PureDWTS Season 21, Week 9 – Power Rankings
So I thought the show had hit a new low with the whole Nick baby shower mess last week – but as it seems lately, the universe has a funny way of calling my bluff when I say “It can’t possibly get any worse.” Enter what I like to call “The DWTS Drama Porn 2-Hour Extravaganza” – will Tamar dance??? Will half of the married couple leave us tonight??? Are Bindi & Derek at odds??! OH THE HUMANITY!!! Seriously, tonight felt exploitative and disgusting. I don’t think TPTB had any clue what was going on with Tamar (and neither did Val – he seemed genuinely unsure of what was happening), but the minute they thought they could run with the drama on it??? My god, it turned into the Tamar show. “Tamar’s on the phone, she’s in a race against time to make it back here!” “We’ve just received word that Tamar is in the building!” “Tamar, darling, just sit down, we wouldn’t want you to swoon like Aunt Pittypat when getting your scores!” I rolled my eyes at how they were milking that footage for all its worth. And then there was Bindi & Derek’s rehearsal package – I just love (and by love I mean “rolled my eyes emphatically”) that they decided that this was the week to hone in Derek’s struggles as a choreographer and teacher. Gotta keep things interesting, eh? Sure, we never get to see packages from the pros that outsource their choreography to Alan and then have these easy, breezy rehearsals because they don’t have to worry about actually choreographing, but let’s really harp on Derek getting choreography block, and fabricate some drama between he & Bindi. And then there was the nonsense with Carlos & Alexa – if there’s one thing Carlos said this season that I actually agreed with, it was that having he & Alexa up there in jeopardy together was “what they wanted”…”they” being TPTB, who were also slick enough to turn the audio on when Alexa & Carlos were hugging and trying to calm down. Tacky, guys – BEYOND tacky.
As for Tamar, I’ll just say this: I do believe she is really and truly sick, and has been for several weeks now – her voice sounds awful. But I do find the timing of the hospital trip very convenient – she’s been sick all week and then suddenly needs a doctor midway through dress rehearsal, but manages to return with only moments to spare before she would have been disqualified for not dancing in the duet? Part of me wonders if she was intending to quit, but changed her mind – and if she really and truly does have pneumonia, quitting would have been the prudent course of action here, to look out for her health and to allow someone else who is able-bodied (read: Alexa) to continue in the competition another week. Pneumonia is nothing to mess with – my manager came down with it earlier this year, and was in the hospital for two weeks and out of work for a month. At one point, his breathing became so laborious (he suffers from COPD) that they put him on a ventilator. You can DIE from pneumonia, if you don’t treat it promptly and properly. It is serious business, and should be treated as such – so while I commend Tamar’s commitment to dancing, I also think she’s kind of a moron for not saying “I need to slow down and rest.” A $40 trophy cobbled together with parts from the craft store is not worth dying over – go home and rest with your family. I will say this, though: I don’t think we’ve gotten the full story, and I would be interested to see what TMZ is able to dig up in the coming days. I’m keeping my eyes peeled…
As for Alexa – my heart broke for her tonight, and it doesn’t do that for very many people these days. After such a heartfelt and personal performance like her contemporary, and then such a fun number with Bindi, it seemed like such a waste to send her home. She finally found her groove, and she got sent packing…while her husband got to stay. Please, DWTS – never, ever have a married couple on the show again. Or if you do, make sure they’re secure enough that the husband doesn’t say sh*t like *cringe* “I want to beat my wife” in one breath, then claim he wishes he could trade places with her and go home instead. Cry me a river of Jaleel White tears, Carlos.
1.) Bindi & Derek – Bindi is the most consistent dancer this season, and last night was no different – like Julianne, who looks for flaws and can’t find them, I’m left without a whole lot to say about Bindi’s dances other than “they were great!” Thought any potential issues she may have had with her shoulders are now gone, and she looked lovely and at ease during her Viennese waltz. If I have one complaint, it’s with the blindfold – I just didn’t get it. Sorry Derek 😛 Maybe I got distracted and missed the explanation, but it didn’t really fit in with the dance for me. But if that’s my biggest gripe about her dance – I’m happy. She’s a lock for the finale.
2.) Nick & Sharna – Nick was a tad underwhelming tonight and seemed to fade into the woodwork for me, and part of me wonders if it was simply due to his individual dance being right before Tamar’s, and then having the focus of the duet shift almost entirely to her. His quickstep was good, but not great – and part of the blame for that lies with Sharna, who should have known better than to waste so much time at the beginning and in the middle doing open work. Seemed like there really wasn’t a ton of in-hold quickstep, and the little he did do felt a tad clunky and his feet were…floppy. He was great in the individual portions, but the quickstep is a partner dance – so I don’t really put a ton of stock in what they’re doing separately. Hoping that the judges’ critique reminded Sharna that sometimes it’s better to go for solid basics than a bunch of flashy nonsense – something to keep in mind headed into the finals, for which I also think Nick is a lock.
3.) Alek & Lindsay – So before I begin, a PSA: I have zero patience for “vote shaming” – if you are ranting and raving here, on Twitter, on Facebook, etc., demanding to know “Who the hell is voting for Alek????!!! UGH STOP YOU MORONS HE NEEDS TO GO HOME!!!” I got your answer right here: me and a bunch of other people, honey, and if you’ve got a problem with it, I will tell you where you can shove it. Alexa went home because she didn’t get the votes – period. Not because Alek has some sort of unfair advantage – and if you really want to blame someone other than Alexa’s fans for her exit, I would look to the celebrity below, who despite being gravely ill managed to scramble back to the studio just in time to avoid being disqualified…and had that actually happened, Alexa would have been safe for another week, and with scores high enough to likely carry her to the finale. Rant over. I could bitch about how the judges have turned nitpicking into an artform when it comes to Alek’s dancing, but I’d rather focus on the fact that this week was the most at ease and in-the-zone we’ve seen Alek so far – and while that salsa wasn’t his strongest dance, I daresay he looked like he was having more fun than he has so far. The lifts were great, and I thought he handled some of the arm wrapping work better than Carlos did last week. Whether the judges care to admit it or not – Alek HAS improved, and I hope he knows it. Now while up until about 10 minutes before showtime last night, I was convinced Alek was gonna get sent packing, now I actually think he might have enough momentum to make it into the finale – especially since he’s only 1 point behind Tamar and only 3 behind Carlos, and those two seem like they could be in legitimate danger. He managed to get the margins to stay over Alexa, and I’ve seen far more people voting for Alek than I have Carlos in particular. I’m optimistic 🙂
4.) Tamar & Val – I hope Tamar realizes that coming back to dance was a very, very dangerous gamble – not only with her health, but with her fate on the show. As of this morning, I’m seeing about a 2:3 ratio of people that sympathize with Tamar and think it was “courageous” of her to return and dance, to people that think the whole thing was a tacky stunt and want her gone. At this point, I want her gone – but really, due more to the fact that she’s endangering her health more than anything else (even though I still find the whole thing very, very fishy). Her contemporary was about as meh as one could expect, given that it was just the dress rehearsal and she was clearly not feeling well – low-energy, lots of off-balance moments, and she’s still not really connecting with Val. Also felt like a cheap recycle of Charlie & Candace’s season 18 duet, what with the troupe members joining in, but at least the song was kind of cool. If she doesn’t withdraw due to her ill health (and I do think there’s a possibility there – if it really is pneumonia, I can’t see any doctor clearing her to dance, and I don’t see the DWTS lawyers greenlighting it, either), I do think we’ll at least see her in jeopardy – but part of me thinks there are just enough sheeple that bought into that fiasco last night to keep her around for the finals.
5.) Carlos & Witney – What a craptastic song for an Argentine tango, and craptastic choreography to go along with it. Once again, I’m left wondering if Witney lost her outside choreographer privileges, because some of her routines this year have really been bad. For that reason, I can only partially blame the song for this AT being so…unimpressive. It was really more contemporary/jazz with a few AT steps peppered in than an actual AT, and Carlos wasn’t very convincing as a leading man. Found him to be kinda stompy and out-of-sync with Wit while in hold. Also, the door??? Wow, haven’t seen that before – except in at least 3 routines on SYTYCD, one of which was so popular (Twitch & Katy’s Mia Michaels routine to “Mercy”) that I can’t help but think that this dance was just kind of a cheap copy of it. The one thing I did like: Wit’s dress. She looked really pretty – but this dance did not. I probably would have given it straight 8s, simply because there wasn’t enough AT content to judge. Now here’s the thing about Carlos: he’s been in jeopardy multiple times, and I’m not sure that all the folks that were voting for Alexa (and I’m not sure there were a ton) are now going to throw their votes his way – I also think he got kinda lost in the shuffle last night, and he doesn’t have as much padding in the points as he’s had in previous weeks. I know TPTB seem to be trying to make him a “thing”, but I’m not sure he’s getting the votes. So for that reason…I think he may be the one on the chopping block next week.
Thoughts on the duets:
Carlos & Alek’s paso doble: Ok, I actually thought this one was pretty cool – and I have to wonder if it got a bum rap simply because Alek was in it and the judges will burst into flames if they don’t give him at least 75% negative feedback on each of his dances. Both Carlos & Alek were in sync for most of the dance, and both looked committed to the dance and like they were having fun – wish I could have said the same for Nick & Tamar’s duet. And as for that rad star lift, I’ll just say this: note who was struggling (both in rehearsal and during the performance) and who wasn’t. Just because you have six pack abs does not necessarily mean you’re strong, and just because you don’t have them doesn’t mean you aren’t strong 😉 Loved the play with the paint drums. Thought the bitching & moaning from the judges were OTT and that this deserved at least a 25, but whatevs…
Bindi & Alexa’s jazz/Charleston (still don’t know which it was supposed to be): This was beyond fun, and I loved seeing Alexa come out of her shell a bit more and play off of Bindi’s energy. Loved the tearaway costumes, and I don’t have a whole lot else to say other than “I liked it!” Just wish they’d stop putting Bindi in cheap wigs, though – this one was about as bad as the one they put her in for the Ghostbusters team dance. Ack.
Nick & Tamar’s rumba: Ok, I actually felt a bit bad for Nick in this one – because not only was it just kind of a hot mess, but all the focus got shifted to Tamar when she arrived in the nick (no pun intended) of time to dance…and her dancing was about as mediocre as to be expected from a woman that was allegedly just in the hospital emergency room. I’ll admit, I barely even watched Nick in this, just because I was half-expecting Tamar to collapse mid-dance, but the little I saw did seem like Nick was really trying. The choreography and staging on this one were a nightmare, though – the Cirque dancers, the confetti, the umbrellas…I could barely see the dancing, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t see very much rumba. Just seemed chaotic and aimless…definitely the weakest of the three duets, and was overscored relative to the other duets.
I would love to know everyone else’s thoughts on Pneumoniagate – did you guys think it was just a series of unfortunate events…or something more calculated? Do you think Tamar should have withdrawn? Should Alexa have been allowed to stay? What did you think of the duets?
I think the blindfold is referenced in the words of the song
This week was pathetic, overly dramatic! From Tamar “just walking in” to Carlos’s reaction to his wife getting voted off. Call me heartless, but last night was not my favorite.
Good job, Court! I love these! Ok, here are mine:
Individual Dances:
1. Derek and Bindi – Omg, all I could do after they danced was cry. She was like violets and roses themselves out there. I loved all the raw emotion and creativity. Bindi just embraces each part and each dance so immaculately every week. She flies out there. You could feel their emotion and the story in every move and facial expression. She’s a natural and so in tune with Derek and vice versa. I can’t get enough of these two.
2. Mark and Alexa – These two just blew me away as well. She laid all of her emotion and vulnerability out on the dance floor and that would take courage. You could feel their heart and passion through out the dance. I loved the choreography, the lifts, and the theatrical feel! Mark was brilliant with his choreography and costume design. I really hope he submits this dance for an Emmy.
3. Nick and Sharna – I loved these two as well. I loved the clever theme and the old hollywood feel. I was actually shocked he danced it so fast too. I also loved the place Nick was in last night. We’re finally seeing him settle into his characters and just dance without all the anxiety.
4. Tamar and Val – I agree how she missed some moves, but, wow, I loved this dance and all the emotion, the passion, and the intensity. I would have loved to have seen it live as it might have been even more powerful.
One of these two should have went home last night and not Mark and Alexa imo:
5. Alek and Lindsay – I wish Alek had more bounce and he moved those feet and hips a lot more, but, I liked his smile and strength through out. He’s such a class act.
6. Carlos and Witney – Such an odd song for an A. Tango and the whole dance seemed weird and off. I could understand the lack of connection for what Carrie Ann and Julianne talked about. This has been an issue from night one.
The Duets:
1. “All That Jazz” – Wow wow wow! A SHOWSTOPPER INDEED!!! So stylish, sassy, old hollywood, and creative. Derek, Bindi, Alexa, and Mark killed it out there. There may have been pressure all week and it was hard, but, they rose to the occasion! Just EXCELLENT!
2. “Hey Jude” – I wasn’t sure how Rumbas to “Hey Jude” would work out and I was negative about it in comments, but, I loved being proved wrong. I liked the whole performance. I was mesmerized with the production and the colors of it. Again, I loved the place Nick was in last night. I also loved how he was so gentle when he held Tamar the most. I wish he’d do the same with Sharna in that same kind of emotion, caring, and debth. It and the place he’s in right now could be key for the upcoming weeks.
3. “We Will Rock You” – I have to be honest. I thought this performance was lame right from the get go. It was lack luster all over and the choreo was poor compared to the other two duets. Bruno is right how it didn’t have the “bulls” effect either and the power and intensity it needed. I also thought the costumes and Lindsay and Witney’s make up was awful. But, I loved the package and when Carlos asked Alek if he’d be his hero. #Awwwmoment.
Brilliant analysis as usual! I thought the whole Tamar being ill was played ridiculously. Perhaps her husband had had enough and dragged her off to the hospital but the drama was off the charts. I also think it detracted from the other dancers. They must have told her she wasn’t being eliminated so she dragged her butt back to dance. Other than that, their duet dance was terrible. I thought it was choreographed by someone for their dance recital. The judges were on crack for that. As for Alexa, her leaving will hurt the ratings. Very likeable young lady who had grown tremendously. Really a shame imo.
I think Tamar should’ve withdrawn. I’m an RN with 12 years of critical-care/ICU experience under my belt and pneumonia is nothing to play around with. I cannot BELIEVE that any doctor worth his salt. cleared her to dance last night. What did they do..give her a few breathing treatments, shoot some antibiotics into her and send her on her merry way? She was SUCKING WIND at the end of their duo dance. I fully believe that she was ill as she hasn’t been well for two weeks now. but whatever she had turned into pneumonia and she should be in the hospital resting and getting the proper treatment. I DO think however that all the drama surrounding it last night was a ploy to get votes.
Great rankings Courtney and I agree with everything you’ve said. I SO hope Alek makes the final four but I fear that last night’s stunt was enough to give Tamar enough votes to push him out.
Funny how we NEVER HEARD one word about Derek being sick all week. It wasn’t mentioned at all during the live show(I didn’t watch All Access). Go figure :/
Great post as usual Courtney! In total agreement with your rankings. The over-the-top drama was enough to almost make me want to stop watching. It’s almost like a bad car accident for me at this point, and I can’t seem to look away. With that said, there were only two people without woe-is-me story lines last night, Alek and Bindi. I’m so over all the crying and “struggles”- just dance! I’m hoping the rest of America feels similarly and that it’s reflected in next week’s elimination.
I am really curious to see what unfolds with Tamar… If she decides to withdraw, it would be a bad PR move with regards to letting Alexa go home. But the drama may have rallied her fans. Same with Carlos, seen a bit of the “win it for Lex” sentiment, and now the votes won’t be split between the two. Like I said, can’t look away…
I agree that not all of Alexa’s votes will go to Carlos, but the huge part of them yes. It’s hard to admit but I believed Carlos crying and make me share a tear.
I have the feeling that Alek or Tamar will go home. I hope it’s not Carlos because I would love to see Witney doing another freestyle.
Hi I’m not new to this site but it’s the first time I comment but last night left me speechless and not in a good way. Have they forget it’s a show about dancing and people tune in for dance ? There are plenty of reality show for people who love drama. No need for dwts to do this. It was really too much. As for tamar I don’t get it… either she has pneumonia and she should have stay at the hospital or they just threw the word pneumonia for a bigger effect. Either way it was ridiculous. I really hope she quits for her own sake.
I loved Derek and Bindi they’re magical together and this dance was so beautiful I can’t count how many times I watched it. As for the blindfold I think it was to fit the lyrics until “they said love is blind but with you” and then he took it off and she saw him. Well that’s my interpretation at least for what it’s worth 😉
Alexa and Mark contemporary was breathtaking for me I loved her performance the costume and the choreography Mark is a genius.
Others were ok but I wish Carlos would have gone instead of his wife. I don’t like him (sorry for his fans).
Sorry for my mistakes English isn’t my first language
Last night’s episode really dragged for me and that was even after missing Alek and Linda’s salsa due to a dentist appointment. The highlights of the evening for me were Alek’s and Carlos’ s solo during their duo and Alex’s chair split during her duo with Bindi. Of course the judges had to praise Carlos for his attempt at a one arm lift and ignore Alek. Also, why should Alek and Carlos have been held to a higher standard choreography wise just because it was two male celebrities dancing. The judges wanted to see novel moves but it was a paso for goodness sake and Alek is not a professional dancer or someone with dance or gymnastic experience.
Regarding the package for the duo, the producers still managed to “diss” Alek (and Carlos) while serving the interests of Disney/ABD. I’m sure the producers instructed Carlos, Whitney, Lindsay and Alek to engage in all those extracurricular activities so that they could show how fun the cruise was but they still managed to make it seem like Alek (and Carlos) were more interested in goofing off than practicing their dances.
The Tamar drama was annoying. My sense was that she only had energy enough to perform one dance and the producers determined that that dance would be the duo dance so that their chosen one, Nick, wouldn’t suffer. The trip to the hospital was just to give Tamar a reason for not performing her first dance live.
@Pere – I disagree – I think a good chunk of the votes keeping Alexa afloat were from Mark’s fans, and from what I’ve seen from them, very few intend to vote for Carlos. Will SOME of Alexa’s votes go to Carlos? Sure. But “a huge part” of them? Nah.
What I have a hard time with is that Tamar didn’t tell anyone she was leaving, not even Val. How rude is that? I understand that she didn’t feel well, but you can’t even shoot off a text? Or have your husband do it? Or an assistant/friend?
I was very uncomfortable during and after their duet dance. I thought the girl was going to pull a Marie Osmond and collapse right there on the floor/bench.
Maybe viewers will think that Tamar needs to stay home and take care of herself and NOT vote for her for that reason. When someone is obviously ill, it makes it hard to want them to continue.
As far as the dances, I agree with all of the rankings. I hope Carlos goes home after what Alexa said on All Access yesterday. (Apparently, on Sunday they had a conversation and he told her that sometimes his ego gets in the way and he wants her to fall. Who SAYS that?? Even if you think it, why do you verbalize it?? He can go now. Good Riddance!)
1. Bindi and derek – beauty of a dance , I got so lost in the power of this dance last night that I completely forget reality and just felt a feeling of hope sorrounding me while I watched it. Bindi makes me believe in magic because she is the defintion of magic. Derek is and has been my hero/idol for years now and last night I felt like I was watching an angel watching him dance. He is my angel
2. Bindi/alexa/derek/mark- #teamchicacgo – I LooOOoOoOved it. So fun. But I just want to point out how much derek belongs on broadway, throughout the this entire dance last night I couldn’t take my eyes off of him because the amount of broadway esque movement and feel he rediates when he does dances with broadway movement/feel in them is very strong. He is the defintion of broadway and he belongs on that grand stage. I hope that this is indeed his last season, bindi is a good way to go out with a bang. I really think it’s time for him to take a bow with a long and loud standing ovation and walk away to the open doors of broadway.
I don’t remeber any other dances from last night except alexas but now that she’s gone , I don’t see a point in discussing it
Thank you so much for the PSA about people moaning and complaining about the “morons voting for Alek” (and usually it is spelled Alex by most people, which drives me crazy too)…I’m one of those too and proud of it. Love seeing his progression. As far all the drama, I’m done with it. If Tamar is that sick, why would she even compete? Her health should be the most important consideration and if it isn’t to her, then I think that is a sign of immaturity. Really, as it is now, I really don’t think she has a chance of winning…that’s Bindi and Nick who are the ones that will be fighting it out. As far Carlos, he should have known the producers were itching for that moment when they were in “bottom two” together…from the moment he signed, he had to know the producers signed them wanting that moment of drama… hello Meryl and Charlie, but at least they weren’t married and used to competing.
My rankings are the same except switch Carlos and Tamar’s spots. I would rather see alek in the finale than Tamar or Carlos to be honest. Yeah he isn’t as strong as a dancer…..but not really a big deal. The ones that are complaining on Facebook must have forgotten about some people who made the finale and the final four (Bill engvall, Noah Galloway, candance Cameron….just to name a few) and they all were proof that people would rather see happy people trying their best than people faking a happy attitude it trying to put a fake face on (looking at you Carlos and Tamar). Ok rant over lol. In regards to Carlos I was a bit confused with his crying. Don’t get me wrong if my wife was voted out I would silently be annoyed but that was crying like the extras in titanic when the boat was sinking. I’ve accepted that whatever fake personality we get is goi g to change week to week (so far I’ve counted three: super serious, super happy, and the shucks the judges really like me and I think I was over scored) but this week was ehat I’m going to call the “I’m super competitive” personality. This is going to sound harsh but I really am starting to worry about him lol. The one time he was himself was the amazing grace week and that’s the one he should stick with. As for witney I have to agree with you that she ether is right on the money or really off choreography wise this season. I’m wondering if having Lindsay as a competing pro has gotten in her head since Lindsay has really shown that she has the edge choreography wise over her and has become quite the fan favorite. If I’m going to be honest I have to say that Tamar really has forgone from the one I was intrigued by in the start of the season to the one that makes me go “not excited at all”. I also have to say that I lied Val at the beginning of the season but last night was the straw that broke the camels back when he tried to say the judges opinion didn’t matter. It’s called humility Val….learn about it. I can care less that he is the reigning champ. I can care less that he is super talented. His attitude ruins it for me.
I know I’m sort of biased toward this couple, but Alexa & Mark honestly should have stayed. Even apart from the brilliance they produced last night, they was underscored last week while other were overscored. But I’m so happy she finally found her confidence and was able to share her story with us (if she had done that for Most Memorable Year I imagine her time on the show would have played out differently, but I can see why she might not have felt ready to share something that personal w the world at that point) and that Mark has some good material to submit to the Emmys. 😉
Oh yeah, and as an Alexa supporter who was mainly voting for her because of Mark (well at first, like with my support of Hayes for Emma’s sake I ended up growing to love Alexa over the course of the season) I’m definitely not sending ANY of my votes to Carlos for the rest of the season. I gave all of mine to Bindi & Derek last night.
Totally agree Bindi & Derek and Nick & Sharna are a lock for the finals. If I had to guess right now I’d say Bindi will take the trophy in the end, but hopefully I didn’t just jinx it! Haha. As for the others….well, I’m not really dying to see any of them compete in the finale, but I guess I want Alek there more than the other two. I’d say I want Carlos gone next but it depends on how Tamar’s health situation plays out. I was predicting she’d be leaving last night and then when her illness was announced I really wanted her gone for her own sake. If she somehow turns out to be better next week then I hope she stays. If not then, despite how much I DON’T want to see Carlos in the finals I hope she leaves so she can get better. But if I had to guess, I’d say Carlos will make it through and we’ll be saying goodbye to either Alek or Tamar on Monday.
I will say this though…after seeing Alexa of all people leave after Tamar’s return last night…I’m going to be really upset if she came back only to have to drop out this week.
Hit submit too early. As for nick and sharna I didn’t throw them a single vote last week or this week becuase it’s becoming very clear that he is tptb’s chosen one (at least it’s not Val and Tamar so there is a slight plus) and all my votes went to bindi. As soon as sharna said “I haven’t won yet” I was shocked. She seems like such a nice person based on the interviews you guys have done with her so this came out of left field. I’m chalking it up to way too much time around Val and maks. He seems like a fun person and chill personality but this weeks duo dance was dull. Probably my least fav dance from him thus far. He is lucky his quickstep was entertaining.
I always look forward to your thoughts on the night, Courtney, so thanks for sharing.
Loved Bindi and Alexa’s individual dances, and Alek’s. The rest were only ok for me. I usually love Sharna but,this season, her dances are hit and miss for me. Last nights was a miss.
I can’t warm up to Tamar, but do feel for her because she does look pretty sick, hope she feels better. I would have MUCH rather seen Alexa stay than Tamar though.
Loved Alexa and Bindis Chicago routine, my fav duet of the night.
Yay Julia! Nice to have another Team Crikey fan on board 🙂 I really have grown to like Alexa as well and was sad she had to go after her performances last night. I hope Carlos goes next now cause he was annoying. Ugh.
I do not always agree with the assessments here and often my favorites are different. But these rankings were spot on as was the commentary on last night’s over-the-top drama. It might have been my least favorite DWTS episode in a very long time. Too bad that some brilliant dancing gets buried in all that garbage.
I loved last night’s show, because there was Team Baega (in both solos and duet), and then there was everyone else. I am thrilled that Derek and Mark got to do this together. I remember when I first started reading about Derek and Mark going to NYC, etc. I was thinking “Does anyone know they’re doing this?” because I just couldn’t believe it would be permitted. I would be curious to know what Gary Christ, et al think about the performance. Of all the duets I think only Bindi and Alexa had a solo section that was up to the level of the dance.
HATED Alexa leaving. So happy she decided to take on the bulimia issue, and to recruit Mark’s powerful talents to literally BREAK FREE. The bond created between them through that dance would have served them very well going forward. It’s such a shame we won’t get to see what they could do. She had some spectacular successes on the show (which Carlos will never equal), and liberated herself in the process. I hope she feels great about her journey.
For the rest: I’m happy that Alek seems to be having more fun. I can’t stand the way Carlos dances — he never straightens his legs, so to me in his Paso he looked like Groucho Marx. Nick is just a drag. And Tamar — well, I think Tamar did DWTS thinking she would fit it in around all the other things she’s got going on. I think she thrives on drama, so she’s a perfect tool for Wade. While she is clearly exhausted, I don’t think she was officially specifically diagnosed with pneumonia.
Agree with everything…as always.
Part of me wonders if that silly twitter vote in the even sillier dance off played any role in Alexa’s untimely elimination – she DESTROYED Tamar in the public vote…perhaps Tamar’s fans were doing the “real” voting, while Alexa’s fans were distracted by the dance off? I know it was only about a minute’s worth of distraction so in the end it probably didn’t really account for much, but I still can’t help but wonder.
At any rate: “Cry me a river of Jaleel White tears, Carlos.” Just amazing. AMAZING. I got a good laugh off of that one Courtney!
The only dance I saw last night in full was Nick’s dance. I actually thought we did really well. Yes, it was not a traditional quickstep but let’s not act like we haven’t seen any of those before…and they’ve actually been quite the showstopper. So, it didn’t bug me one bit that there wasn’t much in hold. I was entertained by the dance as a whole. The only reason why I would say that they should’ve stuck with the basics was for the sake of scores. I’m pretty sure it would’ve been higher if it looked more traditional. Btw, Sharna looked amazing last night.
Didn’t see any of the other dances in full yet. Only saw a snippet of Carlos’s. I still can’t make sense of WHY the producers chose that song for their AT. I honestly think it was a disadvantage to them. That song is more fit for a cha cha, and I do think that the dance looking weird has mostly to do with the song. In regards to Witney’s choreo skills, I love her TO DEATH and she became my fave female pro (next to Sharna) after her choreography masterpieces with Alfonso. At the time, I didn’t know they used ghost choreographers to that extent, and I say that because now that those ” ghosts” are out in the open, it makes me wonder how much Witney really relied on them for her routines. She has been falling flat this season. I’m starting to wonder if she was ever as good a choreographer from the get-go, or that was all the “ghosts” doing.
I feel bad for Tamar, but I honestly don’t know what she was trying to pull last night. I don’t know much about pneumonia but I know it’s serious, and seems like everyone in the DWTS fandom noticed that she looked like she needed to lay down for days last night. We will never know why she decided to show up last minute, but one of you commenters up there is right: I will be upset if she decides to back out next week after making it through. Mainly because that is very unfair to Alexa, who I wanted to stay.
Speaking of Alexa, I am really bummed that she went home. Like I’ve said before, I’ve wanted her to be on the show for quite some time now, and to be honest, I was expecting a lot and wanted her to top the leaderboard every week. Part of me blames Mark (don’t hate me!) because I feel that the first half of the season, he really wasn’t helping her reach her full potential as a dancer. Every dance she did I kept saying, “Do more! You can do better than that!” but I almost wish that she had Derek as a partner. Something tells me she would do MUCH better with him. So sad she went home. She had so much more to offer and I KNOW THAT. I really hope she’s back for another All-Stars season if they decide to have another one. She deserves a second chance.
Also, at Carlos’s reaction, I have no doubt he was sad, but I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought that it didn’t look genuine. I never noticed him always saying that he wants to beat out his wife, but maybe paying more attention to AA and the backstage stuff will change that.
I agree 100% with your rankings and especially your PSA about “vote shaming” – all my votes have been going to Alek. I think he has improved so much, and I don’t think he has been given much credit for it by the judges. I am definitely no expert, but I enjoy watching him in hold a good deal more than both Nick and Carlos. At this point, it seems to almost pain the judges to give Alek truly positive feedback without the nitpicking and negativity creeping in. After re-watching the star lift, I noticed even more clearly that while Carlos is struggling (having to steady Witney with two hands for most of the lift), Alek looks like he could hold Lindsey up there all day with one hand quite easily. Did the judges comment on this? Well, they couldn’t unless they wanted to admit that Alek may be better at something than Carlos.
This episode was just kinda weird to me, but then again the previous episodes were too. Now for the performances last night there were only 3 that was beautifully executed and stuck in my mind.
1.) Bindi and Derek- It was another classic and beautiful Viennese waltz choreograped by Derek. It was full of content and elegance. Once again Bindi was able glide through the dance with great technique and ease.
2.) Alexa and Mark- This performance was breathtaking. Alexa looked very calmed and was able to connect very well with her partner Mark.
3.) Bindi and Derek/Alexa and Mark- I’m a huge Bob Fosse fan. So I excited that they were able to get the All That Jazz incorporated in their choreography. The performance had a very Broadway feel. It Definitely deserves a emmy nom.
I agree with your rankings Courtney and your pre-amble to the rankings.
I loved Bindi & Derek’s VW-it was traditional and modern and so in tune with the song and the blindfold did blend into the words of the song.
The Chicago duets were perfect and I believe choreographed, danced and scored properly. Nick/Tamara duet was to much over the top you couldn’t even tell they were dancing. Plus people seem to forget that both of these celebs have done this dance before, didn’t have to travel to see this show or for practice purposes. Carlos/Alek was interesting, just didn’t “feel” it.
I am of the mind that if Tamar has pneumonia she would not have been cleared to dance. This is serious and needs to be treated right away, not go to the hospital, get an opinion and rush back to dance. Something is not right with this scenario. Whether it’s TPTB, Tamar, Val-something is fishy here and I hope it’s not a poor me, I’m sick, please keep me around for another week so I can make the finals gimmick.
I was going to say more but think I will leave it at that.
Sad that Alexa was eliminated. Kudos to her and Mark for a great night of dancing.
@@Kimberly. I, too, prefer Alek in hold as compared to Carlos and Nick.
As an aside, I think if Len had been here this season, he would have pulled out a 7 paddle for Nick’s quickstep –so many rules broken and the little quickstep that was performed was so so.
Personally, I think Tamar is truly sick and has been since she lost her voice and it’s just been getting worse as time goes by. But I also think it was a huge publicity stunt to get sympathy votes for her. If she was indeed in an ER, what doctor would clear her for dancing? And are TPTB that desperate to keep her in the competition that they ignored the fact that she was very obviously sick and turned a blind eye so she would dance? As Kelly said above, it’s nothing to mess with. I’ve had it and it took me a good 5 weeks of complete rest and medication to get rid of it. So I don’t understand how she was able to even get through that dance. There is nothing shameful for having to drop out when you’re health is in jeopardy. I’m betting this week, she doesn’t get a lot of rehearsal time in so she can rest and that she will still dance rather than doing what’s in her best interest and drop out.
If caught early,pneumonia doesn’t usually require much more than oral antibiotics. Tamar has been sick for a few weeks now. It’s likely that her pneumonia has progressed to the point where she needs around-the-clock IV antibiotics. No Doctor worth their salt would’ve let Tamar dance if she were to that point. So I gotta wonder, does she REALLY have pneumonia after all or just a sheer case of exhaustion?
My son had pneumonia once as an infant and it was caught early enough that I was able to keep him home on oral antibiotics (Zithromax), rather than be exposed to MORE germs as a hospital patient. His doctors also trusted me to keep a close eye on him, my being an RN and all.
I was voting for Alexa and Mark and have no intention of voting for Carlos. I normally vote for Mark’s partners (except the seasons I don’t watch and I didn’t vote for All Raisman). My votes will be going to Alek and Bindi. I’d much rather see Alek than Carlos or Tamar but I think that they will try to get rid of Alek and have the remaining 4 in the finale.
I’m confused by this whole Tamar has pneumonia thing. I don’t doubt she’s sick, that’s obvious. But when exactly did she get pneumonia since she was just performing in a concert over the weekend. If she just got it around dress rehearsal or camera blocking, what doctor cleared her for strenuous activity? It’s been said but I think pneumonia is contagious so she is not only risking her health but the health of others who will come into contact with even more people. I hope Nick’s immune system is strong because his wife is pregnant and he was hugging Tamar after their dance.
That Hey Jude number was a hot mess. I think what works on a large stage in Vegas completely overwhelmed the ballroom. So it turns out I’m not sure they did them any favors by bringing in the Cirque performers.
Loved loved loved Alexa and Bindi’s numbers last night. By far the best individual and the duet turned out so well.
I saw some complaints about Carlos needing to use two hands for a bit on that lift, but frankly I’m glad he did because safety>performance.
I thought they nitpicked the Carlos/Alek dance a bit much, but I do think I’ve reached my limit in how much I enjoy seeing Alek dance. I guess I prefer him over Tamar and Carlos still but I will be fine if he leaves before the finals.
Sharna’s “I just realized I’m one of the only pros who hasn’t won” sounded very disingenuous – the “I just realized” part. Don’t get me wrong, I think she’s great – but this season she has been a bit hit or miss for me and I hope that if she does win with Nick that it’s because they come out really strong in the last two weeks – not because her biggest competition is Derek and people want her to win instead.
Thank you so much for your thoughts about Alek and the A-holes who curse us for voting for him! I too vote for Alek. Not because he’s the best dancer but because he’s genuine, trying hard and he is improving and the judges are hosing him. Alek is a bit like Alice in Wonderland. He’s out of place and not sure of the “rules” or how to succeed but he’s enjoying the adventure of it all. And I saw more enjoyment this week both in the cruise ship package and on the dance floor! Good job guy! And I love seeing his proud parents too.
I was blown away by Alexa’s story yesterday and the contemporary that Mark conceived to show that story. I hope he is nominated for an Emmy for that. And I sincerely hope that the catharsis Alexa had in sharing that on TV won’t be overshadowed by being voted off yesterday.
Bindi was more exquisite than ever in her V. waltz last night! More mature, beautiful and graceful than I would have thought possible even just last week. I cannot wait for the next couple of weeks!
I enjoyed Nick and Sharna’s individual dance very much but really don’t think it could be considered a quickstep. Especially since the best and most memorable parts were the Nick and co sections at the opening and ending.
Of the duet dances, I loved the Chicago number! Didn’t love either of the others. And you don’t need me to rehash all of the “pneumonia” drama from last night. But seriously, even IF a medical doctor (and her husband) would have allowed Tamar to leave the hospital (f that’s where she was) to go back to the TV studio and dance, wouldn’t someone on the DWTS/ABC staff had have some say in the matter. The insurance would have had a fit. Felt like a ploy for sympathy. And, I bet it worked.
I agree Fig 30. I thought Hey Jude was a mess and hard to follow as a performance. It was the worst of the 3 and not even because of Tamar just arriving, I wouldn’t have loved it even if there were no drama last night.
Alek & Carlos number could have been better but they did well with a fun campy piece and a hard lift and were too nitpicked.
Bindi’s performance was my favorite of the whole night, what a lovely, sophisticated waltz and lovely song. Loved the leap/catch in the middle too. I too caught the meaning of the lyrics and blindfold.
Enjoyed Nick & Sharna’s dance, he was so good out of hold but just wish there was more in hold and he would have been better at it. Still saw the posture issue and bum sticking out. I actually liked Alek’s salsa, Lindsay did a good job with it and he has improved and looked liked he was having fun out there.
I appreciated Alexa & Mark’s dance and loved her commitment, attack and freedom in it and no mistakes! I wasn’t wowed by it though but that is in part due to extensive viewing of SYTYCD Contemporary pieces over the years; and for me it was a lesser version of Kayla & Kupono’s Mia Michaels’ choreographed Gravity Addiction routine that is one of my favorites from that show. I believe she won an Emmy for that number.
Didn’t love Val’s choreo for the contemporary but I love the song. Didn’t love Carlos dance either but the song was terrible for it.
If Nick keeps performing at a high level and doesn’t get inconsistent again and Sharna pulls out good dances and a good freestyle, I am fine with his winning, though I am rooting and voting for Bindi. But if Bindi clearly out-dances him and Derek clearly out-choreographs Sharna, I will be disappointed if he wins because then I will feel like it could be more about Sharna never have won/Derek having won too much and Nick’s previous fanbase than the best dancing&routines/partnership/journey on the show. But we’ll see and producer shenangians could definitely play a big role in the outcome too.
I’m thinking that the Nick baby-shower stuff last week and the Tamar Pneumoniagate stuff was done because they aren’t getting the votes that TPTPB think they should be getting. I think it’s safe to say that we all thought Nick would be better than he really is. Plus Tamar was paired with Val so TPTB figured they’d be a shoo-in for the finals.
They weren’t expecting Bindi or Alek to be doing so well in the voting which is obviously happening. So gotta pimp one then the other to assure that their pets make the finals. Alexa was peaking at the right time, threatening the prized lambs even more. So had to knock her out.
Great rankings as always Courtney. I always love reading your take on things. I don’t have much to add to the rankings themselves, you said it all, but I have a few somewhat random thoughts about last night as a whole (some of which I was reminded of by your comments).
First, I could be wrong on this, but Derek’s comment about feeling like he let Nastia down last season with his injury made me wonder if he was actually talking about how he didn’t want to let Bindi down with his illness, but TPTB just edited out the part about him being sick. I also couldn’t help but laugh when it became apparent that the package was going to be about Derek having choreographer’s block, since there has literally been a package like that for him basically every season that he’s been on (usually around this time), like clockwork. 😛
Second, Carlos’ and Alexa’s “moment” (for lack of a better word) during the commercial when Carlos was telling Alexa “This is what they want. Give it to them.” It gave me serious flashbacks to Derek comforting Sadie after her first time “in jeopardy” in Season 19, and Derek was saying the *exact opposite* of what Carlos was saying (Derek said “This is what they want. Don’t give it to them.”). I find it interesting how both Derek and Carlos seem to understand the show very well, but choose to use that insight so differently.
Third, a question for Court. You said that you don’t think most of Alexa’s (or Mark’s) fans will be throwing their votes to Carlos. I don’t disagree, but who do you think will be picking up the most votes from it or do you think they will be spread fairly evenly over the remaining contestants?
Sorry for the long post. Apparently I had a lot to say. 😛
Haven’t had much time to comment this season, but I’ve been following along! I agree with your rankings, but I would switch Tamar & Carlos, just because of personal preference. Either of those 2 could go home next week and I really wouldn’t care; neither of them are going to win this thing.
As far as Witney goes, she seems to be rivaling Mark in the way he can mentally check out on a season with the wrong partner. She seems distracted by the recent boyfriend now fiance (which is funny because according to her mom’s instagram at the time of the 10th anniversary show before she got engaged she didn’t even have a boyfriend). Maybe she just doesn’t get along with Carlos, who knows.
@Vin I disagree that it has to do with having Lindsay back off the troupe, because for as much as Alan Salazar has been quietly helping her this season I’m curious what Lindsay can actually do (and I say this as a Lindsay fan). Overall, I just wish that the pros couldn’t get outside help until freestyles (or out of the box dances), except from the other pros. DWTS pays them to be the pro, not whichever “ghost” is helping them. If they wanted that person as a pro, they would make that person a pro. I could rant about my feelings on this for hours, but I won’t lol.
Rough night in the ballroom. Honestly, I don’t think I have ever enjoyed this show less than last night. The annoying themes, the inconsistent judging, the producer manipulation, the manufactured drama. Even the music is often ridiculous. Is this a ballroom dance show or a free-for-all freestyle every week?
I don’t think we’ve heard the whole Tamar story. She’s obviously seriously ill and from what I’ve observed with pneumonia, unlikely to recover quickly. She should be off the show. I hope the reason she returned was so Nick could dance the duet (enough reason to skip this kind of match-up in the future). It’s unfair to hang one contestant’s chances on another contestant’s health/abilities.
Bindi and Alexa’s dance was clearly the best, but overall, these showstopper duets didn’t work for me. I also liked Bindi and Derek’s waltz and Nick and Sharna’s dance (though I agree not much of a quickstep). Alexa and Mark’s contemporary was powerful and though not my favorite style/theme, it was quite good and well-performed. Others were lacking for me. And this season has not yet seen a phenomenal Argentine tango.
It was hard to see anyone go home (l missed Andy last night), but I’d rather see more dances from Alexa than Carlos or Alek and maybe even Tamar.
Drama porn lol, so funny ? my number one this week is actually bindi and Derek, I think Derek actually has a shot at a sixth mirror ball…
Thanks for doing these – agree with a lot of what you said.
Pneumonia gate: I don’t think it was calculated at all – that woman looked like she was about to collapse. You know how when you are terribly sick you don’t give a damn about anything because you just feel so terrible? Thats probably what she went through when she left after dress rehearsal and once she got some fluids into her or whatever they gave her at the ER she started feeling better and realised she didn’t want to be disqualified – for her sake in terms of the work she’s put in but also for Val. Her attitude at times has been questionable but last night showed her commitment and it was very impressive to me.
1) Bindi and Derek – she fixed her shoulders and looked really connected with Derek more so than ever before. The mirrorball is basically hers at this point and unless something crazy happens in freestyle round, I doubt that will change. I think Derek should retire at the end of this season (if he’s still thinking about it) because there wouldn’t be a better way to go out.
2) Nick and Sharna – I loved the performance value of their quickstep – he was so fun and it was nice to see that different side of him. I think the two points off were fair – one for the hold and one for being out of sync with Alan and artem. The thing is with the choreo – I can understand why Sharna did that – no one seems to be getting penalised for the rules anymore now that Len isn’t there so it’s a case of why follow the rules then. Lindsay and Carlos also broke hold in the middle of their dance (albeit for only a couple bars of music) and they got a perfect score (if we ignore Maks’ 9).
3) Tamar and Val – Depending on where her health is at, I think she will come out strong next week. Also think she’ll make it through to the finale and deservedly so because she is a good dancer.
4) Carlos and Witney – Just not a fan of that AT, it was a crap song but Lindsay could have done a little better in the exciting choreo department. Surprised they got all 9s for that. Sadly Carlos is most likely making it to the finale after his little crying episode last night.
5) Alek and Lindsay – He has shown a lot of improvement but I just felt like his salsa was a lot of Lindsay dancing and Alek just moving around her. He is the weakest dancer and that comment was all over Facebook following Alexa’s elimination. (And the Tamar hating comments have died down a little bit, actually)
Duets:
Chicago: This was just plain awesome!! So fun and excellent use of the troupe – nothing much else to say it was excellent.
We will rock you: This was okay, a little bit underwhelming in parts but the star lift and the ending was impressive
Beatles: I know some people upthread have been saying they liked this number, I just thought it was a bit of a mess. Way too much going on and weird camera angles. I know Tamar was sick but I think a slight disadvantage to having a male/female celeb in a duet is that you get to see the pro do it side by side and it’s very obvious when Nick/Tamar missed a move or didn’t finish their lines properly. This was definitely overscored imo..
Hopefully we can kick the drama now that the semi’s are here.. but obviously that’s a dumb wish coz it won’t ever happen.
I couldn’t agree more about the PSA. What is the problem with throwing your votes to someone you genuinely think is improving each week? Also, I would love to point out that Lindsay’s choreo has been PHENOMENAL this season compared to her BFF. I love the comparison of Carlos and Alek’s Salsa. Carlos’ seemed clunky and disjointed with messy lifts while Alek actually moved through the steps pretty well and handled the lifts like a pro.
i really wished Tamar thought about her well being instead of the competition. You’re definitely right Courtney about how pneumonia is no joke. Although I feel some sympathy, can’t help but also feel frustration that Alexa was sacrificed for someone who is possibly in jeaprody for elimination.
Also feels very weird how Sharna and Val, two pros who are known for incorporating technique and content, could produce such an underwhelming, over produced, and messy duet. Didn’t enjoy it at all.
I hope nobody kills me but I actually thought last night (all drama aside) and just based on dancing and performances was the best night so far this season. I felt that everyone was enjoying themselves or at least let loose a bit and had fun. Of course Bindi was my #1, that girl never ceases to amaze. But I felt like overall the dancing was great.
Alexa is a better dancer than Carlos and he should have gone home. Alek has 2 dances next week that are perfect for him and should do real well. Alot hinges on what Tamar does this week.
@Fig (#31) – I, too, am glad that Carlos opted to use both hands for part of the lift if he didn’t feel comfortable performing the lift safely with one hand. As you said, safety > performance. I do take a bit of pleasure (and I admit my bias here) that Alek > Carlos at lifts (this star lift in particular).
I am a strong supporter of Mark and his creative choreography and have voted for he and Alexa all season. No way in “hell” am I sending my votes to someone who stated he is hoping to beat his wife for the trophy and then cries his eyes out when she was eliminated. Carlos has not impressed me at all. On the other hand, I thought Alexa was truly the better dancer and her journey was remarkable. Was she as good as Bindi, no; but very close at the end.
As for Tamar returning from the ER and dancing, “Drama Queen”! I’m not saying she isn’t sick, but there was no mention by Tom stating that the doctors had cleared her to dance. Usually when someone is hurt or sick, he would state that they have been cleared by the doctors. That was a very big chance for her to take. What if she fainted and really got hurt, whose fault would that be? The lawyers must have been hitting the roof. IMO she thought for sure she was leaving and pulled this stunt to get some sympathy votes. She hasn’t been fully invested in this show from the beginning. How many times did she not show up for rehearsals not even letting Val know she wasn’t coming. I think she didn’t show for one of the PR shows she was to attend with him (sorry I don’t recall the name of the show, but remember watching it on TV). Now all of sudden she is such a dedicated person.
In one of the interviews, I believe it was After Buzz, Derek said he was sick with fevers and sore throat all week and had two IVs to help with the infection. Nothing like that was even mentioned about Tamar. It all seems very fishy to me. I feel bad that Alexa and Mark lost out in the end. If either Tamar or Carlos are eliminated next week, they deserve it. Shame on you, too TPTB!
Great post. I agree with your rankings amd have a few things to add. Nick and Sharna’s quickstep was my favorite and like most casual faans did not care they broke hold in the middle. Not one to be moved to tears, Alexa and Mark got me a little misty and I’m sorry to see her go.
They Hey Jude dance was unfortunate. First Cirque is just over the top. Add a poor dance assignment and a person who just got back from the ER and – wow……the performers did add or take away from the dance. I felt Nick was ignored because everyone was fawning over Tamar all night.
This was just weird. When did this show turn into a soap opera!? I did not mind Nick’s tribute to his wife, but could have done without the balloons. Tony’s treatment by TPTB with telling him Kim was diqualified. Tamar is SICK and they made it sound like she was dying (leaves without telling anyone?)and the icing on the cake was the ugly cry by Carlos. Dude it’s not like she got hit by a bus right in front of you – chill.
Yeah, if you listen to the lyrics of the song, sight is reference right when Derek pulls the blindfold off.
The only way that will make up for Alexa leaving is for Alek to outlast Carlos because oh my gosh. I actually laughed while Carlos was crying last night. LAUGHED. I’ll keep my “horrible person” card.
I grew up with Alexa Vega and Nick Carter, so I am devastated about Alexa Vega and despite what a few people may think, I actually think Nick is on par with what I’ve seen of him. He was one of the worst dancers in the group, and I think hes met all of my expectation as far as dance ability and showmanship. I think the one week I was disappointed was his week with Witney.
As far as personality…. Nick is actually a pretty intense guy…. I used to watch the show he had on E! with his family and he is basically the only adult in that family. His parents are insane. His sisters are hot messes, and Aaron Carter is Aaron Carter. I think being the only grown up for years attributes to how he acts now.
One last thing – I hope that stunt last night was all TPTB because I LIKE TAMAR. Shes a little ridiculous but shes a fun person.
I actually saw two similar concepts – Val’s contemporary looked like Candace and Charlies and the whole blind folded thing looked like Maks and Erin Andrews from season 10.
Again, the celebs get bonuses of 50k for the semifinal and final. Enough said.
The blind fold was to symbolize a dark boring and blind relationship but when derek pulled it off the lyrics went “but wih you roses are red etc….” then she looked at him meaning he is more bright and colorful to the blind dark and boring with the blindfold darkness
Maybe Tamar was trying to get back at the producers for her “bad edit” about her being the “best dancer” by leaving everyone in limbo last night of not knowing what was going on with her. Maybe she’s just as good as Carlos as playing the reality tv schtick! I bet if TPTB find that out, she may be as good as gone as Sean Avery! (in my opinion).
Love the rankings! I never seem to know what exactly to comment/post about a lot of the performances, but realized quickly in reading this site, that you (all the mods) seem to manage to put my unrealized thoughts into words. Thanks! 🙂
I think you underestimate “casual fans”, Jill. In any case, the point is, the JUDGES know that wasn’t a quickstep and should have scored it lower, accordingly. THAT has happened before. But not for Nick, apparently.
A blind fold isn’t a “concept” – it’s a prop. In Derek’s case, one that wasn’t used very long and didn’t impact the dance. Maks and Erin can’t say the same, unfortunately.
Major props to Erin for not saying even one tiny little thing about her own DWTS blindfold experience.
Derek was sick!!?? I was wondering why he was sweating profusely after the VW and in the video package. And it also explains why he was having difficulty focusing on the creative!! Too bad that Bindi didn’t mention it to Erin!!
I am really tired of Tamar and her antics. Even the hosts on Access Hollywood Live seemed suspicious of her really being that sick. Ever since she blew off accompanying Val to their show, they’ve been skeptical on how dedicated she is to DWTS. Maybe she’s the one who’s making everyone sick. Well, she’s making me sick to my stomach.
Suzy great point about Erin and the blindfold.. No one mentioned Bindi’s contract either.
@Heart, Derek said on All Access that he had strep throat and had been trying to choreograph with a fever all week. He also said that he’d gotten two IVs during the week.
Count me in as one of the people voting for Alek. I will continue to do so until I feel like I have to put my votes toward Bindi, like in the finals. But until Tamar and Carlos are still there, I will vote for him because I enjoy his dances more than anyone not named Bindi.
The Access Hollywood Live’s Billy Bush loves Derek and was mesmerized watching the Waltz and was saying that “the Hougher is such a gentleman and as choreography goes, each one of his dances are just beautiful to watch! You always see him at the Emmys and winning the Emmys and what he’s done with Bindi is amazing! “. I totally agree with Billy!
Alek vs Alexa. Alexa has been improving and her contemporary last night was awesome. She reminded me a bit of Meryl in the way she moved. But remember, earlier in the season she made a few feet stumbles and lost her place in the choreography. It’s not a major surprise that she could go home. I liked her though.
Alek does not move real fluid, is a bit stiff, a bit flat footed at times, but he does what Lins. says, & shows up on time. He hasn’t tripped, stumbled, etc. He works hard. For some reason the judges loved him and now they don’t. Especially CAI. But I see an improvement every week. Both in personality and dancing. I’ve been voting for him and I’ll keep voting for him.
I love Mark and would love to see him get an emmy but not for the addiction dance. It was great but I, too, thought of Mia Michael’s Gravity the moment I saw it. Many similar moves too. I don’t think he or Alan would copy another choreographer so much as I think given the subject, a lot of the same moves organically go with the piece. (also saw Twitch’s door routine the minute Witney started with her door) Tamar is a puzzle to me. She has way too much attitude and she doesn’t strike me as the noble type. Would love to know her reasons for coming back. I can think of the biggest reason for withdrawing: her son. He is young and needs his mother to be around for a long time. Val is a baby too but he’ll bounce back another season. Although all this drama certainly leaves the door open for them to say Val probably would have gotten another MBT if not for this cruel twist of fate. No doubt the Fam will spin it that way.
Just a quick note on Tamar, I don’t think it’s the $5 mirrorball trophy that she’s risking her health for Court, it’s probably the $50k (according to Bindi’s contract and I’m assuming Tamar’s pay is the same) that she’ll earn for making it to the semi finals. That’s not to mention the money she’ll make if she gets to the final. Money does stupid things to people and $50k is no joke. I’m not rich by any means but I’d be doing anything humanly possible to get back to the studio despite how ill I was if their was 50k riding on it.
I think the Fam knew since the cast announcement that Tamar would not win! She’s not the type to win these kind of competitions so they should not complain that the reason she didn’t win was because she got pneumonia. From week 3 or 2 I knew no one would stand a chance against Bindi or Nick. I really want Bindi to win because I feel like Nick was the decided winner since before the competition started and Nick has more reasons to win. Even though Bindi looks like the front runner I really think Nick is gonna win at the end I just feel it. Go Bindi and Tamar!
Stick a fork in me, I’m done. I was teetering on the edge last week, and the piece of shite TPTB served up last night sent me right over.
Court, you pretty much hit every thought and emotion I was feeling while DVR-ing through last night’s show.
Gotta say I loved that you pointed out how Alek just popped Lindsay up into that one-handed lift with no problem while Carlos two-handed the thing and still struggled. That was so glaringly obvious to me. I hope Alek gives them the finger and makes the finals, but all my votes are going to Bindi.
One thing that came to mind was: Is this what happens when you don’t have a results show? Alexa was eliminated on the scores and viewer votes from last week. Sure I could just be grasping at straws, but maybe those two amazing performances she laid down last night, and the scores to go with them, would have motivated viewers to pick up the phone for her. Then maybe, just maybe, we’d have been waving “buh-bye” to Tamar or Carlos instead, thinking “don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”
Anyway, I’ll end on a positive note and say I just loved, loved, loved both Bindi and Alexa’s individual performances, and their duet was fab-u-lous!
I pretty much agreed with everything you said. ESPECIALLY Bindi’s wigs! I had the same thought, ugh! They couldn’t have scrounged up a cute little blonde bob like Alexa’s black one?
I was very skeptical of Tamar having pneumonia. My boyfriend had walking pneumonia in september and he could barely make it from his room to class without feeling extremely winded. Also can’t believe a dr would clear her..whole thing seems very very fishy!
@M8: Cameron Mathison on ET said that Bindi’s contract is essentially the same exact contract he signed when he appeared. He said that the “bigger” stars can negotiate riders for things like bigger dressing rooms, etc., but not more money.
BTW, a serious question for those with dancing experience: which makes a star lift easier on the lifter—having the liftee forward (as with James & Peta) or sideways (as with Alek & Lindsay)? I would think it’s the latter, since the center of gravity is closer to the lifter’s, but I’m not sure. Either way, though, Alek made that star lift look absolutely effortless.
Will alexa be brought back now that tamer dropped out (get well) blood clots are horrible
I’m super bummed that Alexa got eliminated only to have Tamar announce the next day that she had to pull out (she posted it on Instagram and her condition sounds pretty serious). this whole situation is really confusing and I’m wondering what’s going to happen now that there are four couples left. (there’s no chance that they’ll bring Alexa back, right? no? a girl can dream.)
@Cidra – even if they had the results show those lack of votes for Alexa still happened so she would just have been eliminated last week if we still had them?
I am literally so upset. Tamar just announced she has withdrawn from the competition because she was diagnosed with blood clots in her lungs. She must have signed herself out of the hospital in order to return Monday night. No doctor would have cleared her to dance. That was a huge and stupid risk she took, besides a beautiful dancer was eliminated because of her. I don’t get it. How desperate is she and how stupid are the producers to allow it. I can’t wait for Monday night to see how they explain this one.
@Amy I agree. TPTB won’t be bringing Alexa back. But, this unintended double elimination would change so many things for them. As in, they must be planning two night finale with top four couples but that doesn’t look feasible now. Either, theory would have to bring Alexa (which is not the case) or halt elimination for the coming week ( which also seems absurd)
Therefore, I think they would be doing no elimination on the first night of Finale. And all the remaining three couples would be assigned their final standings on Tuesday.
George (someone from ABC) tweeted that it is a possibility that Alexa could make a comeback if rule book allows so.
Now, what the hell the rules are?
It would never work with Alexa coming back. The votes for next weeks eliminations have already been cast, so if she comes back she’d just have to leave again next monday night otherwise it’s unfair.
Tamar left the hospital AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE.. DWTS should’ve never let her dance on Monday. Pulmonary emboli are life threatening! She could’ve DIED!! Smh…
It’s just crazy. Do you think that they’ll still have an elimination next week IF this person going home is Alek, but if it is Carlos or was Tamar, they’ll skip the elimination? It does seem that they want Alek out. I agree though Alexa isn’t going to be permitted to come back- that doesn’t make sense. If Tamar had followed medical advice then Alexa would have stayed. Pretty scary stuff with Tamar though…
On the idea of bringing Alexa back, it would be cool if they were able to bring someone/anyone back – I feel like a lot of reality television shows end up bringing a surprise person back to spice up the competition. Not sure if it would work with DWTS’s voting, but it would certainly be cool to vote for someone to come back to the competition.
I’m sorry for Tamar’s serious ill-health and hope she takes care of herself now and makes a good recovery. However, that doesn’t stop me being angry that she performed on Monday then withdrew, depriving us of an extra week of Alexa just when she seems to have finally found her mojo.
Good point, Sara (#69)–the scores/non-votes for Alexa happened and a results show would have sent her home the previous week. So I’ll be grateful for no results show since it gave us the opportunity to see Alexa’s powerful contemporary and fun jazz/charleston duet with Bindi.
I think what’s going to happen is either nobody goes home this Monday and they keep a 4 couple finale, and then eliminate someone on the Monday of the finale therefore leaving the final 3 remaining to compete on that Tuesday. They intended to have a 5 couple semi and a 4 couple finale anyways considering the date of the finale so I think things are going to stay with the remaining 4.
If they’re planning a four-person finale, I’d just have the votes and scores from 11/16 decide who gets eliminated on 11/23 and doesn’t perform on 11/24. (I’d also just make it so you get the freestyle encore of the eliminated contestant, just to be fair.)
Come to think of it, they *could* theoretically bring Alexa back, but it’d be rather awkward, and I’m not sure it would help her any to do so. Basically, it’d require ABC to be willing to add a results show next week. Then you throw out this week’s votes, since they’re unusable, add this week’s scores to next week’s scores, and then add the votes from next Monday so a contestant can be eliminated on Tuesday.
Agreed Sam ^^
Stupid question: Mark may not want to use the solo with Alexa for an Emmy nomination, but was he a co-choreographer with Derek for the Chicago duo?
Haven’t posted in a couple of seasons but the Tamar stunt just made me FURIOUS with her (and, the ER she visited Monday night). So, just HOW was her “pneumonia” diagnosed? Simple auscultation or did they actually do films? If they DID do a chest X-Ray, HOW did they miss that it WASN’T pneumonia and then not follow up with a CT and labs? And WHAT lawyer in their RIGHT MIND would allow a contestant, who signed herself out AMA, to participate? I’m absolutely annoyed beyond belief at the irresponsible actions of everyone involved, strictly from a health and liability POV. YEESH
GinnyD – I’m pretty sure they both choreographed that one so yes. 🙂
Sam #79 while I agree with what you say, that seems like a lot to go through to bring someone back who was fairly eliminated based on scores/votes from week 8. How is that fair to the other contestants to have their votes thrown out from Monday or to some of the fans who were up all night voting for their couple(s) just to have them negated. It would be like Monday (11/9) never happened and everyone wasted their time dancing and voting.
I would assume so, GinnyD – but not sure that one would get a nomination as it was based on a long running show like Chicago.
I thought it took a few hours to get these clebs ready for the show. Tamar is said to have just arrived [videos is shown to confirm this] and then after a commercial break. She’s ready…. Something doesn’t add up.
I’m so proud of Sharna I feel like she’s becoming the female version of Derek with amazing choreography and likeability. I feel like she’s going to become even more of a force in Dwts compared to other females pros. For some reason female pros are more disposable and the producers don’t really cater to them unlike Derek Mark or Val who always get the best of the crop and females always go up and down in terms of male celebrities. But I think Sharna is starting to get on the TPTB good side and will continue to do amazing in the show.
Considering that Sharna was involved in that Rumba on Monday night, I would say the jury is still out on her potential as the next Derek.
And you’ve got a real flaw in your logic, there, Andy. “unlike Derek Mark or Val who always get the best of the crop and females always go up and down” – er, you do realize that the female pros aren’t in competition with the male pros when it comes to partners, right?? They’re in competition with each other. You make an invalid comparison.
The men often get more talented partners because women often have dance lessons AND as a society, we’ve made it uncomfortable for “men” to dance without being uptight about it.
I thank you also for your PSA on Alek. It has been a freakin kick to see him go from a stiff soldier with a deer in the headlights look to an actual performer! So What if he’s not the best dancer. He entertains me and a whole lot of other people enough to get off our butt and vote for him. If the complainers had spent as much time voting as they had griping maybe their favorites would still be in there.
The problem with bringing Alexa back is that no one was able to vote for her Monday night. I am sure with her incredible dances she would have stayed another week. But with her less-than-stellar performance the week prior, this week’s elimination was technically fair. Obviously Tamar should have withdrawn sooner. It is really unfortunate because Alexa was finally comfortable and strong and we all felt it.
Witney seems very distracted this season. She isn’t putting near the same heart into Carlos as she did into Alfonso. I didn’t realize that she had help with her choreography in the past. Maybe she’s just more into her own life right now and not as dialed in. Or maybe Carlos just isn’t as fun/easy to work with. She had a better time with Chris Soules.
The reason I vote for Alek is because the boy is so happy to be there. You can tell he’s loving all the beautiful girls and the attention. So he’s fun to watch and he’s genuinely trying.
Bindi has become such a star. I was so impressed with her with that foxtrot last week and then this week was just dynamic. I don’t think people realize how difficult it can be to put all of that emotion in to a dance. I don’t think I could do it!
@PH – This is slightly off-topic, but your comment about Sharna’s involvement in that Rumba reminded me of something I wanted to ask the other day. Before Monday night you were saying that this rumba would be a chance for Sharna to show that she can choreograph a “50s Paso”, and that made me wonder something. Does Mark have a “50s Paso”? Do any of the other pros or is it really just Derek who is anywhere close to THAT good at creating amazing dances from impossible-seeming situations?
@Lisa & Jamie – Glad to see some fellow Alek fans that are tired of getting vote-shamed 🙂 I vote for him because he shows up each week, gives it his best shot, actually does the assigned dance (which is also a credit to Lindsay), has fun, and has reacted to basically being shot out of a cannon the past 3 months with remarkable grace and calm. I look at the first time we saw Alek on the GMA cast announcement, and then now – and he’s taken all of the chaos of DWTS in stride. In addition, his pro isn’t reminding us that she’s never won, and Alek isn’t making claims about being the best dancer there, nor is he butting heads/trying to usurp power from his pro. Wish I could say the same for some of the other couples this season…
Sonic, I don’t recall any other “50’s Pasos”. And before people start pointing out all these great dances over the years – and I know they will cuz they don’t READ – a “50’s Paso” or some such (like the futuristic Paso) is doing a style of dance to a music and theme which are totally wrong for the flavor of that dance. A good example would have been if Witney would have pulled off something amazing to that craptastic AT song she and Carlos had this past Monday. It was an AT, right? Point is, Derek’s paso LOOKED like a Paso, was recognized as one…but probably shouldn’t have worked, considering the theme and the music.
Derek is also the only pro that I recall got handed something like “Material Girl” for a rumba and made it work gorgeously. It got three 9s for Maria Menounous in week 3 – and she was not a dancer.
Thanks PH! And as you correctly pointed out for others, I was using “50s Paso” as a kind of shorthand for the long list of dances (including the “Material Girl” rumba) that Derek has created masterpieces out of despite the music/theme being completely wrong for the dance style. Put another way, he takes mustard and ice cream (as he described another of his “50s Pasos”, the “Knight Rider” Bhangra) and creates something that is delicious beyond your wildest dreams. I couldn’t remember watching or seeing talk of other pros pulling off stuff like that, but I just wanted to double check. 🙂
@Sonic, I think I would consider Karina having a “50s Paso” with her foxtrot to Boom Boom Pow. Her partner couldn’t/wouldn’t really dance, but I still like that dance!
Thanks Lori! I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
Alek fan here as well, if you can’t already tell from my prior posts this season. I’m not gonna lie – I have a soft spot for the military,so Alek already gets my vote for that reason alone. However, I also enjoy his dancing. It’s so rare to see a male celebrity handle ballroom dances and lifts well. Plus, I apreciate his humor and that he is good natured enough to engage in stupid/embarrassing activities for purposes of the rehearsal packages e.g. asking women on dates, walking in public in an Elvis costume, and getting his chest waxed
Few observations. Well, what I said would happen did. How to make sure Bindi gets 10’s. (Not that she needs them) Put the 2 most experienced, talented and creative choreographers together. Mark & Derek put on a Broadway show. I wasn’t surprised. As an Alek fan, I really hoped the group dance would go well. Lindsay has been doing good choreography all season but she and Witney have the least experience and for once I had to agree with the judges. The dance looked like it needed more content, more professionalism and polish. I thought Alek did pretty good though. They also looked like they needed a lot more practice.
Derek gets sick or has an injury every season. You might hear him mention it but he doesn’t go on and on about it. He’s probably too busy and gets run down a lot.
Also a Team Takedown/Alek fan and he and Lindsay get all of my votes. So impressed with his lifting ability – he military pressed Lindsay over his head with one arm and, of course, got ZERO credit for it from the “judges.”
@Irisandlilies #97, Alek has does some stupid crap with the chest waxing and Elvis costume but he’s done it with a smile. It also appears he’s taken being the butt of jokes and being made fun of because his “crush” on Emma in stride as well. I am looking forward to watching Alek kill his waltz and trio Argentine Tango next week and giving Team Takedown my votes.
@Deena – And what you mention is one of the big reasons I think Alek appeals to me (and a lot of other folks): he’s taken everything they’ve thrown at him and given it his best shot, even if he felt like he was totally out of his comfort zone, and he hasn’t complained about it. He hasn’t pulled the “But I’m a Christian!!!” card like Carlos has, or butted heads with his pro like Tamar has, or engaged in power struggles with his pro like Nick did during switch week. Sure, he had one grumpy week – and can anyone really blame him, given that the judges won’t throw him even a tiny crumb of praise? – but beyond that, he’s still truckin’ and doing it with a smile. And that is what I can appreciate – so I guess my question for anyone asking me “Why the hell are you voting for Alek???” should really be “Well…why AREN’T you?” 🙂
And I’m still pissed that the judges just couldn’t even acknowledge that Alek handled that star lift like a boss, not only in rehearsal but on the show. Not even one quiver. Carlos, on the other hand, DROPPED WITNEY ON HER FACE IN REHEARSAL, and then was wobbling precariously while using two hands during the actual performance…and yet the judges praised him and passed over Alek completely. Funny how Mr. Pretty Boy “I go hard at the gym and have the 6-pack abs to prove it, and I’m smooth and hairless like some sort of freaky sex dolphin” PenaVega couldn’t handle that lift – but Average Joe “Yeah I eat burgers and pizza and don’t hit the gym regularly, and I have hair on my torso – like most dudes” Skarlatos didn’t even bat an eye and did it flawlessly. I wish more women would recognize that what looks “pretty” isn’t always the most “functional” or even “fun”.
@Courtney Preach!!! “Freaky sex dolphin”, I’m dying!!! Alek is the man. His entire world has been flipped on its head and he is handling it with incredible poise. I hope he is having the time of his life, he deserves it. There’s no agenda with him, no album that he’s about to “drop”, he’s just enjoying the ride. I think most of us are enjoying it along with him.
I really wish the social media hate against him (and any contestant) would stop. It’s so unnecessary and frankly makes me incredibly concerned for the kids of that generation (most of the shit talking comes from tweens, and in some instances almost 30 year old pros).
One is a real man and one is a poseur. I think we can figure out who’s who.?
Alek must have one hell of a strong core. He’s also a stand up kind of guy. You want this guy having your back……..or lifting you skywards.?
I cringe every single time a male celeb drops a female pro in rehearsal. It can easily be avoided by simplifying the lift.
@Courtney What a great response regarding the whole Alek situation!! I couldn’t agree more and the fact that I’m seeing so much Alek love in the comment thread gives me hope that more people are rallying behind him! Obviously judges aren’t giving an ounce of praise so we can turn our attention to Nick and Carlos, but you really can’t overlook a guy like Alek in the competition. Even though the age gap isn’t that big, you can tell he gives so much respect to Lindsay.
@Whitney Agree on the social media hate, I cannot stand seeing all these negativity towards Alek and other contestants. Some girls today had the guts to discredit’s Alek’s place in the competition to his own Step-Mother on IG today. Although odd to see a family member engaging with fans on IG, she handled it with class.