Dancing with the Stars

The first competition episode of Dancing with the Stars in the wake of the outstanding premiere continued to surprise, but not necessarily in flattering ways.  Some of the off the cuff energy that made last week's launch so impressive was dialed back this week.  For some couples, the performances were beyond restrained, bordering on horrible, which naturally means it is once again time to assess the power rankings.  So, here we go with this week's bottom five.


Again, I'll remind you that this is not by elimination order, just a random selection of the worst, or at least the underperformers of the week.


Number 5: Cheryl Burke and Wayne Newton

What can I say?  Newton outlasting Albert Reed was a travesty, even if it did validate my predication that Reed would be one of the first to go.  I guess I got swayed by Reed's likeability.   Newton is really painful to watch.  He's charismatic, but the complete lack of skill is just awful.  Cheryl, while awesome, does not slow down to let Newton make an impression.  But, that's not a criticism.


Number 6: Mark Cuban and Kym Johnson

Shaving the goatee was a good first move, but what is with the freaky facial expressions.  Focus man.  Kym is definitely Cuban's good luck charm, I have no doubt that she is one of the few professionals that viewers vote for regardless of what celeb she is dragging around.  Cuban is good, but not charismatic. Scrooge McDuck must go.


Number 7: Jennie Garth and Derek Hough

Garth showed us something during the premiere, particularly when her dress flew up.  This week, though, she showed an Achilles heel.  Poor recovery skills.  The key is not to be perfect, but to make it look perfect, and as painful as the mis-step was this week, Garth collapsing into a defeated clump didn't help.  Worse yet, she pouted.  Smiles win votes.


Number 8: Cameron Mathison and Edyta Sliwinska

First, stealing Albert Reed's get up was a little “I have pecs too!” too much for me.  Worst of all, though, never, ever let them see you sweat.  Mathison did some heavy pouting himself, kvetching about all the pressure.   The translation heard at home:  “I don't really want to be here.”


Number 9: Floyd Mayweather and Karina Smirnoff

Floyd escaped the teens but still failed to raise the bar he was expected to.  Floyd is definitely good, but he was anticipated to be one of the competitors to really drive the show.  I'm not giving up on Floyd, but if he doesn't bring it pretty soon, it may not matter.


Number 10: Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas

Surprised?  I am. I don't expect Bryan will stay on this side of the power rankings for long, but frankly I was surprised by the steep decline in her performance.  I thought the margin between her and Helio was not appropriately wide enough, and her coming in second was certainly a disservice to some of the other dancers who excelled with zeal.  Maybe a little hip hop?  Please?


- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of ABC)