Every time I start to think that "Dancing with the Stars" is predictable, something happens that sends that notion skidding out of the ballroom faster than Adam Carolla on a unicycle. This week it was yet another fall from grace for Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas and falling with them was Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska and you won't believe who that left on top -- Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke!
It's not that I haven't always been a fan of Cristian's, but remember he's now dancing with only one arm. And in a week where lifts were now allowed, it left poor Cheryl scrambling for some creative choreography. Though their "Thriller" of a Tango was somewhat odd, their Mambo was insane! It was as if Cristian had finally learned to relax on the floor and who knew it would take a severely injured arm to get him there. They pulled their best scores ever and it put them in the lead. Cristian was so excited, I was afraid he was going to snap a tendon in his other arm with all the hugging and hi-fiving.
Mario and Karina Smirnoff began their night with a truly lovely Viennese Waltz. Mario proved that he could be "Mr. Stiffy," all grace and elegance. Sadly, his second performance, a high-energy jive just didn't cut it. He never really got the bounce or the sharp kicks that usually go along with the dance and what was with his opening flip? I don't know if it was a cartwheel cut short or what, but it got him started off on the wrong foot and I'm sure it didn't help his overall performance.
Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani came in last place again, not that it matters since last week they had great scores and still ended up in the bottom two. I love Marissa, but I think she's reached her limit. And as a woman who is built more like Marissa than the others, I want to send love and kisses to Tony for doing that lift. I'm sure Marissa felt very self conscious about him having to pick her up but Tony wouldn't let her miss that experience. If "Dancing with the Stars" had a Mr. Congeniality award, I'd give it to Tony straight away.
Tonight is the big 100th episode results show and I can't wait. Thirty returning stars, the top 10 dances, Mario Lopez and the cast of "A Chorus Line," and Rascal Flatts! It's going to be a great night. It all begins at 9:00 on ABC.
