Live from Hollywood … It’s Halloween night.
The seven remaining couples performed Halloween-themed routines. The highest scoring couple received immunity while the remaining six competed in Dance-offs for bonus points (what’s the point of this again?), and one couple was eliminated.
The show kicked off with an amazing opening routine choreographed by the Mandy Moore. I’ve missed these opening routines filled with amazing choreography while showcasing each dancer’s personality.
Let’s get to my thoughts …
Lowest scored dance: Marilu Henner and Derek Hough’s Argentine Tango
There’s some trouble in paradise for Marilu and Derek. The package before the dance teases that Marilu and Derek may not be getting along well. Marilu briefly mentioned that she might have been pushed during the team dance last week (I wonder who did). I wouldn’t get into any conspiracies but I wonder how this (supposed) tension between Marilu and Derek would translate to viewers’ vote.
Anyway … the choreography for this dance was great as usual but it was not executed well. There were some mistakes during the dance and a major flaw towards the end when Marilu bumps her elbow in Derek’s head. It’s obvious from their dancing that they are lacking connection. Derek doesn’t seem to be having fun either.
What a shame. Judges’ score: 23 out of 30
Highest scored dance: Calvin Johnson’s and Lindsay Arnold’s Quickstep
It’s with great pleasure I write about this couple in this section of the recap (although 3 couples got perfect scores). The routine was packed with content, and the Quickstep is not an easy dance to perform but this couple made it look easy. There’s something about NFL players on this show. The judges enjoyed the dance and gave him high praise.
Calvin has indeed become a great dancer and I expect to see him in the final 3 (fingers crossed).
Go Megatron. Judges’ score: 30 out of 30!!
Most impressive dance of the night: James Hinchcliffe and Jenna Johnson’s Viennese Waltz
Sharna Burgess (James’ dance partner) could not dance with James because of an injury. New pro, Jenna stepped in this week to dance with James. If her knee injury is serious, Sharna could be out for the rest of the season. I definitely hope not because they have done well this season and have a great chance to win. Sending positive vibes to Sharna.
The Viennese waltz choreographed by Sharna was straight out of Suicide Squad with James as the Joker and Jenna as Harley Quinn. This dance was phenomenal. Although James had to adapt to a new partner, he danced like he had been dancing with Jenna for 7 weeks. His technique was top-notch and he moved so effortlessly. The judges are still amazed at how of a great dancer he is that Carrie Ann Inaba excitedly said he reminds her of THE Mark Ballas (that was a total reach, but okay). James is now in a league of his own and I really hope he wins this thing.
“Yasss”. Judges’ score: 30 out of 30!
They won immunity because they have the highest total score for the season.
Moment of the night: Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Viennese Waltz.
Where do I begin with this one?
Laurie and Val are back!! Last week I mentioned that there was something missing over the past weeks with Laurie and Val’s dancing but this week they brought it right back. The dance itself was magical, beautiful, refreshing, and emotional, just like their partnership. It’s evident that they have a great connection and Val is going through some sort of transformation. He got really emotional during the package and couldn’t stop crying (my heart).
The routine captured the pure imagination of Laurie(and Willy Wonka) with Val as her old wise mentor/friend. Laurie has such a refreshing personality that we are all experiencing. This dance was exactly what they needed to keep them at the top as we head to the final lap of this show and it was great to watch. I told you they’ll be back!
High scores for Val’s tears. Judges’ score: 30 out of 30
Dance-offs
Laurie and Val vs. Calvin and Lindsay: Jive
Both dances were good. I mean, these are the top dancers of the season, so they were both great to watch. The judges mentioned that it was tough to pick a winner but Laurie and Val won.
Jana and Gleb vs. Terra and Sasha: Salsa
Terra and Sasha picked this dance but had never danced a Salsa on the show and it showed. Jana and Gleb’s dance included more Salsa techniques and great lifts while Sasha mostly spun Terra around and they jumped across the dance floor. Terra and Sasha definitely need to step it up so they remain in the competition. Jana and Gleb won.
Marilu and Derek vs. Ryan and Cheryl: Cha-Cha-Cha
Ryan definitely seemed better than Marilu in this dance. I am not sure what was going on with Marilu and Derek during this dance. The judges couldn’t leep their eyes off one couple and that was Ryan and Cheryl: they won.
The results
Ryan and Cheryl and Sasha were in jeopardy. My heart was racing and I was already cursing America out.The DWTS gods heard my prayers and Tom Bergeron announced that Ryan and Cheryl had been eliminated.
Absolutely no tears here … more of screaming and cheering in my apartment. It was his time to leave. Ryan danced his best dance tonight, so he left on a great note. He was blessed to have Cheryl as a partner because he was able to redeem himself with America a bit (at least the DWTS audience). Good for him.
That’s all for now. It’s getting down to the wire with only six couples left.
Until next week – a broadway episode (yessss).
Instagram.com/DancingABC, CherylBurke. Buddytv.com