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.

Cheryl and Drew are dancing the foxtrot to “It Had To Be You.” The couple is dressed for the song and the dance; they look quite elegant. Drew’s posture is impressive as well. I wonder if the judges will tell him he lifted his shoulders, though. Their moves are smooth and flowing.

Len says that Drew interpreted the music well. Carrie Ann explains that she could see their partnership. Bruno states that he is disappointed; he felt they went into paso doble mode. Everyone starts to speak over one another again. This is getting old. Even if people have differing opinions, they can talk about their thoughts without being rude and inconsiderate. I don’t think everyone has learned that lesson yet though. Yes, judges, I’m looking at you. Finally, their scores are ready; Carrie Ann and Len give them a nine, while Bruno gives them an eight. Their total is 26 points.

Again with the attitude… sigh. Drew says he is frightened for Bruno; his pregnant wife can be feisty. He also points out that the judges said nothing about his shoulders. Hooray.

Stacy and Tony are set to perform again; they are doing the cha-cha-cha to “Since U Been Gone.” Stacy’s lessons seem to pay off; right off the bat, she has an angry look on her face. Kelly Clarkson music does that to me, too. I kid, I kid! Their moves are very sharp and Stacy shows a lot of hip movement. The performance also tells a story; it’s quite entertaining.

Bruno says that it was a visual feast. He loves Stacy’s legs and hip action. Len feels that her arms were stiff, but overall, it was a great routine. Carrie Ann says she didn’t understand the angry faces. Stacy and Tony explain that the words of the song dictated it. Bruno then jumps in and defends Stacy. He needs to get over it. No matter what he thinks, not everyone is going to love Stacy’s performance; not everyone has to love it either. Carrie Ann and Len give the couple a nine; Bruno gives it a 10 (of course). Stacy and Tony have 28 points. Their overall total for the evening is 55 out of 60.

Anna and Jerry are ready with their second performance. They are dancing the rumba to “Unbreak My Heart.” Unfortunately, Anna does most of the dancing; Jerry has little to do. I want to see him break it down! (Do the kids still say that?) When they dance close together, he doesn’t seem comfortable.

Carrie Ann says that the rumba is all about the seduction; she felt it from Anna and Jerry. Bruno says this is a better character for Jerry, but he did lose it a bit. Len says that he admires Jerry, but against the other celebrities, he’s the worst. Jerry tells him that he disagrees; he comes out each and every time and does his best, so he has already won. Good for you, Jerry! You put him in his place with class and dignity.

Backstage, Samantha talks to the couple. Again, Jerry reiterates that he has won already. Samantha says she loves his spirit. (I love where he keeps his quarter.) All three judges give Anna and Jerry a seven. Their total for the dance is 21, which brings their total for the evening to 41 points.

Let me take a moment to clarify something. I don’t have a problem with the judges expressing their opinions of any of the dancers. I do wish they would use some tact and discretion, though. Telling someone that he is the worst is shameful; there’s already too much hate in this world. Besides, if I wanted to see that kind of behavior, I’d watch The Gauntlet II.

The next couple to perform its second dance is Lisa and Louis. They are performing the cha-cha-cha to “Material Girl.” Lisa has this thing hanging off of her dress between her legs. Hmmmmmmmm. She dances around Louis seductively. They perform a lot of sharp and synchronized moves. It’s a fun routine.

Len says that their chemistry is wonderful and Lisa’s dancing has improved. Carrie Ann explains that she is proud of Lisa. Bruno says that the choreography was clever. All three judges score the performance with a nine. Lisa and Louis’ total for this performance is 27. When added to their previous score of 26, it gives the couple 53 points out of 60.

The final couple of the night is Cheryl and Drew, doing the rumba to “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Cheryl’s moves seem smooth, but Drew’s seem a bit stiff. Maybe he’ll soften up as the performance progresses. The dance is very emotional and warm. The choreography is excellent as well. I like it; it’s not flashy, but it is enjoyable and fluid.

Bruno says the dance was passionate and that this is the Drew he wants to see. Len says that Cheryl did a great job with the routine. However, he felt it was far too aggressive and not romantic enough. Carrie Ann points out that she is a woman (whoa!) and that she feels the dance was passionate. Carrie Ann and Bruno give the couple a 10; Len gives it a nine. Cheryl and Drew have 29 points for the performance and a total of 55 points for the evening. It wouldn’t be a show without a few goobers.

We see brief clips of longer clips that will be shown during the results show tomorrow evening. Look, there’s Steve Young, Hulk Hogan, Harry Hamlin, and Nick Lachey talking about the celebrities. I can’t wait. After reviewing the current standings, Tom gives us a heads-up of what else we can expect from the results show. Did he just say he’s doing the quickstep with Ashly? The apocalypse is upon us; buy canned goods now.

At the end of the show, Stacy and Tony are tied for first place with Cheryl and Drew, while Anna and Jerry are in last. Don’t get me wrong; I love Jerry Rice, but I think his time on the show is up. He’s done a terrific job, but he can’t keep up with the other celebrities. He is correct, though, when he says that he has already won. No matter what was said to him, he was always a gentleman.

Do you agree with the judges’ assessment or do you think they are way off base? Either way, vote for your favorite couple and then return to RealityNewsOnline for your complete Dancing with the Stars 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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