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
Tom calls them all over the judges' scores. Len starts by pointing out that it's difficult to do a traditional paso to contemporary music, but they did well. He tells Shawn that her routine was much more exciting than her previous paso. To Melissa, he says that her routine was "riddled with problems" just like her last one, and she nods nervously. Man, I totally missed all the problems. Hey, producers -- here's an idea for free for next season. Either on the show or even on the website, have Len and/or the other judges go through some of the routines with a telestrator and point out the problems. A bad arm movement here, a missed heel lead there. I would find that fascinating. Len concludes by telling Gilles that his routine wasn't hectic this time.
Next up is Bruno, who compliments them on working so well together when they are competing against one another. He tells Shawn that she was strong with great technique, and she turned into a serial killer like Dexter. I'm sure ABC will be sending Bruno a note to make sure he uses a Disney-owned show for his next analogy; Showtime is owned by CBS. Bruno tells Melissa that she looked beautiful and acted like a drama queen. He didn't say anything about her dancing, though. He concludes by telling Gilles that he is a leading man. So no real critique or even comment on the actual dancing, other than telling Shawn that she had good technique.
Carrie Ann goes last and starts by telling them that this has been her favorite season, because they're all incredible dancers. She segues by saying that seeing them dance side-by-side showed some strengths and weaknesses, though. Shawn is (according to Carrie Ann) perfect in her movements, but doesn't show as much of an emotional connection with the dance, probably due to her age. Carrie Ann adds that she has called Melissa out on her lack of soul, but it was there tonight. And she thought Gilles was perfection, as usual. I know it's no fun to root for someone like Gilles, who always does well, but the thing is -- he always does really well. You've got to give the guy props, even if it's more fun to root for the underdog.