The producers of "Dancing With the Stars" are probably as flabbergasted as I am that Tommy Chong is still around (and not Lea Thompson!).
Up front tonight, they even call him a "wild card," which means everyone on earth knows he has zero prayer of winning this competition. He already is the oldest top 5 finalist on the show ever at age 76. He is a limited dancer, partly due to his age. His knees are creaky and he has not been improving each week. But he puts his all into every dance and he's fundamentally likable.
But after nine weeks, the voters finally spoke. Chong was given a ticket home just before the finals, a virtual foregone conclusion. Tonight, at least he did finish strong with his rumba, getting his first 9s.
He did make a good storyline. "I just showed that that stoners can perform when they need to," Tommy said after he was eliminated.
This round, "Dancing With the Stars" is placing four dancers into the finals. All four have been consistently excellent throughout the competition and were the top 4 dancers, based on judges scores. Back issues aside, Alfonso Ribeiro has the sentimental vote and the broadest audience appeal. Sadie Robertson has been a delightful surprise with no experience but amazing natural talent. Bethany Mota and Janel Parrish are very similar in physical size and fame with Bethany a bit more innocent and Janel a bit more theatrical.
After 13 dances, Alfonso has the highest average score of 36.2, followed by Bethany (36), Janel (35.9) and Sadie (34.8).
Polls show it's going to be a photo finish between Alfonso and Sadie for the mirror-ball trophy.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Sadie Robertson
Plugged dance: Quickstep ("Problem" Ariana Grande)
My take: Fun and fresh with a very difficult dance. Her partner Mark Ballas choreographs another winner.
Judges: Len Goodman: "I found nothing I didn't like about the dance." Bruno: "Plenty of content."
Score: Three 9s and a 10 from Len. Total: 37
Unplugged dance: Argentine tango
My take: Elegant and beautiful, with an interesting use of a guitar.
Judges: Julianne: "You stay true to who you are." Bruno: "Thought you were very grown up. Sensual but always correct." Carrie Ann was impressed they were able to stay connected even with the guitar.
Score: Three 9s and a 10 from Julianne. Total: 37
Tommy Chong
Plugged dance: Jazz ("Tainted Love" Soft Cell)
Judges' comments: They are at a point where they can't possibly critique him realistically. They are just as amazed as we are that he's still there.
Score: 7s Total: 28
Unplugged dance: Rumba (his best dance)
My take: Very effective. He works slow well.
Judges' comments: Julianne: "Awesome." Bruno: "So touching, so honestly felt." Carrie Ann cries as does Tommy's partner Peta. "Tender. That was poetry."
Score: two 9s (Carrie Ann, Julianne) and two 8s (Len and Bruno) Total: 34 (his best ever and graded seriously on a curve)
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Bethany Mota
Plugged dance: Samba ("I Want You Back" ABC)
My take: Sweet and delightful.
Judges' comments: Bruno: "Very different, very effective." Carrie Ann: "This wasn't the best vehicle for you. I was a little underwhelmed." Len would have wanted a little more dancing.
Score: 9s Total: 36
Unplugged dance: Contemporary
My take: My favorite of the night. The use of the frame was enchanting.
Judges' comments: Bruno: "This dance should be on permanent display at an art gallery." Carrie Ann: "Total emotion, connected." Len: "It's a Picasso of a dance. Loved it." Julianne: "You are breaking through. That was picture perfect."
Score: 10s Total: 40 (perfect score!)
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Janel Parrish
Plugged dance: Paso doble ("Blame" Calvin Harris)
My take: Crazy intense. She's in this to win it, for sure.
Judge's comments: Carrie Ann: "Why wasn't there more? Fabulous!" Len: "Just enough everything to keep me satisfied."
Score: 10s Total: 40 (perfect score!)
Unplugged dance: Argentine tango
My take: Mesmerizing and emotional.
Judge's comments: Carrie Ann said she is "dynamic" but had issues with lifts. Len: "You are an incredible dancer." Julianne: "You have a God-given gift. You dance with everything that you have."
Score: 9s from Carrie Ann and Len, 10s from Julianne and Bruno
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Alfonso Ribeiro
Plugged dance: Argentine tango ("Love Runs Out" OneRepublic)
My take: Clean but his partner Witney clearly did the heavy lifting to accommodate his back problems.
Judges' comments: Len: "You can dance. Nobody likes pain but pain is temporary. Glory is forever." Julianne: "You're a fighter. That's what showed tonight." Carrie Ann: "Go safe but go hard."
Score: 9s Total: 36
Unplugged dance: Contemporary
My take: He avoided lifts but got through it.
Judges' comments: Len loved the intensity. Julianne: "I don't know how you did that." Bruno: "You're always reading from the same page."
Score: 10s from three judges and a 9 from Julianne Total: 39
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