Quickstep and James probably the Tango.
Last night’s show was better than I expected. I didn’t like ALM, but it sounds like she could have been a lot worse.
I liked almost all the dances – the ones I didn’t were Merica’s samba (and what a *horrid* piece of music), and Danica’s tango. James’ waltz was a little funky, and Meryl’s rumba really seemed to be more of a contemporary piece, so they weren’t really my favorites either.
But Amy’s AT was *amazing*! So good! Charlie’s quickstep, Candace’s foxtrot, and the other two “dance duels” were also really fun and really good. So glad that Charlie and Amy were rewarded for their work.
I can’t wait to see Courtney’s Power Rankings – I’m looking forward to her comments on this week. 🙂
FYI Anna Trebunskaya was there last night and has since posted a blog/recap about the dancers. Interesting read to be able to see someone’s opinion who was actually in the room.
I know we can’t post links but its on abcnews website for anyone interested
Ratings numbers could have been off last night because it was the season premiere of 24, and it was said that it affected viewership for that time period on the other major networks. They all were lower this week in comparison to last week.
There also were people who commented here and on twitter that they would not watch DWTS last night because ALM was judging, as they did not want to give her any ratings boost.
Bottom line, I hope it means no more ALM on the show in the future.
I feel as though I’m the only person not to have a problem with Abby’s judging, but that’s ok! I just appreciated that she could give them constructive criticism & things to work on for future weeks (like watching the sickled feet, straightening knees, ect.), rather than some guest judges like Redfoo (who was hilarious) that couldn’t really add anything. If there’s going to be a guest judge wasting time, let them be able to make an educated comment. As hilarious as I found Maks’s comment/the reaction, I also found it semi rude just because as an instructor I feel like you would want to know what you could do to make Meryl even better than she already is. Those reactions to it were priceless though.
Charlie is just precious. I loved how every time couples seemed to go up into the skybox he was just about the only person up there & was constantly cheering them on and congratulating them. I really really just love that about him.
So I usually tend to not say this but all of the dances were pretty damn good last night. Charlie was awesome, Candance is really amping up her game, James is showing his dark horse status is no fluke, Danica was probably my fav of the night (but got eliminated…..that dance last week did her in….but it definately was musing to see James in the bottom again becuase their risky samaba didn’t reallly work out i guess in the long run), Amy was breathtaking, Meryl….was pretty amazing and Maks and Abbie……that made my day.
Oh and Mark’s song…..his flasetto is very cool. Reminds me of the guy from New Kids on the Block…..I’m not sure if its Jordan Knight or Joey Mcintyre but whoever does all of that it reminde dme of him lol.
Power Rankings are up: https://www.puredwts.com/2014/05/06/puredwts-season-18-week-8-power-rankings/
Last night was really good. This is such a competitive season that everybody (including Danica, who left) is dancing really well. Everybody is deserving of a place in the finale, and a win at the end of the day, though my top three picks are Amy, Charlie and Meryl (in alphabetical order :)).
I am very happy with Meryl and Maks’ dance. I’m glad they went for the music and message rather than settle for a by-the-book rumba. Was it a rumba? Eeeehhhh, not really, though I could clearly identify some basic rumba steps. Do I care? Not really because it was a powerful dance and I don’t think it was totally forgotten by the next day.
Oddly, here is a check list for Meryl and Maks’ dances last night of which I’m happy about:
1. broke rules, got called out and penalized for it
2. underscored on a dance of high quality
3. triggered a radical change in position on the leader board
4. riled up the fans
5. no pimping – during the show or on social media
I don’t know if this is going to turn out for the good or bad, but at least it did spice up things for me.
It’s not that, Jess…it’s just that I feel like I’ve answered that exact question a million times. 🙂
Yikes! What was this domestic abuse night? I really don’t care to see people hitting each other in dances. Beyond that it was a great night of dancing.
I liked the opening with all the pros. I do wonder if they gave Mark a showcase to make up for having Abby Lee whatever on the show? I can’t say that I really care for Mark’s voice or his singing style, but I sure enjoyed watching all of the Pro dancers doing their thing! More PRO dancing please!
Maks’s response surprised me—ouch! I understand, but wow!
Abby Lee was a bit harsh as a judge. Also, the excess James love just made her look foolish and lack credibility.
Sad to see Danica leave, but she sure left as a CLASS ACT! I especially loved when she said that she didn’t want to see anyone leave, so it might as well be her. I think that she should have at least lasted past James and Candace. But, Candace is at least much improved and showing great attitude. I like James, but if he wasn’t so good looking he’d be gone. IMO.
I’m looking forward to next week. Glad that they are going to have on Kenny Ortega. And I’m especially excited to see the next Macy’s piece with all 28 dancers!
# Cori_Iowa commented on May 6, 2014:
“Yikes! What was this domestic abuse night?”
Yes, the whole point of that Rumba was to show some love is dysfunctional and not healthy.
Miller, by stating she’d not have hit Maks continued the weird sexual overtones by stating something about what most women have on their mind when on the floor next to him. The comments were repulsive and more so as the meaning of the dance was undermined by her comments.
Props to Derek for his noticeable applause when Maks responded to Erin’s question about Miller’s remarks.
Based on Miller’s remarks in a later post-show interview, she’d like nothing better to be a permanent judge. If that comes to pass, I’ll be passing on DWTS.
@Tamara
You nailed it with Amy. I couldn’t have said it better. I have voted for Amy since week one. No sympathy here, just plain and simple “admiration” for that woman who is taking a crisis in her life that almost took her life and fighting back to beat life at it’s own game! Sometimes while watching her dance, I forget she about her lack of feet. And, Derek is doing an amazing job with her choreo. I thought I had a great respect for him as a genius in his own time, but this season he is melting my heart. It must be amazing to be his family and know him. That A. Tango was awesome! I was holding my breath when Derek did that “tilting” of the stool. Amy has me spellbound. Can you imagine the trust she has in Derek?
I’ve very rarely commented here, because english isn’t my first language, so if you spot mistakes please try and overlook them,just focus on the ideas,guys.
Here are my two cents about yesterday’s show.
First, the guest judge Abby Lee Miller: I stand by my previous thinking and I confirm I feel bringing ALM in as a guest judge was a big mistake by tptb, I don’t know if ratings wise they got that it was a bad move but I hope they read general comments on the web and have now realized it was a stupid thing to do, trying to create drama with Derek and Mark in order to make the Cbros look like angels and help their scenario that has Meryl winning, perhaps, or maybe just trying to get drama so the ratings will go up, which I hope didn’t work.
I had a good laugh when Maks was the one who hit back at ALM, which I applaud but think it was a mistake to do it so early, you wait until your partner is out of hitting range,Maks.If only your choreography and strategy level was as good as your bad attitude, you’d know what to do with an Olympian like Meryl and your win would be a sure thing, just by the quality of the dance, but let’s not talk about that now.
Bottom line: ALM was the worst idea and the worst judge ever on the show, and I’d take any of the 3 muppets over her anyday, her professionnalism and attitude with those kids disgusts me.
Her critiques tried to get technical but it was too precise and non dancers people like me couldn’t understand it, so after the first arabesque word, her critiques sounded to me like empty words.
I also find it very funny that the CBros supporters were happy tweeting on sunday that they were happy ALM was going to judge because she’ll hit on Mark and Derek, and those same idiots now tweet how angry they are at ALM for daring to dock points and hit on their favorite pros, I guess my grandma was right when she says the only people who can feel the needles pain are the ones who got it planted in their finger ( french saying, don’t ask lol)
Now about the couples and the dances:
Amy and Derek: Just mesmerizing, that AT was perfection to me.My favorite AT has always been Jennifer Grey’s, but Amy’s right up there with Jennifer’s.It had passion, technique, amazing moves.
That stool worried me I thought there’s not enough time to rehearse so Derek tries to fill in time but I was wrong he completely incorporated it into the dance, and that balance move left me speechless.
About the last move with the stool I think Derek tried to send it over to Amy so she can send it back with her feet, but Derek did it with a too light touch so it didnt get to Amy and almost fell, but they saved it beautifully.
I gotta say Amy has become a wonderful performer and dancer, at every dance I’m amazed at the limits she pushes back, and she has Derek to thank entirely for it, he’s just a wonderful artist who only sees what people can do, not what they can’t do, that makes the difference and it shows big time on TV.
I see Amy in the finals, I even see her in the top 2 depending on the FS, knock on wood, I’m really hoping she wins because let’s be honest no other stars on the show can do what she does as well as she does every week.
Charlie and Sharna: Nothing much to say about this dance.Charlie is great at ballroom which I think comes in part from his artistic skating.He knows how to move with grace and elegance.
I never understood how Charlie could be held at a higher standard than Meryl, when to me he delivers much more than Meryl in terms of emotions and movements.I’m happy he got a breaktrough this week and the judges finally gave him scores his dance deserved.
I see Charlie in the finals, maybe even creating a surprise and surpassing Meryl for top 2, since he’s an incredible lifter and we all know the C bros are crap at choreographing FS.
Candace and Mark: I love watching Candace because to me she is very reliable and I love going through this journey along with her.This past two weeks she has finally come out of her shell, and I’m incredibly proud of her for that, I know how hard it can be to overcome shyness and just let go and have fun.I feel Candace has finally got some great fun and really enjoys dancing.
I loved her foxtrot it was fun and quirky and it fit her personnality perfectly.
Candace has peaked at the right time and to me can really go to the finale, if she keeps the momentum and keeps having fun and improving each week.
James and Peta: Their dance was just beautiful, the song, the decors with the cherry blossoms, very lyrical scenery, but James frame was wrong and I saw him leaning on Peta, when I love watching the men (Derek) dance the waltz, partly to see that beautiful posture and frame.
Honestly I know he’s got lots of girl fans but we have to wonder if James has got what it takes to get to the finals.Right now I think the 4th spot to the finale is between James and Candace, and my pick is Candace, just to see those beautiful lifts again.
Meryl and Maks: That dance was too contemporary not enough rumba, but how come when Derek and Shawn do it they get 7s and a rude if you get eliminated don’t blame me blame Derek, but Meryl does it and gets greats scores?
That’s what bothers me about Meryl, she clearly has been pictured as season 18 winner since week one, and they all try to hide her flaws except Meryl and Maks get complacent about it and it shows more and more, Carrie Ann has said to Kristi Yamaguchi in season 6 I don’t feel anything when you dance, and I feel the same way with Meryl I really feel like I’m watching Frozen when I watch her dances.
At the end we know it’s Meryls to loose, but we all know how tptb love getting the ringer to fall around this time, plus the C bros aren’t the best FS choreographers, so I guess we’ll see how it turns out.Que sera sera.
Danica and Val: Their dance was very forgettable just like Danica as a whole, which is why I think she got eliminated on week 8.Plus there was the whole dancing experience she tried to put forward, and then tried to hide, I never really connected with her and I think most people didn’t connect with her, that’s why she got eliminated on this show.
The duo dances:
James and Amy: That dance was the best duo dances out of the 3.Amy and James rocked that jive and it really helped that they both did jive before.They had fun dancing and I liked the solo part, they were all in synch during the entire dance, except for the small early kick from Amy.I had to watch it again to spot it because the rythm was so fast.Overall it was a fantastic dance.
Charlie and Candace: I loved their dance.I think this was the dance that I’ve watched the most since the show.The solo part was incredible and those lifts were amazing.Charlie’s a great lifter and I think Mark discovered a goldmine for FS if they get to the finale, because Candace’s a great liftee, too.For her first time I think this was incredible.I also loved the color theme, having both pros in black so they’d fade away and having the stars wear the same purple color was a nice touch.
Meryl and Danica: That was a hot mess to me.Frankly if Derek can make lemon sweet cake and lemonade out of lemons ( not Amy, just in general what people say about Derek), the CBros can really make crap out of diamonds in the rough like Danica and Meryl.The choreography was bad the two ladies weren’t in synch, the shoes made the dance look like a high school production, and the two ladies looked like they didn’t really like each other.
Overall I’m happy the week’s over, we are getting close to the finale and I can’t wait for the Freestyle round.
Plus this week they finally got a real judge, Kenny Ortega and since his creds includes Dirty dancing and HSM I really can’t wait to watch him judge DWTS.
Sorry for the long rant, guys but there was lots to say and I hope it was ok to post my thoughts here, next time I promise I’ll make it shorter!
@PHeidi #225
LOL!:) You have a very articulate way of putting things. Love it!!!
and ITA!
@ Anna #224
Amy wears those “swimmer” feet where she is on her toes for certain dances that require toe pointing to make the dances moves required. A. Tango has a lot of pointing the toes in it. She and Derek talked about those swimmer feet in rehearsal in one of the beginning weeks of the season. But, if I am remembering right, she wore them in the Duel Dance with the Jive, though. ???
Dang, Cyn – you should rant more often. 🙂 It helps that I agreed with every word.
Just want to say something regarding the “7” paddle that Derek typically gets almost once a season when he does an out of the box dance. Hope Derek fans won’t get this in the wrong way…
If I were a pro on the show, I’d rather get 10-7-10 score on a fantastic but unorthodox dance than get a 8-7-8 like Corbin and Karina got for their V. Waltz (or even a 9-8-9 for that matter).
When Len goes crazy on you, but CAI and Bruno backs you up with endless praises for creativity, the overall message is that you’re basically a genius and Len is an old geyser. And this is great drama for the show and fans, but a great place to be as a pro.
However, when Len goes crazy on you, and *in addition* Bruno and CAI are puzzled for what you were going for in the dance, then the pro is kinda screwed because the message becomes something like, “I’m not sure what you were going for, but it ended up pretty bad”. So then the pro starts doubting that they should attempt again an outside the box routine, and they get back to doing cha-cha-cha by numbers. Which is not always that fascinating.
Anyways, Derek never fails. He’s just awesome, a pure genius. And maybe other pros are more a hit and miss when stepping outside the norm, so it’s better to keep them grounded. I don’t know… Just saying, be happy with “10-7-10” rather than “9-8-9” in week 8/9 of competition.
Great post @Cyn.
Vin, you are thinking of Mr. falsetto himself Jordan Knight 🙂
Thank you,@Heidi! Coming from the PureDH queen, I take it as a compliment, and if I have time and inspiration, I’ll rant again after next monday’s show.I also rant a lot on twitter