(S05E14) This week's Dancing With The Stars results show was, thankfully, what most viewers expected it to be. Compared to last week's surprising elimination, this week's show was fairly run-of-the-mill. The passing of George Osmond resulted in Marie's absence from the episode, but fortunately not from the show itself. The hosts wasted no time in letting Marie and Jonathan off the hook; she was declared safe even before the standard recap of Monday's dances.
Among the highlights of the recap segment: Jennie joked that it was her strategy to do poorly on the first dance and do well on the second; Cameron admitted that he might not always dance conservatively, but he will always be fun to watch, and Marie's loving dedication to her parents was revisited. Jennie also made a funny remark that Bruno (who gave her a 10) is the new Len. The leaderboard read as follows: Melanie was in first, with 54 points; Jennie in second, with 53; Helio and Marie both had 52 points, leaving Cameron and Jane at the bottom of the pack with 51 and 50 points, respectively.
Melanie and Maksim's high-scoring Paso Doble was chosen for the encore. I felt like I had missed out on the dance the first time, so I was glad to have the chance to enjoy it with everyone else. For me, it was definitely better the second time around. I don't know if I'd call it the "dance of the season" as Len did, but it was energetic and fun. Mel appears to be the woman to beat at this point. Hasn't she had the most encores of all the remaining contestants this season?
Backstage, Samantha discussed Marie's loss with Jonathan. He made it clear that Marie will absolutely return next week, in spite of her grief. Marie had also gotten the chance to tell her father about the performance that was dedicated to him. It was all very sad, and I hope that Marie can still enjoy being involved with the show after losing her father.
For her first number, LeAnn Rimes performed "How Do I Live?" Tony and Julianne performed, and their routine was very romantic and included some seriously tough-looking lifts. We also got our first reminder that the CMA awards will be on ABC on Wednesday night. Most Pushing Daisies fans were probably aware of that already--I always hate it when I get into a show and it takes a break, even for a week. I had just started to look forward to Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money every Wednesday. Will any of you be watching the awards show? For my part, it's difficult to sit through an entire awards show on a weeknight--I'm more of a Sunday night awards show girl.
The DWTS audience sounded off after the performance, and we learned that John Ratzenberger appreciated Melanie's sexy outfit in the Paso Doble. The audience's two least favorite celebrities were Cameron and Jane. Their good looks were appreciated, but their dancing was not. Some of the audience members felt that the judges were too strict with Jennie. Could she be the fan favorite? In a brief elimination announcement, Cameron and Edyta were put on the safe list.
Another DanceCenter segment! I'll take anything over Kimmel and Guillermo. Kenny Mayne, wearing several layers of eye makeup, was joined by Jerry Rice and Len. I loved that Kenny kept cutting Len off by saying "yeah, that's plenty Len." The commentators picked on Helio first, calling him the shortest male and taking shots at his smile and his accent. When you look at Helio's grins back-to-back like that, they are kind of unsettling. As the oldest competitor, Jane was an easy target for the guys. Kenny called her 75 or 80 years old, and Jerry applied the "old dog" adage to her. Kenny summed up the lift controversy by calling Carrie Ann a hater, which got a lot of applause from the audience. Jennie's nervous mouth movements were replayed, as was her tripping scene. Come on! Finally, Kenny was disappointed to learn that Sabrina was no longer in the competition, since he had already predicted (in the segment) that she would go all the way. All in all, the clip wasn't hilarious, but I'll take what I can get.
The Rock Steady Crew provided the "Stars of Dance" performance this week. I had never heard of the Rock Steady Crew, since this isn't my type of dancing, but they are apparently huge in the breakdancing/hip-hop world. Essentially, the entire crew dressed like K-Fed and each member did an amazing solo. The audience loved it, but I couldn't stop thinking about that South Park where Stan forms his own dance crew. I was also disappointed that Tom didn't make any references to "getting served." LeAnn Rimes followed up with a second musical performance, this time to "Nothin' Better To Do" from her new album. Five of the professional female dancers, including Cheryl, accompanied her. The dance was a fun, light moment in an otherwise serious results show.
Part Two of DanceCenter featured an analysis of Melanie, whom Len called a great "all-rounder." Cameron was named the housewives' choice, and Kenny wondered why his shirts even had buttons. Kenny took the judges to task for sitting around after Marie passed out, and for heartlessly giving her sevens afterward. I'm sure her brother "Donald" would agree.
The backstage interviews revealed that Melanie is focusing more on fan votes than judges' scores, Helio believes that everyone is "freaking out" now that Sabrina is gone, and Jane regards her time on the show as the "miracle of her life." I think it would have been funny if the camera had cut to Jane's children in the audience after that part. In a short video segment, the cast discussed Sabrina's elimination. This wasn't a bad idea, since the competition has been far less predictable than in previous seasons. Plus I'm sure ABC wanted to appease the Sabrina fans who made bogus threats to stop watching the show forever.
In the next phase of the elimination, Melanie and Jane were singled out. Melanie and Maks were declared safe, which was fairly predictable. Jane and Tony were left hanging during the commercial break. I hate when they do this, and it's especially harsh when the person waiting is eventually sent home. It's one thing to scare someone who is staying in the competition, but dragging out bad news is brutal. After some final words of wisdom from the judges, Helio and Julianne were put on the safe list. This left only Jane and Jennie. Tom pointed out that they weren't necessarily the Bottom Two, but that one of them would be going home. As many of you predicted, it was Jane's turn to leave. She was extremely poised and gracious in her farewell, and mentioned that she had gone far in the show in spite of some back problems. I think that Jane could have made it to the Finals if she had shown more of a range and developed at the same speed as the other dancers. I'm sorry to see her go, but I'm excited to see the other dancers face off!
Brett will be back next week for the remaining couples' performances. Until then, check out AOL's extensive Dancing With The Stars coverage, which includes photo galleries, a live chat (Mondays & Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET), and the chance to support your favorite couple by voting in AOL's poll!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-07-2007 @ 12:44AM
Steph said...
I guess I'm one of the few that actually stopped watching the show since Sabrina left. The show ended IMO when she left. And for the record I did vote for her. If I had to though, i'd root for Helio and Julianne. But to me, Sabrina and Mark won and will be the winners this season!
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11-07-2007 @ 2:46AM
mamadoe said...
I definitely agree, anything other than Jimmy and Guillermo is comedy gold. This version of Dance Center wasn't as funny as last year's, but it still had its moments. I loved Kenny's eye glitter. They went a little overboard on the comments about Jane's age, one would have sufficed. I guess they couldn't think of anything else.
It seems that Len is really taking Helio to task. I don't know if it's "tough love" or not. I get the feeling that each of the judges has made up their minds and will vote positively for whomever they like the best. On the other hand, Helio has not been terribly consistent, after having such a strong start. But, Cameron is really losing steam. Depending on Marie's performance next week, I think Cameron may be the next to go, but you just never know.
I see Mel, Helio and Jennie as the top three, but it could end up being the battle of the fan base. Maybe the judges want to keep giving Mel 10's so that her lack of fan base compared to, say, Marie's, won't hurt her in the end.
Of the five girls dancing on Leann's second song, I recognized Cheryl, Anna, and Elena, and I do believe the blond was Kym with a brand new short haircut? I don't know who the fifth girl with the dark, curly hair was however. I thought it was Ashley Del Grosso for a second, but she's busy with her baby and hasn't returned to dancing. I wish they would let us know these things.
Also, yes, the songs chosen for Helio's dances, and his wardrobe, are atrocious! "Jean Jeannie" for a tango? I know this is a day late, but still, it bears repeating. Maybe.
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11-07-2007 @ 11:56AM
James said...
Am I the only one to think that Tom made such a big point of saying that they were not necessarily the bottom two because Marie was next to the bottom?
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11-07-2007 @ 8:30AM
Jackie said...
I have been an avid fan of this show since it started, but I have to say, that it has turned out to be a big popularity contest rather than who can really dance. As for the judges, they are doing their jobs as far as I can see. I was very disappointed to see Sabrina go. She was really terrific. I love Jane Seymour. She has so much class, but she was just out of her league.
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11-07-2007 @ 8:56AM
Neese0657 said...
The public has proven itself as incapable of casting an intelligent vote for the best dancers as they are politicians. How about a change??? How about this. Allow the public to vote only on those NOT in the top 3 - to determine of those with the lesser ability who stays. The 3 judges should be in control of the top 3 and ultimate winner. From the first show, couples remained that were completely horrible and couples were voted off who were working hard and improving every week. I'm about fed up with the whole thing.
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11-07-2007 @ 9:00AM
DancingLady1933 said...
If the elimination is going to head toward no bottom two, that should be announced at the beginning of the program and not announced when three couples are standing on the floor. No, I think Mel was in the bottom two, not Marie. I considered the possibility of Marie, but her fan base is strong. The reason they didn't name a bottom two is because they didn't want Mel to show up in the bottom two after they gave her the undeserved three 10s. It would have demonstrated that no one votes for her.
Helio suffers from the same problem Jennie does: Their pro partners -- who happen to be siblings -- do not temper the routines enough. With Julianne and Derek doing so much, it makes Helio and Jennie look more deficient than they are. Julianne and Derek must tone down their own contributions to the routine, matching the tempo and steps of their partners, then Helio, especially, will shine as he should. (I do think Derek held back more this week, making Jennie look better.)
Kenny Mayne's segments with Jerry Rice and Len Goodman were the best. I adore Jerry Rice and I thought he should win two seasons ago.
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11-07-2007 @ 9:57AM
Jazzie said...
Mel and Makx are the best dancers on this show. They are worth watching and waiting for all of the fillers to end. If Mel and Makx are not the winners, there is something really wrong in America! I love Jennie, but she is no competition for Mel! Marie and Cameron should be gone already.
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11-07-2007 @ 11:17AM
OhTheIgnorance said...
I would really like to ask that you take the time to research the history behind those that you insult in this wretched blog.
RockSteady is several generations in. 80's film Beat Street, Style Wars, The Freshest Kids DVD, Soul Train spots (yea you wouldnt know anything about any of those), Documentaries, Books, Video games, music videos, world tours with multiplatnum artists...
The fact that you used South Park and a D-Lister to reference your exposure to the dance and culture... and then desperately use a locked & loaded "you got served" quip, tells me that you're a very sheltered individual.
Instead of stereotyping and making ignorant comments, do some homework, you look like a fool.
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11-07-2007 @ 11:01AM
Charisma62 said...
Uhhh...excuse me, Dancinglady1933, but your reasoning is a bit flawed. The more viable explanation for not announcing the bottom two was the same reason why it was announced at the top of the show that Marie is safe...The producers were very tastefully sparing her any undue grief stemming from an embarrassing, worriesome, very public announcement of her position in the bottom two. She's free to dance another week. That was all anyone needed to know.
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11-07-2007 @ 1:21PM
Vito The TiVo said...
An excellent explanation of what the WGA is striking for:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ55Ir2jCxk
Support the strike in your own way. Refuse to watch any of the reality crap that the network are going to shove down our throats by January.
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11-07-2007 @ 1:31PM
Just My Musings said...
Well, it was time for Jane to go. Her scores should not have been as high as they were. I think she got a few week repreive because her mom passed.
Mel's Paso was great and she deserved the 10s, sort of. The dance was worth a 10 but since she has dance experience, which the participants on this show are not to have, she should have been scored lower.
I wonder why they did not do the bottom two? So now now one knows who is ahead, if that makes a difference.
I think that the last 4 stars who should be in the final 4 are Helio, Marie, Jennie, and Cameron. That would be a fair final 4. Then no one with previous dance experience would be in the group and it will come down to their performance. Between the 4 of them it will certainly come down to performance and then anyone of them could win. But if Mel is still there then the deck is stacked with someone who has experience.
Of the 4 people mentioned earlier, I would vote for the one who had the best performance for the night, and let the chips fall where they may. I would also hope that the judges would be honest and consistent in their assessments.
And to the producers, hey, next year, screen the stars a bit more to see what dance experience they have. And don't be pushovers for the ones who cheat. (i.e. Sabrina, Mel, and Jane this year.)
If you want to book musicians, pick drummers. Not singers who perform stage dances. That is an advantage whether it is hip hop or not.
And as a judge I think Len and the others should keep their mouths shut when they are surprised by someone getting a low score from the audience. Maybe the audience realized Sabrina had all this experience and decided that someone without the experience should have a chance instead.
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11-07-2007 @ 2:10PM
chaney said...
I would certainly appreciate dancing grace, Not jump[ing. hopping. and graceflul dresses, not showing boobs. ATrhur Muray always show grace when we joined their dancing group in different areas. years ago.
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11-07-2007 @ 11:38PM
jake said...
I think with Sabrina gone, Jennie Garth has emerged as the new leader. Is anyone really WOWED by anyone else? Helio peaked very early and he is no longer exciting to watch. Mel doesn't even need to practice and also not that exciting. Anyone else excited about Jennie Garth?
Is it even possible for a woman to win dancing again? Most voters seem to favor a man winning regardless -- which is really unfortunate.
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11-08-2007 @ 9:54AM
PN said...
I liked this week's Dancing. But I don't like that silly DanceCenter segment. Seems like Dancing's producers watch Sportscenter and hear that catchy Da,Da,Da/Da,Da,Da theme music too much. Kenny Mayne sounds absolutely silly with his same wiseguy approach and sounds as if he wants to talk about somebody's funny feet when they grow their toenails too long. And Kenny's cutting off on Len Goodman was just cold and rude. Part of me wanted to laugh, but part of me wanted to turn it off. Dancing's people can't get off the fact that Kenny was a pretty bad dancer when he competed a few years ago. They're just riding on the joke and layering it on way too much!
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11-08-2007 @ 3:36PM
wec said...
This season seems weaker than previous. I have to say I have been impressed with the variety of the professional dancers they have on the show- from Savion Glover to Wade Robson and the Rocksteady Crew. Some of you are talking about boycotting the show after Sabrina was kicked off and I agree she was the most talented dancer by far- let's remember however, this isn't who's the best dancer, otherwise it would only be judged by professionals who are qualified. This competition is essentially a popularity contest; it is America's favorite celebrity dancer. And Sabrina was an absolute obnoxious , over-confident, arrogant bitch. So yes, nobody liked her and she got voted off. All in all, this season is disappointing.
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11-09-2007 @ 1:19PM
becky said...
hey wec!
Your comments of Sabrina are a little harsh! Perhaps you thought she was obnoxious and over-confident and yes even arrogant, but using profanity - come on! It seems you need to relax, it's just a show!
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11-13-2007 @ 12:14PM
Maria said...
Helio has personality of enjoiyng dancing. His costume is nice to look at. He is elegant even have the same birthday as Fredstair. Hope he will make a movie reviving Fred.
I want to wish good luck in the final.
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11-13-2007 @ 2:11PM
Marsha said...
This is the greatest show every invented. I think that they should get the stars that really have very little back ground in dancing though, just to give others a chance.The voters need to look at the ones that have and are improving not the ones with the dancing background and can learn anything, like Mel.
Cameron has come a long way and so has Marie. Jennie has but she needs to lose the "woe is me" attitude. She could do this without the sympathy faces.
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