Fire up the flux capacitor and gag me with a spoon … it’s totally 80s Week on Dancing With the Stars! After last week’s sort-of surprising elimination of Chynna Phillips (one bad dance and the fans just turned on her), kind of an 80s relic herself, some of the celebs were shaken while others knew it was time to turn it on. We’re at the halfway point, folks! The 80s was definitely my musical era, and what a way to kick off the show with The Bangles! Who knew they were even still together?! We heard some great old tunes this week, but was the dancing up to snuff? Let’s recap:
Hope & Maks, Tango, “Livin’ On a Prayer”: After complaining that she didn’t know how to bring a character to life, Hope stayed in character throughout the dance but Maks seemed to throw her around like a rag doll the whole time. Len echoed my thoughts saying she was too willowy, too loose-limbed, but had good aggression. Brunosaid she had the Alexis Carrington, 80s super bitch down to a T, strong, sexy and powerful. Carrie Ann agreed with both Len and Bruno, saying she was strong but awkward, and has to learn that less is more. (And Hope finally goosed Tom on the way off stage). Score: 24
Carson & Anna, Jive, “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”: That was one crazy jive, let me tell you, all over the place but really good when they did jive. But was it good enough? Bruno: “That was loopier than a looney tune … a crowning achievement in madness.” Carrie Ann half-heartedly said it was fun, but didn’t see much technique, and they were out of sync many times. Len said it was not good enough at this stage, but if he was judging with his heart they’d be back next week. Score: 19
Nancy & Tristan, Rumba, “True”: Nancy was amazing, best dance so far, very graceful. Carrie Ann said the dance was nice, appropriate, but she wants real passion because there is no connection to the dance. Len thought it simple but effective, with ease and elegance, very good overall. Bruno said she pitched it exactly right, sensuous, sexy, not slutty, and her best performance yet. Score: 22, Nancy’s highest score so far.
J.R. & Karina, Samba, “Conga”: Perfection in my book, great hip action, samba rolls (YAY!), sometimes he seemed to over-reach, but terrific overall. Len said guys have a problem with the samba but if anyone asks how a guy should dance the samba, he’ll say just look at JR. Bruno got worked into a lather, proclaiming J.R. a loin-shattering sex machine, with so much fire down below it was like a volcano. Carrie Ann thought it was amazing, and muy caliente (but she may have actually said something naughty). Score: 28
Rob & Cheryl, Rumba, “Hello”: Wow, very strong and sexy performance. Rob has improved from week to week, as it’s been reflected in his scores, and he’s actually making me a fan. Bruno said was Rob was finally the heart throb, using Cheryl as a partner for once and not hiding behind her, a great performance. Carrie Ann said Rob was strong, sexy, totally in control. Len thought he pulled off the masculinity and took command of the dance, but said don’t keep trying to do a split; it could ruin his potential. Score: 25, Rob’s highest score so far.
Chaz & Lacey, Samba, “Get Down On It”: I think this is the first time I’ve seen Chaz have a good time, smiling all the way through the dance, had great moves, and found his inspiration in Lacey’s dad. Carrie Ann said this was the most dancing she’s seen in all of his routines. Len said it was a gallant effort. Bruno gave Chaz props for the performance because it was tough to follow J.R., but he did very well. Score: 21
David & Kym, Tango, “Tainted Love”: David had nice moves with the dance but it wasn’t as aggressive as I expected after they called it the “ballroom version of the Paso.” Len said the dance, the music, the costumes had a great 80s feel, and that it was a fantastic dance. Bruno called it a tango with a rebel yell. Carrie Ann said David improved his hold, but needs to work on musicality. Then Len jumped all over her, and before we knew it all three judges were yammering at the same time. Then the best host on live TV quickly shut them down. Score: 25, David’s highest score so far.
Ricki & Derek, Fox Trot, “Easy Lover”: Even in an ugly 80s prom dress she just glided across the floor. But for a girl who really got her career started with Hairspray (and it was great to see John Waters pop in at her rehearsal), she messed up a bit with her one choreographic contribution to the dance. Bruno said Ricki was good when in hold, but went out of sync several times when not in hold. Carrie Ann said they works great as a team, but didn’t need the Roger Rabbit move. Len: “No one likes funk like I do … in the 80s I was a funkateer.” He didn’t appreciate the funk in the fox trot, said there was no body contact when in hold, and not her best dance but not the worst. Score: 24
So with three stars getting their best scores yet, a former number one reclaiming the top spot and last week’s top scorer taking a bit of a tumble, it really seems clear who should go this week. At the halfway point, it’s time to separate the entertainers from the dancers — it is a dance competition after all! — and as much as I enjoy Carson’s humor and personality, I’m sorry to say that it’s time to burn those dance shoes. Who do you think should be eliminated this week?
“So back in the 80s, Maks looked like a Keebler elf. How cute.” — Tom
“Carson, I like you, you know I like you, but …” — Len Goodman
“I’ve been getting your letters.” — Carson Kressley
“I’m so happy to get an 8, I don’t know what to do. I’m gonna have to go lay down.” — Nancy
Clacked by Chuck Duncan 
on Oct 18, 2011 @ 01:53 EST5EDT
I think Hope will go this week. I know Maks has a huge fan base himself but it’s gotta be her or Nancy Grace.