I was talking to a co-worker about the remaining contestants, and we agreed that, unlike other seasons, it seems like there's no real frontrunner anymore. Weird. Kind of exciting. And you know what else? LIIIIIIIIIIIVE!
How dumb do you think the celebrities feel when they have to stand out on the dance floor for like ten minutes at the beginning of the show, smiling and clapping?
Jennie and Derek: Jennie still doesn't feel like she's a real dancer. So Derek brings in Richard Simmons to inspire her. What? That would frighten me. Richard (who is looking old these days) gives her an inspirational speech, and Jennie actually starts crying. Are you kidding me? Richard tells Jennie that she can be an inspiration for those without confidence.
The Dance: The jive. Jennie is barely wearing any clothes. There are a few mishaps, and there's something about the overexaggerated movements of the jive that doesn't appeal to me. But I will say that Jennie seems to actually perform and enjoy herself more than she usually does.
The Judges: Len isn't sure if that routine was deserving of the semifinals. Bruno thought it was a bit limp, and not crisp enough. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno, and adds that Jennie needs to watch her posture. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 8, and Bruno 8. Well, those aren't terrible. Based on their comments, I thought the scores would be lower. Jennie says that she thought she did great, and Derek agrees.
Cameron and Edyta: Last week, Cameron sheepishly admits that he was surprised that he didn't get a 10. Cameron reminds Edyta that they don't know how popular they are relative to the other couples, so they need to rally the troops. Cameron goes to a soap fan convention and shows his appreciation for their support. He meets up with Kelly Monaco, who tells him he can go all the way.
The Dance: The Viennese Waltz. I think they're dancing to the theme from the Harry Potter movies. Edyta has more clothes on than I've ever seen her in before. It's a very pretty routine, but nothing special, in my mind.
The Judges: Bruno thought it was majestic, like "a great big gray albatross." Okay. Carrie Ann loved it and thought it was beautiful. Len complains about Cameron's bare chest, complaining that he should have a bow tie on. Cameron buttons his top button so half his chest is hanging out, and everyone laughs. Len says that he grew to love the dance and appreciated the many ballroom elements. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 9. So Cameron didn't get his 10, at least not yet.
Marie and Jonathan: Marie did a dance dedicated to her parents, and her father got to see it before passing away the morning. Marie realizes that her father, head of a performing family, would want the show to go on. Jonathan explains the rumba, and says that there need to be slow, sexy hip movements and passion. Marie can't get romantic with Jonathan without his wife's permission. Luckily, Jonathan is married to Anna, the dancer, so Anna comes in and helps Marie out. Marie is near tears as she says it's been a tough week, but she's dedicating it to her father. I think she just got another week -- I'm not saying she was trying to milk it or anything, but I think a lot of people are rooting for her now.
The Dance: the rumba. It's pretty, but I don't find it particularly sexy. I don't know that Marie does sexy very well. Spunky? Sure. Cute? Yes. But not really sexy. They show Donny in the audience, tears in his eyes. Camera hog.
The Judges: Carrie Ann thinks Marie plays to her strengths, but she thinks the dance could use more content. Len thinks there needs to be more hip action. He makes the mistake of saying that they might not have done as well as expected because it's a dance for young people. Len recovers by saying that it was sophisticated. Bruno thinks Marie has the tone down, but needs more content. I have to believe Jonathan might have dumbed down the dances a little, given that Marie had a shitty week. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 8, and Bruno 8. Well, it seems like the floor is set at 8 this week. Backstage, Samantha expresses her condolences. Marie explains that she read a Bible verse that says there is a time to mourn and a time to dance, and she feels good about her decision to continue in the competition.
Helio and Julianne: Last week, Helio was told to work on technique. Julianne reviews the videotape with Helio, and then calls in a "pit crew" to help him out. Tony is there to help with technique, Corky is there to teach Helio the paso doble, and Heather is there to help with Helio's attitude. That was a dumb segment.
The Dance: the paso doble. Helio and Julianne both have dramatic capes. Helio does a great job with his posture, but the dance just isn't as dramatic as Julianne's routines usually are, in my opinion. They are psyched at the end, and clearly think they did great. The audience goes nuts.
The Judges: Len liked their cape work. Bruno thinks it was mission accomplished, and he liked Helio's presence. Carrie Ann liked Helio's intensity and attention to detail, which is what it takes to make the finals. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 9. Julianne and Helio seem happy, though I think they were expecting at least one 10.
Mel and Maks: Tom explains that Mel is the only person left in the competition who has scored a perfect 30, and she's done it twice. But that doesn't mean she doesn't need your votes! Mel's husband stops by the practice to try to motivate Mel to be angry and aggressive during the tango. He starts listing off all the annoying things he does to piss her off, which seems to be working. I'm sure it's a bit, but it's a little scary how many there are, considering these two are newlyweds.
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The Dance: The tango. Mel and Maks make goofy faces at each other before the dance starts, which is actually kind of cute. I like to see Maks not taking himself so seriously. Mel look like she's thinking about the steps more than she usually does, like she's counting in her head instead of performing. I think it was a good tango, and as soon as the dance ends, Mel totally picks her underwear out of her ass, which cracked me up.
The Judges: Bruno thought it was "a really Scary Spice," and it was "strong and powerful." Carrie Ann liked the stalking each other in the opening, but she wasn't totally convinced by the dance. Bruno argues, and Len asks if he can have his turn. He says that Mel's footwork was great, and Maks is relieved that they got a good comment from Len. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 9. Are the judges colluding this week? Although I guess if they aren't going lower than 8, that increases the odds that they'll give three of the same scores. Anyway, second round up !
Jennie and Derek Take Two: The foxtrot. It's a very Fred and Ginger routine. This is a better dance for Jennie, because there are a lot of arm and leg extensions, and she's very graceful with those. I thought it was really cute.
The Judges: Carrie Ann thought the posture was better, but Jennie needs to work on not sticking out her chin. Len liked that Jennie came back strong even after criticism, and their technique was fantastic. Bruno thinks Jennie looks like Veronica Lake, and she needs to unleash the star power she has within. Len disagrees, but Bruno doesn't think he was dazzled. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 8. The audience boos the scores, and Jennie laughs in delight at their reaction. Their total is 50 out of 60. Maybe Derek should start taking his shirt off like Cameron.
Cameron and Edyta Take Two: Cha-cha-cha. Cameron has some tight pants on and he does a little Mick Jagger homage since they are dancing to "Brown Sugar." You know, I really like Cameron and I think has improved a huge amount, but that was kind of slow and I didn't see a lot of cha-cha-cha. Not that I know what that means.
The Judges: Len says it was not terrible, which is kind of damning with faint praise, and that he thought it was wooden and not natural. Bruno thinks it needs to be more flowing and liquid. Carrie Ann points out that Cameron is fun to watch, but he needs to work on how he moves from form to form. So all three judges basically said the same thing. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 8, and Bruno 8. Cameron likes that the audience is booing the scores a bit. Their total for the night is 51 out of 60.
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Marie and Jonathan Take Two: The jive. They're dressed cowboy-style, which is probably a good idea for Marie's demographic. Marie's posture is not great, and Jonathan is really leading her through the routine. But you know, I have to cut her some slack, given her time constraints this week. It was not her best routine, but I think she has enough personality to push through.
The Judges: Bruno thought it was cute and fun, but not enough content. Bruno jokes that he's in a demanding mood, and Marie tells him he needs chocolate. Carrie Ann liked the tone, but doesn't think there was enough jive. Len thought the jive is all about the kicks and flicks and fun, and Marie had all of those things. Samantha brings up that Marie and Jonathan are the lowest-scored couple, and Marie goes there and says something like, "Oh, make my week worse." Ouch. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 9, and Bruno 8. Their total score is 49 out of 60. Marie talks over Samantha the whole time; maybe she could take over Samantha's job season.
Helio and Julianne Take Two: The quickstep. I can't believe they waited this long to do this dance. It's perfect for Helio's bouncy nature. There's lots of spinning and jumping in the air and dropping on the ground. Amazing. They get a standing ovation, totally deserved. That was the routine that delivers on the promise from Helio's early routines. That was reminiscent of Apolo.
The Judges: Carrie Ann loved the intricacy. Len calls Helio a dancing banana, and compliments the band, and says the routine was fantastic. Bruno thought it was explosive. Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 10, and Bruno 10. Their total score is 57 out of 60. Julianne and Helio are ecstatic.
Mel and Maks Take Two: The mambo. I have to say, these two have great comic timing. I know Maks has never been my favorite, but dancing with Mel, he seems delightful.
The Judges: Len was hypnotized by Mel's hips, and compliments the choreography. Bruno thought Mel acted like the rhythm was running through her. Carrie Ann loves that Maks really looks like he's having a good time, which is kind of what I said! Mel makes me like Maks better! Backstage, there's a really goofy bit where Samantha tries to do a British accent. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 10, and Bruno 10. Their total is 56 out of 60.
The Leaderboard:
Helio and Julianne 57
Mel and Maks: 56
Cameron and Edyta: 51
Jennie and Derek: 50
Marie and Jonathan: 49
Who's going home this week? I think lackluster performances will send Jennie home, though it should be Marie. She'll go week.
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