How The Odds Makers Have Placed The Contestants For Dancing With The Stars 20 Week 4
The odds makers have placed their bets for week 4 of Dancing With The Stars Season 20 at Sports Bovada. I was shocked to see Michael Sam so high this time being week 3’s dance wasn’t as good and strong. I was expecting to see Willow Shields placed higher in 2nd or 3rd. I was also not expecting Patti to be placed so far apart from Suzanne. Let’s see what Miss Heidi and Court think. Scroll below and let us know what you think in comments as well.
Nastia Liukin 10/11
Rumer Willis 3/1
Riker Lynch 6/1
Willow Shields 10/1
Michael Sam 20/1
Noah Galloway 20/1
Robert Herjavec 20/1
Chris Soules 50/1
Suzanne Somers 50/1
Patti LaBelle 100/1
Heidi and Court, what do you think?
Courtney: Eh, I don’t really know what to think at this point – I have a feeling that the bulk of the season is going to be Rumer, Riker, and Nastia switching places in the top 3 spots, and Willow slowly creeping up the rankings. I think Patti’s odds are about right – we’re only in week 4 and she’s barely moving, and already nursing an injury; I think Suzanne is risking getting lost in the shuffle if she doesn’t make a splash soon; Chris is just trying to keep his head above water. Noah & Robert are in this odd, middle-of-the-pack place where we’re not sure exactly how well they’re doing with the votes; poor Michael should be lower, I’m afraid, but to no huge fault of his own. I don’t know…no real strong feelings about these odds. I think the picture will become a lot clearer after Monday night’s elimination…
Heidi: I think they have the top four right, anyway. Everyone else? Well, I’m with Court – this week will make things a lot clearer. I’m almost ready to say that I think the top 4 will remain the top 4 right through to the end, although not necessarily in that order. This week will be the key that determines whether there will be a shocker some point further down the line or if the finish is pretty much set into two groups: the top 4 and everyone else. Don’t know what order the top 4 will finish in…and don’t know how everyone else will shake out…but a clear dividing line between the two groups. The only thing that could upset that balance is a poor showing by Willow at some point. That could pave the way for one of either Noah or Robert to take her spot.
I’m thinking that Nastia is gonna get 3rd while Rumer takes the trophy and Riker gets 2nd….but I could be wrong. SO MANY people are already saying that it’s “Val’s turn to win”….well, then PROVE IT! Show us some stellar choreo and don’t phone it in. And QUIT with the showmance!
I wasn’t all that impressed with Riker…tbh. And the fact that he competed in Jr Ballroom but acts as if he’s never danced before? That stuff irks me…just like it did with Danica in S18.
I agree with Courtney that Nastia needs to lose the ‘resting bitch face’. I’ve seen it too. She’s a superior dancer.
Willow is doing quite well but I didn’t see the true passion in their Paso last week..I know she’s only 14 so that’s probably it—and what will she do for my most memorable year? She’s only 14! the day she got potty trained? lol
as for the rest—they are just not hitting my radar, at all.
Man, did you ever say it here for me, Kelly;
Rumour is boring all her dances look the same and are forgetable – she’s not gonna win not with riker – nastia & willow still in the game. Derek, mark and allison r stronger choreographers then val is as well.
I don’t know why they’re still trying to convince us that Nastia is the one to win. I have a feeling that maybe because they want the nation to be surprised when Rumer takes the trophy. But that’s not gonna happen since everyone knows “it’s Val’s year”.
I agree with the opinion that Nastia will place 3rd after Riker and Rumer. The 4th place will be between Willow and Noah. BUT it’s too early to say. Some of the contestants can improve. I also think that if Nastia really works on her face expression and gains connection with the audience, she can actually have a chance, cause she’s an exquisite dancer though.
I very much agree with Heidi about the top 4. It almost feels like S16 where by the 3rd or 4th week you knew that Aly, Jacoby, Zendaya, and Kellie would be the top 4 but not exactly sure how they would finish. BUT, I do admit, I do think there’s a chance either Noah or Robert could sneak into the top 4. It’s possible Willow doesn’t get the votes or falters or that Riker’s young fan base will follow the trend and not stay with the show. So in that case I guess I can only say with certainty that Rumer and Nastia will make the finals but I think Nastia get’s 3rd at best unfortunately.
Michael should not be as high as he is. Normally I would say he’s middle of the pack but he hasn’t really had that break-out week yet and I just don’t think he’s getting the votes. If he doesn’t go this week I think it might be the week after.
This season is shaping up to be quite predictable for the top 3 spots. (In no particular order).
I hope it’s not too late for Michael, I love him, and I want him to do well on the show.
Surprisingly I am liking Riker much more than I had initially thought I would. I still wish he had been paired with Emma.
Not a fan of Rumer at all. If Val wins this season….
This is approaching mid season and I have yet to feel the warm and fuzzy feeling from Nastia, for me, she is quickly moving down the dancing totem pole. So I’d be surprised if she and Derek take the trophy this season.
It’s time for Patti to go. So I agree with this ranking.
I loved rumer week 1 but her dances have not interested me the last two weeks lets see what her waltz does. Nastia bored me week 1 but since then her rumba and samba have intrigued me and now i look forward to her each week. Riker is great and i think allison is far better this season. Willow and mark are becoming favs too. What im trying to say is that from week 1 my opinions have changed and almost reversed lol
What is it with everyone and Nastia’s facial expressions. Other then a few seconds in the Rumba I have not seen this “resting bitch face” that you all talk about. Even playing the dances in slow motion, I don’t see it. The Samba was great and she had great eye connection with Derek and wonderful smile on her face. The rumba was fantastic considering she was a little uncomfortable having someone up in her face but she did an amazing job. With the foxtrot she was smiling just as much as Derek and had great eye contact. I love the chemistry between Derek & Nastia, given the little time they actually have together she is doing fantastic. To me they have great chemistry on the dance floor.
Some surprising odds for a few…thought Michael would be lower and Patti higher. Some thoughts on the comments:
I really don’t think Val and Rumer are showmancing. Billy asked them both and Rumer jumped right in and swatted it down. She said something to the fact of “I’m here to dance and nothing else” or close to that. Plus he’s not wearing her like a necklace…last year was just gross with Janel and so obviously fake.
The thing that concerns me about Riker is Allison, seeing how she’s not a trained ballroom dancer. I worry that all their stuff is too hip- hop. Len is right thst she need to tech hime the techniques. Did anyone watch Riker and Allison’s last rehersal? Again I don’t have the exact words, but he did say something about dancing with someone ” years ago”. Check out Stormviking’s blog.
I think they have this list just about right… for now. The only ones I would switch are probably Michael and Robert. Michael just has been losing his sparkle for a couple weeks now, and I won’t be a bit surprised if he goes home tomorrow night. I do like the guy though. I think he has potential to be another Donald Driver (maybe not as good), but it isn’t coming out yet. It did a little bit in his ChaCha on Week 1, but he has been going WAY downhill from there, in my opinion.
Everything else on the list I agree with, but it is still hard to call who’s gonna be the clear winner of this season. I like Nastia but is she connecting with the audience? Is Rumer? Is Riker? Guess tine will tell…
For now I’d put some money on that top 4 (like 10 bucks because times are hard in NYC) but I wouldn’t dare to put money on who would win.
Carrie your post popped up as I was writing….
Nastia has similar problem thst Bethany had for me. I just get zero feelings from them. There certainly isn’t snything wrong with the choreo andI hate to be harsh, but they just don’t seem happy. I am sure they are, but the reserved personality doesn’t translate for TV. People want too see some personslity.
I am not saying there is anything wrong with these young ladies, just that I don’t connect with them at all. I want to ask Nastia “are you having fun?”
It will be interesting to see, for sure. Rumer sure doesn’t have it in the bag, and if they do another hard, intense dance this week they will be truly one-note.
I dunno. If Val couldn’t win with Zendaya, whose fanbase outsizes Rumer’s probably by millions, then a win by him this season is going to come down to people sincerely not wanting Derek to win again, in addition to a shocking elim by Riker. They’re also going to have to start pimping him and Rumer again – they’ve seriously slacked off. I don’t think Val can win it without the pimpage and the talking down of Derek/Nastia – and/or the early elimination of Riker or Nastia.
Part of me wonders why they slacked off on the pimpage. Did they see a huge backlash? Is she not blowing it out of the park in votes? Are they trying to make her David to the Nastia/Riker/Willow Goliath??
I don’t think you understand “odds” Lucie. “THEY” are not trying to convince us of anything. “They” is not the show. “They” are a bunch of dudes in Vegas. “They” likely don’t care beyond how much money they have to pay out – they think Nastia will win, so they are making the odds accordingly.
Val’s year? Yeah, heard that before. Val should try expanding his choreographic horizons so that Rumer starts to stand out.
Yeah, I don’t get it either, Carrie – and I screencap the hell out of the show. I have yet to see more than one “RBF” and she’s always smiling during the dances. The only quibble I had was she was smiling almost too much at the end of the rumba, like she was having a fit of giggles.
Honestly don’t get it.
Yeah, I agree – no showmance between Rumer and Val. And it’s all due to Rumer – she’s pretty adamant and god love her for that. I actually am liking her again, as long as she can keep that ego (aka Val) in check. I have to wonder if there would be a showmance if Rumer were NOT friends with Janel.
Riker and Rumer COULD have the same problem in the upcoming weeks – being one-note. Riker all hip hop and Rumer all hard and edgy. Rumer has Waltz so that might be okay, if Val makes it an actual Waltz. Nastia has benefited from having much more varied dance styles and very different choreo from Derek. Foxtrot/Rumba/Salsa – and now AT. That’s a nice combo to show diversity. Rumer’s dances so far have a real sameness to them.
I seem to recall people saying the same “connection” things with Nicole – and she had a resting bitch face too. Plus several way too intense rehearsals.
I think Nastia’s ONLY liability is also her greatest asset. Derek.
I’ve wondered the same Heidi about Val winning this season when he couldn’t with Zendaya who had more fans than Rumer, or even Janel who had the PLL fandom but a polarizing showmance and personality. I think I feel more confident in him winning this season because of timing. His season with Zendaya was only his 4th and his 2nd time in the finals so the whole “I’ve never won before” wasn’t as dramatic to people and he was still breaking out of the shadow of his brother. I think he has more of his own fan base now and Rumer is a very good dancer and not as polarizing as Janel or Elizabeth Berkley.
I honestly also just think the producers are going to be very heavy handed this season in pushing Val to win. They pulled back since week 1 but I think that’s to create a storyline for Rumer and get the audience to root for her more. I predict next week, during Disney Week, they start lauding her again and throwing out perfect scores for her — maybe even this week. I don’t think she’s killing it in voting but I think it will be just enough to win if producers plan everything out a certain way.
Thanks PH. I think Nastia has a wicked sense of humor, did you see her Honey Boo Boo ig’s with Derek and her girlfriend, quite hysterical. Plus if people watch her interview last week with Derek and JC Rubio you will see that she is quite comfortable with having Derek’s arms around her and her arms on his and she very engaged in the conversation and she is very funny and personable. Plus her interview with Derek and AH is quite funny and once again she is very engaging. I think people just have their mind made up about her and that is all they see. Oh well, I like her. I love that she shares Derek’s work ethic also. Sorry, done with my rant now. I agree that her liability and asset is Derek (poor guy can’t win for losing). One of the hardest working pros on the show and always gets so much hate.
Carrie I completely agree with you. I think people just have it stuck in their head that Nastia and Derek are lacking connection and chemistry because that put in their head early on and so it must still be true. For me, I have noticed a growing connection blooming between them. Whereas early on Nastia seemed a bit uncomfortable and slightly standoffish with Derek, I don’t see that as being the case anymore.
Nastia seems very relaxed with him now, she is playing with him, laughing, joking and is at ease in his embrace. Derek is always very affectionate with his partners and in the beginning it did seem Nastia wasn’t exactly comfortable with that but now she not only relaxes into his touch but instigates it on her own by reaching for his hand or leaning into his shoulder or putting her arm around his neck. That to me shows a more natural connection then one where from day one you are all over this stranger you just met and declare them your BFF. Their partnership does remind me a lot of his with Bethany. She too seemed very out of her element with him in the beginning and by the end of season they were practically attached to each other like velcro, not only physically but emotionally and you could see how much they were truly bonded by the end. I personally prefer seeing those organic type of partnerships form rather than have this “amazing connection” appear out of nowhere on day one. Seems much more realistic to me.
I also don’t see how Nastia is lacking personality in her performances all that much. Yes she needs to emotionally connect more to the dance but she is working on it and it shows. Coming from a sport where you are trained to go out there, nail the technique and keep your emotions far off the floor, she is going to struggle with that aspect. But personally for me I see her starting to overcome that and really have fun out on there with Derek and she looked fierce in that Samba and seemed to like shaking her stuff and whipping her head.
Michelle, I couldn’t agree more! Everything you said about Derek and Nastia’s partnership and how it develops I see pretty much the same. It also reminds me of him and Beth last season. At the very beggining I was thinking that she even doesn’t like him at all but as the show continued, they became really close. I was nut sure if it is the same case with Nastia since they don’t spend so much time hanging out together, but I’ve also noticed last time that she seems more conmfortable with him. Yes, Derek is that type of welcoming person, he hugs and kisses on the cheek every partner since week 1 because it comes naturally from him. I always keep thinking that it was me, I would be over the moon 😀 But not every celeb is like that, especially with the cameras and her boyfriend watching them. But as the time goes, she gets used to it and starts feeling as comfortable as Derek does.
As for her performing, I don’t think it’s a big issue. Yes, sometimes her face expressions don’t match the dance so much, especially in her rumba she was smiling too much, but it’s really not that bad and it’s sure not something that she couldn’t learn in a few weeks. I can already see her killing the AT next week. And I think that it’s actually good that there’s something she can really work on and get better.
I like what everyone has said so far. We are in a weird state of not knowing where everyone stands right now. All of the remaining couples are likeable, and have a fan base of some sort but it’s hard to say who has picked up the support of the casual viewer and who hasn’t. FB isn’t really a great place to judge that either, so this elimination will tell us a lot.
I don’t think the “Val’s never won before” plays all that well, although I could certainly be wrong. We only have one TRUE example of it working before and that’s Melissa and Tony. I don’t’ think it was the case for Meryl and Maks (although it helped) – that was all showmance and shippers being fucking crazy.
Problem with Val’s fanbase is that it’s still smaller than Derek’s…and probably Mark’s. For them to win, they’re going to have to perfectly score her while underscoring Nastia, Riker and maybe Willow. They’re also going to have to consistently talk Derek/Nastia down (lack of connection seems to be working quite well, even here), nitpick Riker, in addition to pimping Rumer to high heaven.
And if that’s what it takes to win…well, that’s not really a “win” at all, is it. It IS one of the things I hate about this show, though. Nothing happens organically any more.
Well, I think the oddsmakers had it pretty easy this week since there is a clear division between the top, middle, and bottom. We’ll see how they do once someone does something unexpected. I do wonder what will happen if Willow has a bad dance. That’s no knock against her, she’s one of my favorites; but everyone can have a “fail” (either because of the dance style or just bad luck on the night). Nothing really much to add to the placement discussion because I agree with what PH and Court said. This week’s elimination could clarify things.
I just have to say I loathe the term RBF. Like so many other short-hand phrases, I feel that it’s pejorative and overused as a quick and easy insult (another social ill I lay squarley at the door of the 140-character Twitterverse). I think we should take the time to choose the right words to say what we really mean. It would avoid a lot of unnecessary hurt, anger and arguments, in my opinion.
To me, there’s nothing wrong with Nastia’s resting expression. Some people just don’t have naturally animated features. I would infintely prefer Nastia to maintain a natural expression when she’s not performing than have her try to constantly keep a fake, perky expression on her face just in case the camera happens to land on her.
I do think she had some facial expression problems during her rumba that I beieve were due to a bit of embarrassment at the emotional undertone of the dance. As PH said, she was struggling to hold back nervous giggles. Rumba in week 2 is tough, especially if you’re a naturally reserved person (as I believe Nastia to be). I’m sure she and Derek will work on that for the next romantic dance they do.
I do remember saying at one point pre-season that whenever Val has been paired with someone that didn’t come in with their own dedicated fan base (Elisabetta, Sherri, Liz, Danica) he couldn’t make the finals so he is very un-like Derek in that way. The C brothers have a decent fan base for pros but I don’t think it can carry a couple like Derek’s can.
We’ll see what happens I guess. At this point if I had to pick someone to win I would pick Rumer but at the same time I wouldn’t necessarily be surprised if she didn’t win.
You’re right, Cidra.
As for the nervous giggles…I’m not sure it was nerves as much as it was her remember Derek trying to school her in that particular emotion. The package was pretty funny with Derek doing his romantic acting. I’da started laughing too. 🙂 That’s one of the problems with “acting” intense and then jokingly exaggerating it a bit. That funny comes back at the worst times.
I honestly believe some are now just using Nastia’s introverted nature as a way to discredit Houghkin’s potential. The judges accomplished what they set out to do, kudos to them, their agenda is on track. a The funny part is, I don’t see this extraordinary expressiveness and connection of Rumer’s that is supposedly in such stark contrast to Nastia’s.
I see Henry is in full self-promotion mode again this weekend. Dude should try to exude a little more class IMO.
Part of winning this show is controlling the narrative Rose1 and the judges and producers play a huge part in establishing that narrative. You see that in the talking points that are repeated each week for each couple. Their success depends on whether or not the casual viewer believes it, as they are a huge part of the public vote.
The rankings is pretty much right. I do agree with some of the comments about Nastia facial expression, there is just nothing wrong with it. Just like she said, she was trained to show no expression on gymnastic.
To me Nastia is similar to Noah. Salute Noah’s bravery to fight for this country. Nastia made America proud during the ’08 Olympic. I remember watching a bit of it and said to my dad Shawn Johnson was good. He said “no, there’s someone a bit better than her and she’s fierce.” Bravery and focus and determination.
What I love that I have to remember is that there is many people who aren’t on socail media that vote as well and I no alot of them and everytime I hear the same thing about val. They say they don’t like his choreography and that he isn’t a good choreogapher. They say he should take notes from derek. They even say as far as saying he shouldn’t be able to win ever until he learns how to choregraph and teach his partners properly I. E without the showmance etc…
agree Rose1 about Henry. I need to go on a huge rant. Does Derek need to post pics of being with Nastia Mon – Fri? Nastia didn’t even leave NYC till Saturday evening. Henry gets his hands on her on Sunday and immediately posts a pic to show how much work he is putting in. I bet he chuckles reading comments from Derek haters. I never had any problems with Henry but now is coming out as such a douche.
Maybe Nastia will pleasantly surprise you tomorrow night Thiana 😉
This is where we say “Told you so” about Henry. 🙂
Funny about Henry. He posted one pic of them together saying how wonderful she’s doing and wished her luck for tomorrow night. There was not one hateful thing said against him, at least on IG; in fact there was a ton of support, which I was surprised…..go figure.
AT is my fav so I’m looking forward to it.
Oh GOD, please make this happen for REAL .. i REALLY want Derek-Nastia to win this season …and Derek then takes a couple of seasons off so that the haters can think of somebody else to bash and whine about.
But i’m afraid RUMER-VAL are gonna win this season no matter what!! The pimping already started for ’em 🙁
@All The DEREK FANS, let’s vote for him and Nastia LIKE CRAZY this season and make ’em the winner 🙂
Why would that surprise you, Jill? I don’t troll peoples IG’s and I don’t know any who do.
That doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s a fame whore.
Jill, a lot of those responses threw shades at Derek. I think that’s when Derek fans respond.
PH. I feel that there is more read into my posts than what I actually write….never accused you or anyone on this page of trolling. Just surprised at all the support is all.
Of course he is getting support – from the Fam fans. I don’t find this the least bit surprising – I don’t get why you do, which is what I meant in my previous post, like I said. Support Henry, go hate on Derek – same story different week. Derek fans don’t play that way, in general – with the exception of his one troll who hates on Derek but hates on anyone who does him wrong as well. But the Derek haters have played this way for a few years now. Not shocking.
. Fam fans think Derek is taking all the credit. While it seems like Henry is taking advantage of what little attention he is getting for being Derek’s stand in. All actors have stands in and that is what Henry is this season in many ways. I am sure he helps other pros but he is overrated. Some pros might want him to be a pro again but if he was so great, he would have gotten another shot. I feel Sasha’s is more due to height. Maybe he works better behind the scenes. He also has stealth douche look to him. He also over danced with Diana so not sure why some want him back as a pro.
I feel like the story arc tptb want is for Rumer to win so while she hasn’t been outstanding, they also want to downplay her bc they showed their hand week one. They want to cast her as the underdog and ignoring her performance and dance background. That is a leg up on Nastia.
Derek should get 95% of the credit – some fans are stupid. And there’s no fixing stupid.
I hope everyone had a nice Easter holiday today. I was gone all day with my children. Now, back to the entertain world.
@Carrie, Michelle, Lucia, PHeidi & Cidra….ITA with your opinions on Nastia.
I think it’s natural for someone who has a boyfriend, and whose past career was in gymnastics to be a little reserved the first couple weeks. She seems to be more relaxed with Derek and is seeing it as a performance and I am liking what I see with Nastia & Derek. Chemistry in a dance couple does not mean that there is any other behavior going on, it’s just becoming in sync with each other, trusting your pardner (like with lifts, etc) and making the dance as close to it’s character out on the dance floor. Nastia is not an actor, she’s a gymnastics person, but she is a competitor, and I believe she will give it all she can even more through the following weeks. I love listening to her in the interviews. She & Derek are matched perfectly. So excited to see their A.T. Not sure if I’m liking the music though.
PH . Well now this makes sense! Fam supporters, that hate Derek, are thrilled that Henry camera blocks because somehow this makes Derek look bad?! Wow I am seriously out of the loop! LOL!
I use to actually like Henry before but now he is starting to get on my nerves its like this is my one shot to fame and let me grab it any how so what if I am actually doing 5% of some one else’s job discredit all the hard work Derek is doing its annoying.I have stopped reading comments by Derek haters they sound so dumb and foolish not to insult anyone but it really sounds Dumb. Rummer dances really well but the choreo given to her is very poor there itself it shows give Val a ringer or not still he comes up with poor dances. Derek outshines most of the pro’s in every way. I wonder how he keeps his cool in all this how does he not get affected by all this and the pimping and to see most of his partners also appear cool does he prepare them for all the hate and backlash? how do they stay calm I wonder.
Coming to the post dont think Michael is that High
I’m surprised that anyone still even hopes for reason from the fam. They pursue their delusions with gusto and fervor. Derek, on the other hand, is the ultimate rational being. He KNOWS that he can either keep doing the seriously amazing things he is doing in the world — or — he can utterly waste his time and energy engaging the varied forms of negativity. He can’t do both. He chooses, with great determination, discipline, and extreme gratitude, to side with himself. It is something I admire greatly about him.
Rumer and Val are showmancing? Darn, I missed it. (gag)
What I like about Nastia is that she’s not trying to be something she’s not in order to get more votes. She’s an intellegent, hard working, disiplined, perhaps slightly introverted young woman. What you see is what you get. I respect that.
I’m curious to see Val’s Waltz for Rumer. As PH mentioned, if it’s an intense, “NotWaltz”, they run the risk of looking one note. She has the abillity to really shape a step with sustained and fluid movement. To not take advantage of that and instead give us a stacato, throw away arms type of dance will be a disapointment, but not a surprise.
Same here, Suzy. I very much admire Derek’s ability to seemly stay above the fray, ignore all the BS and remain overwhelmingly positive. And humble. And, from what I read from all the participants of New York Spring Spectacular, he works extremely hard all the time – not that any fans needed to be told that, but it’s these qualities that will lead to success. Not expecting it to be handed to you because it’s “his turn.” He’s also a big believer in personal growth and learning – which is why he will continue to be the best choreographer on the show and possibly one of the best in the business.
You would think that those around him would try to emulate those qualities, instead of whining about how it’s their turn. I think Mark is.
Nastia and Derek still have to show me some chemistry. It’s fairly easy not to have any when Henry has to step in for Derek two days a week.
I’m not convinced about Rumer and Val, either. It might be Val’s “turn”, and he certainly deserves it, but if Mark continues to push the envelope with every dance he gives Willow, Rumer and Val have something to worry about.
Riker? There’s something electric there. The drawback I see is that Allison’s a great contemporary dancer, but how will she do in ballroom and Latin dances week after week? Good thing Mandy Moore is around to help if needed.
The one we need to watch this week is Michael with Peta. Those four 6s last week may not send him home — if they do, it’ll be a major shame — but he and Peta really need a bounce-back week.
Going home this week? I think it’s between Chris and Suzanne. I can’t see Patti going home because the fans simply won’t LET her go yet. Same with Noah: He’s making progress; I can’t see him going home yet, either.
Suzy – Word. Derek has x amount of energy to spend in y amount of places, and there’s just none left over for dealing with things outside of his control. Indeed, something to admire and even emulate (Perfect word PH!)
Ken – I wonder if the producers will force a Billie Dee solution onto Patti – can’t really dance, but a fan base that will not quit. So step in and declare a medical withdrawal, if the contestant wants to or not (and it didn’t look to me like Billie Dee wanted to AT ALL)
#PH what do you mean with I think Mark is?
I’m so over who’s turn it is to win. Val has been on for 8 seasons or so and hasn’t won. It’s 11 or 12 seasons since Mark won and I don’t see him saying “it’s my turn to win now, I haven’t won in 12 seasons” Many of the other pros haven’t won yet either, and they don’t shove that in everybodys faces. Like grow up. You need to work and earn that darn mirrorbal trophy. Doing the same type of dances and pimping ain’t gonna get you that. I’m at the point with this whole Val situation that I wouldn’t mind Patti or Chris taking it.
@ NA comment #50
BRAVO! I couldn’t agree more about your “whose turn it is to win” comments.
Fine print – I’m soooooooo over Prince Farming everywhere without even seeing The Bachelor that I cannot wait to see him go.
I think Mark is emulating some of Derek’s better qualities. Maybe not emulating, but forging his own, instead of whining about how it’s his turn. I would argue that he deserves an MBT just as much as Val, since he’s gone the last 12 seasons without one.
Like a lot of people have said, the top four seem right to me, just not sure yet in what order they’ll be by the finale. Go team Houghkin 🙂 And in regards to Henry, maybe I’m just naive or missing something, but I didn’t get any ill-intentions from him with the posting pictures thing. He’s always seemed like a nice guy who’s said he’s a big fan of Derek too, and I just figured, despite it only being for camera blocking and such, that he’s proud of the work he’s doing with Nastia. I don’t think there’s anything wrong necessarily with trying to consistently remind the public you’re there. I imagine building up fan-recognition and support while in the troupe can be hard and it would mean a significant pay-bump if he got to be a pro next season, right?
As far as Nastia’s face or demeanor, I can only use the show itself and what I’ve known of her during her gymnastics career. While she may be smiley or relaxed with Derek during their press interviews, I don’t usually watch them so I just go by my impression of what I’ve seen, and I think she just doesn’t come across as a warm or inviting person at all – but that may just be her intense, gameface she puts on for the actual competition. I’m certainly willing to accept that she’s not a stone-cold bitch and that she and Derek get along famously, because I trust the folks here to give honest impressions. But if the majority of the DWTS audience is like me and isn’t ingesting other media, the general opinion may be similar to mine.
BTW, not that I think Nastia has come across that cold or bitchy at all! But she does not have the same kind of warmth (on DWTS) that others do. Sorry if my hyperbole was a bit much.
I like Nastia’s dancing, but as most people, I’m not at all surprised by that – and I think that, along with her more reserved personality on the show – will be her biggest obstacle (along with Derek being her biggest asset/obstacle).
Don’t underestimate Kym and Robert. Their popularity is increasing and they are cute & entertaining. Noah and Sharna too!
@Jody – I cannot tell you how much I DESPISE being told how to think, or people stating their personal opinion as fact.
Especially when it’s total conjecture and not remotely verifiable, eh, Court? 🙂
Exactly, Heidi. Sometimes I have to resist the urge to respond with “Don’t underestimate my urge to karate chop you in the throat like Miss Piggy because you annoy me.”