Dancing with the Stars 2, January 26: Judgemental

Carrie Ann says that Stacy did a good job, but she looked tired. Bruno interrupts and criticizes Carrie Ann for her comments. (I’m so done with him.) He then tells Stacy that she has the best legs he has ever seen and she puts the foxy in the trotty or something to that extent; the judges are speaking at the same time and the crowd is getting loud, so I don’t know exactly what he said. Carrie Ann gets another chance to explain herself; she says that Stacy is fantastic, but she wasn’t 100% tonight. Len says that Stacy has talent and wonderful technique. While Carrie Ann gives the performance an eight, both Len and Bruno give it a nine for a total of 26 points.

The next performance of the night comes from Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey. We see Drew practice his posture, which is extremely important in the paso doble. Cheryl brings in an actual matador to help Drew with his issues. It’s great to see the time and effort they are putting into their routines.

The couple is dancing to “Thriller.” Heaven help us. Drew does a couple of moves that are actually from the song’s video. There are also some more traditional moves in the dance as well; however, I am not thrilled (Ha!) with the routine. I generally like this couple and they perform well, but I don’t like their performance tonight. I think it is because it doesn’t remind me of the paso doble. Overall, this is my least favorite performance from Cheryl and Drew, but I have to give them credit for their execution and technique.

Len says that they gave it everything; he even enjoyed the choreography. Carrie Ann says that the routine was fun. Her only real criticism is that Drew needs to watch his shoulders. Bruno says that the paso doble is the most difficult dance for a man. Also, this performance was the best he has seen this season and last. Carrie Ann and Len give them a nine; Bruno gives them a 10. Their score is 28. I have already stated in previous articles what I think of giving people 10s, so I won’t pontificate about that again… just know that I don’t like it or agree with it.

After receiving their score, Cheryl is so excited that she almost hits Drew in the head. Drew shows us his rhinestone shoes and red socks.

Anna Trebunskaya and Jerry Rice are next with their routine. Anna comments on Len’s previous “geriatrics” remark by saying he is 102 years old. She is worried about Jerry’s posture for the foxtrot, so she has him take a ballet class. As he goes through some moves, he moans and groans. He is absolutely adorable as he tries his best. Jerry says that he still has the fire; I’m sure this is taking him back to the happiest days of his professional life!

Anna and Jerry are dancing to “Why Don’t You Do Right.” As with some of the other performances of the evening, the couple tells a story with their routine. Jerry’s footwork isn’t perfect, but he does have some nice moves. I think this is his best performance in the sense that he is beginning to look like a dancer. Cheryl and Jerry move well together, and when they separate, the moves are equally pleasing.

Bruno says that Jerry is back on track. He was smooth, but he still has to watch his posture. Len interrupts, of course, and Tom has to remind them that only one person should speak at a time. (That’s right; I can’t hear otherwise.) Bruno demonstrates Jerry’s posture for us. Now we officially go to Len. He says that Jerry took the criticism provided last week and learned from it. Jerry is thrilled with this feedback. Carrie Ann says that tonight is Jerry’s breakthrough. His grape vine looked a little like a football drill though, but otherwise, he did a great job.

Jerry tells Samantha backstage that his nine-year-old child was upset last week. That should all change tonight. Samantha tells him that she is getting him a tutu for his next ballet lesson. All three judges give Anna and Jerry an eight for their performance. Their score is 24 points out of 30.

The last couple of the evening is Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel. We see Lisa get up at 6:00 AM to begin her day. She meets up with Louis and they take her daughters to school. They also go to work together in order to practice during any free time Lisa might have. Louis talks about sweat and I gag a little. Lisa says her performance is for the girls in the hood… motherhood. Did she and Tia talk before this?

The pair is dancing the paso doble to “The Final Countdown.” The dance is very energetic and it certainly incorporates some of the required elements (for example, stomping and sharp moves). When the performance ends, Lisa collapses on the floor; she’s exhausted yet energized at the same time.

Carrie Ann says that Lisa nailed it. Lisa screams with delight. Bruno was worried Lisa was going to eat Louis. I gag again. Bruno then says that he loved Lisa and the performance. Len says she did a beautiful job. Lisa and Louis receive a nine from Carrie Ann and Len, and an eight from Bruno for a total of 26.

While Lisa speaks to Samantha backstage, Louis makes a calling motion to the cameras. He’s right; don’t forget to vote (via telephone or online) for your favorite celebrity.

Before the program ends, Tom tells us that on the results show, we will be subjected to, I mean, treated to a performance by the Pussycat Dolls. He is extremely excited about this. Personally, I would rather see more dancing from the stars.

Now for some ranting and raving – While I commend P for taking a chance by coming on the show, I have to agree with the judges this week; after seeing everyone perform, I think it is time for P to leave the competition. I don’t like the way the judges speak to him, but I do think their message is precise. Tia and Lisa in particular have improved tremendously over the past several weeks. P has been given an opportunity to do the same, but he’s not putting the dedication into it that the others are. Giselle was voted out of the competition way too early in my opinion; I’d hate to see that happen again with one of the other stars. OK, now back to your regularly scheduled article.

Currently, Cheryl and Drew are in first place, while Ashly and P are last. Which couple’s dance card has expired? Tune in to ABC for the live results show and RealityNewsOnline for a complete recap.

Jill is an east coast mama who loves sharks, zombie movies, and reality television. She welcomes your comments about these and other subjects, and can be reached at jilljones@verizon.net.

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