Well ... as might have been expected, there went Cameron cha cha-ing off to the nearest LAX airport terminal last night. It would seem that the viewers didn't "fancy his fleckle" as much as Len had suggested they might on Monday night? My guess is that Jenny is off to a similar tarmac next week (fleckle status pending)?

And, while on the subject ~ who says that "Dancing With The Stars" is not an occasionally educational adventure ? I didn't know such a word as 'fleckle' even existed and hadn't a clue what it meant. Yay! Now I do...

Well, I'm happy! I really didn't care for Cameron, although I must concede that his dancing has vastly improved over the course of the show.
I really like everyone who is left at this point so it's going to be hard to see anyone go. I remember watching Jenny the first week and she was like a rather clumsy robot. After what happened with Sabrina a few weeks ago I'm not surprised by anything, although I'm really voting for Mel and Maks. (don't know if it's because Mel is such a good dancer or the fact that Maks is SO hot...)

While I like DWTS, the thing that annoys me to no-end is that from the very first season when Kelly Monaco of General Hopsital fame won, according to the judges (fans did not vote until the final two episodes ~~ That is how Monaco beat out John O'Hurley for the coveted mirror ball trophy), the winner was based on the most improved dancer.

In season one, that was so true. Kelly was horrendous at the start and for a few more episodes, but over the course of the program, she became a really good dancer, showed confidence and listened to what the judges and her professional dancer said. By doing that she won.

After season one, a salty O'Hurley, set about to have a dance-off with Monaco...proving that he should have won as he has more fans that she! Er um outregous statement if I do say so, as Kelly is on a hit daytime soap opera, and O'Hurley has only appeared in a few things.

When the dance off between them were announced, O'Hurley set about the country begging for votes (it was strictly a fan voting~~No judges scores for the dance off). Kelly, who didn't promote herself, as she saw no reason to, lost the dance off to O'Hurley. In reality, it was O'Hurley's attempt to cash in further on the fame that he found from DWTS...sad, sad, sad...but Kelly still has her Mirror Ball Trophy to prove that she won that first season.

Because of the hoopa-la brought on by O'Hurley, every season thereafter, the judges score counts for only half...the fans have to do the rest of the work...thus making it a popularity contest. This in my opinion in wrong, wrong, wrong...it really ought to be based on over-all improvement...not who is the most popular.

If DWTS went back to the original way (excluding the fan voting, and only letting the judges scores count), then I think Cameron would have still been there, as well as a few others.

Sometimes a good thing is ruined in the hopes of obtaining high ratings.

How wonderful that I'm able to come here and get the latest news! I missed both shows this week, but thankfully, I'm able to get to FT on my laptop from the motel! Thanks, everyone, for the updates! I'll be watching next week, though, and from here on out!

And no tears over Cameron's loss, either!

I agree (with a loophole or two ), JTJ. It drives me absolutely insane when the American public and their inexplicable voting patterns holds a contest largely, or even partly, in their irresponsible hands . The other 'reality' show I like is "American Idol" and there the entire (no 50/50, or any other ratio) shebang is determined by number of votes collected. They so often DO NOT vote for the best singer or even the best performance, just like it's a total crap shoot on "DWTS" whether the craft or art form of dancing has all that much to do with anything, ultimately. One BIG difference I see, between those two shows in particular, is the 'contestants', however. At least, on "Dancing", these winners don't need the victory. They are not hoping to become dancers as a livelihood. They are established (some more than others ~ ahem) in solid careers and the prize there is mostly bragging rights and a spike in their popularity. That is a far cry from the "Idol" talent pool - who hope to pursue a future in music and, in many cases, make their livings waiting tables while they play an occasional gig at the local church and/or nearby saloon hoping to be discovered. To those kids, the votes matter since they have the future/a shot at success written all over them. To misuse the vote there is to possibly redirect (do sizable damage to?) an entire life. I watch these shows to see the struggle to achieve a certain excellence, to root for someone to be rewarded for finding their personal best. I've been reminded, soundly too, that the programs are, to most, about little more than eye or ear candy entertainment. I differ with that perception, but have come to accept that it is, unfortunately, the truth as it represents the majority of the public who watch [*sigh indeed *].

I didn't see hardly any of Season 1 of "DWTS", though, so have no real clue how the show has morphed over time. Sounds like the first series might have had the right idea, though (but it comes as no real surprise that somebody, any of them could have been the doer I suppose, would ultimately turn it into wild PR and shameless self-promotion ~ again, we're talking 'star egos' here, be those egos large ones or small ones). I have a tiny problem, though, with that "most improved" being a major domo "heavy" notion as to who becomes successful on the show. It SHOULD factor in - but not TOO heavily. I say so because, if deciding that improvement should matter above all else, Billy Ray Cyrus might have made the finals last time (shudder to that ). He DID improve like a champ every week, though. Consistently. Problem was, he was so UNgifted to start with, he didn't "improve" far enough to really compete logically with any other celebrity there who was lucky enough to even have a slight sense of rhythm and footwork. Cameron improved and did great on this season ... but would never had fared well in a dance-off with Mel B or Helio - he just didn't have the skills (but he certainly did have the drive). Even Edyta, his partner, said that she was surprised he got as far as he did. I liked watching him, but it's down to where it's all a matter of what's left. Too bad, that. None of them, now, are what anyone could possibly call on a "fair playing field". Helio has lucked into an activity that he just happens to be very good at. Total roll of the dice. Mel B is terific and has a sizzling chemistry with her partner. Another roll. Marie is an Osmond. That's all there is to say about her (and now her teenaged son is off to rehab? Yikes - looks like she'll knock off a few more "aww, poor thing" votes again ). And Jenny? Another one showing awesome improvement. But, her "improvement days", merely by virtue of who's left, are shot in the foot. She'd need another lifetime of practice to reach the level of performance and technique Mel B has polished nicely in just a few weeks.

Somebody told me it once, and it made entire sense : "Gats, you actually expect a system and a population of voters to get a dancer or singer right? Keep in mind, dude, that same system and parade of voters got George W. Bush elected TWICE!" Not that one has all that much to do with the other, but it certainly did offer a head scratch or two.

Good Heavens, already! Let me shut my rambling self up now. I really ought to do no Forums visiting before noon . That's about when my internal mute button kicks in...

I watch the show, and I think Melanie Brown is the gal to beat.Marie Osmond will not stay much longer.Mel sizzles and grooves !

Yikes *a glimpse of my overheated self after watching the dancers tonight*! It's telling when even Jennie Garth gets (and even deserved) a 30, eh? They were all pretty exceptional - even Marie (who I always enjoy but never quite see as a "dancer", really). Helio and Julianne rocked but, for me, it was Mel and Maksim's night. Honestly, those two should just skip the show and cut to the chase and get a room in a nearby hotel. Jeesh ... they danced like they were on fire the past couple of weeks. Awesome jobs all around, I'd say. But, high marks or no, I suspect it was pretty much pre-ordained that tonight was Garth's swan song. Which means, all things considered, she went out with a VERY respectable bang...

And I still say ~ the final two just have to be Mel B and Helio . The only problem with that, at my house, is that I really don't know which one I like better at this point.

I agree - they were all so exceptional tonight, it's almost a shame someone has to go tomorrow.

I honestly think that Jennie (I am totally amazed that she has come this far...kudos to her and Derek!) will get the 'ole heave-ho tonight. Why I think this? I honestly have not a clue. Considering how the voting has gone thus far, with Marie still in it, anything is possible...even Marie getting the big boot!

Speaking honestly, it should be Marie that goes, but methinks her fans will not allow her to get the big swift-kick.

What would be crying shame is if Mel B. or Helio are kicked to the curb...now that would cause a huge uproar amongst the audience, fans and the judges!

OK. Now we're down to the brass tacks next week , what with Jennie being (predictably) gone. I'm so critical (with absolutely NO qualifications to be so, I might add ) of Miss Osmond generally, but I have to say she did extremely well on Monday night. She's always doing that "acting" charm, of course, and throws in a little dancing while she hams it up but this week she actually nailed that quick step (or so I thought, anyway). But, all that aside, I just can't see her not getting voted off first next week. This will serve two major purposes. One ~ it will leave the floor to the two best dance teams and, Two ~ it will get her annoying brother off all these TV shows giving his Utah-driven play-by-play recaps. Honestly, I'm so sick of him I can hardly stand it . But there is that one remote possibility that I can almost imagine - and that would be Helio going first. This would cause this particular viewer to break furniture and shout endless streams of expletives ... but I can see it maybe happening. Hopefully not, of course of course. The more it goes, for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, I'm thinking the Spice Girl has this season in the bag, though. And I'd be OK with that (as long as Helio is second).

Not that you asked (just my random thoughts today...).

Gats, I do so love your commentary on Dancing with the Stars...you are making this season very enjoyable, because I do so look forward to your comments and analogies.

Now back to the subject at hand.

I had that sinking feeling after last week's result show that the finals would come down to Marie and Jonathan, Helio and Julianne, Max and Mel B...I just knew that Marie would not get knocked-off.

However, while I never thought Jenny would make it through week 3, I have to say that Jenny has dramatically improved and she deserved to be in the finals next week.

Now, the finals result show should come down to Max and Mel B. and Julianne and Helio...please note the word should.

In my opinion, I predict Marie winning this season's "Dancing with the Stars". It seems that this season, those that should have stayed were knocked off and those that should have been long gone are still there!

Fingers are definitely crossed for Julianne/Helio and Max/Mel B...they are going to need it for sure with Marie still there!

Oh, I have to agree with you, JtJ... Gatsby's play-by-plays are making it so very much more enjoyable! Especially, since I've had to miss so much of the last few episodes of DWTS... I did catch the final bits of Tuesday night's show though... and I'm with everyone else here... As likeable and charming as she is... and even if she's improved, Marie should have been gone, even before several of the last contestants... But I'll be joining Gatsby in the chair-throwing/television-smashing/teeth-gnashing fits if she isn't the one who goes next week!

But I hadn't been aware of her brother being on various shows giving his opinions... I'm obviously not watching the places he'd be showing up... I've just noticed him on the sidelines on DWTS.

First to say ~ I'm glad you guys are enjoying my posts . Usually I write them thinking: "Ye Gods. Anybody who reads these meanderings is going to think I'm NUTS!" Which may or may not be a regionally accurate label, I reckon, depending on who you ask ...

But, anyway. Redwood - Donny Osmond is now doing two "commentaries", every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on 'Entertainment Tonight'. On the other weeknights he seems to show up only once on there. I believe he's been popping up on 'Extra', too. Not to mention that Oprah reunion show, his rather endless commentaries re: Marie's interview with Larry King on every ABC, NBC, CBS and Animal Planet 'news' show that will have him. If I hear him say, one more time, "The show must go on..." I think I may have to bang my head against the wall. Enough is enough already!

But, all that aside, the reason I thought I'd post here on an "off" day? Am I not thrilled that this is the last week for DWTS, or what ? Seeing as how Thursday was a holiday over here (which made it feel, to me, like a Sunday), I instinctively glued myself to the TV last night at 8PM. Ready for my Monday night tango fix, and all that. It felt like Monday ... but it wasn't Monday. I was actually mad . This has gotten a little bit ridiculous, this fixation I've developed about this goofy/silly show. Sad, pitiful and more than a little scary, isn't it?

Hah-hah! Sitting around waiting for DWTS thinking it was Monday! I know, Gats... it's Saturday, and it feels like Monday to me now, what with the last two days being holiday programming and all...

I can identify with your amazement at your own fixation on this show! This is just not my cup of tea... on a normal day, that is... I'm a news hound, and unless there is a particular show that I watch, you'll either find me tuned into a news channel, or one of the Discovery channels... But that would account for why I had no idea Brother Donny was making the rounds.

I have to say... I wasn't a fan of either one of the siblings... back when they were in their "heyday..." but watching Marie on DWTS, I've been impressed with her "humanness" and charm... She seems really genuine, and I don't think anyone is more surprised than she is that she's lasted this long. Her little joke about the audience being a ?% Osmonds seems to indicate that.

But getting back to Why do we watch this show? I think it is especially from the earlier seasons, watching football players, basketball players, skaters, "LADY BOXERS?" or even Jerry Springer willing to come on and make fools of themselves... something I would never even try, or at least allow anyone to actually SEE me try... And even though some have been better than others, and some of them have done REALLY well... and I never thought I'd like Jerry Springer, but he seemed very nice and sweet, and VERY funny... I have to say, most of these people I have no idea who they are... I'm not a "celebrity watcher," don't watch sports, don't watch soap operas, don't know pop music bands, or most of the commonly favorite tv shows... But I've enjoyed this show, just to watch the sheer athleticism, the beauty of movement, and the growth of the amateurs as they progress through the season. When this season ends, I'll be champing at the bit for the new season to begin!

All right Gats, what is your prediction for the finale of DWTS, eh? As you can judge, I am just dying to know!

I agree with you, Gats... Mel B is the winner, or at least she SHOULD be... But another scenario is that SHE is the one to be eliminated this week.

If we were to go on personality points, she loses between the 3 remaining contenders. That would then put Helio in a good spot for the trophy, since he is obviously a better dancer than Marie! Well, MOST of them were better dancers than Marie, but Marie is cute (which is quite a feat when she is looking age 50 square in the eye!)

My vote is still with the lady Mel, but it could happen....

After this post, I think I will go and hide.

In my honest opinion, I believe it will Marie that will walk or tango off with the gaudy mirror-ball trophy.

As far as whether it will be Mel B. or Helio that is kicked to the curb, well on that I have no clue.

This season is the oddest of all of them...and nothing has been going according to what we all know should be happening!

As I said, I will go and hide now.

I think it's possible that Mel and Helio might split the share of the top votes and leave Marie to run away with the spoils. I think it's kind of silly having a top three rather than top two for that very reason--too easy to have an upset victory.

I think probably Mel deserves to win, even though I cannot stand her personality (and never could, even before this show).

I think Helio is quite charming and has probably had the farthest to come to get to where he is, considering he's not a stage performer.

I love Marie's personality and showmanship which in my book count for a good deal in a dancer, despite all the whiners (not on this forum --you all are very civilized ) who say "Hey, this is a dance contest, not a personality contest!" To which I reply, in my opinion, there is nothing more boring than a performer who only has skills and can't perform. So there.
But I do think Mel's probably the best dancer overall.

Okay... After tonight's show... I hardly know what to say! Mel & Max first number was good I thought, but I agree with the judges that their freestyle was kind of boring. Helio really did look "flat-footed" in his first number, but looked really good in the freestyle...
And Marie's first number was dull, and the freestyle... oh, good heavens... well, I guess it looked as they intended it to look, as if she was a doll with no movement of her own! I can't wait for Gats' play by play on this one! I'm still thinking Mel deserves the win, but am starting to really fear Marie, with possibly a big fan following. So why not just throw those two away, and give it to HELIO! That'll work for me! I think he'd appreciate it the most, anyway!

Well, here's two words (and three emoticons) to sum up my particular take on last night: YE GODS ! What on EARTH were they thinking? Pretty much all six of them? Let's start with Mel B first ... not bad but not really anything. The absolute magic, the fireworks, the "ticket to ride" she's had in this contest has been that quick rhythmic slam AND that almost impossible to manufacture chemistry with Maks. Where was either thing? I understood (kinda) Maks's affinity for that type of choreography for the free-style - he teaches dance, and I gather that's the stuff he teaches - but Mel B ain't no kid looking to make a serious career out of this, like I expect his students are. He misused her skills, I thought. Misinterpreted what the 'scope' (or lack thereof) this whole contest/show is all about. Not bad dancing, really. But only if you're hoping for a hint of Agnes de Mille, or something. The audience, pretty much, though? We're just a bunch of sluggish Monday nighters eating Oreos and thinking that dancing equals John Travolta. Or maybe that clogger dude that was on last week. Agnes DeMille? Nice try, kids ... not enough Bee Gees in it for the masses there, however, is my guess. Then there was my "batteries-on-high-voltage- smile" Helio last night. I think he counted on that smile and not the feet a little too much indeed. Once again, I was (just for a moment) reminded of dear ol' Peter Boyle in "Young Frankenstein" that first dance. That second one? Len was right. The best dance, by a mile, of the night. And it was REALLY pretty awesome. Ever notice how, with almost all the other "stars", the bulk of the fancy spinning and gymnastics are left to the pros - the celebs try to do a little to make it look balanced, but they mostly just stand there keeping time while their partner dazzles. Not Helio, though! He's flipping around the stage with Julianne like he knows what he's doing - maybe not so strange, that, since he is the male in the cha-cha so has to at least make the effort to look like he's leading more than Mel or Marie do. Which, I reckon, should get him bonus points on its own, yes ? Now let's talk about Marie. Um *yikes* what to say? Theatrics are one thing. Costumes, gimmicks and so forth are her forte. They have worked nicely so far. My only question is this: how does that translate into coming on stage, on a night when it's all finally on the line, and literally scare, creep out, or perplex everybody watching? Honestly, to entertain looking like Bette Davis on her most psychotic day serving up Joan Crawford a fat dead rat for lunch went WAY far beyond odd . It was downright uncomfortable! If she had even any small real intention to show herself as a reknowned doll designer doing THAT, I didn't get it. AT ALL. Aside from Baby Jane, the only doll-like creature that she brought to MY tired old brain was that endlessly evil one that killed Telly Savalas in an episode of "Twilight Zone" (or whatever it was) 50 years ago . Her routines weren't even dancing, or in the ballpark of it, last night. So...

I'd say Helio won the night (but not by the light years he could have). Mel B gets points for being a "serious" dancer for 15 minutes and Marie? Honestly, she ought to know solid and well today that if you come out looking like Leatherface in search of a chainsaw? The audience (and voters) forget those Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy cute routines in a hurry...

Not sure my conclusion after all that. I think, at this point in the race, Mel B might have slipped a little and now Helio looks like the likely winner. Marie? She just HAS to be the first to go tonight. Or maybe not?

Ahhh, Gats, you never fail to nail it! You're absolutely right on all counts, or at least to my uneducated, oreo-faced view... Maksim's poor use of what Mel's strengths are was VERY disappointing! They really have been the couple to watch... and the dramatic performances from before were just not there last night.

Helio was good in that freestyle... At least he nailed those lifts, but he still was "flatfooted" as Len described his first dance. He still looked like somebody who was giving a very good imitation of a dancer, whereas Mel CAN look as if she's done it all her life!

Poor Marie... Her partner seems to do what he can with her, he does as you say, all the fancy stuff, while leaving her to just pose well... She did some things in the first number that were quite a bit more daring than she'd done ever before, I think... but that second number was purely embarrassing...

Nope, I'm still going with Mel B and Maksim... not based on last night, but on the entire season. If either of the other two get it, it won't be on skill, but charm... and both of them win over Mel in the charm department...

At least tonight the season will be over, and we can move on, and then start anticipating the next season... Maybe we'll be able to talk about how much we DON'T want Donny Osmond to be one of the new celebs!

Okay, okay, I have to say Gats, as per usual you nailed the commentary! Excellent!

Based on my knowledge of watching DWTS from its inception at season one (when was only two couples in the finale). I would say that Marie will win.

I don't remember which season it was, but it was the season with Drew Lachy, Jerry Rice, and Stacey Keibler.

The finale went with those three and their partners...the amazing thing here is that Drew and Stacey were neck and neck from the onstart of that season (both receiving so many tens early on), that you just knew that either drew or Stacey would win it.

In actuality, if they had kept both Stacey and Drew it would have been a dead heat. So what was done? Jerry Rice was tossed into the mix. I still remember that night! The three were up there with their partners and then the next thing everyone knows is that Stacey was elminated...the winning of the Mirror Ball Trophy was between Jerry Rice and Drew Lachy! E-gads! Drew Lachy won that season. The amazing thing was it should have come down to Stacey and Drew...NOT Jerry and Drew!

The powers that be HAD to get rid of Stacey or else it would have been a dead heat!

The same thing happened with Mario Lopez, Joey Lawrence and Emmett Smith...it should have been Joey and Mario. Again the powers that be made sure that Joey Lawrence was ousted and it came down to Mario and Emmett...it should have been Mario, but of course the upset victory went to Emmett.

So, while I may be off the mark this time, I truly think that Marie and partner will dance?! off with the er um coveted Mirror Ball Trophy...even though the one standing at the end with her (either Mel B. or Helio) should rightly win.

I think I will hide out after this post until next season.

Oh jeez, I can't believe one of you has not yet posted, and here it is almost half an hour since the deed has been done! I've thoroughly enjoyed following this thread and everyone's comments.

Now, however, I do believe it's time for me to put my two cents worth in. And no, I'm not a regular weekly viewer. I pop in from time to time, wondering what, if anything they are going to be wearing next!

I have a theory as to why Helio won! It's a well documented fact that more women watch this program than men. Many more! I think it was the female vote which swung the outcome. Political correctness aside, I think women are just more likely to vote for a male dancer than a female dancer. (I'm totally discounting Marie here as I feel she never was really in the running. What WAS with that outfit last night!) So, with the remaining two couples, no matter how good the female dancer might have been, with this tight race it only seems logical that Helio won this popularity contest.