For all the harping Wednesday on the rules of Dancing with the Stars and the people who broke them in Tuesday's performance show -- Willa, Joey and Mario, for those of you scoring at home -- you'd think that this week's elimination drama, such as it is, would focus on one of them.

And if the judges had the only say in the show, it probably would have, what with Willa and Joey doing illegal lifts and Mario breaking his hold in the middle of the tango. But you, America, apparently are not so bound to the conventions of ballroom dancing. All three breezed through to the next round. Harry Hamlin was sent packing instead, officially cementing his position as the second-best dancer in his family (wife Lisa Rinna finished fourth last season).

After all the tough talk from the judges, the decision was really kind of anticlimactic, if not all that surprising. It was clear last night that despite their so-so scores (they each got a 22) they were crowd favorites in the studio, and that apparently extended to the folks at home.

Jerry Springer was in the bottom two with Harry, but his self-mocking shtick and appeal to stay around at least until he can do a waltz (so he can dance with his daughter at her wedding) worked. Either that, or there are a lot more Jerry Springer Show fans out there than I thought. I choose to believe the former.

So, folks: Are lifts and things like that just too cool to resist voting for? Or are the rules of ballroom dancing so silly that you're just voting for the people you like best, regardless of performance?

Comments

I'd bet most viewers don't care and/or understand the rules? If the dancer looks akward and uncomfortable they will cause those watching to feel uncomfortable too (Hamlin).
The crowd favorites will continue to be individuals with rhythm and flare-Look at last years winner.

dee | Sep 28, 2006 8:13:27 AM | #

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I think we respect the rules, but Joey's and Mario's performance was awesome. Their fans may have something to do with bringing them back another week, but I think it's their charisma that is making people want to see them each week. If the judges want to see "true ballroom dancing" then they need to have true "ballroom" dance music. I think that is part of the problem, the music they have for these people to dance to just makes you want to add just alittle more. I don't think the judges are being fair, and being rude, there is no justification.

Hope | Sep 28, 2006 9:46:38 AM | #

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Us Jerry Jerry Jerry fans stick together and we thing he is doing GREAT. Go Jerry

fanjerry | Sep 28, 2006 10:17:23 AM | #

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Mostly I feel bad for Ashly. She *finally* got a partner who was willing to work hard and care about what he was doing, and now she's out so soon!

Randy | Sep 28, 2006 10:29:40 AM | #

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I have been around long enough to know that handstands have always been part of the jive ( and jitterbug) but I never saw a cartwheel in the mambo ... it seems ugly and out of place. Also thought Vivica was grim and boring in the tango.;

Elizabeth | Sep 28, 2006 11:25:00 AM | #

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Harry was lucky to stay as long as he did!

| Sep 28, 2006 3:16:14 PM | #

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