Dancing with the Stars: Episode 714

Kicking off the night, Warren Sapp and Kym's foxtrot wasn't on par with their other dances of the season.  Back from holiday, Len thought it lacked elements of a classic foxtrot.  Heavy, flat footed and uneasy, this just wasn't the typical Warren performance that we've become accustomed to!  A score of 21 left Warren enjoying his winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Susan Lucci and Tony got into a bit of a tiff rehearsing their paso doble this week.  Teary eyed when Tony tried tough love, Susan didn't respond with the aggression and frustration Tony was hoping to conjure up and channel into their dance.  I thought Susan still looked much too hesitant and fixated on Tony for guidance.  The paso should be commanding, but Susan once again lacked conviction in her movements.  Nevertheless, the judges were surprisingly impressed, sending Susan home with a score of 24.

After last week's emotionless Viennese waltz, Maurice Greene and Cheryl had a lot riding on their cha cha.  The pressure of redemption added to a hyper-extended leg made it a hard week for Maurice to trust his instincts.  Luckily, he bounced back just in time and delivered a fun performance with strong form and great rhythm.  The dance was like cheap jewelry according to Len, sparkly although not always the best quality.  Despite his questionable compliment, Len dished out a 9, leaving Maurice and Cheryl with a score of 25.

Stepping out with his temporary partner, Edyta, Cody Linley definitely seemed to miss Julianne.  While it was a good dance, Edyta's choreography is much different than what Cody's used to.  He didn't quite seem comfortable with the frou frou elements of the Viennese waltz, and Len and Burno picked up on his clumsiness.  However, Carrie Ann provided some relief noting that Cody was confident enough to try out new techniques.  A score of 22 barely topped Warren and Kym.

Lance Bass and Lacey jived their way to the top of leader board last week, but frustrations ran high when deciding whether or not to dance the rumba barefoot (Lance's broken toe = negativity in Lacey's eyes).  They ultimately decided to go for it, a decision Bruno and Carrie Ann applauded.  Len, however, didn't get the point of no shoes and thought they looked flat footed and silly.  L&L walked away with a score of 25.

Brooke Burke needed to get back on track after coming in slightly below the bar last week.  Despite battling issues with her foot, Brooke delivered an elegant and fluid foxtrot.  The judges all agreed it was perfection, awarding her the first 30 of the season.

In another first for the season, the couples had to also cooperate together for their score.  Split into two teams of three couples, each group performed together for a respective score that was added to their individual score from earlier in the night.  Up first, team cha cha was comprised of Susan and Tony, Cody and Edyta and Lance and Lacey.  Susan was definitely the weak link here, terribly out of sync and lacking confidence.  Cody fared a little better but lost points for counting out his steps.  Saving the day, Lance and Lacey swept in and delivered a strong bookend to an otherwise sloppy, off beat group effort.

Not up against much, team paso doble easily wowed thanks to Warren and Kym, Brooke and Derek and Maurice and Cheryl.  They blew away team cha cha right off the bat with their unity and spot on choreography; however, Len pointed out that it's much easier to keep unison in a marching dance than in a cha cha.  In addition to great team moments, this group went three for three in the solo department, earning them an impressive score of 29.

Due to the election (vote, vote, vote my little dancers!), the 'Results' show will air on Wednesday of this week.