(S04E02) Two weeks in and I have to say that this is a pretty good group of contestants. The new format with two weeks of performances before the first elimination was a good idea. Sometimes a contestant just doesn't handle a particular dance well, so it's nice to see them get a second shot. Lots of contestants, so a lot to cover. Let's get to it. Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Quick Step) - At its base, the show is about the "Stars." The partners certainly factor in though, and I continue to be impressed with Julianne. She might be just 18 years old, but she carries herself as well as any of the other pros. It doesn't hurt that she is absolutely adorable either. Apollo has officially impressed me now. I didn't have high expectations for him coming in, but he really shows the potential to be a contender. Len said Apollo is going to stay for weeks and weeks. Bruno called it cool, fresh, young, and exciting. Carrie Ann was impressed with the footwork and sync. High praise all around, and deservedly so. The scores, (8, 9, 9) I like that score. A great start to the night.
Shandi Finnessey and Brian Fortuna (Mambo) - I have to confess, I'm a Shandi fan because of her show on the game show network. That could play in here because personality counts, and if you have seen that show, she is a very funny, engaging, personality. If she can get over the hump with the dancing, those qualities could really pay off. Their performance was good, but Shandi still looks like she isn't quite getting the performance aspect of the contest. Her footwork was improved, her splits were impressive, and she clearly has an amazing body. What was missing was the passion and intensity of the mambo. Carrie Ann didn't think there was anything special about it. Len praised her footwork, but is critical of how she sold the performance. Bruno thought her performance suffered while she was worrying about the footwork. The scores, (6, 7, 7). I thought that was a little low. It should also be noted that Shandi wins the best dressed award of the night.
Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko (Quick Step) - Clyde's a good guy, but at this point it seems like he is lacking a bit of the personality that made Jerry and Emmit shine. He's just a little more reserved. There's nothing wrong with that, unless you are in a contest that features fan voting. Elena looked great in that blue dress. It was a pretty impressive dance. She tried to get Clyde a little further out of his shell, but he didn't really look comfortable doing it. Bruno praised Clyde's movement. Carrie Ann called it very smooth. Len thought they overcame a lot of their limitations. The scores, (6, 6, 6). I would have scored Clyde closer to Shandi, so that one seemed a little low to me.
Leeza Gibbons and Tony Dovolani (Mambo) - After her nervous performance last week, I was worried about how Leeza would handle the mambo. Half of the battle is in the attitude. She did an admirable job with the dance, but it looked like she was having a goof instead of actually trying to perform. She also suffered from not being quite as adept at finishing the moves as some of the other girls. She is 50 though, so props to her. Len thought it was precise, but a little careful. Bruno called it a proper mambo, but also didn't care for the performance of it. Carrie Ann called it fantastic. The scores, (7, 7, 7). That was high. I thought both Shandi and Clyde were better. 
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Quick Step) - Ian really impressed me last week. Based on that performance, and considering that he has Cheryl for a partner, I think it's a safe bet that he will be around for a while. They had another nice performance. Great footwork, and they really do work well together. Cheryl has a legitimate chance at the three-peat. Carrie Ann called it solid. Len agreed and added a couple pointers. Bruno also criticized his frame and called Ian a bunny rabbit. The scores, (7, 8, 7). Fair enough.
Paulina Porizkova and Alec Mazo (Mambo) - Paulina is really likable in her interviews, and I think that will serve her well. Her performance was very similar to Leeza's in that she did a nice dance, but also failed to really grasp the performance aspect of it. She should get a little bonus for the death drop at the end. Bruno liked her grace and elegance. Carrie Ann liked her extension. Len thought it could have been a little more raunchy. The scores, (7, 7, 7). I like that score.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Quick Step) - Billy Ray really benefited from the new two performance start. Had they made a decision after last week, I think he would have been gone. He really was that bad last week. The second time was something of a charm though, as this was actually a pretty good showing. He still looks very out of place and you can tell how hard he has to concentrate, but he really sold it with that little solo bit at the end. That, and the possible power of Disney fans, may have saved him. Len thought it started rough, but finished strong. Bruno said he has gone from a bear to a southern gentleman. Carrie Ann voted Billy Ray the most improved. The scores, (7, 7, 7). That's a bit high, but good for Billy Ray improving.
Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Mambo) - Last week Heather overcame her physical disability, and this week she overcame her fashion disability. That dress last week really was horrible, wasn't it? In what became a continuing theme, Heather also struggled to get the performance of the mambo. However, she was very good technically with the steps, and the back walk over was very impressive. Any concerns that her leg may hold her back in the competition should be put to rest now. Carrie Ann was blown away by the difficulty. Len called it absolutely great. Bruno called her red hot Heather. The scores, (8, 8, 8). Fair enough. 
John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska (Quick Step) - I think Edyta hit it on the nose when she said that John is going to get by on his charisma. That can carry a contestant far.The thing is, John did a pretty solid job with the dancing too. I don't harbor any delusions that John is going to shock us all and win it all, but I think he'll hang around a while and do well for himself. For a guy that is "that old," as he puts it, he really moves quite well. Edyta was as solid as ever. Bruno thought he got the character just right. Carrie Ann liked the pizazz. Len called it a great performance. The scores, 7 - 7 - 7. I'll take that.
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Mambo) - Billy Ray may have been the most improved this week. But Laila was the one that most impressed me. I wasn't a huge fan of her performance last week, but her mambo was great. More than any of the other ladies, she really got the mambo. I worry that she may be the contestant that is hampered by the fan vote, but so far she is doing well for herself. Len called it the best mambo of the night. Bruno said she was simply irresistible. Carrie Ann thought it was hot hot hot.The scores (9, 9, 9). They were great, but that's maybe a tad high.
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Quick Step) - "You're not frickin Mary Poppins." That's what makes Joey dangerous. I think we all assumed he would handle the dancing, given his background. But I didn't realize that he was going to be so charismatic. He's funny and charming, and it's hard not to root for the guy. That will carry a team far in this competition. Another great performance. Great dancing, coupled with performance that is a step above. Joey continues to be the leader in the clubhouse. Carrie Ann said Joey had the complete package. Len mentioned a couple funny foot things, but thought it was very strong. Bruno said it was great. The scores, (8, 8, 8). That was low.
Best of the night: Joey and Kym
Who's going home? Unlike the last couple years, it's not completely obvious who should be the first cut. I would really like to see if he could improve more, and I am curious to see if that Disney vote makes a difference, but I don't think Billy Ray did enough to overcome that dreadful first week.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
3-27-2007 @ 3:42AM
D Colin said...
I don't think it's the disney vote that will keep Billy Ray Cryus (but it won't hurt) it's the country vote. Country music fans will keep him in for awhile.
My thought is Shandi will be the first to go. Her dancing isn't that great- and I haven't caught any of that personality you talked about. She seems nice enough, I have no reason to dislike her -- but I see her going. Also I don't know if most of the women viewers will relate to her-- she's that pretty, thin girl. If she moved like Stacy Keibler, or had her personality she'd overcome the pretty, thin girl thing (you know what I mean or maybe I'm crazy)
Loved, loved loved Laila an Maksim. They were hot together. She was my favorite last week and again this week. I had no idea who she was really before all the press for this show. I mean I had heard Alis' daughter was a boxer, but that was it-- I don't think the lack of fanbase will hurt her. She got a great personality, she's sexy (but in a real woman way, not a barbie), she can dance and there is good will towards her father-- she's staying (until the very end I hope). Oh and I thought Laila and Maksim had the best outfits of the night
Overall I thought the women were just okay except for Laila (like I said) and Heather. Those two moved across the floor so well tonight. I thought Heather Mills did a fun performance. She's one that doesn't have a huge fanbase.Though there is quite abit of people will keep her for being a role model. For that matter she may have anit-fanbase, due to people's love of Paul. That will hurt no doubt, but she has been on several talkshows this past week, that might help. But I gotta say I'd like her to stay,she was good.
I don't see leeza going. She wasn't great, but she's been around for a long time. Daytime fans from her talk show, women of all ages like her
Paulina, I hope she stays, got a hottie for a partner. Her dancing just felt slow.
Clyde really tried, and looked to have fun. No clue who the he-l he is, cause I never really watched basketball. But from the first two episodes I liked him. I see him going week 2/3
I hope John stays-- cause I love Edyta. I'm a gay man in love with this woman. The body on her, da-n! And I like her personality
Apolo was great, he was third for the night with me. He danced really well, and can't wait for him to dance more.
Joey was my second favorite tonight, it was fun- but not as good as last week for me.
Ian was third/fourth for me. i really like him (always been a 90210 fan), so I want to see him get better and better as the show goes on.
okay these were just my two cents. FYI, I really like how you are doing this review for the DWTS
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3-27-2007 @ 4:52AM
Brent McKee said...
I have to disagree with your assessment of Laila Ali. Of all the women she was the only one who really "got" the Mambo. Nor do I agree with the assessment of Joey - I'm not a professional judge but even I could see faults in his performance. I like John - he's performing well above the standard of most of the "older guy" contestants. Clyde the Glide is handicapped by his height and the length of his stride.
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3-27-2007 @ 8:37AM
Dave said...
Billy Ray has too many fans out there to be in any danger this week. Both country music fans and Disney fans will keep him around. I think this week's casualty will be Clyde. He was a terrific basketball player, and he has given a good effort in the dances, but it just wasn't good enough.
My votes go to Apolo, Joey, and Laila.
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3-27-2007 @ 8:43AM
Kay said...
OK- someone has to go, I say Clyde Drexler, then Leeza Gibbons.
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3-27-2007 @ 8:56AM
Paulette said...
You really think Heather overcame her fashion disability? I think we need to find out who is dressing her and fire them.
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3-27-2007 @ 11:20AM
Sandy said...
I was at the taping last night....Billy Ray got a huge standing ovation, and the crowd "booooooooed," the scores. The crowd obviously loves him. The biggest surprise was Heather, she looked great. I agree this years celebrities are pretty darn good. I think it will be Shandi who goes.
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3-27-2007 @ 9:15AM
aaron said...
probably laila, let's hope it's not shandi, and i mean that
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3-27-2007 @ 9:15AM
aaron said...
probably laila, let's hope it's not shandi, and i mean that
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3-27-2007 @ 9:19AM
sharon said...
i look forward to this show.... i'd have to say that laila was a big surprise.... she was absolutely awesome lastnight!!!! only thing with her is she's so bulky that she almost looks like she's leading him.. she doesn't have that ladylike look... but she was the top dancer lastnight for sure... billy ray had quite a comeback and he's got the fanbase... i can't stand shandi.... her and her partner just seem so conceited and i just can't stand watching them.. apollo and julianne are perfect together, he has also surprised me, i think they'll go far... i like joey, he's funny and good but i don't like him with kim... i think he'd of been better with edyta... i didn't think i'd give a vote to heather , cause i'm a big beatles fan, but lastnight she did a great job and i giver her alot of credit for going out there... she's an inspiration to anyone with a disability, i did give her a few votes... i'm just glad she got a better outfit omg that first night i felt bad for her , that dress was hideous..... i love watching john and surpisingly he's a good dancer.. i'm glad they always have one like a jerry springer and a george hamilton.. they're fun to watch and john is it for this show.... cheryl and ian are good and i think she'll make him improve even more... i think they'll be around till the end... this is just a great show ... love the judges and tom bergeron... don't like his co host but hey u can't have everything hahahahaha
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3-27-2007 @ 10:15AM
WILLIAM said...
I LIKE JOEY AND KYM,
THEY LOOK LIKE FRED ASTARD AND GINER ROGERS. THE DANCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TEN FROM ALL THE JUDGES.
THERE DANCE WAS JUST WONDERFUL. IF I WAS A JUDGE THEY
(JOEY AND KYM ) WOULD WIN HANDS DOWN.
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3-27-2007 @ 9:33AM
Joyce said...
I agree Billy Ray has many country and Disney fans that will keep him in a while, me included. I think Heather is just looking for approval because England hates her so much for what she is trying to do to her x husband Paul McArtney.
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3-27-2007 @ 9:38AM
praxilla said...
I really enjoyed last night's show (week 2). I'd almost say that this group as a whole is not so stellar on the dancing, but just full of funny, nice, enjoyable people. I laughed a lot and enjoyed the talk almost more than the dancing.
Case in point: Paulina Porizkova. She's not much of a dancer, at least not so far. Beautiful, yes, of course. But I didn't expect her to be so funny and intelligent; I really liked when she said that she hadn't yet found her "inner Latina" -- she's right, but she knows it, which made me like her. (And as someone who's tried taking salsa lessons, I can completely relate.)
Second case in point: Clyde Drexler. What a sweetie! He comes across to me as a classy, softspoken gentleman, maybe even a bit shy. I don't think he's particularly good at dancing (it's so fascinating how some world class athletes are good dancers and some aren't -- obviously a different set of skills goes into the mix!). But, good dancer or not, I loved seeing him on TV, so I'd hate for him to disappear; he was a pleasure.
My favorite dancers are Apolo and Laila -- they've got athletic skills and are also musical. I love 'em both, although I have to confess that the judges' raves over Laila's mambo took me by surprise. I thought she did a good job, but I wasn't blown away. They must have appreciated the finer points of her footwork, or something that sailed over my head. (I wish they would explain a bit more for those of us who would like to learn . . .) For my taste, though, Apolo is it, and I agree with Bruno or whoever it was who said he had the most potential of anyone in the field. He's the sparkler in the bunch.
(I confess I missed Joey's first performance, so I'm not doing him justice. He did OK in the second week, though as he also said, the quickstep clearly isn't his dance.)
And, I'm sorry to say it to the Heather-haters out there, but I thought Heather did a great job with the mambo. Who knew she had mambo in her? But she did; she was really moving. Good for her.
Ian is fine but forgettable to me. Leeza is boring (but Leeza is 50 and so am I; go Leeza!). Shandi got on my bad side immediately with her comments about being glad she didn't get a "Russian" teacher, when half the pros on the show are Slavic of some sort, plus one of the other contestants -- ruuude! I just hate her now. Fortunately, she's pretty lousy as a dancer, so I don't have to feel bad about hating her. John R. was fun. I put him up there with the "great personality" people, and Billy Ray too; I enjoyed both watching them dance and listening to them talk, and Billy Ray seemed to really take the competition seriously this week and did a creditable job. Good for him.
All in all, I'm enjoying the show a lot, even while being just a little disappointed that there isn't more good dancing! But it's only week 2; maybe they'll all improve a lot. Meanwhile, Apolo and Laila (and maybe Joey) are the bright spots for actual dancing.
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3-27-2007 @ 9:44AM
nelle said...
Laila did the best mambo last night of all the ladies. She really got into the spirit of it. I think overall Joey did the best quick step but Ian & Apollo was right behind him. John Ratzenberger is doing a GREAT job for coming into the competition so late!! I believe Leeza, Billy Ray & Shandi will be the first ones off based only on dancing performances. I disagree that the popular vote should be worth half their score, perhaps only 1/3 of their score would really be more fair to all competitors. I just know that my favorites will end up leaving the show before they should.
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3-27-2007 @ 9:48AM
Terry said...
I think Billy R. gets a bad rap a lot. He is pretty cuntry. I loved him in Doc. Dancing I am sure is not his thing but he is trying and is such a good sport. Good luck to him in whatever he does. Wish we could see more of him doing anything. He is a good buy. Thanks
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3-27-2007 @ 9:48AM
Bas said...
I'm really hoping shandi & Brian go home - they seem like plastic people to me. I just don't see the positive reviews they got. She's very pretty, but she has no rhythm or sex appeal - she dances like a board. Is Brian new this year? I don't remember seeing him before, but I didn't watch the first season. I'm sure I would have remembered that cheesy grin.
I love Joey's personality, and Ohno is very good, but my favorite so far is Laila!
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3-27-2007 @ 9:52AM
David Rosinski said...
The Mambo dancing was great.except both alec and Max were doing their break steps on the one beat not the two.Mambi is always done on the two beat. Where were the judges comments about that
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3-27-2007 @ 10:09AM
Holly said...
Heather needs to go. DON'T VOTE FOR HER!!!!!!!!!
Anyone that beats up on a Beatle doesn't deserve kindness. Sorry that's my opinion and I'm stickin to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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3-27-2007 @ 10:11AM
Gen said...
I love watching all the dancers and seeing them improve each week. My favorites to watch are Laila, Joey, and I give Heather a lot of credit for overcoming her disability. Good for her!!
My question is, why do some of the professional girls have to be half naked in order to show their skills? Cheryl, a great dancer, always has the skimpiest costumes on and I'm waiting for an accident to happen. To me, it takes away from the elegance of ballroom dancing. Am I wrong?
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3-27-2007 @ 10:28AM
Mary said...
I think that Billy Ray came a long way. He has a good shoot like anyone else., He improved alot from the first time. I think that next week he will even be alot better. Whom are we to judge, most likely we couldn't do that at all. We all can sit back and judge but PEOPLE try it and see if its easy. Lets give credit where it is serve. Billy will improve.
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3-27-2007 @ 1:57PM
Debbie said...
Heather needs to be booted off ... she can't dance and that's it ... probably couldn't dance before her prothesis. She shouldn't even be competing ... if she stays in it's because people feel SORRY for her because of her disability and she thrives on that. Even Paul felt bad for her and look what he got... UHGGGGGGG
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