Dancing with the Stars Season 23, Week 8 – Dancing by the Numbers!
Well, another week, another clusterf*^k. The most disheartening thing about all the manipulation and games is how easily some of you just buy it hook, line and sinker. After all these years of us telling you not to just blindly believe the packages, you still just believe. You will read in to moments in time exactly what they want you to read in. Did it happen? Sure…but with the context removed its meaningless – and less than half the story. I think this blind belief in anything on TV is how Donald Trump is actually in the running to be president. Marilu told me they had their best week ever….Derek’s blog confirmed that…yet what we saw on TV was the opposite, and some cleverly manipulated moments in time. I’m getting to where I actually hate watching this show.
The thing that confuses me is…is it even necessary to do this stuff? Marilu has troubles during the live show – they can reasonably score her lower than some of the other couples because of that. So, WHY are they working so hard to make their packages bad? I have to think that up until last week she was getting the votes, perhaps a lot of votes. She doesn’t look it, but she’s 64 years old and her dancing doesn’t suck at all. She has mistakes – and I would lay money on it that the live show issue is a result of extreme nitpicking from early on – but damn, she looks amazing. How is that the look of 64?? The main demo that watches this show IS the 65 year old crowd. I would bet they WERE voting for her. But are they still?? Everyone is clearly susceptible to the packages. The producers may have finally succeeded.
And did a hatchet job on Derek in the process. Their best pro by ANY metric, and they’ve shown their hand to him. Did they finally go too far? One can only hope. But Derek will be fine – his schedule is full (3 non-DWTS Primetime and/or Holiday TV shows before the end of the year may be a record for any DWTS pro…or celeb) and viewer’s memories are disturbingly short. But look at the show and the edits as a whole – did you see anything else that made you go WTF?? Like maybe Val crying? Seriously, how long was that package? And how long do they spend talking to Laurie and Val after their dance (to the point that others got tiny fractions of that time)? The week before – check it out also. Derek said not one nice thing to ANYONE, while Val was constantly shown being the loving, caring supportive guy that we know DEREK is – editing can make it all into bizarro world. Remember, I rewatch the shows for my other site…and when you watch them back to back, it’s glaring. Too bad Gleb opened his mouth and acted like part of the Fam last week or he’d be in good shape too. They sure are trying hard to turn either or both Gleb and Val into the new Derek. Yeah, how’s that lawsuit going, Val? Lucky you have the DWTS producers to work on your image for you…now, if they would just take away your social media, it might stick.
Anyway, one look at the leaderboard and you see that the producers agenda this week was extremely successful….but I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that Terra and Marilu are SO far below Jana and Calvin (to name two who didn’t dance up to the score they were handed) , right? Uh huh.
Also, since only certain couples got additional points, and not the 22 to 30 points either, the spreads are larger – not as many point handed out. Marilu is at the bottom – really, CAI, a 7? That’s pretty shitty. Don’t get me wrong, the spread isn’t huge, it’s just larger than last week.
As you can see, Marilu needs about 5k votes per million votes cast to stay over Terra. Once upon a time I would have said that would be easy for her to do – but they did such a hatchet job on her and Derek (more Derek than her, actually) that I just don’t know if they got the votes.
But look at what Marilu needs to be safe over Jana – and boy, they sure want Jana to stay, don’t they. She has the whiff of Audrina Patridge about her – only she ain’t as nice as Audrina – and I suspect she isn’t getting the votes. That 35k votes per million votes cast – I would be shocked if Marilu and Terra both got the votes and Jana was eliminated. Oh, I skip ahead.
Terra is in pretty much the same boat as Marilu and I suspect that one of them will be eliminated on Monday. Which one? Let’s discuss. Here are Terra’s numbers:
Terra either needs for Marilu to NOT get the 5k votes per million votes cast, or she needs to get 30k votes to beat Jana.
I’m sorry, I still get pissed thinking about it – Jana is not 30k votes better than either Terra or Marilu, in my book. But it’s an interesting question. Why does Jana keep landing in jeopardy, despite such generous scores?? She’s been in it or near it a few times now, by my count. Marilu has NEVER been in Jeopardy. Terra’s been in it once. There are a couple competing theories about jeopardy, and I think I’ve mentioned that I studied it several seasons ago (before twatwaffle Rob took over as executive producer – is that two words?). One, is they use jeopardy to stimulate votes for a particular couple. Another is that it’s an early warning sign that that couple is in danger of leaving soon – this was true more than half the time. Sometimes it’s just drama. :::shrug::: None of the people they’ve put in jeopardy so far have been particularly “dramatic” – James and Laurie would be dramatic.
AND, of course, if you need to “stimulate” votes for someone, then isn’t that the same thing as a “early warning” that they are in danger of leaving?? Sometimes jeopardy, and sometimes it doesn’t. Only James, Laurie and Marilu (of the remaining couples) haven’t been in jeopardy at all. Of course, I don’t think anyone believes that Laurie and James are in any danger of going anywhere. But it makes you wonder about Marilu. Then again, you think of the crappy packages and you have to realize they wouldn’t put her in jeopardy and undo all the work those packages did in suppressing her vote.
So, that brings us right back to where we were. I think Marilu could beat Terra if NOT for the packages and the judges relentless nitpicking – honestly, I watched the team dances (finally) and there was NO WAY that Viennese Waltz was 3 points better than Team Future’s. Sorry – it was very pretty, but it was not that special. Neither of them were (and Team Future’s was certainly harder to execute) – yet the team with those they want to get rid of is under scored by two points. Really, CAI – an 8? Ridiculous. It certainly seems like an agenda – and they’re working it REALLY hard. Which is why I can’t even begin to guess who is going home.
I guess the question we have to ask is – did big game WORK? You tell me. You’ve read Derek’s blog where he talks about what went on in their rehearsals versus what was shown (two weeks in a row now), and you read my interview with Marilu where she says they had their best week yet this past week. But the voting was done on Monday night – did that package do enough to suppress Marilu’s vote so that she goes home? Because I’m a Derek fan and a natural cynic, I tend to say yes. But I can’t trust my gut. Unfortunately, I don’t trust y’all’s gut much more than mine. 🙂
Anyway, I think it’s either Marilu or Terra and I think it doesn’t matter because the one left behind will follow the other out the door the following week. The shocking elimination would be someone else, and that someone else is most likely to be Jana. I don’t see it happening, BUT much larger margins have been overcome in the past and by more people. What would it take?
In order for Jana to be a shocking elimination, ALL of the following things would have to happen:
- Marilu would have to get 35k more votes per million votes cast, than Jana, AND;
- Terra would have to get 30k more votes per million votes cast than Jana, AND;
- Calvin gets ONE more vote per million votes cast than Jana, AND;
- Jana DOESN’T get the 15k more votes per million votes cast than Laurie, AND;
- Jana DOESN’T get the 25k more votes per million votes cast than James.
All of those things happen and Jana goes home. I’m quite sure she’s not getting the votes to get past Laurie or James, and most likely Calvin is beating her. But I don’t think that BOTH Marilu and Terra are beating her and that would have to happen for her to be the not so “shocking” elimination.
Side note, just in case: Keep in mind also, it’s not necessarily that Marilu and Terra would have to get a ton of votes, it could also be that Jana isn’t getting many at all – does that make sense? Jana is a good 7 points ahead of Marilu and Terra and if her voting is as poor as I suspect it is, it could be that her fans assume she’s safe, or vote splitters throw their votes to the bottom of the leader board. Could spell trouble – just throwing that out there in the event of a surprise on Monday.
So, anyway, most likely either Terra or Marilu are going home. Which one? Well, it could go either way. I think that the Marilu/Derek combo has a stronger fanbase AND Marilu is right in line with the demo, but while Marilu has been getting harsh packages, Terra comes off pretty well. So…it’s a toss up. I can’t call it – either Marilu or Terra with Jana a distant glimmering possibility (aka a ray of hope for a few of us).
Oh how I wish Jana could just leave. I’m face palming every time I see someone call Jana the best of the season or better than Calvin and James. These people are gonna be knocked unconscious when reality hits them.
I’m waffling on who will go home on Monday; it seems pretty certain that it’s either Marilu or Terra, I’m just not certain which one. The bad edit may be enough to send Marilu and Derek
home and TBH if they are going to continue throwing them under the bus, I’d just as soon they go home this week! And I agree, they will make certain that there’s enough of a point spread that whoever stays this week goes home the following week! And man, that sucks because I’d love to see either Marilu or Terra in the final instead of Jana?!
I just wish I could get what Rob Wade is trying to do; why sabotage your most creative and well-liked pro (not to mention the one with two Emmy’s). Does he think that Derek is so loyal that he can treat him like crap and he’ll still stay on? At last Derek seems to have had enough (please God) and he’s pushing back! I certainly would understand and back him if he said he was done!
I’m holding my breath that Jana pulls a Sabrina Bryant(high scores but nobody voting equals a “shocking” elimination). While I’m not a huge fan of Merilu, I want her to stay over Jana to teach TPTB a lesson and because she deserves it after being treated so poorly on the show. I hope Terra and Merilu kill their duet dance so that the judges look like idiots if they try to underscore them. I know it’s statistically unlikely Jana will leave, but I can still hope.
I think that’s exactly what Rob thinks, Leigh. Having just rewatched this past week’s show, Derek is doing a lot of jaw clenching and I’m pretty sure it’s not Marilu that he’s frustrated with, especially after reading his blog. So I wonder.
I’d love to be a fly on the wall to hear what he says to Julianne. They were creating a number for one of the Disney specials with Nappytabs today. Maybe it doesn’t come up.
I don’t think Jana is best by any stretch, but I think she’s as good as most of them excluding perhaps Laurie who you could say is a trained dancer. I think this week’s dance will be important for her, and how the judges spin everything will be even more important.
I see a lot of support for Tera, but she doesn’t have Derek as you say. It’s a toss up for me, but I think it will be Marilou. Interesting that they separated them from the chosen ones.
Who’s responsible for hiring producers? I wish they’d get rid of rob wade & find someone else. WHAT happened to the original producer of dwts?
I can’t wait for Jana to be gone She just rubs me wrong and For TPTB to treat Derek their number one most popular pro who has done nothing but promote the show doesn’t make sense Why would they go to such lengths to get Jana to the finals when a lot of people only tune in to watch Derek I bet ratings go way down without him especially without Mark too. I know speaking for myself if Derek is gone so am I Absolutely no interest in the show I do think Marilu will get past Terra and stay another week I think Derek fans know the real Derek and were pissed off enough to make sure he’s safe and I’m hoping he gets by Jana next week and if it’s close enough I think he will unless TPTB make sure that it doesn’t happen We all saw Peta / Nyle win over Paige 4 points behind in the finals so anything can happen #hoping
@PH.. I’d sure like to be a fly right there with ya. I think they’ve probably gone too far in Julianne’s book for messing with her brother. There was something going on between them there when she gave them an 8 on Monday and the way they smiled at each other. They may just lose two Hough’s over their shabby treatment, because they already threw her under the bus with the Amber scenario.
It’s even more ridiculous what they are doing when you consider the fact that Derek was the one defending the show and sayig that it’s “a positive show” when the Ryan Lochte protesters drama happened & the show was attacked for hiring Ryan. And they got a lot of positive coverage out of Derek’s role in getting rid of the protesters and doing everything to keep his “home” a positive environment.
I’ve looked around and things seem to point to Marilu leaving on Monday because I’ve seen the least amount of support for her, though I do wonder if Derek’s power-voters made up for that. Actually, it seems like the MAJORITY of her voters are voting only because she’s with Derek, which is a rare occurrence, I think (I believe the last time it seemed more people were voting because of the pro was when Val had Rumer). I really don’t like it when support for a couple becomes more about the pro than the star, but of course I can’t force people to vote a certain way.
Anyway, a Marilu exit on Monday would leave me with such mixed feelings because she’s the weakest dancer left be a fairly large margin IMO but if she does leave I’ll always be wondering how much of an impact the negative packages made on that outcome and if it was more because of those than her performances. But to be honest I think I’d be even more sad to see Terra, who has done great all season and IMO got kinda hosed this week, eliminated. She was the last to be called safe this week which could help her, but I still don’t have a strong idea of how many votes she’s getting. :/
“Only James, Laurie and Marilu (of the remaining couples) haven’t been in jeopardy at all.”
Actually, James was in jeopardy in week 4.
Still grinning at “twatwaffle”. I’m a 59yo woman with the humor of a 12 yo boy. I thought Derek looked upset after their dance and during the elimination. Could almost feel it sitting at home. Do we know why he wasn’t there for the opening?
I think it’s Terra’s night to go home this week. While not a fan of Jana’s and I question some of Gleb’s choreo choices, dayum if he isn’t nice to look at. :).
It’s a 49-51 call between Terra and Marilu going home. I somehow fall in the demographic which says its Terra who is leaving, considering Marilu has been benefitted by Derek’s fanbase and the ones who want her to stay because of Her love for the show. I don’t think any of these reasons will be affected by the packages.
Even if Marilu goes, I want her to get a solid end with two great performances. It would be interesting to see because I do tend to think getting a good score would translate into Marilu leaving, getting underscored would give us a hint that she has maybe survived the manipulation.
I’m still wondering if Marilu being the only one over the age of 36 still in the running affects the voting for her in any way. Are people who would normally vote for Maureen now voting for Marilu – guess we’ll see.
While I think Terra has had a good dance with her Samba I haven’t seen anything lately that would be a reason to keep her. If I am being honest I just think the height difference is as glaring as when Rick Fox was on dancing with Cheryl. There is only so much you can do to overcome that. Marilu however she messes up is an inspiring person and it is a shame that the show tried to drive a drama story into some pretty thin gruel. I would not be surprised if she goes based on a ridiculous parcel edit of ‘pushgate’ because The show is reaching to find nasty when there is nothing there. So I think both Jana and Terra’s publists have made the case for them to stay longer because they need audience recognition far more than Marilu, even though I think her best dancing is still to come and would show actual growth not manufactured around props.
Someday, after Derek and Julianne leave the show for good, I hope we find out why this producer (I won’t even mention the jerk’s name)has such a vendetta against Derek. There must be even more than a need to find another pro to take Derek’s place as a show leader and audience draw because this season they are trashing Julianne as well. As the HOugh’s are spreading their wings to do producing and directing, I just wonder if jealousy is not a huge part of this. We all know about Fam jealousy, but this seems to go way beyond that. Also, I think viewers may have just lost their fascination with the reality show genre and that adds to TPTB panic.
At any rate, either Marilu or Terra will go home and I think they should hold their heads high. Marilu, in particular, danced some pretty tough choreography, with stellar technique, and kept up with a high energy perfectionist. I congratulate both of them.
Thanks, PH, for doing such a great job discussing all the “stuff” on DWTS and bringing it to the forefront. Maybe TPTB will take notice for once.
You sure about that Hoosier? Did they actually say “you’re in jeopardy”?? I checked Wiki and it doesn’t say that. But Wiki could be wrong.
Can’t say anything about the voters by looking at social media, Julia – or looking at the net in general. It’s been discussed ad nauseum why that doesn’t work. It is really heavily tilted toward the younger demographic, for one thing – and this show isn’t.
Well, Geri, that’s this shows game, isn’t it?? Get as much out of Derek as you can, and then work real hard to make sure he doesn’t make the finale.
Let’s face it, last time they gave him someone who couldn’t dance at all, who was thought to have a small fanbase, she became the media darling, a great dancer, and took out their number one choice for that season, Nick. We can’t risk that again, can we? As soon as Marilu has two good weeks, the shit starts flying. I’m sure that’s just a coincidence though.
I noticed that too, Sheri – I didn’t know what to make of it, really.
I did wonder how much the packages affect the judging – that is, they see a negative package and their scores “unconsciously” go down – or if they’re in on everything. I can never decide.
@PH – I’m pretty sure that Hoosier’s right and James was one of the three in jeopardy at the end of the show, but was called safe 1st of the 3. Wiki only shows “last to be called safe”. At the time, Court said it was a pure drama jeopardy and that she highly doubted that James was truly in danger of going home.
I don’t think “vendetta” is the right word, Joanne. I think he’s just a text book hollywood producer – part user, part manipulator, someone who’s lost sight of the people in the quest to get drama because he thinks that makes a good show. He’s wrong. I tuned in for the dancing, and the journeys – not ugly, fake drama.
Yeah, and back in week 4 it has a lot less umph. I think that James being in jeopardy is about as significant as when Jennifer Grey was. As in…not at all.
#22 PH- thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I miss the beautiful dancing and week to week improvement from earlier seasons. I frequently find myself going to YT to watch favorite dances and the special costumes from the past. Interesting, most of what I pick to watch is from the Conrad Green era and “pre-Val”. So many of those early partnerships were just so special, innocent, and enjoyable to watch. I would love to see some of those couples (who didn’t make Finals)reunite and try DWTS a second time now that they have some experience and maturity under their belt. Provided, of course, the shows were not manipulated.
I hope you’re right @PH re:James. Since I follow his journey fairly closely Tom didn’t say those “not necessarily in the bottom” words when he was saved. Also, this was before his most memorable year week. I think James although he’s a surprise as a dancer, he didn’t have name recognition going into this, and enthusiastic fans like me from where he lives in Canada can’t vote. Even this week I am totally bummed because they have pre-empted the show with Football, so I can’t even watch it in real time, I’ll have to wait until they post on line in a day or so. I do think that Jenna will be still dancing with him this week, but I hope I can watch in real time when Sharna comes back.
@15 Casanova I think Terra is inspiring as well, as she is more than just petite. She might be younger, but she doesn’t have normal proportions, like all other contestants have had. Yes, she has been over scored at times, & Marilu underscored, but she’s doing a good job, and is like the job Sasha has done with her.
Both James and Jana were in jeopardy week 4. I am OCD and wrote that down.
It looks like either Marilu or Terra will be eliminated and I have mixed feeling about it. To be honest, I think it should be Marilu. Unfortunately, that means I won’t get to see Derek’s FS which is something I look forward to each season. Derek and Gleb are my favorite pros and I don’t want to see either leave. I also like Terra and hope she stays another week.
Is Jana the best dancer – No. Does Jana deserve to win – No. That said, I do want them to make the finals because I like Gleb. And yes, who the pro is does factored into my vote. I have never and will never vote for Val. I think the best dancer this season is James. I would be happy if he won the MBT but he’s not my first choice. For me, it’s Calvin and Lindsey. Her choreo has been great and he is such a joy.
@Rachel no question Terra is inspiring. I was disappointed she didn’t win that first dance off, because she executed the VWaltz beautifully. I thought her technique was superior to Calvin, so when she was able to break through that dancing little barrier and create a great Samba I was very impressed. Unfortunately she lost yet another dance off, not to a better dancer, but to a celebrity who was a better visual fit for her partner. So, some of Terra’s physical limitations are starting to be a liability. Terra I think has danced her best dances, whereas Marilu has yet to leave it all on the dance floor. Terra had a physical barrier that has been conquered with that Samba. Marilu has a mental barrier that she has yet to push through. She almost got there with the VWaltz, but I think we still have yet to see a personal best from her.
I’m also disappointed in the antics of TPTB on this show. The one thing I do respect about Nyle & the judges on SYTYCD is their utmost respect for the pros and choreographers on their show. Unlike DWTS, you won’t see them tearing down their top Emmy Winning Choreographers to promote another one. They allow them to stand on their own talents and do nothing but praise them. Whereas here, you have DWTS going after the character and reputation of their most accomplished and respectful pro in Derek Hough. This is baffling to me. What’s so hard about just respecting the talent you have & let the popularity come naturally for each pro or star. IMO-they should have been honored to have their 2X Emmy Winning choreographer back on the show. I’m so glad he has so many other opportunities outside of this “reality show” awaiting him and this is just a stepping stone for him.
Though I know this will never happen, what I wouldn’t give to see Derek call them out on national TV for their manipulation and antics. 🙂
At this point, I’m feeling it will probably be Marilu & Derek that will be eliminated. Like you said Heidi, higher odds have been met but at this point, the image painted of these two and their partnership makes me believe they will leave tomorrow. If so, Marilu should leave with her head held high. She has had some difficult choreography & handled it beautifully especially for someone of her age. Either way just disappointed that they have somewhat tainted her journey on this show. This is how you treat a “real star” and huge fan of your show. Its no wonder unknown and reality stars are becoming more prevalent on this show. SAD!!
Sorry for the somewhat duplicate post. I didn’t see it post for a while so I edited and resent it.
Thanks for all that you all do here at this amazing site.
Sadly, I think it will be Marilu or Terra leaving too and I know I am going to cry.
Don’t care about Jana – I already mentioned she had been in jeopardy a few times.
Still wanting Jana to leave- but I’m resigned to her being the Ginger of this season.
I’m a little torn. Marilu and Derek have been one of my favorite couples all season. I switched from voting for James to vote like heck for Marilu last week. She is so much better than she is given credit for and I have loved most of their performances (esp. that Argentine Tango- looking back, it was way underscored). I do think, based solely on their show performances, that Terra is a better dancer (she’s better than Jana too IMO). Either one of them is going to be depressing, but right now I would prefer Terra stay over Marilu.
That being said, I hope Marilu freaking kills her dances this dances this week!
If Marilu kills her dance, and still gets underscored, she’s not going home. If Marilu gets a fair score, she’s going home. If Marilu gets overscored, she’s going home. Terra and Sasha have been overscored in the early weeks of the competition, but at this point, they’ve been scored pretty fairly and underscored at some points.
Yeah, Chayse, I went back and watched the AT again and am flabbergasted that CAI gave it a 7. Should have been maybe two 8s and a 9 at least.
That’s why I wondered if the packages affect the judges as much as the audience.
PH – Yes, note only did I re-read that James was in jeopardy in week 4, I remember it distinctly. But I agree with Sonic’s comment and your (PH) comment re: Jennifer Grey – excellent comment, BTW.
My opinion is that James has blown the lid off of early predictions with his consistent great dances and will be the favorite in the finals.
Heidi – I only really pay attention to Facebook in terms of an indication as to what will happen out of the social media platforms since it’s tends to be the closest thing that can be used to take the temperature of the more casual viewers and a lot of the people who I see on there are in the older age range. It’s not perfect by any means and in a few instances it’s led me to be incorrect but it’s just the best indicator I have.
#Hoosieriusb What I’m going by now with the finals is of course it will be James,Calvin and Laurie…This season IS SO Tight! James has the WHOLE PACKAGE …CALVIN is such a great entertainer and he has one of the top 2 female choreograpers on the show and he can perform what is given to him and Laurie -_-…She is just a little golden child…I’m sad about this because I WOULD HAVE LOOOOOVED HER WITH MARK! I’m still bitter about that but he has a better opportunity and is very happy…Saying all that,This MBT win will come down to the Freestyle NO DOUBT! And Val can’t choreograph a Freestyle for the life of him but he will still get a 30 and praised on how “Creative” it was…The winner will have the most Memorable Freestyle and I hope to god it’s either James or Calvin because Val will be so full of himself if he wins again and It will ruin the show for me…There have been memorable dances between the 3 (Calvin/Lindsay AT and James/Sharna/Jenna VW and I’m sure someone can remember a memorable Laurie dance) But the Last one will be what counts to the voters…I still see many torn between the 3 so that’s what I’m basing this on and TBH the show is better that way when it’s not decided until the very end(The Freestyle)…
Jana didn’t deserve to make it this far. They were WAY OVERSCORED early in the competition and overpraised by the judges…then Len, who comes back after 3 weeks comes right out & says she’s going to the finals…well there you have it kids. James, Laurie, Calvin and Jana. Your final 4. only 2 of them deserve to be there IMHO. Time for a man to win…hope it’s James but really, at this point, IDC. I’ve checked out. The heavy manipulation that just gets worse and worse and worse with Rob Wade….no longer makes this show enjoyable for me to watch. So once Marilu is out. I’m done voting. I know I said I’d vote for Hinch but…tbh, IDC anymore> I just don’t. TPTB have totally ruined this show for me.
It’s a toss up between Marilu and Terra as to who goes home which week. I’d love to see Marilu stay one.more.week…since she’s a TV legend a HUGE DWTS fan (maybe less so as she’s been given the shaft much like Nastia was in s20) plus…DEREK!
I just don’t understand their thinking. You WANT Derek on the show because he has the largest fanbase of any DWTS pro EVER….he does you a solid and then you treat him like this Rob Wade?? YOU sir are an ASS!
Just my opinion, but the dwts promo for show stoppers shows everyone but Marilu/Derek and the dwts ig acct pretty much shows everyone but Marilu/Derek (except for one pic of team hennergy and team xl) so I guess you could say that it is Marilu going home. I definitely think that Marilu is a better dancer than Terra or Jana.
I hate that this show may send Marilu home. I really like her as a contestant. This is an authentic teacher/student match up you would see in a studio. A mature woman in great shape, with beautiful fluid lines, who has pesky mistakes but visibly improved from the Charleston to the Argentine Tango in a way that I don’t think is fully appreciated. Anyway the show is what it is.
Even though the final 3 looks like James Calvin and Laurie all the cred James has built up could be jeopardized if he dances with Jenna again and the dance isn’t as well received as last week. The fact that he killed the VWaltz in a tour de force of performances for this show inevitably puts the pressure on. A lot of people are not fond of Jenna and I expect they may do less well than last week, and that will steer people to other partnerships that are healthy and connecting over the course of the season. So if he’s not back with Sharna this week, I expect James to take a dip in the standings. Hopefully the “reunion” of Sharna and James will be worth waiting for.
It’s no longer correct, Julia, because everyone thinks it works that way so they use it to get the results they want. It stopped being correct at the end of the first season people were using it. IF Marilu goes home, the facebook result is a coincidence.
:::rolls eyes::: Rosa, calm down. Rarely does the freestyle determine the winner. When the freestyle has an impact is when you have a BAD one. When all three or four are good, they have little to no impact.
You have no clue what counts to the voters. Most people have already decided who they want to win – the only people just now making up their minds are those people who only turn into the finale. And those people use a whole bunch of metrics to decide who they like. Laurie having a great freestyle doesn’t guarantee a Laurie win.
I could make the opposite argument, Carrie – they’re not showing her because she’s safe and they want to get rid of her, so they’re avoiding promoting her in any way.
Best idea is to quit trying to prognosticate and just wait and see what happens.
James was in “Jeopardy” in week 4 (around the time of his lowest points, week 2 and 3), but he was not the last to be called safe. Laurie, James, and Marilu are the only could to have not been the last one called safe*. But thats a minor detail. James wasn’t at his best then, but he is pretty high now. Laurie was better than James at the beginning and has seemed to plateau.
Right now, I still think Marilu is going home, but Terra wouldn’t be a shock. I still do not understand the Jana hate. Sure she isn’t my favorite, but I prefer to get the worst dancer out, and that is Marilu right now, and not just by judges scores. Next week, Terra should go, then Jana, then we are at the top three where all kinds of shenanigans can happen, such as Nyle being at the bottom of the leaderboard and winning. Hopefully this season, the best dancer will win, and, no folks, Laurie is not the instant answer.
On the official twitter they’re also promoting Mark & the Jersey Boys performing without mentioning that it will be for Marilu and Derek.
Learn to deal with people not caring for Jana, Logan…and GROW UP. We frown on the silly over use of the word “hate” around here – so childish.
And if you think everything is or should be based on dancing on this show, you really don’t have a clue. The fact that you don’t know what your talking about with regard to this show is further proven by the fact that you think Nyles win is “shenanigans” just because he wasn’t at the top of the leader board. It’s called viewer votes, sweetheart – they count for half. The best dancer doesn’t always win, deal with it.
Don’t lecture people who clearly know far more about this show than you do…particularly when you’re a newbie guest around here. We’re not impressed.
They do shit like that all the time, Geri. Quit reading tea leaves. Marilu may well go home, but it’s coincidental to what the put in their promo. FWIW, they’ve ignored Marilu all season.
PH, yeah I know they’ve ignored Marulu all season, that’s what I meant just another occasion of them ignoring her while promoting a prformance that would not have occured if she and Derek weren’t still there.
If Jana gets the shocking elimination treatment next week my guess is that they will blame it on Gleb’s injury, she is more expendable and most casual viewers will buy that they would have made the finals if he didn’t get hurt. we know from seeing Bindi and Alexa that Derek (and Sasha) will knock it out of the park on choreography and that Marilu and Terra are both strong character dancers/actresses so they can easily justify giving THEM the high scores and knocking Jana out next week.
They made a HUGE deal of bringing back fan faves Maks Cheryl and Derek they’ve already knocked out two. Perhaps it is time for a redemption story and they play up how hard Marilu (in Maks’ words) really wants and that she has what it takes blah blah blah. Not that she hadn’t all along but this way they have a better arc for getting Derek in for ratings and a possible Emmy while making it look more about Marilu.
So I think it might be Terra going home. If so she can hold her head up because she has been amazing and handled some tough choreography. Sasha has really shined this season.
I may be overly optimistic but I’m not ruling out a Derek finale and an Emmy winning FS yet.
If Marilu manages to stay in one more week, it will be a miracle. Her lowball scores, to me, are reminiscent of Jerry Springer where they finally gave him such a low score the viewer votes couldn’t save him.
I’m still enjoying Terra and Sasha and hope they aren’t the ones going home. I would love to see what Sasha would do in trios week where he is the pro and someone else is the extra. Turnabout and all that.
On an upnote, I can’t wait to see Mark perform tonight.
@molly
But Marilu only got one point less than Terra, with such a small margin the viewer votes could definitely save Marilu if the package didn’t stop people from voting for her and Derek.
Is there even a Trio week this season cause when there are Duos there aren’t always Trios (like last Fall season S21)?
Sorry I forgot the Trios in S21 but there weren’t Trios in S18 when there were Duos.
@Geri, you might be right. I won’t be upset if Marilu is in for another week. Sorry if it sounded that way. I am still enjoying Terra and Sasha dancing too.
I don’t know that there will be a trios week. They may forgo it like they did switch up week. I guess if they do one it will be next week.
I know there is no sense in worrying about it but they haven’t had a surprise elimination this season. Tom’s bs a few weeks ago really wasn’t all that big. At this point only Laurie, James and Calvin would have actual shock value.
This is a weird season for me.
Seriously spellcheck?! How did you change Tom’s shock to Tom’s bs? What could I have possible typed for you to get that?
You guys and your hyperbole!! It won’t be a “miracle” if she stays, because she’s not that far behind Terra. It’s simple MATH. And the comparison to Jerry Springer? Yeah, that sounds right, only not.
I so enjoy the end of the season where people start talking crazy and wildly speculating. And the hyperbole is REALLY fun. /sarcasm.
I have to confess something. Watching the show has now become almost a chore for me. I do still somewhat enjoy it when I actually sit down and watch it, but that must see thrill is gone.
The show is no longer the show I fell in love with back in season 2. That show seems almost quaint now compared to the over-produced, over-manipulated spectacle it’s become.
I suppose it’s naive to think a show in it’s 23rd season is going to retain the same joy, fun and simple, genuine feel that earlier seasons had, and I do realize and accept that all good things eventually come to an end, but I’m still sad about it.
I’ll continue to watch this season half-heartedly to see how it plays out. Beyond that I really don’t know.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Please, Logan…do mansplain it to us some more how this show works. We’ve only been blogging it about 7 years, but clearly you, the newb, are the expert.
*emphatic eye roll*
@ph,
My comparison to Jerry Springer was only to say that they gave him really low scores to keep him from advancing. I do believe that is what they are doing to Marilu. She’s gotten a lot lower scores than she deserved (just my opinion).
Maybe she is only one point behind Terra but this week or next they will probably both be gone. I’d like to think I am allowed to be sad about that.
@Susan2,
This has been a less than stellar season for me too. I think at this point I am watching for nostalgic reasons. I still enjoy it more than what comes on against it though so I will probably continue to watch it. Right now I tape it and fast forward through everything but the dance anyway.
Looking for a silver lining…. and thinking that Derek always says that things happen for a reason… would it be less of an energy drain on Derek, do you think, to not be in the finals so that he does not have to travel to NYC Thanksgiving week? [Among other things, Mark will be home that week and he keeps saying that the wedding is VERY near….] Wouldn’t it be nicer for Derek to take that trip to NYC when Mark is in NYC? This week or next? And if this week, he could fly out with Mark as well, couldn’t he?
Geez, Molly – no one said you couldn’t be sad about it, but I’m responding to YOUR words that you chose. You said it would be a “miracle” and now you’re walking it back to what I said in the post. That it will likely be one or the other and whoever is left will be eliminated next week. Of course she’s gotten lower scores than she’s deserved – again, I wasn’t disagreeing with you about that.
Derek is probably going to be in NYC Thanksgiving week anyway, since Hairspray cast is doing the parade.
That said, rumors going around that Mark is getting married thanksgiving weekend which means that Derek would likely not be at the parade.
I would think Mark isn’t getting married Thanksgiving weekend because aren’t wedding invites supposed to go out at LEAST a month beforehand? He just posted pics of the invites on Instsa over the weekend….I dunno. I spose it could happen in 3 weeks.
Still mad/sad/angry/upset that Marilu got the Nastia treatment. Rob Wade,you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Ryan only lasted because of the drama in week 1. Amber was just bad and Marilu danced well but got stage fright during live taping. So ya had to start unnecessary drama to make SURE Jana, the low-key bitch got to the finals over her? Jana and Gleb are one note show ponies. Each dance looks the same to me. No worries, I won’t be watching the remainder of the season and I certainly did not bother to vote because, I just don’t care. The agenda is clear. I’m done.
Thanks Courtney, Heidi, Vogue for another outstanding season of blogging this show. I’ve learned so much since I found your site in 2012!