'Dancing With the Stars': The Sympathy Vote?

It takes "DWTS" eight full minutes to recap the previous night's show, which is just another example of how badly they need to stretch and stretch to fill the results hour. Eye roll. And this week there's even news to report! But noo, we can't get told what's up with Cristian's arm until the final five minutes either.

The entertainment is Def Leppard, which brings back all kinds of horrific teenage memories, so let's not go there. But the spoof of the week -- with Jerry Rice and Kenny Mayne coming back to do a "DanceCenter" news bit patterned on ESPN's SportsCenter -- is truly awesome! First time this season that the show's attempt to do a funny skit is actually really, really funny. And love Kenny's eye shadow.

But that only fills a few minutes and then it's back to waiting and waiting. And Waiting. Finally, it's time to tell us what's up with Cristian, who has a black brace on his arm. Apparently, he's deciding to play the serious manly-man, because the doctors told him he has a ruptured tendon after the previous night's disastrous second dance, and that he needs to get surgery, but he's just going to put it off and do the best he can for as long as voters keep him on the show. Given that bad second dance, and the (I thought somewhat mean) score of 21 the judges gave him for it, he comes into the night with the lowest score -- but he doesn't get dumped into the bottom two. Have to assume that the fans phoned in a major sympathy vote, given that he's already been in the bottom two. Anybody have a problem with that?

Well, maybe Derek. He and Shannon got away with shooting their mouths off about the judges while backstage last week, and even put forth a tango this week that was declared Shannon's best dance. But Dance No. 2 resulted in a whole lot of talk about how unnatural and gawky she is, so she comes into the night in trouble and just sinks. Maybe because the audience is sick of her crying and Derek's whining? I am. And I don't care if there are photos out there of the two of them smooching on the beach. Enough of both of them already. She's so annoying she's made Derek less likable. Sigh.

So, anyway, the no-hip fake-butt Shannon is dumped into the bottom two, alongside Marissa, who winds up there despite getting her first 9's of the competition. (Gotta love Marissa for saying that she can't believe she got her first 9's without the big hair! Which is big again in the results show, of course.) Bubbles is safe, though, and it's bye-bye Shannon. So the Houghs are now officially toast this season.

Looking ahead to next week, how many of you think Cristian is really going to be able to bring it despite the lame arm? And how unfortunate is it for him and Cheryl that the judges announce that all couples can do one lift next week? Jason and Mario will be busting that out for sure, given what we saw in the hoedown group dance, but it seems pretty unlikely that a lift is in Cristian's future, unless he's a seriously strong one-armed man.

-- JENNIFER FREY

Jennifer Frey | April 30, 2008; 1:49 PM ET Dancing With the Stars
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Glad to see Shannon gone. Christian should be next. I most enjoy watching Kristi, who is "on" every time. But I do have a soft spot for Mario.

Posted by: Vienna | April 30, 2008 4:20 PM

Cristian got a sympathy reprieve, but the clock is still ticking, I'm sorry to say. It's only a matter of time for Marissa and Mario, too. At this point, it's really just a question of the order for those three.

I do have to give Marissa and Mario credit. They've both worked hard and tried to act upon the judges' suggestions and comments without taking them personally (like Shannon). Mario has matured so much since the beginning of the show that it's easy to forget how young he actually is.

I agree with Jennifer Frey's comment about Derek Hough, too. I enjoyed watching him dance and interact with Jennie Garth last season. The added drama and emotion with Shannon has really affected my opinion, tho. Just stick to the dance!

Posted by: alex | April 30, 2008 4:24 PM

I also want to add that I wait for the DanceCenter segments all season long. Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice, and Len Goodman were hilarious last night! I wish they had somehow included the hosts (especially the hapless Samantha Harris) in their critiques, as well.

Posted by: alex | April 30, 2008 4:28 PM

Shannon became more annoying and phony than her "American Pie" accent. I loved DanceCenter. "YAMAHOOCHIE!"

Posted by: Ben | April 30, 2008 4:54 PM

I would hardly consider Samantha Harris to be "hapless." That role isn't as easy as it looks -- remember how dreadful Drew Lachey was last season as her temporary replacement.

And as for Christian being handicapped by being unable to lift, it didn't hurt Helio last season. Christian has more problems than just a bum arm.

Posted by: Two Left Feet | April 30, 2008 5:50 PM

"Enough of both of them already. She's so annoying she's made Derek less likable. Sigh."

YES. My feelings EXACTLY. I'm so annoyed because I used to really like Derek...

Posted by: jill | April 30, 2008 8:46 PM

OK, so what's wrong with Marissa's "big hair"? Can she help it that she was endowed with thick locks? Would we rather see her BALD? :)

I always love how generation "nexts" always "diss" those in their rear views, until, when you get into your middle age years, you often wax melancholy about the good 'ol days.

Here's a great example: For those who lived the late '70s, remember how "lame" the Village People's Y-M-C-A was? Today, you can't go to a club without seeing multiple generations filling the floor, having a good time, gesturing during the chorus. Everything old IS new again.

As for this week: Lifts aside, Cristian is probably the first of the top five to fall, and Marissa will probably follow in the final four. Mario and Karina have the chemistry. That said, I really am rooting for Marissa to keep improving. Tony is having a ball this season, and deserves another shot after having some poor draws since the Stacy controversy.

Posted by: wxdancer | May 4, 2008 1:56 PM

Gotta say, though I think Kristi, Mario, and Jason are the best, I love Marissa too. She isn't a great dancer, but she is very good. I think her clear improvement each week is based not only her attitude about learning and Tony's careful guidance, but also successful singer/actresses KNOW music - timing, etc., and have balance, posture, bodily poise, etc., all of which can translate into good dancing.

Love her big hair, but also enjoyed seeing a different side.

Marissa fills the quirky, humorous niched of Marie Osmond from last season, but with WAY more grace and dancing skill. You, go, girl!

Posted by: guiltypleasure | May 5, 2008 3:03 PM

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'Dancing With the Stars': The Sympathy Vote?

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