Dancing with the Stars Season 21, Week 3 – LIVE BLOG
No longer cruising, but recovering from cruising. ? I also find I’m watching the show with an eye to the crap they are going to pull and any “fun with editing” games they might play. Once again, I suggest that everyone watch “UNReal” to get a better idea of how I think this show probably looks behind the scenes. Yeah, it based on The Bachelor, but reality shows have a lot in common and that is a distinct lack of….reality. 🙂 DWTS is likely not as bad as UNReal, but I can think of a couple very glaring examples of how it is very much like it. Can you?
Anyway, T-minus 15 minutes to showtime. Who are we looking forward to? I’m open.
That was all right. I though there were a couple messy spots. Carlos is having the age old (male) problem of not wanting to follow a female choreographer. He best get over it.
Forgot to mention until I saw a similar comment in the comments…. but I hope Mandy isn’t holding her breath for an Emmy nomination. Seriously, another all female bump and grind? Only difference is the costume.
Paula’s dance was a mess, but I kinda liked it. I teared up during their package. I find I’m agreeing with CAI, which is disturbing.
Tamar is definitely a contender, and that was a very good dance. I thought they were going to do Amy and Derek’s jazz for a minute, though. I see CAI gave then the benefit of the doubt on the lift though…. cuz her partner ain’t Derek, of course.
Jury is out for me on the Breaking Bad routine. I started out loving it but then it got kinda weird. My mom hated it, btw. ? Alfonso needs to take it down a notch or two. Part of the problem is that Breaking Bad was one of the routines done on the Emmys a couple years ago and it rocked.
Okay, the male number I can get behind because we actually haven’t seen much of that. Loved Derek’s reaction to Miss Piggy. ?
Andy is still having trouble with the transitions. So, it was kinda messy. I like Andy.
Oh my Gary. So bizarre. What more is there to say? Beside that Anna looks amazing as Morticia. I suspect he might be going since they were so kind.
Erin is a member of menses??? Ummmmm…..bwahaha.
Alek is hot and Lindsay is doing a really good job with him. I thought that, overall, that was a very good dance. Not sure I agree with Julianne’s raves, and I did see some messy feet issues but I loved it. 9 is much too high though. Over scored.
Very sad about Kim. But about these rules… they’ve used rehearsal tape before and let the judges comment on that… what’s different this time? That she can’t be in LA? Help me out here… keep in mind that I’m not at home with my DVR so I can’t rewind and listen to what Tom said again.
I think Derek just said “fu*k you”. ? He broke hold in the middle of the dance and no one called it… but they’re planning on lowballing her anyway. Very good dance, my favorite of the night. She has a great energy and it makes me happy to watch her. Kinda like Sadie. Okay, surprised by the 8’s…but Carrie Ann is back with the negative tone. Something tells me that there was some discussion about how they got screwed and how it might not be a good idea to be Dick heads… Derek calling them out in his blog might have been effective.
Wow, beautiful V waltz from Nick and Sharma!! I loved that… and mom did too! Just beautiful!
They definitely saved the best three routines for last, in terms of energy. Loved Hayes and Emma’s jive. Yeah, some of his kicks were a little low energy, but he’s a 15 year old kid who did a really good, in time jive. I love him and I think he got hosed on scores.
Now… in terms of the non-elimination: I mentioned in my numbers post that Andy was one of a few in possible shocking elimination territory. That said, they may be trying to pump him and are praying that Gary goes instead. Who knows? I do believe they are sending a message to Andy and Allison fans.
Well I’m looking forward to Bindi & Derek of course. Also looking forward to Mark and Alexa and seeing what Mark has cooked up for his breaking bad routine!
love the start with the muppets 🙂 . Fozzie and Kermit are my favs besides beeker so I was psyched. The opening dance was fun but tom and piggy was amazing lol. Carlos and witney’s costumes…..love that.
God, how I hate Mandy’s opening number. She needs to watch SCD
Back to the all girl chorus line opening. Not impressed. Loved Miss Piggy. What did she do with Erin?
Really don’t like the jazz style. It usually looks like a freestyle most of the time. Having said that, I thought Carlos and Witney did a good job.
I’m not sure how to phrase this without sounding mean but that dance from Carlos and witney was boring….like super boring. Considering they had one of the most recognizable themes of the group I was expecting something with more oomph.
That was such a rubbish pro number. Mandy Moore needs firing, literally no imagination again.
I have a question re Kim: Would they let her dance from Atlanta?
I kinda agree with Vin about being bored with Witney and Carlos dance. I put the blame on the song. It just doesn’t scream JAZZ to me. Maybe foxtrot. It just seemed like their was a disconnect between the jazzy moves and the mellow feel of the song.
I see the female pros are still doing a hoochie mama type dance. Bored with that.
Wow, it’s crazy how much Mark looks like Walter White. Scary crazy.
Working so I’ll be catching up online.
Have to wonder though if the AFBaG (all-female bump and grind) is the Mandy equivalent of the Chmerkovskiy slow walk….
@ Susan2 Perfect description of the opening number “hoochie mama”. Wish I had thought of it!
I thought Carlos and Whitney were forgettable tonight. That is too bad. That girls dance in the beginning was boring too. Maybe I am just grumpy…lol.
I love her reaction to being mrs Howell lol. Would have been funny to see her as Mary Ann though. Louis is the perfect partner for her. He is making me a very happy new fan of his this season. The dance was adorable and made me smile. Her grandkids are adorable too. My fav part of the dance was Sasha as Gilligan though. I agreed with Julianne for the most part but Bruno said it best about the bounce. Kinda am loving this pairing but I really wish she would have nailed this one.
honestly, I’d rather see no pro number than just bump and grinds. I want to actually see professional numbers showcasing the actual technique of ballroom or latin dances like they did on the early seasons
idk, Mandy needs to switch it up or shes got to go! (and usually I love her numbers)
So I wonder who got the pimp spot.
I am wondering if these tv themes are going to work against some of the couples. Witney and Carlos with the wigs and old clothes was just boring. The song is so dated as is the Gilligan’s island theme. Two routines in and just not liking this at all.
Paula pulling out all the cards to try and get the votes. Please send her home next week. I’d honestly rather see Gary than her and that’s saying something. Hope the night gets better than its been at the moment.
It seems like they are scoring tough this season…she is trying so hard I think. I think Alfonzo could have given her a higher score, he must know how hard it is to be a celeb and as I remember it most of the celeb judges he had scored everyone high.
I was actually really charmed by Paula and Louis dance. She really tried to get the party feel of the samba. While she did have a few flubs, she seemed to do better with retaining the steps. I would have given her a 6.
Louis is really growing on me this season.
@PJ: I can’t imagine that the doctors would clear her to perform. Under other emergency circumstances (e.g., a freak blizzard or something), I could see it, but not in this situation.
If Paula is back next week, I hope she gets a ballroom dance. Maybe a Waltz or a Foxtrot.
Can we please have something different from Mandy Moore *hashtag one trick pony* ?
Love Miss Piggy and Tom!
Thought Carlos and Witney did well with an awkward match of dance style and song.
I’m tired of Paula’s non-stop talking, and her crying doesn’t move me.
I honestly didn’t like Tamar and Val’s dance. I thought it was repetitive and I didn’t really like the song choice either. This TV Theme night isn’t really doing it for me so far.
Tamar and Val were killer out there. Not sure if Val has watched mad men though or just wanted to be annoying. Great tango though.
Go Tamar! You got Val pegged — sexist, macho.
Man they are slobbering all over these two for a very mediocre tango.
I did not like that tango of Tamar’s. It seemed messy, lacked precision and out of control Imo. Gorgeous dress but not the routine.
I didn’t care for That tango….just sayin but Val looked hot!
Tamar’s tango seems awkward. A 9 is definitely overscored.
Carrie Ann needs to cool it with her “lift police” act. I do agree with her score on Carlos’s jazz though…he was very dull in his performance. Paula’s samba was more an opening to the TV show then a samba. Enjoyed Tamar’s tango, but she needs to work on her face while dancing
I am beginning to wonder if tptb are setting Val up for back to back wins. I defer to the experts here but imo it was a sloppy tango.
It was what it was. Tamar and Val’s Tango was okay but quite forgettable.
This theme night is boring, at least so far.
I would love to see Derek and Tamar for switch up.
Carlos and Witney…there was a bit of a disconnect for me with the costumes and the style of dance. I just kept thinking “this is kinda weird…”
I found myself rooting for Paula…but I thought the same thing M8 said when those grand babies came out, lol.
Tams and Val looked GREAT! But the dance was just alright…and slightly overscored. Her posture was irking me.
Looking forward to Alexa and Mark…this will be interesting!
I’d say Tamar doesn’t like dancing with Val, and it shows.
Besides dancing with the stars and glee, breaking bad is my other favorite tv show (well that and svu) so I was beyond excited. Luckily that dance delivered big time.
I didn’t like the dance or the costumes for that Jazz dance… Sorry Mark
@Cidra: That’s a shame, since (A) he can choreograph (see: Meryl’s AT), and (B) she can dance.
Mark and Alexa for the win!!!!
Mother-trucking awesome.
The rehearsal package was hilarious.
So far my favorite of the night is Alexa and Mark. That was an outstanding dance!
That was an awesome dance and I bet Mark asked Alfonso to say something about the husband thing.
Mark and Alexa rocked it! I had to laugh at Mark’s enthusiasm over the dance.
I wonder if Alexa isn’t getting votes, and Carlos is because they seem to be pushing her hard and picking at Carlos. Guess they’re afraid of losing their first ever married couple.
Well I see they recycled the same routine from the finale that the male pros danced to last season.
Alexa and Mark – that performance was so cool. I love it.
I predicted this in the previous post that Alwxa and Mark will get four nines’ this week! They two are definitely the dark horses. They are going to possibly wim this season. Wohoooooo!
Mark and Alex’as dance was very…. different. Weird. I’m not sure I liked it because I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
Liked that bumper and getting to see Artem – I feel like he hasn’t been in many, or any, bumpers.
@Cidra, IA that it does not seem like Tamar likes dancing with Val. Also their package reminded me of theirs from last week where he has an idea and she says ‘why not this instead.’ She had valid points, but they were both very similar packages.
To be fair Cidra I don’t think she needed to be pushed hard after that dance. She killed it, if that is done in say week 9 it gets a perfect score rather than nines.
I loved Mark and Alexa’s jazz. That was so freaking cool and creative. Alexa kept up with Mark really well. I could have done without seeing Mark’s bum in his tighty whities.
Lol @heidi my mom just texted me that she hated Mark and Alexa’s, too.
Loved the male bumper but that may have had something to do with Derek absolutely crushing it 😉
Andy’s posture was not good in the quickstep.
I was wondering where miss piggy went and naturally she cracked me up. Kermit and tom made my day though 🙂 . Andy’s jacket is hideous but I loved the video package and how they mentioned dick Clark becuase that guy really was a visionary. Now the dance wowed me becuase it had all the stuff I like about a quickstep: fun, footwork, energy, and a killer ending. My friends are actually not loving it this week though but this was my fav dance if his thus far.
I just didnt like mark and alexa’s jazz, it was kinda boring.
Sorry but Alphonso is giving me Donny Osmond vibes from the judges table. Too much “I was on the show”.
Loved Derek and Miss Piggy
Exactly my thoughts Cidra. We’ve seen this before with Mark’s partners.
I’m in CA. any Kim and Tony sightings?
True M8, but it’s all the other stuff surrounding the judges’ comments.
I think this was Andy’s best dance and the judges are all over him. There’s nothing wrong with their relationship, CAI. These two get along very well.
I thought I was going to like Alfonso better as a guest judge! Idk why I’m not digging it! I also loved Sasha as Gilligan! Hilarious! I also didn’t think Andy’s quickstep was that bad?? I actually liked it.
So far I haven’t “loved” any dance but I do think Alexa and Mark did a VERY good job and Tamar was great too. I wish Laula would have done better :/
I like Andy but I feel like his dancing hasn’t improved much (if at all). It’s a shame really ’cause I feel like he has potential, but somehow, it isn’t coming out. Part of me wonders if he would look better with Peta.
Good audition by Derek, Artem, Alan and Keo for “Magic Mike 3”. I hope one of them gets it!
😛
Alphonso is irritating me tonight. Val and Tamar’s tango was okay, but forgettable and the acting was OTT. I really liked Mark and Alexa’s dance. It deserved 9’s. Why does Allison’s choreography always look the same?
Oh, I think you’re right about the votes, I get the feeling as well that if the Penavega fans stop splitting votes they’ll give them to Carlos over Alexa. Alexa is ABC though so they won’t want her leaving for a while.
I think Andy improved. Hate to see them hate on him. Never heard of him until he sang last season on the show. I like him.
Hehehe… I just noticed a typo on my post: I meant Paula not Laula. Woops!
PS: I am LOVING the Muppets! Can we actually have Miss Piggy as cohost for every season?
I see lots of newbies raving over Mark and Alexa… makes me wonder where you coordinated this little invasion.
As we say every season… no one liners. More content please.
I am worried about Gary this week. The judges are over complimenting him, which they did to Victor last week. I would hate to lose Gary he is so entertaining.
Gary had such an iconic theme and in the hands of Anna it was just a lot of fun. He had fun and Anna had fun and it showed. Erin and Gary are so amusing together.
Commando Tango! Tom is killing it tonight!
Does Erin even try when Gary is in the red room? It’s like she doesn’t know how to handle him. Granted, he does seem a bit much but still…
For all of Anna’s facial expressions, I found her a bit hard to read.
I need matchmaker Lindsay….she knows people lol. Alek killed that dance it was bloody awesome. My fav dance of the night thus far.
Sorry for the one liner….but I almost fell over when Tom said that and couldn’t resist sharing!
As for the other dances…. For me, Tamar just didn’t look like she was having fun at all…she looked upset and not in a Tango-emotion kind of way. Paula’s dance was too hectic for me…. But Louie seems to be doing a good job with her. Gary is so awful, but I love him! Alek and Lindsey…maybe not perfection, but really good! Lindsey is killing it! Marriage is good for her!
The Muppets are my favorite! mIss Piggy and Derek!
Holy smokes.. Alek is KILLING IT. That was SOOOOO good! I also didn’t sde any boo-boo. I thought it was fantastic. This guy is born to ballroom.
And Lindsay’s choreography? My God, she is also killing it. If she’s not a pro again next season…..
I’m biased but I adore Alek and Lindsay. He dances with confidence.
I agree that Lindsay has taught him wonderful technique. However a lot of credit goes to Alek too. I think Alek is a dream student.
I’m still so impressed with Alek, and Lindsay for that matter. Lindsay really used her time in the troupe wisely and has become a great teacher. I hope she gets to be a pro again!
Whisper it quietly but I wonder what Peta is thinking about all this praise (well deserved) for Lindsay. I’d be slightly nervous!
Alek could win this thing you know if he keeps going like this, is Lindsay going on the dwts tour?
Gary and Anna were entertaining as usual. I kinda love that you never know what is going to come out of Gary’s mouth. Anna looked gorgeous.
The “let’s get Alek a date” package was sort of lame but the tango was pretty darn good. Great intensity from Alek. I’m so happy that the judges are praising Lindsay’s teaching skill.
Second favorite dance of the night for me is Alek! He is adorable!! Lindsay really is doing a good job with him and I am glad that the judges pointed it out.
I feel so bad for Kim and Tony becuase she really was getting better and Tony actually seemed to like her. Hope we get to see her do that dance in the finale 🙂 cuz it was awesome.
The right decision about Kim and Tony. I wish her the best, and being under the stress of doing DWTS is not the right thing for her right now.
Poor Kim and Tony. I do feel for them, but her health does come first. Hope she gets better soon!
Tony’s I Dream Of Genie samba was really charming.
I had a blood clot in my leg that moved to my left lung 2 years ago that put me in the hospital for 8 days. Trust me when I say that it’s a very scary experience. I hope Kim recovers completely.
Alek and Lindsay are fab together. I love the True Blood theme song. I think they are the unexpected dream team pairing for season.
Kind of feel sorry for Tony and Kim. Thought it was cute with him trying to “bend the rules”
I will miss Tony in the competition but won’t miss the Housewife. We always seems to lose Tony too early.
I feel really bad for Tony and Kim but I agree with the decision. She doesn’t need the extra stress right now.
Bindi and Derek had a rough week with the song switch but damn was that a killer quickstep. Loved it.
That’s true PH, I just think back to Amy in the S18 team dance. But maybe that was because she got hurt mid show right before the team dance.
Wtf is with the nitpicking on Bindi? She’s GOTTA BE killing it in votes for that much criticism I LOVED THE DANCE!
I’m watching Tony on AA and he is visible upset. I think he feels responsible for what happened, even though he’s not. Gotta feel for the guy..he got all choked up.
I’m kind of bummed knowing they had The Jetsons. I would’ve loved to see that.
If Kim is not a contestant anymore (hpe she fully recover) do they have to do an elimination anyways?
Bindi and Derek did a wonderful job for the time they had and for once CAI said something sensible. Love how nothing phases Bindi.
I noticed Tom said ONE of Kim doctors said she couldn’t fly. I wonder if there is a disagreement between doctors as to if she should continue. So DWTS legal dept covers thier a$$es and pulls that rule out of the archives.
Aww, it’s so sweet to see Derek so over the moon happy with his partner
Kinda funny how Julianne mentioned the space issue while in hold. You could see the same problem in other couples tonight but only Bindi was called out for it.
That QS was chock full of steps. It’s amazing that she not only learned the steps but performed them so beautifully.
There have been a few quicksteps this season with a hell of a lot more space between the partners. I think they did a great job. Didnt like her outfit but orherwise it was great. She is such a joy.
I feel like Derek and Bindi got picked to death. She’s doing well and love how Derek is obviously proud of her- loved what he had to say about her learning it in 2 days. I bet she is killing it in the votes.
Did Erin really say she’s a member of Menses? I wasn’t aware you guys had a club for that. Not that I’m interested in joining, but good to know…..
Nick and sharna wowed me. This could be an Emmy contender right here (same for Alexa and mark tonight). Nick is just so adaptable to any dance style and I love it. Between him and bindi they are raising the bar week to week.
Wow! Of course Bindi and Derek do well too. There are several good dances tonight. Nick and Sharna looked like they were floating on the floor.
I loved Nick and Sharna!!!! Hands down my favorite dance of the night. Sharna’s choreography combined with the Downton Abbey theme song was amazing!!
Bullsh*t! That was NOT the best dance of the night Julianne.. Looks like their trying to make Sharna & Nick happen. Too much bs non-dancing and the 4 sec stare? WTF was that??? Boo!
Len would have gone mental at that from Nick and Sharna. It was supposed to be a Vienesse Waltz and hardly any of it was in hold. Reaffirms my belief that Sharna is the chosen one this year. I miss Len 🙁
That was a lovely dance from Nick and Sharna.
I’m excited for Emma to close the show. For as long as I’ve been watching I’ve never seen her close it.
I really like Nick and Sharna V. Waltz. The lines are beautiful and they have great chemistry!
Wow! Nick and Sharna was fantastic. I was totally in the Downtown Abbey mode.
Nick and Sharna did great. I’m still not sure he is all that great in hold though. I still see him hunching forward a little bit. When he is out of hold is GORGEOUS but then he gets into hold and it’s just “nice”. Still great though!
And is Hayes really gonna dance with all that suit on? Sheesh. It don’t look that great either….
Not sure what to make of Hayes jive. It looked like they were exercising. Not much jiving going on. the costumes did not help with the dancing.
I kinda expected to hate this jive but Hayes owned this one like a boss. the 8s were right in my opinion.
I thought Emma/Hayes were really fun. It the only dance that I felt like was fun for the whole theme of the night.
Kind of disappointed Paula didn’t get sent home tonight. I don’t like her.
Alfonso was a boring judge. I know I usually don’t like when a guest judge can’t give a proper technique than ‘wow you danced to my song, i like it’ but he seemed so stiff.
Urgh Paula survived for now. Hope she goes next. Did anyone see that bitch face from Emma when Carrie Ann was critiquing Hayes. If looks could kill haha
I liked the theme for tonight’s show. I thought most did very well. Four really stood out for me. Alexa, Alek, Bindi, and Nick. Honorable mention to Tamar.
One thing that I think that ABC has gotten right from season to season is when they cast “under 18” celebs. It seems that all have been well-grounded and very impressive with their maturity. I like Hayes’ enthusiasm. I like seeing that he wants to get better. Some of the grownups (over the years) have been the bratty ones. Lol.
I am so glad that Paula is on for another week! She is really working hard and has even made me like Louis.
That turtle suit was not only pretty ugly (sorry DWTS costume department) but it hindered Hayes so much. I was hoping it would be better but sadly :/
My faves of the night, in order:
Alek & Lindsay
Bindi & Derek
Nick & Sharna
Alexa & Mark
Tamar & Val
Every other dance was just OK in my opinion… I said last week that Carlos may be beating out Nick, but this is Nick’s second strong dance and Carlos’ second weak dance so looks like the BSB is pulling ahead. Carlos really has to step it up. He’s got the potential for sure.
Did they ever say what is next week’s theme (if any)?
Very valid point Jillo. I’ve really liked all the underage contestants. All turned out to be super hard working. I hope Andy and Allison’s fans start going hard. I don’t want him going before Paula and Gary.
Let’s not get carried away, Vin. I loved the dance, but Emmy? No.
@CC NY on the phone they stated most memorable year
it’s the most Memorable Years
CC when I was calling it said it’s Most Memorable Year next week
@ M8 I was cracking up over Emma’s face too! She almost always is all smiles so it was nice to see her like, um no he killed it, AND in a turtle costume written all over her face haha. Someone earlier had mentioned if they were wondering if Peta is getting nervous over Lindsay’s rave reviews as a pro, but I wonder if Peta is frustrated with the Andy/Allison situation and thinking how much better she could do. I really liked Allison with Riker but I really wonder if Andy could be doing better with another pro, even with his crazy schedule.
@KellyK: Um.. Don’t think they’re trying to make Nick happen? At least not the way they tried to make Rumer happen… We must have been watching different dances if you thought that wasn’t the best dance of the night.
@ Rachel agree on the Allison points. Loved her last year with Riker yet we have seen many celebs who have crazy schedules and the pros still do solid jobs with them (ie Olympic skaters who were doing stars on ice at the same time most similar flying all over different city most nights)
Nope, sorry Tony but to ME it wasn’t! There was too much non-dancing in Nick & Sharnas VW! Bindi n Derek kinda got screwed with the song not clearing & then it did after he started teaching Bindi a new dance :/ 🙁
And that 4 sec stare?? A page outta Val/Maks choreo book to me…Len would’ve been ALL over that
My favorites of the night were Alexa, Nick, Bindi and Tamar. I think Paula will go home next week. At least I hope she does. Also, I know a lot of people are campaigning to bring back Kim but I honestly think it’s best for her health not to. A mini stroke is often a warning sign of an actual stroke in the near future.
Well that was an uneven night as far as I was concerned. TV night isn’t a big hit with me.
Sorry to see Andy in jeopardy. Hope that gets him some votes
Definitely DVR-ing next week to avoid all the sob stories.
@KellyK: I can’t fault you for not thinking that was the best dance of the night. So apologies for saying that in the first place. lol But I still do disagree with you if you thought they’re trying to make Nick “happen.”
Derek did a great job with Bindi though. And I don’t like that they kind of pulled the wool over his eyes with the music.
@ Kim yeah I thought of Charlie and Meryl’s schedule too! Or even Janel with PLL shooting, even though I’m not a big Val fan lol. We didn’t talk about Tony and Jenna’s I dream of Jeannie dance, Idk if that was the exact dance he meant for him and Kim, but it was nice to see an extra pro number, since I didn’t love the pro girl or pro guy dances they did. I also see on twitter Kim and Tony are pushing for people to vote for them, I think TPTB made a mess of this whole thing by not blocking their number.
I haven’t read the comments to know if this has been brought up but I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed that tonite was Haye’s 4th dance wearing sneakers? Is there a reason for this I don’t know about, like a medical reason? Otherwise, I find it a little unfair… for lack of a better word. Bindi is having to learn not only to balance and walk on heels, but dance in them. Maybe her foot wouldn’t be hurting her if she was dancing in flats? Maybe Nick wouldn’t have slipped in his jive if he’d been wearing sneakers? I’m just interested in others’ opinions on this.
What exactly is one looking for in a jazz routine? I just can’t seem to get a good sense of that. Any insight would be much appreciated. That aside I just found Mark/Alexa’s dance….odd. moments were cool but others odd…anyway…I think she needs the votes more than Carlos. Being his fan base would primarily be coming from BTR I don’t see that the votes would be getting split between them. One would suspect the fan girls would be going for him. Plus their relationship came at end of the BTR run…I’ve felt it from the beginning that she would be the shocking elimination this year. wonderful dancer but similar to Sabrina, Charlie.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like TV Icons week, but, I really enjoyed the whole night!!
My three faves of the night. Nick & Sharna, Bindi & Derek, and Mark & Alexa. All three wowed me in different ways. Just brilliant.
@Amanda: It depends on the cause. In this case, the fact that she had a heart procedure suggests that it may have been caused by a tiny hole between the chambers of her heart called a patent ductus arteriosus or PDA. [It predisposes to stroke, but doesn’t guarantee one; it’s supposed to close shortly after birth but doesn’t do so in something like 3% of people.]
If that’s what she had, fixing that means she’s at no greater risk for a repeat episode than anyone else.
Jaci Alexa’s barefoot salsa got me thinking about that a few weeks ago. I would imagine it’s easier to do a salsa barefoot than in heels. It’s probably not that big of a deal but I would like to see Hayes wear real dance shoes at least once in a while. The sneakers give me too much of a teen vibe from them.
@Ananya and Kim – Thank you! I just called and voted but I didn’t get that. I probably hung up before it was mentioned.
Most Memorable Year? I have my box of tissues ready for Bindi and Derek’s dance. Praying it’s a Contemporary.
It would be lovely to see her do a Contemporary to “Dance with My Father” but I doubt that’ll happen since Leah Thompson already danced to it during her Most Memorable Year also for her father. But whatever dance Bindi and Derek do in honor of Steve Irwin is gonna be gorgeous and moving.
Sam I didn’t know she had a heart problem. Thanks for that info. Maybe if she can get cleared by doctors they can bring her back.. Kind of doubt they’ll just change the rules for her when those rules have been the same since the show started.
Don’t forget that Zendaya danced in tennis shoes quite a bit too. Hayes’ Ninja Turtle dance was fun and the tennis shoes were okay to me.
@Kelly – Derek is the best pro on the show. He has dealt with obstacles before and always has overcome. If anyone can do it, it’s Derek. I’m not saying it wasn’t a struggle but Bindi is in great hands with Derek.
Besides, it’s happened before to other couples. That’s what makes it exciting.
I loved Nick and Sharna’s dance. It was magical and beautiful. Best dance of the night for me.
Alek always shakes Tom’s hand how cool is that. What a gentleman. Alek and Lindsay are my 2nd favorite couple. I’d love for them to be in the finals.
Dancing in sneakers, not being in hold, too much space….
“Len would be all over that” …….well he’s gone and no one else is calling out the things that Len was a stickler for. What can be done really? Nothing. It’s not the fault of the couples!
BTW I found Alfonso to be a little too full of himself – kinda condescending actually.
@ CCNY it not just most memorable year, but it was announced on AA that is was switch up so Bindi won’t be dancing with Derek, if AA is right and the TPTB don’t change the plans.
I think hayes tennis shoes thing is to keep the cool kid vibe. I also really enjoyed his jive, i thought it deserved all 8’s. You could tell how disappointed both he and emma were.
Team Takedown all the way. Really loved True Blood and the dance really captured the mood. Lindsey has vastly improved as a pro since Victor. Liked Bindi, Alexa, and Nick as well.
I just wanted to add something I forgot to say before: the judges all looked really good tonight. Usually I tend to hate at least one of their outfits but this week not the case. Oh and Marla Gibbs making an appearance was awesome. She is my fav on that show and the only reason I watch it….the main guy is ok though too just sorta annoys me.
Switch up is in two weeks, Jill and memorable year is next week.
Ssandy, no need to convince me that Derek is the bestPro. I’m pissed at the judges nitpicking of them tonight when, imho, it wasn’t necessary. So that, Tony, is how they’re making Nick “happen”. Too much filler in their VW, not enough in-hold & had Len been judging, he would’ve called that out. I wish they’d STOP using the Troupe in the routines. It doesn’t help.
Several posters have noted that Alfonso just wasn’t with it tonight. I think it’s because, as the new host of AFHV, he has moved over into “Management”, at least a junior level member of TPTB! But since he did convey a good message to Alexa (whether Mark put him up to it or not), I’ll give him a pass.
Loved Alek and Lindsay’s dance. She has learned to teach, and he is a natural on the floor. Hope they go far!
And WHY didn’t CAI deduct for a “lift”? Because it wasn’t Derek, that’s why. CAI has no business as a judge. She never competed as a ballroom dancer. Being a Fly Girl & dancer on Mafonnas Blonde Ambition tour plus extra in the movie Showgirls HARDLY qualifies her to judge ballroom.
The “its happened to other couples ” is such a BS response to very legitimate complaints about a couple getting screwed over. ITSHOULDN’T happen at all. The fact that it is avoidable means they are either incompetent or are using it as a tool.
I didn’t mention it at the time but I’ve just watched it again and that bumper with Emma, Val and Artem was really sick. Whoever came up with that concept and had creative control with the faces on the televisions deserves a pat on the back. Best bumper I’ve seen in a long while!
I actually liked alfonso as a judge. Its like was really trying to help the contestants instead of just being nice and funny judge. I really love the advice he gave tamar and alexa.
Perhaps I’m just a bit cranky tonight, but all the shrill voices (Erin and the Muppets mostly, but the judges too) are really irritating. It is a shame they don’t’ have enough confidence in the pros to play this straight. I’d really like just one episode where the judging was honest, and the comments were thoughtful. Sigh, I know, most folks want something else. I watch for the dancing, and have enjoyed this site for years. Thanks, as always!
I can live with no Cuban heels for Hayes. Consider it a trade-off for the freakin’ GIANT BIGASS TURTLE COSTUME!
Emma was on mark’s periscope and she talked about how she was disappointed in the judges comments. I feel bad for them because they were so exicted for this dance. Then they had it nip picked , their faces screamed out disappointment .
Moving on to alexa ,she is a good dance but part of the fun is enjoying the partnership . I just don’t connect with her and mark. Also i love mark but i dislike that he gets a little cocky when he is on top.
Nick and Sharna were beautiful!!! Loved the dance. It was graceful and flowed really well. Also really loved Alexa’s dance. Great job, Mark! I love routines like that! Alexa is such a fantastic dancer. Carlos was meh. Going first always sucks. Also, I just wasn’t feeling the whole idea of the dance and them dressing up like old people. Cute, but didn’t really help them at all.
Andy’s dance was not that great as usual. I feel like everything the judges tell them to fix goes in and out of Allison’s ear. His posture still sucks. And yeah! Others have had other commitments that are just as demanding while being on DWTS and even they are able to crank out great dances. It just all comes down to who teaches you and how they teach you…and we all know how Allison is as a ballroom teacher.
Alek’s dance was awesome. I think Hayes’s costume ruined it for his jive. He could barely move in that thing.
Also, I actually feel really bad for Tony. I just don’t see what everyone sees of him being “too into himself.” I’ll probably get some heat for what I just said, lol. It’s probably because I never pay much attention to him. Every time that I do though, he just seems like such a nice guy and a true gentleman. Say what you wanna say about the guy, but I feel bad he always gets sucky partners. I’m sad for him. I mean, he and Kim probably wouldn’t have lasted much longer but going out like this is a real bummer!
Wow, I’m so impressed that Bindi learned that dance in 2 days! With a hurt foot, no less. Bindi, Alek and Alexa were my favorites tonight. Alek was great, but I thought their packages was sort of dumb.
I don’t have a problem with sneakers for particular dances, but not every dance. I’m looking forward to a more sophisticated dance with the proper footwear with Hayes. I think he’d pull it off quite well.
And I too, am curious as to what a jazz dance consists of? Derek and Amy’s jazz is what I think of when I think jazz… not these freestyle type dances. Which is probably why I was left somewhat confused by Mark and Alexa’s dance. They performed really well but I guess I didn’t get it as a jazz?
I agree M8 on the bumper with the tvs. They could’ve opened the show with that, instead of the other!
Random thoughts: I laughed when Kim said “I got out of the hospital on friday and learned that whole dance on saturday.” There is no way. Not the dance that Tony just did with the pro (or maybe they just neglected to mention that that was the pro version of Kim’s dance?). What they did was too fast and too complicated for her to have handled in one day (or even two if they practiced on Sunday as well, though from what she said I dont think they did). Maybe it was the beefed up, faster version of her dance. Either way, it was cool to see it. Side note: Wished they would have tried to get Alek to ask Emma out. He seems so sweet and so does she. Side note #2: It is painful for me to watch Gary dance. Side note #3: Not loving the turtle costume at all. Although I did have to laugh when there was a really energetic happy turtle in the back left jumping up and down afterwards, who I am assuming was Sasha because no one is as happy as he is when wearing a crazy animal costume (I’m thinking of the crab and now the turle, lol).
Also i love mark but i dislike that he gets a little cocky when he is on top.
Oh, he does. They got the best theme out of everybody and they got high scores for what I thought wasn’t a great dance. It’s already being overrated. So, you know he’s walking around with his chest all puffed out right now.
Add me to the list of those annoyed with Alfonso tonight. He was always a bit full of himself and tonight he tried way too hard to be a “ballroom judge”.
10 weeks on a show and winning doesn’t mean you can call out toe leads or whatever.
Just glad that he can now go back to living under the stage like it seems he does.
Typo in the last sentence, sorry meant “turtle”.
Nick and Sharna keep killing it. Beautiful dance and partnership. Can’t wait for what’s next.
Bindi and Derek were great – seemed like false criticism, not sure why?
I also enjoyed Hayes, Alek, And Tamar as usual.
Think Andy would be doing much better with Peta. Alison is just off for this show somehow. She was perfect for Riker I guess, but with anyone else, it just feels forced and like they aren’t comfortable in her routines (and no chemistry). I really,like Andy, the person, but not so much the dancer in this case.
For some reason I just can’t get attached or interested in either Alexa or Carlos. They dance well but still are forgettable to me.
I just dont think emma gives good jive routines. Every pro has their signature dances their good at and I just dont like any of her jives I seen of her. To me, val, karina, derek and whitney give the best jives.
My favorites of the night:
Alek and Lindsay’s Tango – I love this song and was really looking forward to it all week and was not disappointed at all. I thought Lindsay choreographed a great number to it and Alek… this guy continues to impress me week after week. It would be so great if he made it to the finals.
Nick and Sharna’s Viennese Waltz – I thought this was beautiful. One of their best dances so far, IMO. And Sharna looked beautiful!
Alexa and Mark’s Jazz – overall I liked it although there were a couple moves/lifts that were kind of weird-looking. But I thought Alexa executed Mark’s choreo really well. I couldn’t help but laugh when I first saw Mark as Walter White. Dude really puts the makeup department to work every season, lol. And about their scores/praise from judges – perhaps they were given some help by TPTB. A couple people here posted how their moms did not like this dance and considering that middle-aged women are in the main DWTS demo, I can see how Alexa and Mark may not get a lot of votes after tonight.
Bindi and Derek’s Quickstep – I thought this was a fun and energetic dance, especially loved the “grill” part – so sassy! Did not like how the judges were being nitpicky with them.
I agree PH, with a show like DWTS, stuff like that should NEVER happen, which makes me think TPTB truly have an agenda & DEFINITELY don’t want Derek to win ever again. They’ll be missing him when he finally decides to bid DWTS adios!
This season it just not doing it for me…. I can’t even remember their names and find I really don’t care who they are. ( married, couple, the child, and Allison’s partner).
I watch the dances and just feel, meh. I like Nick’s but it hard to get excited about a waltz. Even though it was beautiful and I liked Alek’s. That’s it. I normally keep the show in my queue for a few days and this year I delete it right after I watch it.
Weird. Anyone else underwhelmed?
I don’t think the “Len calling Nick out for not a lot in hold” is a fair way to say Nick is “happening” considering the fact that he would have called Derek & Bindi out for breaking hold. You can’t use that argument for one couple then completely ignore it for another, KellyK.
I love Derek and Bindi, so I hope it’s not coming across that way. I was just trying to show that getting upset over things that Len would comment is not a way for people to assume there is some behind the curtains work happening. But if you want to play that game, then look at Bindi’s “waltz” from last week. Sorry to use Bindi again as an example, but that’s all I can remember at this point (I really do promise I love them, but since you’re such a fan of Derek’s…)
Len’s not here this season, so saying “Len would have mentioned it” doesn’t hold a lot of water for me. Am I saying that I disagree? No. Knowing Len, he totally would have called Nick & Sharna out on “too much faffing about.” But as I said: Len’s not here this season. It’s been shown time and time again that Bruno and Carrie Ann don’t care too much if a ballroom dance has a lot of open work, and clearly, Julianne doesn’t mind it either.
We’ll just have to agree to disagree: You think Nick’s being pimped. I don’t. Sorry.
*So I hope it’s not coming across as if I don’t. Yeesh. I need to proofread before I hit submit.
My favorites in this order:
Nick and Sharna (beautiful from beginning to end)
Alek and Lindsay (sexy as hell! Im glad Lindsay keeps getting the encouragement cause the girl paid her dues!)
Alexa and Mark (it was quirky and fun and totally something Mark would think up)
Bindi and Derek (I can’t stand the effing quickstep)
Tamar and Val (weak at the beginning but got better at the end)
Honestly… I want Allison and Andy to go. Everything seems so forced and with the remaining low couples, they all just work better with their partnerships.
BIndi has got to be the sweetest most positive girl on planet earth whom can dance . She and Hayes amaze me . They are both young , yet so mature. They both take their criticism with a grain of salt.
Agreed Jilo! I’m also getting sick to death of the same all female borefest dance that has happened at some point every season with Mandy Moore in charge. It’s been mentioned before but when Derek eventually calls it a day, Rob Wade needs to fire Mandy and offer Derek a blank chequebook to become the head DWTS creative director or they’ll regret it big time in the future.
@tony – 100% agree.
Well Tony, CAI called out & deducted Derek & Bindi for a lift. Tamar & Val had a lift in tonight’s dance. CAI started to call them out but in the end, she let it slide. Nick & Sharna seem to ME to be the chosen ones this season. TPTB apparently decided not to make it blatantly obvious this season as in seasons past..S18-20, for example.
Sharna has already signed on for the DWTS winter tour so it would make sense to have her be the winner this season. With the Judges putting down Bindi & Derek, the steeple regurgitate what the judges say verbatim. I’ve already read that “Derek always breaks the rules” (after last week’s waltz). Yeah so do other Pros but only a handful get called on the carpet for it.
I agree with many people here who are not impressed with Mandy Moore’s choreo the last couple seasons. It’s disappointing because I think she is (or was) a great choreographer – I mean, she choreographed some of my favorite routines on SYTYCD plus that dance scene in Silver Linings Playbook. I don’t know if it’s the music she keeps getting that isn’t inspiring her to do her best or what.
I saw nearly every dance. I wasn’t as impressed with Mark and Alexa’s dance as the judges were. It felt to me like it was all about the theme, costumes, set, etc. and not as much about the dancing.
Alex is my favorite and he didn’t disappoint tonight. The 9 was too high, but I just love that guy. Also, they can’t praise Lindsay enough. Based on his Nae Nae video, I did not think he was going to last long, but Lindsay has done amazing. It also helps that he’s so darn likable. My mom and I swoon over the fact that he insists on shaking Tom’s hand every night. So sweet.
Missed Nick and Sharna’s dance, and that’s the one I really want to see. I think next week should be Gary’s week to go. As a person who HATES awkwardness with a burning passion, he gives me all kinds of anxiety.
Also wanted to add that my iPad autocorrected Alek to Alex, and it will frustrate me to no end to see that typo in my post. 😉
I don’t know would Len have called them out? Len pretty much towed the company line last year. Came out of the gate with-it could be your year Val. Then totally raved about every one of their dances. The contemporary rumba, the contemporary waltz, etc.
So if Len was here this season….who knows.
Yes Len would have called them out, just like he did when he told Rumer that it was a ballroom not a bedroom. It’s early in the season and docked points won’t affect Nick when it comes to voting. I’d put all my money in Len calling Sharna out and giving them a 7. It reminded me a lot of Corbin and Karina’s VW when Karina sacrificed the amount of hold required in the VW to keep to the Game of Thrones theme. Len went down hard on them and I’m sure he’d have done the same here with the Downton Abbey theme. It was a wonderful dance, it just wasn’t a proper VW to me.
I also feel badly that Tony once again is leaving the competition early. I realize that this probably will not happen, but I kind of wish that he could get a celebrity that was considered during the off season and given another chance to compete. It is still early in the competition, I don’t think it would be too late for a new celebrity to join. I have always liked Tony and I just hate to see him sent home again.
I sure do miss Len 🙁 Every week I see dances where I think he would have knocked that down for either lack of content or too much messing about. All 3 weeks (4 nights) there’s been one couple or another that would have fallen into one of those categories but he’s not here so the argument of “Len would have….” seems irrelevant. Unfortunately, no other Judge seems to be picking up where he left off in that area. For a moment on first show I thought that it might have been Bruno.
Favorite part tonight was Derek’s face during his bit with Miss Piggy —TOO adorable!!
#KellyK I agree with what #Tony said. If Derek and Bindi can break hold more than once in their quickstep, I think Nick and Sharna can get away with that amount of in-hold in their dance. And really? If Nick’s turns and in between holds are considered messing about, wouldn’t Bindi’s in between hold sections be as well? If both Derek and Sharna want to use their creative freedom to choreograph their dances knowing Len isn’t there to complain, then more power to them. They’re the pros. Both dances were fantastic despite breaking a few rules here and there. And based on the comments, a lot of people consider Nick and Sharna’s dance the best of the night, myself included. Or at least many consider it one of the top dances. So I don’t think it’s a fair assessment to say that Julianne’s comment is “bullsh*t” because a lot of people have the same opinion as her. If you didn’t like it, then you didn’t like it. There’s no need to be rude.
#KellyK Seriously. I read through PH’s comments and saw the “Wow, beautiful V waltz from Nick and Sharma!! I loved that… and mom did too! Just beautiful!”
Further down I read your comment. I hadn’t even seen the dance yet. But after seeing it and reading through the overwhelmingly positive buzz, I can safely say PH has that one right. It boggles my mind how you can use the word “BOO!” while talking about Nick’s and Sharna’s performance.
I think you got carried away with whatever motivation you have in your head. Reflect on yourself, if that reaction was justified or you got carried away with your by your own motivation.
The wonderful thing about living in America is that we’re allowed to have differing opinions. Just because mine is not in line with the majority doesn’t make it wrong, it makes it MINE 😉
I don’t see pimpage of nick and Sharna (yet), not to the degree that Val has been pimped to high heaven. I don’t think I would call them pimped at all.
I DO see them trying to keep Derek and Bindi down – but I think that has more to do with Derek and his tendency to win, than it does Nick. I do agree that letting Val and Tamar slide after making a huge stink about it with Derek and Bindi is more evidence of them looking hard for reasons to penalize Derek.
I have to watch the dance again, but my initial reaction was than they were too hard on Hayes…and I wonder why.
Cam, we don’t talk about other people’s opinions here. Disagree all you like, but leave the motivation parts out. Same to you, Bellisa.
For me, that’s what’s so great about any artistic medium, of which dance is certainly one of them. That each person can see and respond totally differently to a piece.
It’s entirely subjective and personal and that’s the way it should be.
Overall last night was a vast improvement over last week’s stressful, too early for two dances night. I think all the couples did pretty good. Carlos seemed to be the contestant for me that has either stalled in his momentum or even backslid a bit. However, I blame some of it to having a dance assignment that didn’t really fit the song. How he does next week will be telling.
I want a TV show with just Tom and Ms. Piggy.
I had such a mixed reaction to tonight’s show. The Muppets’ high-pitched voices were really irritating to me and I had to mute them; I wondered if they were using different people to voice them than in the past because I never found the voices irritating before. The opening female bump and grind number was disappointing in that I’ve seen similar too many times before and there was nothing interesting, original, or redeeming about it, just the same old, same old T&A show. I loved the male Pro number and Derek, as usual, reigned supreme because his lines and execution are so gorgeous and despite the same choreo as the other Pros, his body just does it better. I miss Len’s serious judging commentary, but I lost respect for him when he pimped Val to win, so maybe his absence is not a bad thing. Antonio Rubeiro’s over-the-top ego was annoying and I don’t think his win entitled him to effectively critique anyone else.
As for the dancers:
Alek & Lindsay: Bravo for a beautiful dance. I love this team & hope they are in the finals.
Bindi & Derek: Double Bravo for braving the injury and dance title challenges. Magnificent job! I really enjoyed their QS. I hope they win. The judges’ nit-picking is annoying.
Nick & Sharna: Another great job for this beautiful team.
Alexa & Mark: Sigh. I wish I liked it better because I really admire Mark’s dancing, but I was too distracted by his facial prosthetics to be able to fully enjoy the actual dance. It reminded me of his rabbit prosthetic. Maybe I am in the minority, but I like to be able to see and enjoy his actual face, which is why I really loved his Rhumba last week.
Tamar & Val: She has talent and I enjoy her dancing, but I am completely turned off to Val since he was so heavily pimped to win with Meryl.
Gary & Anna: She is stunning no matter the dance and I love watching her. She is doing a great job teaching such an impaired partner, but I think his days are numbered.
Haynes & Emma: Lively and fun. Hope he sticks around.
Paula & Louis: Unimpressed with both her dancing & histrionics “I’ve been abandoned a lot”. Give me a break. She is just slightly better than Gary imo.
Carlos & Witney: He has some talent but his macho personality is so tedious.
Kim & Tony: No great loss there.
I really, really miss the weekly rehearsal live streams they had last season.
I actually thought that Val and Tamar’s tango was very stiff and robotic. I am not crazy about Val’s style of dancing. He is too staccato in all his slow dances. He is pretty good when it comes to fast numbers. Nick, Alek, Bindi and Hayes were my favorites last night.
Sorry, meant to say “mixed reaction to last night’s show”.
I get what Kelly was is saying. There was so much “messin about” in that v waltz. It really was a production more than a waltz between the two characters as Sharna implied IMO, and speaking for myself I’m just not feeling vibes between Nick and Sharna. I really thought they would be another Maria and Derek only better since he’s a dancer, but they are losing me. I’m sure his fan support is off the charts though, as is probably the case with Hayes so I’m not surprised they went at the end. Honestly, I thought only Alek’s dance was worthy of the pimp spot — maybe because it was the dance I enjoyed most last night.
As for Derek and Bindi, my guess is she requested him and tptb obliged, but I’m also guessing they didn’t see the power of that partnership coming and now they don’t know what to do about it. The idea that the song was approved, then it wasn’t, then it was, is a bit of a hard sell, but who knows. There’s no doubt in my mind that they would have taken down the house if they weren’t screwed with though. Bottom line, know full well that Derek’s not doing their tour, and by now we know that is part if the game.
I felt almost as sad for Andy because I don’t think he’s as bad as the judges claim. The agenda there isn’t quite clear to me, but perhaps it is that they are trying to light a fire under his fan base. He looked shocked at being in jeopardy and I don’t blame him. It would be sad if he went before either Gary or Paula.
I didn’t get Mark’s dance, but not surprising since I never watch that show. I’m happy for Alexa though. She, like Bindi, has such an infectious spirit so I’m glad she and Mark are picking up steam.
As for Alfonso, I’m grateful that was a one-time thing.
Well, here’s what I think about the “too much messin’ about” comments for Nick and Sharna and this is EXACTLY what I said when Derek got those comments during theme weeks. It’s a THEME week – it necessitates a bit of messin’ about. Here’s the trap of theme weeks – if you don’t honor your theme, you could easily get some bone headed comment from CAI about the lack of the “theme”. But if you do the messin’ about that many themes choreographically dictate, then you run the risk of getting yelled at for messin’ about. It’s a no win situation for the choreographer and it leaves a lot of latitude for a judge with an agenda to dock points.
I think it’s pretty hypocritical for Derek fans to complain about Sharna when they hated that point docking was done to Derek; UNLESS they qualify it with an example of when Derek got docked for it to show the double standards in the judging panel. Because that’s really what it boils down to. You either hate the messin’ about when anyone other than Derek does it, or you hate that they didn’t get docked for it when Derek has been docked for it many times. Two different concepts. I totally get the latter, can’t really relate to the former.
Personally, the only messin’ about that I hate is the constant need that Val and Maks have to choreograph a walk across the floor or down the steps. A long one – because they can think of nothing else to put in there.
I am with the person above who said they felt underwhelmed. I really feel that way about this season with a few exceptions where routines were awesome. I thought the opening number was just a complete fail. Dear producers, these are insanely talented female dancers. They aren’t strippers from the local strip club Xanadu!!!! Don’t dress them in next to nothing and have them grind. They deserve better.
And why can’t it be an all male number. Why must is always aways be the women?
My favorite of the night is a tie between Nick & Alek. I am a DA nut so I was excited for Nick & Sharna. I thought it was stunning fluid and lyrical. With Alek I was seriously in my living room like ‘go boy, GO!’ I know that sounds silly but I was so excited for him. Came out back ramrod strait, like a boss!!!
Does anyone know why they are all over Carlos? Since week 1 they have been on his case. No, last night didn’t blow my socks off but you gave them frickin Golden Girls!
I thought that the staring into the eyes thing for Sharna and Nicks dance was kind of a tribute to Downton Abbey in the scene where Mary and Matthew dance and the camera was spinning around exactly like how it was last night.
Forgot to mention – power rankings are up: https://www.puredwts.com/2015/09/29/puredwts-season-21-week-3-power-rankings/
I’ll say I didn’t care for when Shawn & Derek were docked during All-Star season for the cow and tractor during country week by Len. Like you said PH, it was COUNTRY week. 😉
Honestly I think if Len were here last night, his head would have exploded by the end of the show because I feel like he would have had problems with, like, 90% of the dances. In my opinion, I think he would have: called out Nick and Sharna’s Viennese Waltz for not being too much in hold; called out Bindi and Derek’s Quickstep for breaking hold in the middle of their dance; called out Paula and Louis’ Samba and Hayes and Emma’s Jive for lack of content/too much messin’ about/too much troupe; called out Carlos and Witney’s Jazz and Alexa and Mark’s Jazz for not being his cup of tea; called out Tamar for constantly fighting with Val (IIRC like he did with Erin in Season 10)… the only couple’s dance I think Len would have been okay with was Alek and Lindsay’s Tango.
If Len was judging this season, I think most pros would’ve held back on the “messin’ about”. But since he’s not here and CAI, Julianne and Bruno aren’t really sticklers for content, I think the pros feel safer going more OTT with their concepts. For this particular theme and for some of the shows that were danced to, I’m overall glad that they did.
Just to add: personally, I think if Bindi and Derek’s Waltz last week didn’t get called out for a lot of open work, I think Nick and Sharna’s Waltz this week not getting called out for the same thing is fair – to me. Now if Bindi’s Waltz was called out and Nick’s Waltz wasn’t (or vice-versa), then I would cry foul.
Looks like Derek wasn’t the only one with music clearance issues. Sharna did not get their music until late Thursday night either. Doesn’t sound like a conspiracy so much as it’s just TPTB not getting their sh*t together.
Conversely, Jane, if Derek and Bindi got docked for a lift last week, Val and Tamar should have been this week.
Sharna not getting music cleared doesn’t automatically mean that they aren’t fucking with Derek. Both things can still be true, actually.
@ PH #193 – very true. I totally agree with that.
For what it’s worth I think Len would have liked Alexa and Mark’s dance. I’m not normally crazy on Mark’s OTT concepts but this one had a lot of content and I felt like I wasn’t lost in the concept.
While I definitely believe the producers don’t want Derek to win again if they can help it, I don’t know if I can fully be convinced that they purposefully sabotaged their week. They may not want them to be the eventual winners, but they definitely want Derek to produce amazing numbers – and that Jetsons routine concept sounded awesome. Does it mean it’s not plausible that they purposefully withdrew the song? Not at all – but considering they DID eventually give him clearance and worked hard to get a difficult song to get rights to (albeit too little too late) and it was only his choice to keep it as the Jeffersons – I am guessing this is a case of incompetence rather than outright sabotage.
I don’t know if we’ll see if they’re sabotaging Derek until we’re a lot deeper in the season. The fact that they got called for a lift while Tamar got a definite pass is…interesting. That and the song issue may end up being isolated incidents. But if we notice something every other week that is hinky then we have to consider it – we’d be stupid not to. I’m putting it out there NOW to pay attention. Just look at the differences in how they treated Tamar’s lift versus Bindi’s. We’ll see.
Like I said last week – they have a whole lot of competing desires which makes them appear schizophrenic. And on top of that, they’re incompetent.