Dancing with the Stars: (Episode 712)

What's been touted as the most injury-prone lot in Dancing with the Stars history, once again lived up to its name Monday night.  Two-time champion Julianne Hough (and partner to Cody Linley) joined the casualty ranks when she revealed she'd immediately be leaving the show to undergo surgery as a result of endrometriosis.  Also making headlines, Lance Bass staged a comeback, and Brooke Burke's foot injury gave her a great excuse for falling out of first place.

After impressing the judges with his salsa gyrating last week, Maurice Greene failed to live up to expectations with his Viennese waltz.  A serious lack of chemistry with partner Cheryl was cited by the judges as the main issue at hand, and who could blame Maurice?  I wouldn't be crushin' on my partner either if she was always on my case!  A score of 21 bumped Maurice back down to the bottom of the leader board.

Lance Bass had quite the turnaround from last week.  Lacey's slap on the wrist did the trick; she choreographed a great routine that showcased Lance and played to his strengths.  Campy is his schtick, and the jive allowed him to bounce, shake and highlight some crisp footwork.  A score of 27 boosted L&L to the top of the charts.

Susan, Susan, Susan.  Your nervous routine last week almost got you axed and yet you shelled out another timid showing Monday night.  I wasn't fooled by your shimmies or tiger growls (god help me); it doesn't matter what you do out on the dance floor if you don't look 100% confident doing it!  Micheal Flatley (a.k.a. LORD OF THE DANCE!) filled in for head judge Len Goodman, and was far too nice to the washed up soap star, calling her "intoxicating."  A score of 23 placed Susan in a two-way tie for forth place.

Brooke Burke lost a day of rehearsals due to a strained tendon in her right foot.  Although the doctor advised she take a full seven days off (and I advise her to ditch the toe ring!), Brooke hit the dance studio with partner Derek to practice their samba.  Michael was again very generous to the pretty lady, saying he hoped his scorecard would be big enough for Brooke's score (he gave her a perfect 10, natch).  But after watching closely all season, Carrie Ann and Bruno weren't afraid to fess up that this samba wasn't Brooke's strongest showing.  A 26 placed Brooke just one point shy of Lance and a first-place finish.

Cloris Leachman, if this isn't your week to go home, I may just loose my faith in this entire show.  Her cha cha was typical, full of schnanigans and a careless attitude.  However, I did enjoy Corky sneaking in a tiny homage to Mr. Flatley with some fancy kicks.  At least Carrie Ann kept it real with her critique, bluntly saying it makes her sad to have lost Toni Braxton so Cloris could deliver a lowbrow cha cha.  Fives across the board left Cloris once again sittin' at the bottom of the leader board.

Due to time lost from Julianne's hospital visit, Cody Linley had to really focus his energies in rehearsals this week.  And while he hit every single move of his samba, he unfortunately did it was an intensity better suited for the paso doble.  Bruno's skillful eye noted there was no bounce or exuberance, and Michael gently said he's not convinced this is the best Cody can produce.  With Julianne heading into surgery Tuesday morning, Edyta (eliminated week one with partner Jeffrey Ross) will step in to train Cody.  A 23 unfairly tied this duo with Susan and Tony.

Performing last, Warren Sapp gave the rumba his usual dose of dedication and drama.  Warren and Kym didn't disappoint, but it didn't exactly thrill either.  We need another routine on par with their Matrix'd out paso doble, stat!  All the judges agreed they would have liked to have seen more content but complimented Warren on his sensitivity and ability to get into character.  A 25 left Warren and Kym in third place.

Capping off the night was a group hip hop number choreographed by the renowned Shotyme.  In short, I was embarrassed for the celebs as they were visibly uncomfortable with the routine.  Susan forgot all but a few steps, Brooke watched her feet the entire time, everyone's latex leggings scared the crap out of me and Cloris rolled around with a blacked-out tooth and gold chains on.  W-o-w.