Episode Report Card Kim: A- | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Did He Do That?
By Kim | Season 14 | Episode 1 | Aired on 03.19.2012
Gladys Knight. Legend. Beautiful voice. Gladys says she used to go to the Pips rehearsals and learn the routines but they wouldn't let her dance. Her partner is Tristan, who is SUPER popular on our forums. They seem to have a lot of fun in rehearsals, which is nice to see after Tristan was stuck with sourpuss Nancy Grace.
They have the cha cha. Well, Gladys has attitude to spare and a smile that lights up the room. And some of her moves are really great, but her arms and feet need some work. She kind of looks like someone's granny who was a hot number back in the day but she kept it under wraps during her child-raising years. And then at a wedding reception, she goes out on the floor and puts the young 'uns to shame with her moves. But she's still a granny. The crowd loves her, though.
Judges? Bruno says that she's got moves, class, and sass, and she's a real star. Carrie Ann says that routine made her want to get up and dance, and she's honored to have her here. Len loves that Gladys's dancing is natural and not forced, and it oozes rhythm. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 7, and Bruno 8.
The final dancer tonight is Jaleel "Urkel" White. Here's what I know about him: he was Urkel. I'm assuming he's kind of over being known for only that, since he hasn't done a Neil Patrick Harris or a James van der Beek and made fun of his former persona. His partner is Kym, who is psyched that Jaleel is a natural, and not at all geeky or awkward. Um, maybe because that was a part and he's an actor? Just saying.
They have the foxtrot. They start off with some very athletic and graceful leaps, and that sets the tone for the dance. It's very smooth and very well done. In the very beginning, Jaleel gets a little ahead of the beat, but he recovers and the second half is excellent. I'm shocked.
Judges? Carrie Ann calls him "the icing on the cake" because he was so smooth. Len loved the routine, calling it elegant and sophisticated. Len also says this is the best first show of any season, and I kind of agree. Maybe not for entertainment value, but definitely for dance quality. There is real parity here, and no dead weight or clunkers. Bruno says that Jaleel reminded him of the late Gregory Hines, which is an AMAZING compliment. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 8, and Bruno 9. I agree wholeheartedly.
So, yeah. That happened. A lot of dancing, and none of it was really, really terrible, which hardly ever happens. And a lot of it was good, and even most of the ones that weren't good showed potential. So this should be an interesting season. See you next week! Here are the final standings: