Episode Report Card Kim: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Triple Play
By Kim | Season 13 | Episode 17 | Aired on 11.14.2011
Carrie Ann starts for the judges and says, "Who are you?" because she thought it was amazing, fluid, and fantastic. Len also was nervous when they came out on the float, but once he started dancing, it was great. Bruno says that he exceeded all expectations, and he should keep using his butt. Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 9, and Bruno 9. That's fair. It wasn't perfect, but it was good, and honestly, he should save the perfect scores for next week.
In rehearsals, Ricki is worried that she let people down, but Derek wants her to give herself credit. Ricki finally decides to realize that she's only on the show for a short period of time and she needs to enjoy it instead of constantly fretting about everything. Ricki is nervous while practicing lifts because she's still a fat girl in her head. Of all the weight loss bullshit she's spilled in the last few weeks, that's at least something I can understand. Even though Derek assures her that it's fine, she's got to be thinking that he wouldn't tell her that she's a heifer. And then when it's time for the samba, she seems to catch on quickly and really enjoy herself.
Samba time! Ricki is really suffering for going right after Rob because while her samba is good, it's not as good as his was. Her feet are fast but her legs aren't bent enough, and her hip action is non-existent. It's like she's a solid block from her knees to her shoulders. The circles that Rob was making with his hips - none of that from Ricki. Her other problem is that she smiles without showing her teeth and puts her chin up and it gives her face this super smug expressions that kind of worked for the more serious dances, but there's no joy there. And her shimmying is too tight and controlled. Don't get me wrong; it's a decent routine and there aren't major errors. But there's no joy or good times in it on Ricki's end. She looks happier while waiting for the judges' comments than she did through the whole dance.
Len thought it was "fabulous, fabulous, fabulous." Bruno thought it was bright and brilliant. Carrie Ann noticed that Ricki kept her shoulders down the whole time, and it was a battle, and it made a huge difference. I don't get it. I didn't think it was THAT great. Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 10, and Bruno 10. That is bullshit. That was not a perfect score dance.
Before the stars try their hand at Argentine tango, we get to see some pros show us how it's done. Once couple does some amazing lifts, like to the point where I think someone might get hurt. But the dances should be precise, with lots of footwork, but most of all: sexy.