Monday, October 14, 2019

Dancing With the Stars S28E04: Top Ten

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DWTS had Leah Remini as a guest judge, but it was a ho-hum episode
By Kim Krober

It was great to see Leah Remini return to Dancing with the Stars as a special guest judge during Cast From the Past Week. She was a lot more lenient to the contestants than the judges have been this season, and I enjoyed watching her talk over (and at times down to) her fellow judges as she called them out on their cantankerous spirit. Was anyone else a little disappointed we didn't see other past favorites this week? I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but a star-studded number with former champions might have been nice. Let's see how your favorites did during this fourth week of competition:

Sean Spicer & Lindsay Arnold, Paso Doble
Will this be the week that Sean Spicer finally goes home? Dancing a Paso Doble to "Bamboleo" by The Gipsy Kings, he looked more serious and polished than in weeks past. Len called it the Paso Doble from Pasadena, but liked his attack. Bruno said he isn't quite Antonio Banderas, but admired him for taking the bull by the horns. Carrie Ann loved his committed arms but cautioned him about dancing without expression or humanity. Leah loved that Sean comes out and tries his best even though he's clearly not a dancer.
Score: 21

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Ally Brooke & Sasha Farber, Jive
Ally survived Sasha's Boot Camp to deliver a Jive set to "Rollin' on the River (Proud Mary)" that was high-octane fun. Bruno was tingling with delight from the diva-like performance, while Carrie Ann commended her for nailing it. Leah called it a difficult routine that was no joke, while Len said he was proud watching her technique and personality come out during the dance. Ally received all 8's and praises from the judges.
Score: 32

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Kel Mitchell & Witney Carson, Cha-Cha
I'm in disbelief that Kel was in the bottom two last week but even more in disbelief that he has a 20-year-old son because he's part of my generation and I can't be that old! His Cha-Cha to Shawn Mendes' "If I Can't Have You" was fun and fancy-free. Carrie Ann said it was what she's been waiting for from Kel with lots of incredible flair. Leah told him he was wonderful to watch, while Len said he finally came out from under the radar. Bruno said he has the Cha-Cha in his pocket and loved seeing his hip action, musicality, and engaging personality come out in full force. I hope his four 8's are enough to keep him safe from elimination this week!
Score: 32

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Kate Flannery & Pasha Pashkov, Argentine Tango
I love to watch Kate continue to bloom in this competition! She seemed a little nervous to do a steamy Latin dance this week. Her Argentine Tango to Selena Gomez' "Hands to Myself" was probably more fun than passionate, but it wasn't the worst dance of the night. Leah praised her for her energy, while Len admitted it was more of a struggle than her Quickstep last week. Bruno admired her for going for it like a cougar, but noted that it lost some of the purpose of the Argentine Tango. Carrie Ann said it was amazing to watch her feet work the floor. Hopefully, she comes back stronger next week after this slight setback.
Score: 26

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James Van Der Beek & Emma Slater, Quickstep
I can't believe James and his wife are expecting another baby ... they're going to have their own soccer team soon! How appropriate was it that his adorable Quickstep this week was set to "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves? Len congratulated him on the good news and called him a terrific dancer, saying it was full of clever choreography and movement. Bruno commended him for being able to tell a story but told him he needs to work on slicker transitions. Carrie Ann called it a great routine but felt they danced a little out of sync, while Leah told him he's been amazing since day one and she loves watching him. I must not see what the judges see because I thought it deserved 8's.
Score: 28

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Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten, Paso Doble
Hannah was unable to hide behind a plastic smile, as she was given the Paso Doble this week. Channeling inner feelings of rage while smashing objects looked very therapeutic, as did her Paso Doble set to Icona Pop's "I Love It". Bruno said she's released the sexy beast from the cage, calling it drop-dead gorgeous. Carrie Ann saw a new intensity this week, while Leah told her she's too cute. Len saw the aggression, but felt it was in control at all times.
Score: 32

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Lamar Odom & Peta Murgatroyd, Viennese Waltz
We saw a softer side of Lamar this week, thanks to his children and his Viennese Waltz set to Seal's "Kiss From a Rose". Peta looked absolutely stunning in that rose petal-covered dress! Carrie Ann admired his courage and vulnerability, saying he touched her heart. Leah got emotional at how hard Lamar's been working, saying it was an amazing job. Len liked his gentleness and praised him for climbing mountains while others in the competition only need to climb hills. Bruno felt it was soft and beautiful, even though it may have lacked some of the technique. I applaud Leah for attempting to even the score with a 7 (two 4's seemed a bit harsh) - she is fiery, isn't she?
Score: 20

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Sailor Brinkley-Cook & Val Chmerkovskiy, Cha-Cha
It was awesome to see former DWTS champ Rumer Willis come to support her friend Sailor and former partner Val. With a Cha-Cha set to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Sailor further cemented herself in this competition. Leah complimented her loveliness and smile, while Len said it was another terrific performance. Bruno called her a tease but appreciated her lines. Carrie Ann commended her for being a bright light, but cautioned her about finding a consistency in her footwork. Host Erin Andrews likened her to former DWTS champ Bindi Irwin for being so likable. I could see that. I wasn't sure about her at first, but she's really grown on me.
Score: 31

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Lauren Alaina & Gleb Savchenko, Foxtrot
Lauren appeared to be in her element, returning to her roots in Nashville for a performance at Tootsie's. Dancing a Foxtrot to Dolly Parton's "Jolene", it was sultry and tender. Len liked the lovely movements, while Bruno called it a classy Foxtrot done by a classy, elegant lady. Carrie Ann told her she has arrived, saying there was a sensuality that came out through a beautiful story. Leah agreed, saying she was moved by the performance. Lauren said she missed some rehearsal time due to a family health scare, but you couldn't tell based on her scores. It was all 8's!
Score: 32

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Karamo Brown & Jenna Johnson, Tango
A Tango set to Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road"? Well, Karamo was certainly up to the challenge! He looked debonair and full of attack from start to finish. Bruno liked his leading man attitude and full focus without mistakes. Carrie Ann called it her favorite dance of his so far but pointed out an illegal lift in the dance. Leah complimented him for not getting enough credit for how good he is, while Len said his footwork could use some improvements. Bruno had Len's back, saying he's a dance expert and he deserves the opportunity to express his opinions without Leah interrupting him. Valid. I've never seen anyone more enthusiastic for 7's - if this man ever gets a 9, look out!
Score: 28

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It seemed almost cruel beyond words that whomever went home this week also missed out on going to Disneyland next week for the ever-popular Disney Night. It was revealed that Lamar & Peta and Karamo & Jenna were in the bottom two this week. Carrie Ann said it was an honor to watch both grow in the competition, but she voted to save Karamo. Bruno also saved Karamo, so Len didn't have to cast a deciding vote. I felt bad for Lamar, but it was the right decision this week. And that's a wrap until next week! Are you as excited as me to see that special opening at Disneyland? I think they teased it will have something to do with Frozen II. How did your favorites fare this week?

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