The Television Column: This is why we love reality TV

Dancing With The Stars is back and I’m typing this with so much excitement. It was thrilling to see the judges, Bruno, Carrie Ann, Len and Julianne back in the ballroom. It was equally nice to see hosts, Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. It is very important for the couples to make a great first impression because in week 1 the viewers decide who they’re rooting for and place their bets on who is going to win the Mirror Ball trophy. I expected so much more from the premiere but the couples were so great (or the judges thought so) that overall everyone got pretty high scores for night one. PS: I’m generally not a fan of the judges scoring, but they know what they’re doing, right?.  Here’s my breakdown of the night:

Biggest surprise of the night 

Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko’s Viennese Waltz absolutely blew my mind. Their dance was so intense and had so much heat (especially for the first week). The way she moved in the ballroom reminded me of former contestant, Paige VanZant (a personal favourite). I have to say that I didn’t except Jana to blow me away but she is a huge contender for the Mirror Ball trophy. Go girl!

Good dances typically get more criticism from the judges. Judges’ score: 25 out of 40

Highest scored couple

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’ Foxtrot tied with Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy for the highest score of the night. James was also another surprise of the night. His movement was smooth and he has good rhythm, dancing did not seem like much of a challenge for him. He is definitely a contender for the Mirror Ball Trophy and I cannot wait to see more of his dances with the gorgeous Sharna.

Judges’ score: 31 out of 40

Lowest scored couple

It was no surprise that Rick Perry and Emma Slater’s Cha-Cha-Cha got the lowest score of the night. Their dance was not awful to watch but it was not good either. Rick has a great attitude and seems committed to the process. Although he got low scores, his great attitude was refreshing.

Attitude goes a long way. Judges’ score: 20 out of 40

Most impressive couple 

Okay, this was definitely not surprising! Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Cha-Cha-Cha lit up the ballroom and my heart. Laurie’s moves were spot-on. Her energy, athleticism, and dedication make her a strong contender to win the show. She also has a secret weapon in Val – their partnership brings out something special in Val (as noted by Carrie-Ann). His smile could light up the room and he was beaming with so much joy. Their first dance was pure ballroom and was not filled with gymnastic tricks (which the judges appreciated). This duo is way ahead of the pack.

Laurie freaking Hernandez!!! Judges’ score: 31 out of 40

My biased review of the night

I really enjoyed Terra Jole and Sasha Farber’s Jive. This jive was not the smoothest and the most perfect dance but I love Terra’s energy, she is a great inspiration and she gave the dance her all. Terra has good moves and the potential to dance a lot stronger and I look forward to watching their duo. The judges raved over their jive, so I assume that they felt the same way I did.

Emma’s face during the scores was hilarious. Judges’ score: 25 out of 30

Moment of the night

During the judges scoring of Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke’s Foxtrot, the question everyone was asking was “what just happened on dwts”? Not because the scores were terrible but because there was something going on behind the scenes. As Carrie Ann was giving her feedback, two protesters rushed the stage to protest Ryan’s participation on DWTS.  Security rushed in to deal with the situation while Tom sent the live show to commercial (More details here). I genuinely felt bad for Ryan and Cheryl, and I believe everyone should get several chances at redemption. Ryan and Cheryl definitely have their work cut out for them. I wonder if they’ll recover or if they’ll be the first couple evicted. Although I did really not enjoy their foxtrot, it was not terrible, his dancing is adequate and he has lots of room and time to improve (if America lets him). 

Quoting Tom Bergeron, “this is why I love reality TV”. Judges score: 24 out of 30

That’s all for now. Next week, Monday September 19^th is TV week, and each couple will dance to a TV theme song, followed by a two-hour result show and the first elimination on Tuesday, September 20th.