Dancing with the Stars 2, February 16: Pass the Goobers

Last week on Dancing with the Stars, the couples performed an individual dance and a group Viennese waltz, and the judges handed out an abundant amount of 10s (or goobers, as they are also called in this recap). When the votes were tallied, Edyta Sliwinska and George Hamilton were eliminated from the competition despite their ability to entertain the crowd. We’re down to the final four. Which couples will dance their way to the finale? Let’s start the show and find out!

Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us once again. They also mention that the finale is next week, and then introduce our couples. Samantha goes on to explain to us that tonight, the dancers will perform one ballroom and one Latin dance.

The first couple of the evening is Stacy Kiebler and Tony Dovolani. Tony tells us that this week is the most challenging of all. Stacy wants to do something with more “wow.” Tony asks Lisa Ann Walter, who appeared in the movie Shall We Dance, to help Stacy move between the “characters” in their two performances. Lisa says that Stacy can’t act mad.

Tony and Stacy are performing the quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love.” They work their way down the stage’s steps and proceed to perform many of the required elements of the dance while covering a large portion of the floor. The couple is constantly moving, hopping, and stepping. I’m exhausted just watching it. Stacy’s poise is elegant and refined throughout the performance.

Len Goodman says that everyone needs to come out strong tonight and Stacy did just that. Carrie Ann Inaba explains that she wants to see Stacy take more risks. She then gets cut off by the other judges and has a hard time finishing her thoughts. Bruno Tonioli says that Stacy’s footwork was stunning.

Backstage, Samantha asks Stacy and Tony about the pressure of the week. Tony apparently lost his temper during practice and Stacy says that people in any type of relationship will butt heads. The judges are now ready with their scores. All three give Stacy and Tony a nine; their score so far this evening is 27 points.

The couples talk about their strengths and weaknesses. Jerry thinks that he does better at ballroom, while Stacy says she prefers Latin. Drew compares learning these dances to being hit by a tidal wave.

The next couple is Anna Trebunskaya and Jerry Rice. Anna tells us that Jerry is the most improved dancer in the competition. Jerry says that he is feeling the pressure. To help out, Anna brings in her husband Jonathan and her mother Irina. Jerry now feels confused. Anna is drilling him and putting him through the paces. He compares his situation to being in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl; he has to suck it up and do his best.

Jerry and Anna are dancing the tango to “One Way or Another.” Jerry starts out by working a broom. It’s as if George never left! He also has on an oversized coat, which eventually comes off; until then, it’s disturbing and looks too bulky. The performance is playful and tells a story, but it’s also a bit dull. What do the judges think?

Bruno says that he hated the bit with the broom. That’s funny; when George used props, it was entertaining, but when Jerry uses them, it’s a different story. Anna speaks up and basically says the same thing. Len then jumps in and states that he didn’t see a proper tango; Anna says it wasn’t a proper tango. He then says something about Jerry Springer. Carrie Ann finally gets to speak and says that she appreciates Jerry taking a huge risk. Carrie Ann and Len give the performance a seven, and Bruno gives it a six. So far, Anna and Jerry have 20 points.

Does anyone else hate the fact that when Len and Bruno state their scores for a couple they don’t support, they do so with attitude? Sigh. I gave Yoko the evening off and now I wish I hadn’t. Jerry says that he’s okay with the scores because he is enjoying himself. He then tells us that the rumba he is performing later is for the ladies. Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Up now are Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel. Lisa says that after being in the bottom two, she can either hide or come out fighting. She explains to Louis that they need to get away for a little while. They travel to Medford, Oregon, Lisa’s hometown, and spend time with her parents, who are too cute for words! They also dance on the same stage that Ginger Rogers danced on many years ago.

Lisa and Louis are doing the foxtrot to “Fever.” (I had bronchitis this week, if that counts. Cough.) The couple glides and sashays. Louis looks very dapper as well. The performance is elegant, yet sultry. There are a few small stumbles, but otherwise, the dance is solid.

Carrie Ann says there was a lot of sex in the dance (not literally). She also mentions a few flaws in Lisa’s footwork. Bruno says that it was a “foxy delicious foxtrot.” I kid you not. He then comments on the swing of their bodies. Len says the dance was a treat to see. Carrie Ann gives the performance an eight, while both Len and Bruno give it a nine. Lisa and Louis’ score is 26 out of 30. While they receive their scores, Louis encourages people to call in and vote for them. He seems to be having fun; at least he made it past the first week of the competition this season.

Up next are Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey. Drew says that since they received a perfect 30 last week, this week… they’re going to Disneyland! They perform and ask the crowd for its support. Cheryl says it’s now time to get back to work. Drew says he doesn’t like hip work, then cracks his hips.