TVSquad

(S03E19) And it all comes down to this. If we flash back to the beginning of the season, I don't think anyone would really be surprised to see Mario in the finals. He and Karina came out of the gates as the favorite, and never let up. Emmitt on the other hand, I think that would have surprised a lot of people. Maybe it was because of Jerry Rice's performance, but I didn't give Emmitt near enough credit going into the competition. He's worked his way into the top two, and now has a legitimate chance at winning.

Round one is a new feature with both couples dancing to the same song. It's an interesting idea. Something that would get tedious if they did it with any regularity, but as a one shot deal in the finals, I like it.

Emmitt & Cheryl (samba) Great dress for Cheryl. Horrible shirt and shoes for Emmitt. It was a bit of a slow start, but once they got into the dance it picked up nicely. Cheryl was right when she talked about Emmitt's footwork in the pre-dance package. He moves with an easiness you don't expect. Really nice performance overall. Emmitt's personality shined through. The judges dig it. Len says it didn't disappoint in any way. Bruno says Emmitt is blessed. Carrie also thought the start was slow, but said they blew her away. The scores, 10 - 10 - 10. And that right there told me that the judges had already checked out.

Mario & Karina (samba) Mario wins round one in the wardrobe competition. I don't know what is up with Karina and the wigs though. This was a great performance. Clearly a step above Emmitt & Cheryl with the difficulty. I don't think Mario can match Emmitt's charisma and personality, but he definitely out danced him here. The judges all really liked it. Len does comment on a misstep on the running promenades, but other than that, all positive comments. The scores, 10 - 9 - 10.

For the second round each couple was able to pick their favorite performance from the season and do it again.

Emmitt & Cheryl (mambo) An interesting choice since that wasn't the dance that earned them the perfect score. Still a good choice though. This was a great performance the first time, and again this time. I liked it better than their samba from round one. Aside from the fact that Emmitt lost the hideous green shirt, it also had more technical moves. The judges were impressed again. Bruno said it looks like Emmitt has been doing this all his life. Carrie agreed. And Len pointed out that Cheryl should win the M.V.P. for most valuable partner. The scores, 10 - 10 - 10.

Mario & Karina (pasa doble) They also chose to do a dance that didn't garner a perfect score. And it worked for them as well. This was every bit as good as, if not better than, the first time they did it. What Mario lacks in charisma and likability, he makes up for with dramatics. This dance is a show. Another round goes to Mario & Karina. The judges love it. Len said it was great. Bruno compared Mario to a star over the sun baked Spanish plains. Carrie said Mario's lines were beyond perfection. The scores, 10 - 10 - 10.

Now, if at this point in the show you were thinking that round three would bring Emmitt & Cheryl a 29 and Mario & Karina a 30... well, you are just as cynical as I am. Round three was the fabled freestyle performance.

Emmitt & Cheryl (freestyle) Ok, did you ever think you would see Emmitt Smith doing M.C. Hammer? Not only that, but doing a pretty good job of doing M.C. Hammer. That was an impressive performance. I thought they struggled a little bit getting in and out of one of those lifts, but they were impressive nonetheless. The judges like it too. Carrie was impressed. Len called Emmitt his dancing hero. Bruno said it was the hammer, the chisel, and the shovel. The scores, 10 - 10 - 9. Hmmmmmmm.

Mario & Karina (freestyle) Their freestyle was good, but oddly, this was the one round of the night where I thought they were outperformed. Mario referred to it as a kitchen sink performance, and I think that was apt, though not in a good way. It was like parts and pieces of different dances tossed together, but not really a cohesive routine. And their lifts, while good, didn't match Emmitt & Cheryl's. But since the judges had to score this a 30 anyway, they loved it. Bruno called it a hit parade. Carrie said it was the best dance of the season. Len thought that if the dance was a film, it would win an Oscar. The scores, 10 - 10 - 10. Surprise!

As was expected, it all comes down to the fan vote. Either team could win it. While I gave Mario & Karina the dance victory tonight, two rounds to one, I'm picking Emmitt & Cheryl to win the championship tomorrow night. Being a Superbowl champion trumps being A.C. Slater when you put it all to the fan vote.