With thirteen stars on tap, I'm not going to attempt a detailed analysis of each one. (Unlike ABC, I won't hold you hostage for hours waiting for the end.) Tonight's program featured the foxtrot and cha-cha, traditionally easier dances and a greate way to get to know the contestants.
This season, I was pleased to see a few performers come out strongly in week one. Ms. Braxton and Mr. Mazo were a predictable choice, putting forth a very respectable first week outing. I was utterly surprised by Ms. (Brooke) Burke and Mr. Hough; I'd written Ms. Burke off early as this year's cheesecake. I make my public apology here... her lines were excellent and she seemed comfortable and professional.
I see some possibilities for Mr. Greene and Ms. (Cheryl) Burke. She is a strong teacher and he seems like good raw material. The night finished with a crowd-pleaser from Mr. Sapp and Ms. Johnson, who put out a remarkably smooth and athletic number.
Ms. Leachman, in my opinion, is critic-proof. Aside from being one of the funniest people alive today, you try competing with 20-year-olds when you're 82. Seriously. Mr. (Corky) Ballas seems like a good match for her as well.
The middle of the pack featured uninspiring and largely unmemorable performances from Mr. Linley and Ms. Hough, Mr. Dispirito and Ms. Smirnoff, Ms. Kardashian and Mr. (Mark) Ballas, and Ms. May-Treanor and Mr. Chmerkovsky.
Before I pile the criticisms on the lowest performers in the group, I'd like to remind all of us that these people work hard for what they do and deserve credit and praise for simply showing up, which is more than I could do in a dance competition.
I was far less impressed by Mr. McGinley and Ms. Brayer than the judges were. He's good-looking, but seemed wooden and detached. Mr. Ross and Ms. Sliwinska tried hard, but he's no dancer, simply put. I was surprised that Ms. Lucci seemed so insubstantial and mechanical. Mr. Dovolani is a hard worker but he seems to be a little out of the league of other pros when it comes to getting a top performance from his partner.
Sadly, I must reserve the raspberry of the night for Mr. Bass and Ms. Schwimmer. They lacked chemistry and charm. Their dance was all over the map, which would have done well in Ms. Schwimmer's alma mater (So You Think You Can Dance) but I'm with Mr. Goodman; when a cha-cha is requested, please do a cha-cha. Don't break the rules on week one. I disliked every bit of the performance, which owes much to Ms. Schwimmer's failure to subordinate her personality to the task at hand.
Likely to go home tonight: Mr. Ross or Ms. May-Treanor
My choice to go home: Mr. Bass
As I said, I may review tomorrow night's program late, as it is a work night
This season, I was pleased to see a few performers come out strongly in week one. Ms. Braxton and Mr. Mazo were a predictable choice, putting forth a very respectable first week outing. I was utterly surprised by Ms. (Brooke) Burke and Mr. Hough; I'd written Ms. Burke off early as this year's cheesecake. I make my public apology here... her lines were excellent and she seemed comfortable and professional.
I see some possibilities for Mr. Greene and Ms. (Cheryl) Burke. She is a strong teacher and he seems like good raw material. The night finished with a crowd-pleaser from Mr. Sapp and Ms. Johnson, who put out a remarkably smooth and athletic number.
Ms. Leachman, in my opinion, is critic-proof. Aside from being one of the funniest people alive today, you try competing with 20-year-olds when you're 82. Seriously. Mr. (Corky) Ballas seems like a good match for her as well.
The middle of the pack featured uninspiring and largely unmemorable performances from Mr. Linley and Ms. Hough, Mr. Dispirito and Ms. Smirnoff, Ms. Kardashian and Mr. (Mark) Ballas, and Ms. May-Treanor and Mr. Chmerkovsky.
Before I pile the criticisms on the lowest performers in the group, I'd like to remind all of us that these people work hard for what they do and deserve credit and praise for simply showing up, which is more than I could do in a dance competition.
I was far less impressed by Mr. McGinley and Ms. Brayer than the judges were. He's good-looking, but seemed wooden and detached. Mr. Ross and Ms. Sliwinska tried hard, but he's no dancer, simply put. I was surprised that Ms. Lucci seemed so insubstantial and mechanical. Mr. Dovolani is a hard worker but he seems to be a little out of the league of other pros when it comes to getting a top performance from his partner.
Sadly, I must reserve the raspberry of the night for Mr. Bass and Ms. Schwimmer. They lacked chemistry and charm. Their dance was all over the map, which would have done well in Ms. Schwimmer's alma mater (So You Think You Can Dance) but I'm with Mr. Goodman; when a cha-cha is requested, please do a cha-cha. Don't break the rules on week one. I disliked every bit of the performance, which owes much to Ms. Schwimmer's failure to subordinate her personality to the task at hand.
Likely to go home tonight: Mr. Ross or Ms. May-Treanor
My choice to go home: Mr. Bass
As I said, I may review tomorrow night's program late, as it is a work night
