TV Verdict

Television’s most watched show got thrown for a loop. Misty May-Treanor’s ballroom career was cut short as she ripped a tendon while rehearsing a jive, and so Monday night we got the news live. Misty is out along with her partner Maks. They got a teary bleary send-off at the end of the show, but not before every one else jived and waltzed their way through a show that had as many ups and downs as any of the routines. Brooke Burke showed her stuff, and so did Cloris Leachman. Here is the run down, complete with arm chair “dancebacking”.

Susan Lucci & Tony – Jive 7/7/7 for a score of 21
Still looking timid and tentative, Susan did a jive that showed she’s at least improving in her technique. But fans still wonder… where the hell is Erica Kane? She’s too nice and lacks confidence on the floor. Lucci seems too elegant and well behaved to be in a dance war. We long to see her clawing her partner and ripping out sequins. Instead we get a shy frail woman who we respect. Yawn!

Lance Bass & Lacey – Waltz 8/7/7 for a score of 22
Sloppy footwork from Lance combined with a boring non-finish… it lacked any “WOW” factor other than it was an attempt to be traditional. Still Len didn’t love it, Bruno hated it, and Carrie Ann liked it. Tepid stuff. Lance needs to get back to being a bad boy of the ballroom. Screw Len!

Maurice “Runner” & Cheryl – Jive 8/8/8 for 24 points
Athletic and fast, Maurice’s jive was fast and bright. He had good footwork, and it was his best dance to date. Also first time no soul music. He should be coming along now, but that was an easy job for a runner. Let’s see what happens when he has to go back to the Latin stuff where he can’t hop.

Chef Rocco and Karina – Waltz 7/7/6 for 20 points
Seemed very forced, and lacked a true sense of the music. Rocco bounced far too much to convince us he was waltzing, but it was a nice try. I like the guy, but he’d be my last pick on the dance floor… well… almost.

Football Warren & Kym – Waltz 9/8/8 for 25
Surprisingly Warren is the lightest on his feet again, and what should have been a disaster was nimble and pretty. Warren clad in pink showed the softer side of his NFL persona.

Kid Star Cody & Julianne – Jive 7/7/7 for 21
Cody counted throughout his routine, and looked strangely out of control. Maybe it was all that “leg guitar” he had to do on Julianne. He ran out of steam half way through, and it was the ADD dance of the night. Brought to you by Ritalin!

Toni Braxton & Alec – Waltz 8/7/7 for 22
A daring Madonna costume, a rocking attitude, and plenty of strange choreography made me wonder if they stole this one from Lance and Lacey. Toni did not perform the handstand she rehearsed, and it seemed risky to do this style. I liked it, but the judges taunted Toni except for Carrie Ann. She’ll be back next week with a less daring routine.

Crazy Cloris & Corky – Jive 6/5/5 for 16
Cloris came out once again with her over the top schtick to “The Girl Can’t Help It”. It had me just imagining Divine in Pink Falmingos, and yearning for a drag queen contestant somewhere in all of this mess. The crowd loved it, the judges threw up their hands, and Cloris was at least funny and in good spirits. No content, only one or two jive moves, but comedy value was off the charts. I love this woman, but how long can they make her do this?

Brooke & Derek – Waltz 9/10/9 for 28
Perfection in a weak season made Brooke the clear front runner. She is amazing, and this show will help her career. Wow! Just really strong with great lines. Like cake!

Who should go? Cloris needs to, and Rocco will not be far behind. But with Misty bowing out early they will keep all the couples in there this week. I predict nobody gets the pink slip, but perhaps they will do something else. Nah! This is DANCING WITH THE STARS, so they will play nice.