(S04E10) With only seven couples left, it's getting tough to fill that 90 minute block. Rather than force ABC to trot out another sure to disappoint sit-com, the powers that be at DWTS added the group swing performance. Having now seen it, I have to say it was a good idea. We'll get to that in a moment though. First, the couples all had to perform for the judges.
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Samba) - I'm still not sure what the feminine complaints about Joey were last week, but I don't think it's anything for him to be concerned with. He's locked in to this thing for a few more weeks, at least. Joey and Kym had another great performance, despite some questionable music. Joey is a great performer and I thought he really stood out in the few solo bits that Kym gave him to do this week. Len called Joey a big swashbuckling guy, and that was a good thing. Bruno, I think, said Joey, "went for it like a randy fighting cockerel." Bruno is just crazy. Carrie Ann thought it was one of Joey's best performances so far. The scores, (9, 9, 9). Not the 10's Joey was looking for, but there is nothing wrong with a 27.
Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Paso Doble) - Coming off a trip to the bottom two, I thought Heather was setting good with the paso. It's a dance that can really impress and Jonathan has proven that he can choreograph for her. I think this might have been her best outfit yet as well. Her acting was actually pretty good. When she looked right at the camera and sang along with the music, I was impressed with her presence. Unfortunately, there were a few times when her lack of time to practice came through. She was working hard to remember the steps. Bruno praised her dramatic performance. Carrie Ann was critical of Heather's posture and hands, but liked the performance. Len thought she had great passion and fire. The scores (7, 8, 8). That's reasonable.
John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska (Mambo) - Yet again, with another celebrity complaining about time. Good grief, if I have one pet-peeve about this show, that is it. It's a job. You don't take a job and then not have the time to do it. And if you do, you don't whine about it. I don't feel sorry for John because he can't manage his schedule. Anyway, this was another very John performance. Edyta was fantastic as usual and John left a little to be desired in his dancing. But he made up for much of that with his charm and enthusiasm. It's not that he did anything wrong, just that he is competing against Joey, Ian, and Apolo, who are clearly a step above. Based on what we expect from John, this was a nice performance overall. Carrie Ann thought he had some problems with the footwork. Len said John's enjoyment came out, but the routine was awful. Bruno was not impressed either. John took what might have been a little too much ribbing in good stride. The scores (7, 6, 6). Fair enough.
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Cha Cha) - I'm not sure that Laila should be giving direction to her professional choreographer, but I do appreciate how committed she is to the contest. I really liked this performance. Laila has really impressed me as the contest has moved on. I wasn't expecting a lot, but if she can get some fan support she could be a contender. Her self choreographed funk at the end was cute, although I'm not sure it was needed. Their performance was very good without it. Len called it pure gold. Bruno said Laila is turning into a magnificent obsession. Carrie Ann said it was fantastic. The scores, (9, 9, 10). I like that score, but I have to point out how ridiculous it is that Samantha gave away the score before going to the judges. She does the same thing every week. It's not rocket surgery.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Jive) - The interview segment with Karina was interesting. She has come around to the fact that Billy Ray has to sell these performances to the fans first, because he just isn't going to get the scores for the dance. That said, this was one of Billy Ray's better performances. He's moved past focusing on counting his steps to focusing on looking like he isn't counting his steps. He is moving more naturally now and I do give the guy a lot of credit for trying. Bruno said the crazy bear has been let loose at the cheer leading convention, because like I said, Bruno is crazy. Carrie Ann wasn't familiar with the steps, but liked his focus. Len appreciated that they used proper jive steps. The scores, (7, 7, 7). That was higher than I expected. 
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Rumba) - Coming off of their perfect 30 performance last week, the pressure was on these two to follow it up. While it was not another perfect score, it certainly lived up to the hype. The chair gave me a flashback to Tucker Carlson's lone appearance on the show. Fortunately, once Apolo got up things took a much different turn than they did then. This was a beautiful dance, and I think they gained a little being the only couple doing the rumba. It helped them stand out from the rest of the up tempo numbers that came before. The way they used the chair in the dance was very creative. Another outstanding performance. Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful and praised the choreography. Len enjoyed the performance, but really didn't like the chair. Bruno called it a choreographed poem that he loved. The scores, (9, 9, 10). Good score.
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Paso Doble) - Watching the behind the scenes clip, I was a little worried that Ian's bullfighter would come across more as a serial killer. He seemed to smooth it out as they got into the dance though. They managed to put together a very strong dance with some outstanding moments. The walk across the floor with the underarm spins was fantastic. It just fell flat in a couple spots where the flow of what they were doing came to a stop. I still think Ian is very good, but he's not progressing in the same way that Apolo, Joey, and Laila are. Len was a little disappointed. Bruno thought that Ian still isn't committing fully to the dance. Carrie Ann advised Ian to watch Billy Ray, for his sense of joy and truth. I didn't really get that one. The scores, (8, 8, 8). I think that's a good score.
With the performances out of the way, it was time for the group swing performance. Rather, it was time for the behind the scenes look at practice for the group swing performance. I didn't mind the delay, because there was some good stuff in practice. Laila stole the show when Christian asked who was the strongest man and she raised her hand. I was a little curious to see how they would manage the judging with everyone dancing at once. The choice to have the judges take the performance off was probably a good one. Things were just too hectic.
Hectic in the good way though. It's hard to say who was the best of the couples doing the swing because there was just so much going on at any given time. If I have to narrow it down I would give them all good marks for the big group stuff and separate them out by their solo bits. In that, I thought Joey & Kym and Apolo & Julianne stood out as the best. That's not really important though because the swing was really more about all of them having fun and putting on a show for the fans and viewers. In that regard, it was a smashing success. With the paddles put away for the night the judges left out the criticism and all agreed that everyone did a great job.
It's hard to pick a definite winner and loser this week. Overall I thought all of the couples performed well. For me, Apolo & Julianne get the top spot this week, narrowly edging Laila & Maksim. And I am going to put Heather & Jonathan in the bottom spot. You could make an argument for Billy Ray & Karina or John & Edyta to be there, but I'm docking Heather an extra point for not showing up for swing practice. That's the gig and she should have known it coming in. I suspect we'll see them in the bottom two with John & Edyta Tuesday night, and I think Heather's time might have run out.
With great performances from all of the couples, and with the addition of the group swing number, I'm giving the week six performance show a 6, out of 7.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-24-2007 @ 7:47AM
Anne R said...
The judges are way too critical of Ian. For some reason they are trying to kill him off. He's great....much better than Heather (YUK), or Billy Ray. And they always come out with these ambiguous reasons, untangible, undefinable things to criticize him for. There has never been a dance he's done worth less than an 8, and most of his and Cheryl's should have been 9s.
Len told him he was "too dramatic", but old Heather did a MIME in the middle of her Paso Doble and Len thought that was "fantastic". What a hypocrite, or is he covering her skinny behind because they are both British? Time for H to move off the show and time for wizened fans to vote for Ian.
I didn't know who John Retzenberger was before this show, but now I have a terrible crush on him. What a doll, whether he can dance or not! As for his previous schedule, well, they have to have other gigs than this, because most of these "stars" aren't shining much any more.
Samantha is not bright, and has a bad voice...you can't hear her when the audience is applauding. She's as deep as scotch tape.
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4-24-2007 @ 8:29AM
Tom said...
I agree with Anne, especially about their being so harsh on Ian; also I thought it ridiculous that Apolo got 9s for standing around while Julianne did all the dancing and got Bruno all worked up!
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4-24-2007 @ 8:25AM
CaSy B. said...
Heather has worn out her welcome in my book! I'm sick of them always oohhing and ahhing over her performance. Yes, she has an artificial limb, and yes, she's doing okay despite that...but that should NOT being taken into consideration when scoring her. The judges have been scoring her too high. I think it would be best for everyone if tonight she says goodbye to "Dancing".
Billy Ray is a much better actor than he is a dancer, but he really does try! I have to give him props for having a good time on the show last night!
I love John....he is like a big dancing teddy bear! He's doing pretty good, too! He really tries hard to learn these dances and still stay fun. I hope he sticks around at least another week or so.
I think the top 2 will be Laila and Apolo. These two are bringing it every week and getting better as the show goes!
Joey and Ian are great, too..and fun to watch..but technically, Laila and Apolo are better dancers!
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4-24-2007 @ 8:45AM
Dave said...
I think Apolo and Julianne were amazing. I can't take my eyes off her when she dances. It helps that she's beautiful, but she is the best dancer on the program. Her choreography is terrific. That move they did last night with the splits into the lift was unbelievable. Bruno had it right, it was poetry in motion.
On the other hand, Jonathan's choreography is lame and boring. Heather doesn't have a chance in this competition.
Let's send home Heather, Billy Ray, & John in that order.
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4-24-2007 @ 8:55AM
Theresa said...
Ok, I have to ask. Were we watching the same show when Heather and Jonathan danced? I know the Paso is the hardest dance to do, but I really think Heather did horribly at it. I also did not like her make-up or outfit choice. Soemthing just looked off kilter with everything about her last night. Yes, they had a hectic week. So what! I did not see improvement in her, but actually thought this was her weakest performance yet. It is time for her to go home now. I used to support her, but I really think she's doing poorly, and it's being excused.
Second, I don't mean to nitpick, but this is really funny. The "rocket surgery" thing cracked me up. I know you meant "science."
I do think the judges are far too hard on Ian. I know that they think he's capable of more, but they're being a lot easier on Heather and Billy Ray who obviously mess up.
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4-24-2007 @ 8:59AM
Dina said...
I think the group dancing was a great idea. I also feel that it is time for Heather to leave; the judges let her get away with the dances and go ooh and aah. I think Laila is the one to beat. Apolo and Joey did very well and are exciting to watch dance. Ian has a great partner and he can be there for another week; I just hate that the judges told him to watch Billy Ray and learn from him. Billy Ray does well when he needs to step up. John is just a fun performer and fun to watch.
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4-24-2007 @ 9:11AM
Dave said...
Am I the only one who doesn't buy it when Apolo and Julianne claim they have a brother/sister relationship?
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4-24-2007 @ 9:24AM
Marjorie said...
THIS IS MY FIRST SEASON WATCHING. CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHY THEY DON'T USE LATIN MUSIC FOR LATIN DANCES???? ALSO, WHY DON'T THE JUDGES LIKE IAN?? IF HE WAS MORE LIKE BILLY RAY HE WOULD BE TRIPPING OVER HIS OWN FEET. HE MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST, BUT HE CERTAINLY CAN DANCE.
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4-24-2007 @ 10:02AM
suzyed said...
I thought Apolo stood around and she did all the dancing...he looked awkward to me. A chair is a nice prop, but not throughout the whole dance.
Ian was good..firey! But his hands were a distraction at times..too still.
I think Laila is fantastic! Then best! She has it all-talent, beauty, class, and a sense of human. She should win!
Heather should get the boot- she is a phoney, artificial leg-blah blah blah..
Missed Joey so I can't comment. John -cute. Billy Ray-awful!
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4-24-2007 @ 10:12AM
Rick Sanganoski said...
I agree with all of you when it comes to those two old farts as how they judge, not only Ian, but all of them! I question if they can see the whole routine of the dancers because, and I don't remember which dance team had the floor at the time, but a camera angle during their routine showed that "pompuos limey" having to look around Carrie Lyn to follow the couple. Now, if he had to do that then, how many times was his field of vision blocked to see the routines of the other dance teams? Carrie Lyn, "just exists!' as a judge and the two "old farts", and they remind me of those two critical old guys from "The Muppet Show", forget that this is a TELEVISION SHOW designed to ENTERTAIN the viewing audience, not the World Championships of Dancing! One last thing, how can they say they "enjoyed the dance", and psyche up the contestant, Billy Ray Cyrus comes to mind, but they've done it to all of the dancers, and then score them a high 6 or a low 8 and then seem "generous" in their scoring????
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4-24-2007 @ 10:11AM
susan said...
I mean humor....not human. HaHa
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4-24-2007 @ 10:41AM
Pat Glenn said...
I really like and admire Cheryl and Ian. She is a real pro and so versatile. I am watching from Shanghai and the show really lifts my spirits. I think John, Billy Rae and Heather should go asap. There is too much of a discrepancy between those three and the other three, truly great dancers. I really like Appolo too. Pat
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4-24-2007 @ 11:04AM
Goober said...
I am amused to watch as each of the professional male dancers get voted off as they were voted off in past seasons. The pro female dancers must be seen as sexy and the men as not. First impressions are what prevail. What a shame ! #1 Laila, #2 Apolo, #3 Joey and #4 Ian the other 3 couples should be voted off in any order.
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4-24-2007 @ 11:07AM
priscilla said...
I also think Heather is not that great. true, she tries hard, but this is a dance contest, not a handicapped one, and it is unfair to all the other contestants to give her a hedge because of her leg.....she never should have got in this contest...Sorry, but that is my opinion....and it is also unfair that Joey has had dance experience, this is not fair to all the other contestants...so, I hope Joey and Hearther get the "Boot" and Soon.....
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4-25-2007 @ 6:40AM
Laurie Rock said...
I do not like Heather Mills at all for what she is doing to Sir Paul,,BUT.................
She is a role model for amputees. What she is doing on Dancing with the Stars is amazing and I admire her for overcoming her disability and showing the world what she is capable of.
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4-24-2007 @ 11:14AM
Jeff said...
#5-- Theresa--Thank you! I chuckled at the "rocket surgery" faux pas and thought I would be the only one who would mention it. It's either "brain surgery" or "rocket science."
Remember when we were asking about how the music is chosen? I read in a Laila interview that the songs are given to the couples by the show and, unless they are just totally grossed out by them, they are stuck with the song they are given.
No one couple really stood out for me this week. I thought Joey's dancing last night was very good at the time, but it was not memorable. I was glad of the reminder at the end of the show. Heather's was merely passable and I agree with the judges that they put more "tricks" into their routine than anyone else. John I haven't been able to figure out. I can't decide if he's being serious or going for comedy. He usually has the steps, but something is just not right about them. Laila and Maksim's dance was beautiful until they threw in that awful "funk" of Laila's at the end. It was unneeded, unfeminine, and inappropriate. Speaking of inappropriate, how about that "split" move between Billy Ray and Karina? Bad enough in that position, but it became vulgar with his reaction. Karina later said she was forced into it, so I'm not sure it was planned. I hate to think Bill Ray would do something like that.
Apolo and Julieanne...what can I say? Apolo seems to be pushing that brother-sister relationship thing a little too much. It doesn't really fly, does it? Sounds like a ready excuse in case they can't get into the romance of the dance, which doesn't seem to be a problem. The routine was lovely, but I have to agree with Len that the chair should have disappeared once the dance began. Even though it was beautifully choreographed into the routine, they shouldn't rely on props when they are so very good without them.
Now we come to Ian and Cheryl. Can you see her waving bye-bye to her "three-peat?" That Paso Doble last night was just plain boring. It was slow and uninspired. Ian walked through the entire thing instead of exhibiting the crisp stomping steps that are the integral part of this dance.
About some comments concerning the scores: The dance can be enjoyable without receiving a high score because the technical aspects are just not that good. That's why the judges are there, to point out areas that need improving. It's impossible to tell Billy Ray to work on a specific area when he's so bad in almost all of them, but it's still fun to watch him.
Pet peeve this week: The camera work. It just bugs me. I feel I've missed something with the cutting away to a different angle or focusing on someone in the audience.
Hey, sorry if my posts come out a little too long. I doubt anyone is reading them, anyway, but I enjoy reading everyone else's comments.
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4-24-2007 @ 12:09PM
Dave said...
Both this columnist and the judges praised Heather and her partner. I think they were awful. The judges constantly let them get away with missteps while criticizing Ian for doing it.
I would like to see Heather go home tonight. I actually thought John Ratzenberger did better last night than the other nights but the judges didn't care for it.
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4-24-2007 @ 12:10PM
Jane said...
When the competition started, I thought I would pick Joey to win. But through the last weeks, Laila and Apolo have joined in the running with my votes. I like John and Ian, but they don't have the skill to be the best. Heather gets kudos for her pluck, but she, too, doesn't have what it takes to win. Billy Ray has heart, but no talent. Not sure who will go this week, but when the end comes, I will miss it. However, by then it will be warm and light until late, so being inside glued to the TV will not be a priority.
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4-24-2007 @ 1:11PM
Karly said...
I thought Apolo & Julianne and Laila & Max were the top two last night. Because of how they used the chair in the choreography, it didn't bother me. The rumba is about the only dance you can do that and get away with it though, because the dance isn't meant to move around as much as the other Latin dances. A lot of it does seem like creative posing most of the time, but when done well, it should feel like a poem, like Bruno said, and that is what Apolo & Julianne delivered. Laila and Max were great, too, and I hope they get the encore tonight -- I really could have lived without Laila's "funk" move at the end -- it kind of spoiled the Latin flavor of the dance for me, but the rest of it was awesome. I like Ian and Joey too... Ian is not getting enough credit, and I think it's because they are trying to prevent Cheryl from taking the trophy again... The week Ian and Cheryl did the jive, I thought they deserved the encore performance, but instead they gave it to Joey and Kym for that awful Star Wars tango -- I could barely stand to watch that the first time, twice was punishing. Joey & Kym's paso was great, but they never should have had the encore with the tango.
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4-24-2007 @ 12:51PM
Stormy said...
I agree with the assessment that the judges are too hard on Ian, and I think it is because they don't want Cheryl to win for the third time in a row.
But there is a more important problem in the voting system.
Last night both my husband and I tried to vote by phone for our favorite. We both kept getting busy signals and then when we finally got through, we were told that we had used all of our votes. So we believe that the voting system is rigged and that the producers decide who will stay and who will go.
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