What's worse: Edyta in that getup or that she dyed her hair. Noooooo!

Sabrina: Three things. 1) The dance was kinda meh (maybe the dress was too similar to her quickstep?) 2) the song made me miss Melinda Dolittle. 3) Shut up Fly Girl.

Jennie: She was great, but Derek? He's making me wonder how we went this long without him because his choreography is becoming a fast favorite. He's becoming the new Louis. However, the boy needs some product in that hair.

Jane: Well, she LOOKED good. But this was one of those dances where if the beat was faster and maybe it was performed with a more "agile" person (for a lack of a better word), I would liked it a lot more. It was just flat.

Cameron: My song! What did you do to my song?! (sobs) They had the perfect samba song so why was it putting me to sleep?

Mel: Liked it a lot, though I liked Laila's a wee bit more. However, their bow before the break was so freaking cute. At this point, she's the only one that can beat out Cheetah Chick.

Marie: She didn't do much. I guess it was to make sure she didn't overexert herself, but that was a pretty dull paso.

Helio: Much improved for him, but Julianne is still doing splits to cover some of his weaknesses.

Group dance: fun, but I wasn't going "WOW!" like the group jive last time. I blame that on Christan Perry, whose dance last week was boring and he is one of my least favorite choreographers on So You Think....

Since the truly weak dancers are gone first (for a change), I don't know who will go and I do think the celebrities seem to be tighter this season. But I think Jane sinking fast and people may vote Marie out due to the faint.

Sabrina: This was my least favorite of her dances. There were a few nice moments (liked that one move where she drops into Mark's arms), but it really was too hard and overpowered. I think the foxtrot, the kind of dance it is, is the worst-suited dance for her. I think she might actually visit the bottom 2 tomorrow -- her judges' scores were in the middle of the pack and she is probably getting a lower share of the viewer vote.

Jennie: Awesome dance! Loved it. Not perfect, but but if Mel deserved a 30 for that rumba than Jennie deserved a 30 for this mambo.

Jane: Agree, once again, with Len and Bruno. It was a ballerina jive, not as lively and energetic as it should have been.

Cameron: Pocahontas and John Smith, bwah ha ha. I agreed with Len and Bruno's comments. It just didn't capture the samba fun. And I don't know why, but Cameron's voice seriously bugs the way Marie's laugh does.

Mel: I think she had the same problem that Sabrina had with her rumba. The turns and spins were a bit too hard and quick for my liking. I don't think she deserved the 30.

Marie: I can't help it, every time Marie starts to laugh in that incredibly loud way of hers, my slapping hand gets to itchin'. Her dance was...okay. I liked it better than her other dances, which isn't saying much.

Helio: Okay, I think that Helio is a nice guy and very charming, but his comment about using his Castroneves smile was telling. I think he was mugging throughout this dance. Disagree with the judges. It wasn't fantastic. The audience going completely apeshit over every little thing that Helianne does is getting on my nerves. And Julianne trying to shove in an excuse -- "Helio's an athlete, the others are performers!" -- was irritating as well. Shut up, Julianne.

Group Dance: I actually really liked this. More than any of the actual celebrity dances. Maybe it was the music, because I love that song.

* Mark & Sabrina (Foxtrot): I don’t understand why they can’t find something flattering for this girl to wear. The dance was better than I expected but still way too harsh for my liking. It wasn’t lilting and smooth enough. It was almost like…a Latin-ized version of Foxtrot or something. Lol, I don’t know how to describe my thoughts.

* Jennie & Derek (Mambo): Jennie looking fab as always. I seriously didn’t expect that out of them. I didn’t think they’d bomb, but I also thought this would be a weaker dance for Jennie. Great routine, and awesome choreo from Derek. I didn’t see steamy. Fun? yes, but not steamy. It felt a bit slow, but then I’ve thought every Mambo this season has been too slow, haha.

* Tony & Jane (Jive): Finally, something a little faster from them. I dislike Jive, I really do. But, that was enjoyable enough (the choreo). The dance really doesn’t suit her though. I thought her kicks looked rather awkward and it didn’t have that bouncy feel.

* Cameron & Edyta (Samba): I lurves Edyta, but I just can’t warm up to these 2 as a team. They’re just kinda…there. I didn’t like their routine, at all! Ugh. They’re just, bleh.

* Maks & Mel (Rumba): These 2 are hilarious. One of these weeks, they’re gonna give her a decent outfit. Obviously, not this week. Why hasn’t he done something about her hands yet?! I didn’t feel their routine. It could just be my dislike of Rumba. The choreo wasn’t exactly impressive though.

* Jonathan & Marie (Paso Doble): They both look great. I love Marie’s overall look; great dress and her hair looks nice too. Jonathan is just too loveable! I actually kinda loved that. It wasn’t aggressive enough, but I adore the choreo and really enjoyed them. One of the few Paso Doble’s on this show that I’ve actually liked (the others being Apolianne’s, Derek/Jennie’s, and Drew/Cheryl’s).

* Helio & Julianne (Cha Cha): Ooooh, cute dress on Julianne. It’s good to see Julianne addressing Helio’s weaknesses in the rehearsal footage. Yay, his movement is much improved this week. That was great! Julianne’s choreo never disappoints. The ending dropped off a bit at the very end. Fabulous! I think this was his best dance. Julianne’s hair looks horrible though!

Hee, love the rehearsal footage from the group dance. The group as a whole looks like a lot of fun. Haha, I lurved that group dance. Very enjoyable and a cool concept. Derek looked the most natural to me, by far. Jonathan looks good.

Get rid of Carrie Anne! I nominate Charlotte. Or whoever else is willing to take the job. I’d even quit complaining about Samantha if we could just be rid of Carrie Anne!

Sabrina—As much as some think the show is favoring towards a Sabrina win, why do they keep putting her first? Generally that’s a bad position and there are others (HELIO!!) who haven’t had the honors. Last spot is the pimp spot. Not first.
It was okay. I do agree perhaps a bit too powerful and hard as Len and Bruno said. But I did think Sabrina seemed really stressed this week and I don’t think it was a put on. She looked genuinely exhausted backstage and happy just to make it through.

Jennie—Yay! I have my Jennie back. She does seem a lot like Ian in that she can psych herself out, but that was a really fun mambo. Derek’s choreography was great and fun and Jennie’s performance factor was much better. I think because she is much more comfortable with sassy and cheeky than with being overtly sexy. Also much credit to Derek for working with her trying to get her over her fears and being a great partner. They’re by far my favorite partnership this season. No drama or scenes with the two of them.

Jane—Eh. She was having fun with it and Tony’s choreography was okay, but she comes across as too light and too ballerina like. I wonder what Tony will complain about this week since Carrie Anne actually gave them their highest score. This just might be the end of the road for her.

Cameron—Edyta must love those costumes with the headbands. This is the first week I was actually impressed by Cameron. I wasn’t as impressed with his paso and his rhumba as the judges were. I didn’t care for Edyta’s choreography this week at all with the random leaps and etc., but his actual samba movements looked pretty decent. He doesn’t look stiff and awkward anymore.

Mel—This dance really suits Mel. I didn’t really care for the winding up on the judges lap, but I liked the rest of it. She did a great job with it and I also really liked Mel’s costume this week. Though I don’t get what was up with Sam pointing out that they only practiced for six hours. Mel and Maks looked like they wanted Sam to shut the hell up.

Marie—Stop showing the fall! Not Marie’s fault though. It was okay. Not my favorite from her, but it wasn’t bad either. I thought her costume was very flattering this week too.

Helio—Why oh why is he getting the pimp spot again? Maybe I misinterpreted how much the show wants Julianne and Helio in the finals. I don’t get the Helio love though at all and this has nothing to do with Julianne. He looks extremely cheesy and over the top when he dances. He’s not bad, but certainly nothing to write home about. He’s stiff at times and he didn’t even hold the ending pose. I really didn’t think his dance was that great. Certainly not worthy of a 10. There is no way he deserved the second highest score of the night. If any star is overpimped, it is him.

I miss the days when the group dances were things like the Viennese waltz and etc., but it was fun. Though it seemed awfully similar to last season’s group routine. I still also marvel at how Jennie is always the best dressed.

I’m calling Jane leaving, but not sure who else will be in the bottom two. For once I mostly agreed with the judges placement, with the exception of Helio who was way overscored.

OK, two important things happened tonight.....

#1 - Marie FINALLY admitted that she didn't faint due to ALLERGIES. Thank God. (But, I think Samantha is going to ask her about it every effin week.) If she does this "all the time" when she is overwhelmed, it's going to be a long life on the floor. Esp with 8 kids. Her dance was sad. It's time for her to go, she's the worst mover of the pack now.

#2 - Sabrina FINALLY got called out for dancing too HARD and AGGRESSIVE. 'BOUT TIME!!!!!


The group dance was fun, and it was humourous, not unlike last year with Laila, that Sabrina had to lift her partner because he couldn't lift her. It's hard to be the "bigger" girl.

I am still amazed at Jane's age, even at this stage of the game. She wasn't huffing and puffing after jumping around. I want to be her at 56.

Rockin' Robin works (better than frickin' Fall Out Boy, anyway). That group routine was fun (as a sort of jive/charleston/ECS mishmash).

Can't really complain about the relative placement generated by the scores. I think Mel took it, with the brat pack following close behind.

The Helio love is getting on my damn nerves! His cheesy-ass smile bugs! I see him and immediately my brain thinks of Roberto Benini, another one with a cheese-eating grin! Ugh!!!!!!!!

Oh, and I'm sick of ABC having a hard-on for Julianne, da brat! Booooooooo!!!!!!!

I laughed MAO at the over-enunciated "try to release that pressure" from "get up offa that thing". Made me miss SYTYCD.

It just seemed to me like he was repeating an encouragement that Julianne told him, actually. ("Use that Castroneves smile!")

Bottom two prediction for this week: Jane and Marie. I think Marie will leave.

I really think Mel and Maks are the team to beat now, 10's notwithstanding. They have never really had a bad week, actual dance-wise (as opposed to audience vote-wise).

I thought Helio was much improved (although his costumes continue to be horrendous)... but alas, too little, too late. Cameron, on the other hand, is on The Curve™ - improving more dramatically at just the right time.

The final ranking is becoming a little easier to predict now... here are my long-range predictions:

7. Marie
6. Jane
5. Jennie
4. Helio
3. Sabrina
2. Cameron
1. Mel

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! (until next week when I reserve the right to change!)

I'm just glad that they do. I always get home at about 8:15, so even though I've watched every week, I have yet to see one of Sabrina's dances. And thank goodness. The sight of her in the recaps and during tonight's group performance makes me loathe her.

I think all the stars have shown a certain amount of growth week to week, but I don't think that Marie showed anything this week. Maybe because of the faint, they took it easy...but she mostly seems to walk from pose to pose. I definitely think she'll be in the bottom 2, more than likely going home.

Jane did not wow me with a fast dance the way she has in the past. She is definitely more suited to the slow, sensual dances rather than the jive.

I thought Sabrina was wonderful. It was good to see Helio back. But for me, the dance of the night was Jennie. She did a great job!

The group dance was fun, but why was Jane wearing that awful blonde wig. It distracted me through the entire dance trying to figure out who that extraneous blonde was.

Bottom two...Jane and Marie.

Going home....Marie.

ETA: I am loving Cameron more and more every week.

Personally, I think the judges should start giving out compassion points for crappy music. Seriously. I'm not saying Jane's Jive was my favorite or the danced the best, but for the judges to criticize her for dancing slow when the freakin' song was rather slow (in my opinion for a jive) is just wrong.

I don't know what I think about this show. I'm here just blinking, trying to figure it out.

I agreed with what they said to Sabrina, but with that song, what was she supposed to do? Still, it doesn't seem like we're ever going to get anything romantic or sophisticated out of her.

And Jennie? Helio? Both of them had some interesting, flashy moves, but seemed really, really awful at the actual dance part. You know, the steps? Jennie seems to like tricks, like she can lose herself when there are tricks choreographed, and actually enjoy herself. But when Derek is there, mamboing up a storm, her feet aren't moving, her shoulders get hunchy, and she looks like she's having her teeth worked on. You can see her brain telling her Smile, Jennie. Get through it. Keep the smile plastered on there. Smile, damn you!

And Helio... His cha cha made him look like the world's biggest spazz. The brown Sonny Bono outfit didn't help, but even so, he's Maxwell Smart minus any sense of cool, and Maxwell Smart was such a dodo, I don't think he had any cool, anyway. But jeez louise, that looked bad to me.

Here's where again I feel weird, because I kind of liked Cameron and Edyta's... Whatever it was. Indian love samba? I don't know, but I am totally enjoying Edyta this season. Totally.

And I liked the rumba, too, plus I just adore Mel. She's so adorable. But I certainly didn't think it was worth a 30. More than anything else on tonight's show, and if Helio's cha cha de spazz was worth a 28, then I suppose the rumba was a 30, but still...

Less said about Marie and the Paso of Death and Jane and the Jive of Terror, the better. Both of those are going to give me nightmares.

I also thought the pro dance was bad and showed how little rehearsal they got. Speaking of which, why in the HELL was Samantha the Moron chirping about Mel and Maks only rehearsing for six hours? Does she hate them? What the hell? And why did they rehearse for only six hours? Is he still sick? Is she? I noticed Maks not saying a whole lot. Maybe he is still sick. Or she is.

On the subject of Samantha the Moron... Did she call Jonathan and Marie Jonathan and Edyta, or was that just me?

Quickly:

Although both got good scores, I think Helio has been somewhat overrated because of his "charm" which compensates for not the most impressive technical content and execution, and Jennie is somewhat underrated for her technical content/execution because she's not "working it" with the same power of personality as Helio.

If you have to have both elements I think the judges somewhat favor the performance aspect. I guess that's okay, but I think Helio's technique is just not strong enough for his personality to land him the scores he gets.

I don't mean to compare just them, but I think the "tools" Derek has given her and her execution are getting her her scores. I think Helio's charm is going a long way towards getting him his. I just think there' s a bigger gap between his charm and his technique than there is between Jennie's technique and her sometimes tentative projection of her performance.

That foxtrot of Sabrina's was awful. Yes, she can do the steps but the style was just awful. Worse than I expected. I anticpated more of an effort for the "light and shade" than we got. We got none.

I thought the same thing too. I wondered what she would do if, heaven forbid, the judges ever gave her comments that were something other than great. The criticisms were right on too and her responce was just what I thought it would be too - very bratty. They were even harsh with her too. She was told she was good except for some areas and this is how she responds. I think she needs to be in the bottom two to get a real wake up call. I, for one, will not be voting for her at all.

Was the samba an improvement? I thought he was awkward, confused, and for a soap hunk, incredibly sexless. If he weren't an ABC star, would he be getting such high scores? He's very lucky.

Jennie still looked nervous, but Derek's choreography was *fab* and she executed it well. I'm glad she got the scores she received. I hope she and Mel can make the finals!

Helio's another one who is propped up no matter what he does. The pimp spot? The fawning over those weird slow bus faces he seems to make more and more now? He's going to be in the finale no matter what. I'm getting more and more tired of Julianne. Was she defending Apolo last season by saying he shouldn't be judged the same as everyone else since he's an athlete?

Funny how in a season which is supposed to be about a female winner, we're having more and more desperate attempts to overhype the men.

Mel was much better in the rumba than I anticipated. I can see where she was too hard in places, but she was much sleeker than I thought she'd be. And she showed 'personality' by sitting in the judge's lap.

Marie looked tired tonight. When Jonathan does the paso I usually think of him as too campy, and tonight was no exception, although he was much less campy than the Burt Reynolds Musical Theater business with Heather from last season.

What makes you think Mark couldn't lift Sabrina? He actually lifted her a couple times during the performance.

Tonight was kind of a letdown for me, as I didn't really like any of the performances. Even my go-to girls Sabrina and Jennie let me down. Sabrina was too sharp at certain points in the Foxtrot and I thought Jennie actualy looked more hesitant than she has in the past. Or maybe I just didn't like Derek's "Mambo" choreography.

Cameron tried, but his dancing was just dull. Jane seemed unable to drop the daintiness. Helio was much better this week, but those scores were ridiculous. Just not a good night.

As much as I like her, I agree that Marie's probably going tomorrow night. I think the group dance saved Jane, since her competitive dance was absolutely listless. I'd almost bet they're both bottom two...although take either (or both) out and stick Helio and/or Cameron in and I wouldn't be sad.

Sabrina: FINALLY got called out on dancing too damn hard. I hated this dance. The foxtrot is supposed to be elegant, not sharp and almost like a weird hybrid of hip-hop and foxtrot. I hated this. Granted, I can't stand her, but the dance was just awful and terribly overscored.

Marie: Too damn slow. She always looks like she's moving in water. I didn't care for this routine one little bit.

Jane: Again, dancing in Jello. Solid, damn near frozen Jello. With fruit. Too slow and graceful for a Jive.

Mel: I felt she was overscored. I was actually BORED by this rhumba.

Jennie: AWESOME! If anyone deserved 10s tonight, it was Jennie. The dance was fun, energetic, sharp and just fantastic. Based on the overscoring of the night, she was robbed. Derek is by far the best choreographer on the show right now.

Cameron: Meh. I'm always distracted by the damn headbands and arm bands Edyta insists on wearing. I just felt he was very bleh. This samba was a snooza.

Helio: I know a lot of you hated it, but I really loved it. It was fun, frisky and he had much improved posture, stretch and lines. I enjoyed the routine and had a ball watching it.

The group routine: Damn but if the choreographer didn't remind me of Max, who won on "Grease: You're the One That I Want" this last spring. I had to do a double-take to remind myself that it wasn't him. I really loved this group "rock-n-roll" number and felt it had a lot of fun and bounce. I loved it! Jane in the wig threw me, though. I spent the first part of the routine trying to figure out why Julianne was dancing with Tony.

Julianne brings to our attention that Helio is the only athlete in the bunch, and all the rest are "performers." Ummm, honey? You won with the athlete last season. Are we supposed to believe that this season its a liability?

Last week I couldn't pick a favorite routine. None of them really inspired me to get off the couch and find a phone. This week I loved Jennie and Mel's routines so that's who I'm voting for.

Loved the group routine. I'm sure I missed a lot, so I'll have to go back and watch it a few more times.

ETA....
I think they had limited rehearsal time because they flew to London and back so Mel could rehearse with the Spice Girls for their upcoming tour. But yeah, either way it was pretty crass of Samantha to bring it up.

Edited again....Yeah, I'm keeping track. Mark kissed Sabrina five times between judge's review and judge's scores. That's down two kisses from the all time high of seven, two weeks ago. There's nothing going on between them my ass.

I actually didn't think Sabrina was that bratty because she did actually seem pleased with her scores, meaning she knows they weren't the best, but they weren't bad either.

Julianne's little comment about Helio being the only non performer was a bit unneeded to. Since I know there is no chance of him going home this week, I hope he goes first next week. Not pimp spot worthy.

Any ideas on encore? I'm a little scared it will go to Helio since Mel just got one last week. But I don't want to see that again. The only other options are Mel or Jennie.

Yes, I think we are, just as we're supposed to think it was a liability that she and Apolo won in spite of last season.

Of course it's a liability, it's just that Julianne is such an awesome choreographer that she can overcome anything! ;)

I didn't find Sabrina's comments bratty. Her interruption was a bit annoying, but she didn't sound annoyed or pissy the way other contestants/pros (e.g. Floyd, Jane, Marie, Julianne) have when faced with criticism. I think she just wanted to emphasize that she was happy with the dance despite the judges' comments. It's not like she acted like she deserved higher scores than she got.

Am I the only one who heard a certain...something during Helio and Julianne's interview with Samantha after their dance? Right after Julianne was laughing and then looked all embarrassed, with everyone behind her laughing their asses off?

I might be going crazy, but I sure know what it sounded like. And if it was that, that's damn funny. Especially in light of that dumbass comment she made about Helio being the only athlete prior to it.

The entire field seems to have gone lackluster after week two. I mean they're good, for people who are just learning, but nothing really "wowed" me the way routines from previous seasons "wowed". There isn't a single dance I would like to see again (except perhaps the Helio/Julianne mambo).

I'm starting to wonder if the emphasis on keeping the women around isn't part of the problem - at least in terms of the sheer entertainment factor. While Jennie and Derek had a cute little mambo, I couldn't help but think how much better that choreography would look with a pro female who could really sell it. That isn't as likely to happen with the male celeb/pro female couples where the woman can swirl and flourish like mad around her partner and disguise the fact that he's not really doing anything.

Julianne's whiny brattiness is finally bubbling to the surface! I can't stand that chick!

Sabrina--It was "aiighhht!" Just weird to see that dance on a night full of Latin themes....

Jane--I love Jane but her jive was sad...and slow!

Cameron--Nice culo but he was dull as hell!

Mel--I knew it would be sexy because Maks' rumbas are always HOT!

Marie--Better than I expected!

Jennie--It was nice...just nice!

Helio--It was corny!

LOVED the dances tonight! I could never be a judge because I am not nitpicky about each little thing and I am very impressed that these stars are not actual dancers but are learning every week.

My favs are:
Cameron and Edyta - he really has grown, I was impressed with his hip action tonight and he really is very good looking. In fact, they are two of the most beautiful people I have ever seen and I am a sucker for eye candy :-)

Jennie and Derek - I thought his choreography was so fun and Jennie did a great job. She could have loosened up even more but I love her dancing.

Mel and Maks - they are hot and steamy fun! Is there anyone that Maks can't make look sexy? And I think Mel looks so graceful out there, I love her arms and she and Maks had great chemistry tonight. I can't believe they only practiced 6 hours this week! Awesome.

If I had to predict, I'd say Jane is out. But I wouldn't mind Marie going. Most improved goes to Helio this week....much, much better than last week.

That group dance was WOW! Everyone looked like they were having so much fun. I'm impressed with their ability to remember so much choreography...I don't think I could do it! I'm already lamenting the end of the season because I love this show so much!

Overall, it was a pretty decent week, for once I actually agreed with most of the scoring.

Sabrina: Well it was okay, finally the judges brought up the critique on Sabrina's hard movements. I enjoyed the dance when I ignored the harsh movements, but then Mark took all my attention with some of his funny faces during the dance.

Jennie: I was actually pretty scared for Jennie. Mambo does have that sexy edge to it that Jennie had trouble with in the Samba. Derek though just did what would be best and brought out a whole new Jennie that made up for what others have stated 'steamy' Mambo. I thought it was a good idea for Derek to find out what Jennie really is scared of and work ways around that. Personally i'm actually excited about them doing the Jive now, with Jennie hopefully starting to relax it could turn out to be a really good routine. For this pair I also found their score to be what I would give them.

Jane: Apart from being scared for Jennie, I felt worried about Jane and the Jive. I could tell in their Jive where the elegance was trying to pop out. Since this is my first season, i'm not quite sure when they start repeating styles, if not soon Jane may have some trouble with future styles, since she has done most of her Standards already. At this point i'm most worried about Jane

Cameron: I had pretty high hopes for this dance, since I could easily feel the whole sexual tension in their Rumba, and I thought they could easily ace this style also, but I found myself easily comparing their routine technically to Jennie's and Performance wise to Mel's, and they didn't come as close as i wanted them to.

Mel: Just like the judges mentioned the Paso and Cameron being so similar, i think the Rumba was amazing for Mel. I found it amazingly well done, and found myself wanting a bit more at the end instead of them sitting on the judges. I can't say much about this one apart from it being really well done and hoping the Mel and Maks continues with their momentum.

Marie: Perhaps its my liking to Derek's choreography, but the first time I watched this routine it reminded me of the routines Derek choreographed. Not to blame Jonathan for reusing certain steps, since theres only so many steps that one can use to not make it seem like your cross-styling (if thats a term). One of the moves I thought i remembered was near the end, where Marie went through his legs, it reminded me of Jennie's Quickstep mishap and I was quite glad that Jonathan didn't fall over also. Onto Marie's actual performance, her face reminded me of a doll, one face that doesn't change, it forced me to watch Jonathan instead and I don't think its what was is supposed to happen.

Helio: This is probably one of the scores I don't generally agree with. I know they were aiming to keep Helio as Helio and not change him at all, but for the ChaCha I thought it needed a bit more than what he gave us. It was danced well and i'll compliment that, but I don't think the whole smile really big for the audience was really needed for the ChaCha. I feel that out of the choreographers, Julliane tends to hide Helio's weaknesses more than she needs to. Personally I found their ChaCha to be on par with Sabrina's Foxtrot and Cameron's Samba.

Group Dance: Well it was fun to see what they could do with the lifts and the most surprising was Helio's. Maybe its just me being a Jennie fan, but both Jennie and Derek easily looked the part that was needed and again Jennie was easily the best dressed out of the lot.

What about Derek flapping his arms around while another couple (Mel and Maks?) were doing the "vote for us" shindig? I'm sure he meant it as a joke, but I still think it sucks for somebody in the background to be drawing focus when it's another couple's turn in the spotlight. I hope somebody takes him out behind the trailers and tells him how to behave.

I TOTALLY thought that too...I was like, Dam, Max gained like 40 lbs and aged 15 years.


The best part of the continued Samatha-Gate was when she was interviewing Jennie and tried to segue into calling in for them and said something about if they "thump into our hearts"....and Cameron was in the background and he had a WTF look on his face and busted out laughing and looked at whoever was next to him and cracked up. She's a joke to even the stars now....they can't hide it anymore with her bad, bad segues. LOL.

If Cameron and Helio were noticeably better than the women, I'd agree with you, but the men are worse. I've seen some of the women do a great job with fun dances. I enjoyed the Mel/Maks dances (except their waltz), Jennie/Derek's tango and paso (and parts of their mambo), and some of Sabrina's dances.

When Helio was mugging out there in his disco way I finally knew who he reminded me of. Two Wild and Crazy Guys.

I find both Sabrina and Helio charming, and think they are both benefitting from excellent choreography. They wouldn't be anywhere with weaker pros.

Jennie -- I want to like her, and yet can't. I think all she did this week was arm trick, arm trick, arm trick, step step. Next arm trick. I'm afraid she's not long for this comp.

Mel -- I don't want to like, and yet she smoked that rumba. It had what it was supposed to have: smooth, snap, steam.

Sabrina's dancing is more of the same. Glad to see her called out by the judges. Her foxtrot looked like a paso to me.

Cameron needs to go. His somersault was great, but stomping around the ballroom while Edyta dances. He is going to get his way into the final 4.

Helio-I have been a Julianne supporter, but I saw Julianne just dance around Helio. I am sure they will get the encore or Mel.

Jennie-loved her! I think she struggles adjusting to the live band's beats from the practice CD. Derek is great and truly a find for this show. I knew he would provide energy and fun, but he has provided memorable dances and has proven himself to be a great teacher. How cute was he giving Jennie his letterman jacket at the end of the group dance. I want them to stick around as they (along w/Mel) are the only truly entertaining pairs left for me.

Bottom 2? Marie and Jane with maybe Jane going.

Samantha-more of the same. Way to out Mel and Maks on their little practice time.

I didn't think Sabrina seemed defensive at all, just tired. This was her worst dance so far and still it was better than many others, including Jennie's, in my opinion. Still am not getting all the hostility toward Sabrina - I love watching her dance although Mel is definitely my second favorite.

Last week was sort of meh for me. I like most of the dances so much better. I also thought, considering half the dancers weren't pros, the group dance really rocked. I love the music also. It was very high energy and so fun. Jennie Garth is such a lovely lady, I'm beginning to wonder if wardobe could make her look bad if they tried. She definitely had the cutest outfit for the group dance.

Sabrina: I hate to admit it, but I've been hoping for a dance that wasn't up to par, and some actual criticism from the judges. I think she's been overscored, especially when she got 3 10's. I also took secret pleasure in her making excuses to the judges, saying they got thru the dance. Duh, that's what everyone does dear.

Jennie: I thought her mambo with Derek was so fun! The choreography was excellent and she really moved well. She's my favorite, and I hope she'll make the finals. Her outfit, of course, was stunning.

Jane: I actually thought she loosened up and moved with the quickness the dance deserved. Some of her kicks looked a bit awkward, but overall I thought it was good. I was a bit suprised that the judges were so unimpressed. I think she's going home, or at least will be in the bottom 2 again.

Helio: I like his cheesy grin. He strikes me as sooo Italian, and I think most Italian men are hunks. Helio is just endearing to me. I also thought he and Julianne made a stunning pair. I saw the improvement that the judges talked about, and I agree it was a comeback for them.

Cameron: I just don't have the Cameron luuuurve. I'd like to see him go soon. The dance was okay, but nothing to write home about.

Marie: She certainly has lost weight. Her face looks slimmer and prettier. I think the Paso Doble is difficult for most to pull off. And perhaps Johnathon was going easy on her because of the faint. I think she'll probably be in the bottom 2 with Jane. I sent her a few votes. She's entertaining to me.

Mel: I loved her dance. But I didn't think it deserved 3 10's. However it did smolder and I think her personality is a riot. She and Maks have a lot of spunk.

Monday is my favorite TV night cos DWTS is on LIVE. I bet you guys didn't know. snark.

I thought Helio really looked like Maxwell Smart tonight.

Loved the group dance.

Jennie keeps impressing me with her dances because she isn't a "dancer" by trade like Sabrina and Mel.

I thought the group dance was really fun this time! I liked it a lot better than the group dance last season and I hope they use it for the encore tomorrow (I think it's especially likely since Mel and Maks just got the encore last week).

And yay for Mel! I loved her rhumba and am so happy she ended up at the top again. I really hope to see her in the finals.

I really liked Sabrina's foxtrot (other than the botched steps) and agreed with Carrie Ann that there were smooth parts in it along with the stronger parts. I would have liked to have seen her a little higher in the standings, but hopefully she'll have enough voting support to keep her safe.

Jennie just looks like such a sad sack anytime she's not dancing that I just don't enjoy rooting for her. I wanted to like her at the outset, and have enjoyed one or two of her dances, but I'm just not warming up to her overall.

Cameron is frightening. The man comes across like he's on some insane caffeine high. I didn't think their dance had a real samba feel to it and would love to see him in the bottom two.

Jane and Marie just both felt a little lackluster and I would guess Jane is going this week but I don't think Marie will be far behind. I suspect it would be hard for the two of them to keep up with two dances each week anyway.

And Helio is fun, but I found it hard to focus on him in this dance over Julianne. Also, how many times has he gone last now? It doesn't matter as much with this show since people are voting before it even ends, but it just seems weird that he's gotten that last spot so many times.

I think this is the first time I've commented on this thread this season, basically because I haven't had an idea where this season was leading!

I think they definitely stacked the deck for a female win. Only Helio and Cameron left--Helio, whose dancing was a complete surprise to them, and Cameron, who does seem to be improving. I loved the Superman routine a couple of weeks ago. But he's a just a bit too perfect soap-operaish looking, and Helio, me thinks, has lost his early edge.

I found the group dance to be boring. Not that these people don't like each other, because I think they have bonded, but last season's group dance is going to take a lot to measure up to. That was great. Then again, as the seasons go on, I think they have less and less new tricks to pull out of their books.

I'm thinking Mel. I would have never believed this at the beginning of the season, but she has really grown on me, as has her dancing. Of course, accessorizing her with Maks may be it for me. The only thing that bugs is, why is she on the American Dancing with the Stars, and not the British Version? Sabrina is good, but something about her falls short in my mind. Speaking of which, maybe it's because she's short and doesn't have those long lines (don't flame me, I'm 5'2"!) and it also irks me that she obviously had a lot of professional training going into this. I think she was the ringer, but another winner may emerge!

And, what the Helio was Helio wearing tonight? It just gave me leisure suit creeps....

Robin

I think I got the Helio SNL character wrong. This is who he reminds me of.

Did any of you think the camera work for the group dance blew chunks? I couldn't see most of the good angles. At times the camera seemed to be in another room. The only one I remember is Helio, and then Jane's Olivia Newton John wig.

The camera work for the group dance was bad and I forgot that that could also get the encore. Since the top three scorers have also gotten encores, it is likely. I did think this season's dance was more polished than the one Christian choreographed last season, but last season's routine was more fun.

Yeah, I wasn't into the camera work for the group dance either. I loved it, would have liked to see more (and better).

Another ...am I the only one that noticed? question. Towards the end of Jennie and Derek's mambo, it looked like she was a little late coming in and missed his hand grab. I thought for sure the judges would mention it or at least say how their timing was a bit off there but I didn't hear anything.

Jennie and Mel were my favorites again tonight.

You know what amazes me about Jennie, who I really like, is how different she is as a person from that sluttie character she was on 90210 so many years ago. She hasn't done a whole whole lot from back then, so that's the only memory I have of her. And she's this quiet, insecure woman who has stage fright. Far cry from the "character" I remember her to be. I still like seeing her metamorphisis of dancing. Probably because I can't stand the "drama" that Mel and Maks and Helio and Julianne's edits bring. All good dancers, but if I was trapped for day in as studio, I would rather deal with Jennie's insecurities than the others. Everyone determines how they "like" a couple in a different way, I think that's my way.

I hated tonight so much. I think the music was the worst it has ever been. I actually muted the TV at least 4 times. I guess I would rank them:
1) Jennie
2) Cameron
3) Mel
4) Sabrina
5) Helio
6) Jane
7) Marie
But truly, everyone was off to me tonight. And I do NOT get the 30 for Mel and Maks compared to Cam and Edyta's HOT rumba last week.

I didn't notice, but why should they mention Jennie's when they didn't peep about Sabrina's two in the perfect Paso.

Tonight was really meh to me, the music continues to suck, really I only enjoyed the group dance, and that's just because it was FUN!

1) Mel. - Sensual and OMG Maks' rumba are becoming legendary. They pulled it off. Did you catch the running of Maks' hand down the side of Mel's breast? I don't care if it is acting or not, you gotta feel that one!

2) Jennie - good but something was missing. not sure what.
3)Cameron - enough with the costumes for Edyta
4) Sabrina - too fast and powerful for a foxtrot
5) Helio
6) Jane - it was a balletic jive
7) Marie

Mel and Maks didn't deserve a 30 tonight and I hope to God we don't have to see that dance again tomorrow. I would rather see Jennie's dance again...or better yet, the group dance. The scoring this season is so weird. They overlook misses in some stars dances and knock points off for the same exact things in other stars dances the same week or the very next week. I miss last season.

Say it again, sister. The criticism people come up with for Sabrina has become a joke to me. No fast and slow, no "light and shade" in that foxtrot? Bullshit. What was Len watching? Probably his ass. This is far from the first time Sabrina has been "called out" about being too fast. Len came up with his light and shade business in week 2! It's become the fall-back criticism for everyone when they want to knock her down a peg or two but they want to save ridiculing her body shape for another time, whether it's actually pertainent to the routine or not. That, and throw in "hip hop". Ain't no hip hop in that foxtrot. Try again. I'll tell you another thing, her posture and carriage was a whole lot better a lot of the women celebs that have done the foxtrot before her. I could go on but I can't; I've strained my eyeballs by rolling them so much.

I'm sorry if this is a bad place to ask this question, but due to a vcr snafu, I missed an hour of the show. Being Canadian, ABC is not an option. I've checked Yout*be and there's nothing posted. Is there somewhere to go to watch the routines?

So, that means I watched from Marie's routine on - Marie was scarily winded after that rather unathletic routine.

I loathed Helio and Julianne's chacha - I don't know if I'd experienced watching the rest of the show if that would have happened, but he squicked me as badly this week as last and I didn't find it charming at all. YMMV.

Loved the group dance. Lots of energy - wished the camera work had been better.

I only watch this show with half an eye as I'm usually televisiphonernetting.

I have no dog in this fight. I did think that Marie's dance was not bad. Mel was OK. Sabrina was too frantic.

Jane's dance was bad, I had to turn off the volume because I was cringing during her dance, her movements were so stiff and out of sync.

When Camerson/Edyta came out in their outfits I said to myself, WTF? Brazil, Pocahontas? So Bruno's comments got a "hell yea" from me.

Jennie Garth is OK, but I freak out eveytime I see her as she is an eerie doppelganger for Trista from the Bachelor/Bachelorette.