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The injuries pile up, tempers flare and Cloris Leachman wigs out. Welcome to Week 3 of “Dancing with the Stars.”

I’ll tell you right up front what viewers were forced to wait two hours to find out Monday night: Misty May-Treanor’s “Dancing” days are over. The gold medalist suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during practice and was forced to withdrawal from the competition. For more on Misty’s injury, click here.

There were plenty of other moments shaking things up too.

Even though it’s early in the game, the pressure seems to be getting to a few of the contestants. Brooke Burke and Derek Hough had a tiff in their rehearsal segment, but it didn’t hurt their performance—they not only came in first place yet again with their Viennese Waltz, they also scored the first 10 (from Len!) of the season. By the time Brooke and Derek were backstage answering inane Samantha Harris questions, they were all hugs and smiles.

Susan Lucci also snapped at her partner Tony Dovolani during practice, but ever the gentleman, Tony is patiently trying to build her confidence. Lucci’s desire for perfection has been turning out acceptable yet restrained performances. Lucci also turned up with her ankle wrapped in a bandage, which may have contributed to a somewhat unsteady jive.    

Warren Sapp continues to surprise with his versatility, this week unearthing his more sensitive side for a romantic waltz that swept partner Kym Johnson, the audience--and the judges--off their feet.

After admitting his confidence took a hit from last week’s scores, Maurice Greene bounced back in a big way with a spirited, lively jive that Len Goodman called his and Cheryl Burke’s best dance yet.  

Cody Linley and Julianne Hough’s jive took a dive with some gratuitous choreography that had Cody playing air guitar with Julianne’s leg, which the judges found silly and so did I.

Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff received mixed reviews of their waltz: Len “didn’t mind it.” Bruno called Rocco a “lump of mashed potatoes.” Carrie Ann said he has a “likable puppy dog quality” and is the most improved dancer so far. Amazingly, he wasn’t called out for stealing Jerry Seinfeld’s Puffy Shirt.   

And for her "Vietnamese" waltz, Toni Braxton and Alex Mazzo took a big risk with Marie Antoinette costumes—that added 22 lbs. to her frame—and fantastically creepy waltzing music in a dance that only Carrie Ann claimed to “get.” Len and Bruno, not so much.

Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer continue to be good dancers with bad scores. Their scores aren’t terrible actually but they also don’t reflect Lance’s true talent. The pair broke their rebellious streak for the waltz—and really, did they have a choice?—which was “a bit labored” but had “great musicality.”

Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas “performed” a “jive” that Bruno called “beyond comprehension.” It reminded me of circus clowns, especially when Cloris carried on with gusto even after she accidentally lost her wig! I haven’t been that disturbed by a hairpiece malfunction since Marcia Cross ripped off her wig on “Melrose Place.”   

Leaderboard
Brooke Burke and Derek Hough: 28
Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson: 25
Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke: 24
Toni Braxton and Alec Mazzo: 22
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer: 22
Cody Linley and Julianne Hough: 21
Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani: 21
Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff: 20
Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas: 16

As for how the unfortunate withdrawal of Misty and Maks affects this week’s elimination…that will be explained on Tuesday’s results show, which will feature filler-tainment by Jennifer Hudson, Kool and the Gang and the Rockettes.

Elimination prediction: Cloris, it’s been fun.

Click here for photos from Monday's performance show.

Click here to comment: Are you bummed about Misty and Maks? Is Cloris going home or will there be another surprise? And do you think the judges are on point with their critiques?


Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-07-2008 12:08 PM