Episode Report Card Kim: A | 78 USERS: B YOU GRADE IT Down to the Wire
By Kim | Season 8 | Episode 20 | Aired on 2009.05.18
And it's time for the scores. First up are Shawn and Mark, who get the following scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 10. Samantha asks if they're putting a bunch of gymnastic tricks into their freestyle, and Shawn says that they tried to tone it down because she wanted to show off how much dancing she's learned. Good strategy. After a break, it's time for the other two sets of scores, and Melissa and Tony are up first: Carrie Ann 10, Len 9, and Bruno 10. Melissa and Tony are positively giddy and Samantha says that Melissa was really worried during the commercial break. Melissa can't wait to do her freestyle, and is grooving on all the energy and adrenaline in the room. Samantha quickly dispatches them and gets Gilles and Cheryl to come up, but not before Gilles shares a hug with Tony. I'm surprised the show hasn't played up their bromance. I guess it's been done. Gilles and Cheryl's scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 10, and Bruno 10. Samantha asks if that makes him more confident going into the freestyle and Gilles says that nothing could make him feel confident. And I feel like he's not just saying that; he really does seem humble. I'm sorry. This is turning into less of a recap and more me drooling all over Gilles, and not even about his body but about his dancing and attitude. How embarrassing.
Anyway, it's time for the freestyles, and Shawn and Mark are up first. I really hate Shawn's clip packages because, more than anyone, she sounds like she's reading off a teleprompter. I get that these interviews are semi-scripted, or at least that the celebs get the chance to phrase their answer a few different ways, but hers just sound like when my students get in front of the class for a presentation and just read off their PowerPoint slides (automatic deduction!). Anyway, she explains that she's looking forward to a routine with no rules. Shawn and Mark practice and work out some moves together, and then Apolo Ohno shows up in their rehearsal studio! I miss him. He was a cute little guy. Then Apolo says Olympics like a million times and I'm kind of over it because we get it, dude. You were both Olympians. Before they go to break, we get a quick shot of Shawn and Mark ready for their routine, and they're wearing black garbage bags with white diamond masks. They're freaking me out, a lot. I get that it's an homage to JabbaWockeeZ, but still.