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(S08E12) After getting rid of Steve-O, mysteriously everyone got better. The average tonight was 26. There were some definite standouts.

We are reminded that the clothes were created by the contestants. I'm happy to see Edyta with clothes on, but I'm a little saddened that there was no denim for Ty. Unfortunately, Samantha was channeling Pollyanna and I was expecting her to have a milk bucket ready for her daily chores. Take a tip from Cat Deeley and find a hip stylist. Speaking of which, more So You Think You Can Dance references after the jump.


Melissa & Tony – Argentine Tango - It's all about channeling her inner maneater. Tony decided to bring Melissa to Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. Teri Hatcher gave pointers about acting, but she needs to eat a man soon. I feel like Tony would snap her if he shook her hand. I was worried about the tango's tempo. The leg work was there, but then they did three or four lifts. I got a little nervous about Carrie Ann until I found out that lifts were allowed in Argentine Tangos.

Len thought it was fantastic. The lifts were beautiful. There was a hint of a small blunder in the middle that he saw. Unfortunately for America, we just get zoomed in shots and often don't see the full picture. Bruno thought her legs were magic tools. He also used the word "climax." Carrie Ann thought it was the best Argentine Tango. She loved the legal lifts. Score: 29 (10, 9, 10)

Lawrence & Edyta – Waltz – Lawrence has to go to Miami for a golf charity event. He decided to teach Edyta how to play golf. Getting back to the studio, Edyta emphasizes that the waltz is all about elegance. I loved how Edyta's dress would open when she spun. The jacket came off to reveal a beautiful blue dress. Unfortunately, it caused problems when it was stuck in her face and covered her hands. To make it worse, Lawrence tripped while kneeling.

Bruno liked the romance and compared the beginning to Dr. Zhivago. The turning was still awkward. Carrie Ann saw freedom in his movement. He embodied the character. She also loved the dress. Len loved the grace and tenderness, but the dress messed up parts. He was shocked how well Lawrence did. Score: 21 (7, 7, 7)

Lil Kim & Derek – Rumba – If there was any time that this show could use the word "slutty" it would be now. Derek thinks that Lil Kim should drop the whole slutty shtick to make Len happy. The choreography is well done, even if Derek stressed out. Lil Kim even toned down her blow-up doll face. The silk in her dress helped cover overly seductive movements.

Carrie Ann thought it was understated, but also underwhelming. She wants Kim to bring her best foot forward, which apparently is the slutty side. Len thought that parts were great, but she should go with what she knows, being slutty. Bruno thought it was a good rumba, but Bruno wants raunchy Lil Kim back. Score: 26 (9, 8, 9)

Chuck & Julianne – Samba – Blasphemy! I'm calling total Bullshit on Chuck & Julianne's performance. This performance happened last year on SoYou Think You Can Dance? I'm sorry, but Katee Shean is my girl and they totally borrowed from that dance with a little bit of the Mary Murphy/Dmitry version from the finale. Yes I understand that many basic Samba steps were included in both dances, but it's just lazy to pick the same song with the same genre of dance. To make it worse, Julianne's dress was similar to Mary Murphy's. Sure it was hot, but it was so 2008.

Len liked it and thought it was his best dance. Bruno loved that he was working his butt and hips. Carrie Ann pulls off a Paula and cheers for him. Mary Murphy would have put the two on the hot tamale train. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9)

Ty & Chelsie – Waltz – Ty stock dipped last week, but now that he's in ballroom, he can hold on to Chelsie. Jewel came to the studio, mostly to gawk at her husband and attempt to gain some more air time. It starts off with a slight lift, but Chelsie is a professional and covers it well. Ty's so much better this week. We also get a moment of drunk cameraman and are reminded that we are live.

Bruno thinks that he made a great comeback. He danced with precision and conviction. Carrie Ann loved his frame, posture, and hold. Len liked the hold and posture; it was also well done. Score: 24 (8, 8, 8)

Shawn & Mark – Cha-Cha – One forgets that Shawn is a current athlete. Shawn got the Sullivan Award! She's going to Des Moines to get another award. In between the acceptances she has to learn a fun and flirty cha-cha. She's really tired and doesn't understand the choreography. As they dance, her movements aren't bad. I usually expect a stiffness to Shawn and I'm happy to see evolution. I do think that the Michael Jackson moves were unnecessary, but a good cover for not learning Latin choreography.

Carrie Ann loved it. She thought the dance came alive. Len thought that the sharp moves blended with the rhythm wonderfully. Bruno loved watching the vibrant dancing. Score: 28 (9, 9, 10)

Gilles & Cheryl - Viennese Waltz – Uhh, give me a second. I can't get past Gilles in swimwear. Did you see that bulge in his red swim outfit? I would definitely be happy if I was wife. Now where were we? Right, dancing. It was great. His arms work well (no Latin arm flicks!) and the dance is smooth.

Len loved the romance and rotation. The nuances were great. He'd like better footwork though. Bruno compared it to Gigi and loved it. Carrie Ann loved the grace. She wants to make sure that the posture is better. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9)

Group Dance – Mark brought a cardboard cutout of Shawn. Ty comes in as a hippy, which unfortunately, is the wrong era of the 60s. For the actual dance, we get a little bit of a black and white opening. Unfortunately, I can't tell the difference between Chelsie and Julianne in black and white, which is probably the producer's goal. Ty unfortunately stands out because he's behind by a few seconds. I also don't like Chuck's hair. Because of bad camera angles, we missed Gilles' snake. He also looks like a mime. I love that Ty rode Chelsie.

Bruno thought that the boys created sublime silliness. Chuck's wig was too much for Bruno. Carrie Ann thought the girls nailed it and thanks Christian Perry, the choreographer. Len loved the fun and energy. He thought it was fantastic.

Tomorrow: We start the quest to get a new professional dancer. I'm crossing my fingers that Artem was showing up so often in other weeks' professional dances for that one reason. We also have the musical stylings of Natasha Bedingfield and Celtic Woman. I think it's time to say goodbye to Lawrence. The only way for Melissa to go home is if she has to withdraw for her rib bruises.