I'm shocked, too! I can't be the first of the faithful to show up... hah!

Well, at least it wasn't Marie that won...

And I'm sure glad its over! You may be right, Jar, it is probably just a matter of being a popularity contest. I almost had hope there for awhile... when Marie was bumped... But I can settle for Helio, I guess... He isn't the best dancer, but he was very charming, and he beat Mel B. hands down in that department... and that isn't because I'm female that I think so, which I am... but just because it was obvious. I've said all along that Marie was very charming, as well, but her dancing was pretty awful!

I thought the performances were for the most part HORRIBLE tonight... I think everyone was pretty burned out. And I am NOT looking forward to the new series with Bruno and ? (can't remember the female judge's name... candylee? caroleanne?). It doesn't sound appealing at all.

Well, that's my immediate response... kind of a let down, but I'll be smiling again when Gats gets in here and gives us his spin! Suddenly it'll take on a whole new life! Guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow for that, though... 'Night all.

Well, I am glad that my Marie prediction did not come through!

The look on Mel B's face was that of pure shock!

I was very happy and pleased that Helio won. In truth, I would not have cared if Mel B. had won, either one of those two desserved it.

When I saw that Helio won, my first reaction was "At least Gats, won't be breaking any chairs!".

Naturally, I will tune in for season six of DWTS.

I think I'm in agreement left and right with all posts today . This contest seemed to have that "every way of watching it makes perfect sense ~ and here's why..." feel to it, I'm thinking. I kinda go back to an earlier remark I made, though, as it applies to the 'Popularity Contest' angle. Certainly, the show (as are all shows, more than less, I reckon) was/is one of those. But, in terms of mass familiarity and a large pocket of a quote/unquote "fan base", Mel had a much larger variety of it than did Helio. I have a (totally speculative) hunch that Mr. Indy-winner-with-a-jug-of-milk-at-the-ready created his fan base (in terms of a typical TV audience as opposed to NASCAR fanatics). Thus, just like Apolo last year, we came to know and like him fresh from the start. We'd heard of him, maybe even seen him around on this coverage or that, but we never had much to really work with beyond that. A Spice Girl? From one of the most thunderously popular girl groups of the 1990's? We knew plenty already about her (and Eddie Murphy and that her co-worker there is bending it with Beckham, etc.). Mel, bless her heart, had "baggage" . Helio didn't ... and kinda created himself as he went. And didn't he do one heckuva fine job of it, too? Could there be ANY person watching that little rascal dance around and smile like that (and be such a gentleman about it, too) and not just feel all puppy dog warm in their belly? He wasn't the best dancer of the two - even though I was rooting for him throughout the season. He was a pretty darned good dancer, though (he makes a standout argument for God-given talent, too [if one looks to the possibility of such things, that is], since there wasn't one reason that dude should have been able to even tap his foot and stay on rhythm...). But, I would have been fine had Mel beat him because she was a fine dancer as well - a different sort of one, of course, but better than dazzlingly good nonetheless.

A friend and I watched together last night, looking at it from very different perspectives. We both, like Redwood, thought neither final dance was all that great, Both retreads, both basically done the same way last night as they were the first time. *Yawn!* We also both thought Mel would be named the winner (and were prepared for it). We both, at the same time, did a little happy dance when Helio's name was announced. As it shook down, it felt to me like trying to pick the best one between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (not that our ABC network mirror-ball-wannabes are quite in that league, mind you ). He was little and gangly and had big ears and was as graceful as a little gangly big-eared dance floor master could EVER hope to be (and then some). She was a statuesque, classy, silky smooth Goddess of all things white lights and fairy tales (who was as graceful as was he and managed to be so going backwards). Who to pick as the better of the pair? Flip a coin, eh? I'm happy with the DWTS results, all things considered, given the choices as they worked out. As I think back now, I'd have been way satisfied either way. Unless, of course, JuniorThe Jaws' prediction had happened. Marie winning? The thought of it (much as I enjoyed her performances - scary monster Barbies and hyperventilating fright moments aside) made me shudder. I think even she'd agree, though. She "won" getting as far as she got. She's a show biz vet with lots of Mormon brothers who seemed to have enabled her to keep a great sense of humor and a good dose of sportsmanship. She was not, by a mile, any Ginger Rogers, though - going forwards or backwards or sideways. But she was kinda fun to watch every week . Almost.

Um, now to the bigger "pickle" as it happened in Gatsbyland [*clears throat here...*]. The local news after the finale covered the dancers, and then reported two "stars" already publicly expressing interest in signing up for the next round of bruised knees (maybe Spring '08, maybe late summer). Donnie Osmond (what a shocker) is dusting off his spats already, they said. And the other one? I nearly choked. Celine Dion . For me, it was bad enough to have to listen to her SING last night - and then to have her assault the ears with that tired-as-a-gas-station-dog "Titanic" song one more time, no less. Now we get to watch her dance, too? Ugh, twice. Did she learn nothing from watching Wayne Newton this year? People who are big stars in Vegas need not ruin their otherwise positive reputations by getting adventurous and taking on the mambo. Blech.

Anyway, on that note...
I really enjoyed the posts here with you all this season. It made it especially fun for me. And, of course, I absolutely hope we get to watch "together" next time again . Even if the French Canadian chick really DOES free up her schedule to be on next time, I'm sure I'll be glued to that crazy TV set each and every Monday and Tuesday night...

Gats, we thank YOU for making this the best season yet! When I had to miss episodes, I could come here and get the low down! Your descriptions have been hilarious, insightful, and thought-provoking all at the same time. I will certainly be looking forward to spending the next season with you and the other regular posters to this topic, but I am horrified to be informed that ol' Donny will be there as well... Say it ain't so!

And as usual, you also mentioned something I'd forgotten about... and that was how BAD Celine Dion was! She is supposed to be the biggest hit singer of all time? As you can tell, I'm not a regular listener of hers... but whatever it was she was singing... my ears were wishing they had hearing aids that could be shut off! It was awful! She was so off-key, my teeth were aching! I didn't know how the song was supposed to sound... (you can tell which categories are NOT my best ones in quizzyland, can't you? ) but whatever it was, I CAN tell when something is discordant!

But thank you again for a most entertaining time. If you ever take up column syndication, I'll buy the newspaper!

I do believe that DWTS should employ Gats to do a weekly commentary for the show for season six.

With Gats' analogies, the show would definitely shoot higher than ever in the rankings, and I for one would be ever so happy if Gats replaced that quirky host.

Eeek ! Now ... is this any way to treat those of us with DWTS withdrawal, those of us who are already lost for something invigorating to watch on this, the first Monday night of no Helio/Mel B/Marie fixes? They're airing (at 8PM) A Charlie Brown Christmas!? THEN, at 9, we get a *yikes* Barry Manilow special? Barry Manilow indeed Nothing against Charlie, I reckon ... and more than three things against Barry, I have to confess ... but is this any way to ease down we addicts .

Seems more than a little cruel to me *sigh*. I'll just go quietly off now and have a series of tics and tremors. And wait for yet another stirring rendition of "Copacabana".....

Ahhhh.... At least I could come here for a Gatsby Fix! Gats... I've been found watching the food network an extraordinary amount of time, since DWTS faded away... Agreed, no disrespect to Charlie Brown & Company... (and I'm afraid I run screaming from Manilow, too...) but the Iron Chefs were preferable...

You're right, Agnes! The ratings will go up immediately, if they put Gats on the payroll! Perhaps people might forget about some of their more unfortunate comedy segments...

Well *heck* ... what's the point in letting any moss form under our tap shoes, eh ? This spring's roster has been announced already (didn't this show just end, like, last month or something?). Anyway. I give you the scheduled hoofers:

Mario, R&B singer, dancing with Karina Smirnoff
Adam Carolla, Comedian/talk show host, w/ Julianne Hough
Cristián de la Fuente (who ?), Actor, w/ Cheryl Burke
Shannon Elizabeth, Actress/professional poker player, w/ Derek Hough
Steve Guttenberg (? - Yikes ), Actor, w/ Anna Trebunskaya
Marlee Matlin, Actress, w/ Fabian Sanchez
Penn Jillette (Yikes, Part 2), Comedic illusionist, w/ Kym Johnson
Priscilla Presley (that'd be Part 3...), Actress/enterpreneur, w/ Louis van Amstel
Monica Seles, Former tennis champion, w/ Jonathan Roberts
Jason Taylor, Football Player, w/ Edyta Sliwinska
Marissa Jaret Winokur, Actress/Singer, w/ Tony Dovolani
Kristi Yamaguchi, Ice skating champion, w/ Mark Ballas

Anybody notice who isn't on the schedule? Donnie Osmond and Celine Dion. This assures then, I reckon, that good taste occasionally prevails . Steve Guttenberg, though? Lord help us indeed...

Okay Gats, I am ready for your weekly commentary...have been looking forward to it since the last season!

The one I think will be a shoo-in is Kristi Yamaguchi. For some reason I just cannot see her losing. She is graceful on the ice and has been proven with Apolo (the speed skater), that athletes are a good shoo-in to win.

As much as I like Donny Osmond, I am very glad that he is not in the line-up. I think we all had enough of that "Osmond Smile" last season with Marie!

As for Priscilla Presley, well all I can say is the amount of botox she has watching her will sure be scary!

I'm just disappointed that Maks (Maksim Chmerkovskiy) isn't dancing this time. He's my favorite of the professionals! Word is that he is feeling a little burnt out, but will be back next season.

"Yikes" indeed to Penn Jillette! That should be amusing...

I'll also miss Maks and have to agree that Kristi Yamaguchi must have a good chance of being there at the finish.

But when does it start? I've tried watching for announcements... but haven't seen any yet... I could not bring myself to watch that team dancing/singing thing with the two judges...(chalk it up to old age... their names totally escape me at the moment!) never watched a single episode. Best news is that I upgraded my satellite television system, and now have DVR! So as soon as the season starts, I'll program it to record every episode, and won't have to worry that I might miss one!

Gats, have to agree with your "Yikes! #'s 1,2, & 3..." and JTJ, I've got high hopes for Kristi Yamaguchi, too! And its really a shame that Maxim will not be back this year... I loved his incredible egotism!

Come on, gang... let's get this season on the road!

Hiya Redwood ! The new season starts on March 17. And, I'm certain, we'll all be here (with bells on ) March 18....

Gats, I definitely will be here the next day, (with bells on!) as I am very much looking forward to your observations of the program.

Your commentary was spot on last shot out. I think we all need to get you to do the live commentary backstage after each couple dance...now that would be awesome!

I love the show. Can't wait to see the new season.
Something interesting is my mom actually had a class with Priscilla Presley.
My mom grew up in Memphis. Her side of family is from there.

Good Morning, folks ? Got those "bells" on your happy feet today? It is, after all, March 18. And "Dancing With The Stars" started their new season last night . The first half (the six guys) got things under way Monday evening. In terms of the testosterone side? Why *yep* I already have a favorite. This usually means, you know, that he'll come out NEXT week and dance like a jeep on wildly rocky terrain. But [sigh], he did pretty well last night. Actually, there were three and a half that did noticeably nicely, in my opinion. But let's have a peek at the 'other' two and a half first, eh?

He called himself 'Bigfoot'. He was exhibiting healthy self-esteem, I'd say, and was being very polite about the situation. Penn Gillette (while fun and giggly to watch) was more like Bigfoot after a few stiff Martinis saddled with even enormous-er feet. Pretty bad. But funny, so I enjoyed him anyway. Adam Corolla? He's excessively annoying, dance floors or no dance floors. Now he can stick "complete lack of gracefulness" to his adjective list. I kept hoping (and I'm not kidding) that somewhere in the middle of his "routine", he'd stop. Pop a snide joke. And publicly remove the crowbar from his butt. SO stiff and awkward and clunky-looking (despite that spectacular suit). I'd say he ought to be the first dude *out*. The "half good, half bad" one? Steve Guttenberg! He surprised me as he really wasn't bad. A bit Cary Grant-ish debonair, I thought. With me, he comes in at a disadvantage since I have a built-in dread of him, and have had for years. All I know is that, whatever he is, he is overrated when he does it . But, to be fair, he danced quite nicely.

Now to the "good" ones. That Christian guy (from "Ugly Betty", I discovered) did well. But he's Latin, better than good looking, looks like he ought to be doing unthinkably passionate things with his dance partner in private, etc. He's the "hot" one, this time, I reckon. And he cha-cha-cha-ed pretty well last night. Mario (the youngster in the pack) did well, too, but he's a rhythmically inclined R&B singer! He did great (how could he not?). I cringed, especially when he said so ~ he has last time's Sabrina written all over himself! Somebody ought to get him a T-shirt that reads: "I know I dance good! So what? I STILL need your votes, darn it!" Which leaves my fave for last - and I'm so NOT familiar with him. A football player. Jason Taylor. He has that 'Helio' factor. Not even one reason he ought to be able to dance a step. He's certainly all jumpy about that "girly" label attached to male dancers, too, ain't he ? And [please note here that I was all proud of myself for noticing "this" before Len said anything ] his posture in that fox trot was awesome. His smoothness and ease with his partner was choice. He "looked" right (skillfull, but not so slick about it to seem dubious, somehow or other). He started off in the perfect way. While people will tune in to see if Mario "will do as well as he did last week", they'll be tuning into Mr. Taylor to see "just how much better/surprising he'll be than he was last week". Back to that building a brand new fan base as opposed to just keeping the one you came into the show having. Works every time, that first agenda .

So! Anybody else watch? Or am I the lone holdout for this new round of would-be hoofing and mirror ball aspirations ?

edited for spelling - *whoops* ...

Gats, I was waiting for that! I knew you wouldn't disappoint!

Have to admit that I watched half-heartedly last night. The only two that even showed a bit of right-on potential was the football player and the Mario, the rapper. After that I turned to Deal or No Deal.

I am really looking forward to the ladies, and I am still sticking to my pre-season prediction of Yamaguchi winning the mirror-ball trophy. However, I am adding in that the two standing at the end will be Yamaguchi and the football player.

How's that for dumping myself right in it, eh?

Okay, someone has to say it, and who better than an Elvis fan...I hope Priscilla wins. She was, after all, married to the King of Rock-N-Roll.

Come on Priscilla!



Yeah, I know, I can hear you all saying, "She's had plastic surgery"..."She's had botox injections"..."She's 61 years old"..."She's never going to make it to the finals."

Hmmm. I believe our DakotaNorth may be psychic ! I, for one, was thinking about age and injections re: Priscilla. I was NOT, however, thinking *bad* things about either - just wondering how they'd "work" in her turn on the dance floor. One major other thing I had not even partly thought about was her possibly being an early front-runner at all. Guess what? I thought Miss Priscilla was entirely awesome last night. Graceful, confidant, poised AND she owned those moves she made. VERY nice! She was like two (three?) Jane Seymours, from last season, in terms of presentation. I watched that and all I could say to myself was "classy". I was happily impressed. Kristi Yamaguchi was, as expected, brilliant, don't you think? It almost seems unfair . She's so "trained" for this, by mere virtue of her vocation away from a dance flooor. She's the 'Mario' of the Ladies side, though, so that could actually work against her. Speaking of *unfair* - I admire Marlee Matlin A LOT for doing this, but I don't see HOW (based on dancing alone) she can fare too well as this contest progresses. She did very very well last night ~ but maybe I was the only one who noticed that the farther away from the proximity and rhythm of her partner, the more difficult/lumbering she appeared. I'm a purist about these matters (probably unfortunately so ). I think she deserves many dozens of gold stars for doing this show - but I invariably think the best dancers [not the most courageous or sympatico ones] should win. But I'm rooting for Marlee. *Chutzpah*! Gotta love it indeed.

I really liked Shannon Elizabeth, too. Never mind that I haven't got a clue who she is or what she's a "star" based on. Poker, or something? But, good Lord, that woman has got legs that stretch from here to Argentina! And that routine was snappy and crisp. She could do really well here - and it helps that that little teenager-looking partner of hers was one of the better choreographers from last season (or so I thought). He also drops his dance partners, as I recall . But I liked Miss Elizabeth. Her semi-anonymity to many viewers might be a problem sooner than later, though, I'm afraid.

My hunch as for the first two to get their tap shoes retired? (Hopefully) Adam Carolla and (probably) Monica Seles. Penn Gillette will be taken care of in short order NEXT week, is my guess ...

Any agreements? Disagreements? It was fun watching last night. They were ALL pretty good, in my measly opinion.

All right Gats dear, you and I are on similar pages, but I have to admit, that I dozed off when Priscilla's turn popped up. I was told from my sister, who actually watched Mrs. Botox...oops! I mean Priscilla, that she was not all that good.

I do think that the most promising of the men is R & B rapper/singer, Mario...I just think that he and Katarina have a sassy, sultry chemistry that ignites the live audience, and those of us watching them. I would love to see Katarina win it this year, as she really should have won that season not so long ago when she danced with another Mario.

I actually feel sorry for Julianne, as she is stuck with Adam Corolla (he just looks big and clunky no matter how much Julianne tries to snaz him up or wiggle around him) and will no doubt be knocked out next week.

In reality I give Marlee a lot of credit, but I doubt she will survive long on DWTS. You are right though Gats, in that she looks out of sync when not directly being led by her partner.

Something tells me that Shannon Elisabeth will be kicked to the curb next week. Although she was decent, I just don't see her going past next week.

Have to say even I was a bit dumbfounded that Yamaguchi received nines from the judges, but then again, it really was no surprise. I can clearly see Yamaguchi staying consistent and improving even more as the weeks go on.

My one worry is the Seymour fiasco from last season. If it comes to Mrs. Botox leaving or Yamaguchi, I have a sinking feeling that it will be Yamaguchi that is tossed aside like Marie Osmond's rag doll.

Oh JTJ ! did you stay awake and get to watch last night? I really hope so because, once again I found that I thought Mrs. Presley was pretty exceptional last night . I need your honest opinion, though, since I'm not sure if I trust my eyes or appraisal of her. I'm honestly pretty much shocked that she dances so well! So much the same grace as Seymour had last time, but Priscilla really jacks it up a lot more than Dr. Quinn did. Tries new stuff. Pays attention to the details, etc. Presley ain't gonna win, make no mistake there ... but she sure is a revelation.

Tonight's *go-home* night for two, eh? I think there's no hope for Monica Seles (which is really too bad - she tried very hard last night but just doesn't look right putting her body into a ballroom dance; and, somehow, I think it's not her fault at all). Certainly it has to be between Corolla and Gillette for the guys. Flip a coin (and if you'd care to cheat and call it *Heads*-Adam *Tails*-Adam, I, for one, would be fine with that). I've decided, in regards to him, there's only one thing worse than a dancer who dances so badly that the best they can do is take a time-tested dance, change the entire format of it, STILL look like hell in spats, and expect to be congratulated for the "originality" of it. Worse than that, though? Alleged comedians who are NOT funny. Not even a little bit. He's irritating (in my opinion).

The "keepers" look pretty clear, to me, right now. Things could change but the best five seem to be, without complicating it too much after just two dances: Kristi (technically perfect and she hits every visual everything almost always!), Mario (who I'm having trouble, somehow, connecting with ~ but he dances well times six), Shannon (she impresses me - kind of 'out of the blue'), Christian (really more of a 'wild card', that one - I'd put him in a tie with Marlee Matlin, except that he hears perfectly AND he'll likely grab the attention of female watchers with a Latino obsession, especially for those who wear tight pants and wiggle their rear ends shamelessly) and Jason. So early in (which means predictions really don't count, just yet) MY money is still on Jason with the Mr. Clean head. He's got all the stuff that the viewers love, I think. He dances really really well (from just an entertainment standpoint BUT ALSO in a technical sense - I purposely looked for lots of *oopses* last night, and his dance had very few). He also has that other "thing" that seems to win this show: he looks slightly flummoxed after each dance, completely baffled as to how on Earth he just managed to do what he just did. Audiences love that sense of NO entitlement .

Good to see Guttenberg doing his predictable climb on the *Aggravate Us* meter, too . Did he honestly say last night that "this show makes this world a better place"??? Good Heavens, throw him a fish. Dr. Scholl's Foot Powder makes this world a better place, too. Do we need to say so half-heartedly in front of several million people? What a cheap ploy to hustle votes. I'm pretty sure he thought, for a moment there, that he was actually Miss Nevada schmoozing the pageant judges in Atlantic City .

Anyway. Anybody else watch?

Oh yes Gats I did stay awake! And I was thoroughly impressed with Kristi, as I was last week! Jason, well all I can say is WOW! He is extensively easy on the eye, and oh man, can he dance! I foresee Kristi and Jason as the ones to stay to the end!

Kristi, is perfect or near it, because she has had extensive training for the ice and knows exactly what it takes to win. She sure as heck didn't win Olympic gold based on just whim...that woman can move!

Jason...well the footballer players in the past on DWTS have shown they can move! However, he is just so smooth, and graceful...he boggles the mind!

Gats, I do agree with your assessment of Presley, however, there is just something about her that grates seriously on my nerves, and for her having been once married to the King of Rock and Roll, I could just imagine Elvis whipping her right out the door for that dance last night...if he was still alive! I do think he would be horrified not only at what she has done to her face, but for thinking she is a sexy tamale! Just my opinion. However, I do see Priscilla lasting at least four more weeks, ant then adios!

Gillete and Corolla have got to go, although I don't want to see Julianne go! That girl can dance!

Cristin, well he thinks he is hot, and sure he is, but I do think that Cheryl will not be bringing home a trophy this year! Nope, nope, and nope.

Marlee is a big surprise! Have to say I am thoroughly impressed with this Oscar winner! There is nothing bad to say about her! Except that if she dances this well without hearing, imagine what she would be like if should could hear!

Guttenberg is the O'Hurley of this season. He is truly a wild card, and I see him lasting until about the sixth week...after that I think we will be seeing him say bye-bye.

The Tony award winner reminds me so much of Sabrina from last season and it is such a shame, but I don't see her lasting.

Mario, well, he has the attitude that he is great, which may not be the right attitude for DWTS. However, he can move, but does nothing to impress me.

My prediction: Seles and Corolla will be having their final dance tonight.

I'm needing to ask a question. On these results. They know who got the least call-in votes, that's a given. But do they *play around* with who is 'second' or 'third' in the Bottom Three? They never exactly say "you had the next-to-least amount of calls". So, does the order they tell them they're "safe" indicate the order of the tally? At least in the three in the basement. I cetainly hope not, because if it does it means that Christian got fewer votes than that painfully awful Adam did ?! I find the odds of that being *for real* most distressing. Times two. I'm not familiar with Christian, but I think he danced 1000 times better than Corolla did. But, as for the two sent home? Probably not much of a surprise in either case, I guess.

Another question: is this schtick of last year's Cameron Mathison hitting the streets of New York interviewing pedestrians going to be a weekly "feature" , I wonder. Ye Gods, let's hope not. It looks like just another excuse for him to expose various parts of his rippled torso on a functional timeline. Ugh. I think we saw enough of that last year on the show regularly, didn't we? Anyway...

Gats, I believe I heard Bergeron say that it did not necessarily mean that the others were in the bottom three, just because they were standing there with the one with the fewest votes. I may be wrong - had it recorded, but deleted it after watching it once, or I would go back and check.
Deliver me from Cameron - he annoyed me last year and I really don't want to watch him again this year!

Whew. Thank you, cinnamOn ! I am certainly relieved to hear that. I was slightly afraid (again) that the voting public had gone entirely mad...