Looking Out My Back Door

Loving "Dancing With The Stars"...for the most part

Early on, I predicted that the Final Four would be Cheryl and Ian, Laila and Maks, Joey and Kym, and Apolo and Julianne. I don't think I'm far off, and feel safe to now predict that the two finalists will be Apolo and Laila.

Heather Mills is going for the sympathy vote (never mind last week's fall, did you notice how high she was swishing her skirts this week, clearly revealing her prothesis?). Mills also has no real fan base to count on, but it must be considered that her soon-to-be ex-husband, beloved Beatle Paul McCartney has a huge number of fans, and I'll bet they're not casting their votes for the "Charity Campaigner."

Billy Ray Cyrus has a double base, his music fans and the fans of the Disney show he appears on (which stars his daughter), "Hannah Montana." His dancing is erratic -- he can be entertaining or downright awful.

John Ratzenberger, like the geezers before him (Jerry Springer, George Hamilton), charms everyone, but he is one of the weaker dancers. Last week, Judge Bruno proclaimed his dance "the best worst samba I've ever seen!" He's managed to hold on, but tonight could be it for the former "Cheers" star.

Cheryl and Ian may suffer from the fact that she's the reigning champion, two seasons running, and I think the judges are being particularly tough on them. True, Ian does come across as "McStiffy" at times, but he is working hard at learning the routine. Cheryl needs to loosen him up. If she could get retired athelete Emmitt Smith to the winner's circle, she certainly can do it with Ian.

Apolo's speed skating expertise adds to his natural grace and exuberance. He's a delight to watch, and I thought his "Pulp Fiction" number from a few weeks ago was underrated by the judges. Last week he scored the first perfect 30, and came close again last night. The tacky disco ball trophy may yet join his Olympic Gold Medals -- won't that be an interesting trophy case?

Joey is following in Drew Lachey's boy band alumni shoes, which gives him a bit of an edge, as he's spent time learning grueling song and dance routines through his career. I run hot and cold on him, but still think he'll be in the Final Four. Plus, his appearance with Guillermo on Jimmy Kimmel's segment last week was very funny. He gets points for spoofing himself.

What is there to say about Laila other than she is gorgeous and has turned in several very credible dances? I was surprised at first, then remembered all the footwork involved in boxing (courtesy of "Million Dollar Baby"). That gives her a decided edge, along with her strong personality (wherever did she get that?). Paired up with the equally strong-willed Maksim, and you've got a winning team. I thought her dance last night was stunning, even the part that she choreographed for herself, and she deserves to go all the way to the finals.

I've been hooked on this show since the first season. At times the choice of "Stars" for each season has stymied me, but most have proven to be most entertaining (major exceptions: Master P, Kenny Moyle, Tucker Carlson, Clyde Drexler, and Trista the Bachelorette). The "Results" show, with its mix of guest artists, is reminiscent of the old "Ed Sullivan" variety show, and works as a program all on its own (and I wish the producers would consider continuing it, obviously without the "results" segments, as a stand-alone variety show). After each "DWTS" show, I immediately call a dear friend and dancing teacher extraordinaire, Patty, and we critique the performances, which is as much fun as watching them.

Five weeks to go, and I'll be glued to the set for all of them. Sadly, when it ends, that means I have to pick up another night (Monday) at the gym. Well, maybe I'll be inspired by the DWTS participants, all of whom are in better shape at the end of the competition (have you seen Edyta's abs? Dumb question; if you watch the show, you've seen most of what Edyta's got, and it's enough to make one go to the gym!).

posted by Hopster @ 8:52 AM