It is time now for season 8’s finale. We’ve got another dance from the finalist, a reunion of the rest of the stars this season, and we will find out who the winner is. All this “crammed” into two hours. Let’s get started.
Of course, we start with recaps. After looking at last night, we get encores from the booted couples and updates from them. I know I normally complain about filler on the results shows, but if we have to have it, this is much better than random singers and pros dancing. And it gave us a great quote from Tom: “It’s it amazing how a stroll down memory lane can make you delusional?”
35 minutes in, they announced the results of the pick a pro contest. And that went to Anna Demidova. Based on last week alone, she deserves to be here next season. I would say the judges swung the competition in her favor last week, but I felt she was the better dancer before I even heard them commenting on the dances.
About the hour mark, Jeffrey Ross came out for what I have a feeling will be a new tradition, the roast of the final three. That is after taking jabs at Tom, the judges, and the rest of the cast. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. I know I did.
An hour and twenty minutes in we finally get back to the actual competition for tonight. The stars got to pick one of their dances to do again. Gilles and Melissa picked dances they got 30’s on. Shawn went with a dance where she got a 28. How will this all play out? (And am I bad about these teasers or what?)
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas – Cha Cha – To be honest, this didn’t look familiar. But I’m not complaining in the slightest because it looked great. Personality, sharp, perfect, at least in my book. Len said the longer she went the stronger she got, injecting personality tonight. Bruno called her cute, saucy, and sexy. Carrie Ann says she was underestimated early on but deserves to be where she is now.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani – Samba – Yes, this is the dance that started with her solo on the stage. This is the party dance, and they have recaptured the fun of their first performance here. At this point, a mistake has to be pretty blatant for me to see it, and I didn’t see anything wrong here. Bruno called it more appetizing on the second go around and he wants more helpings. (Which makes Tom say he has creepy down completely.) Carrie Ann calls Melissa Tony’s muse. Len said the dance was fantastic.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke – Argentine Tango – I find it interesting that he is the only one to do a Ballroom dance when his Latin dances were more praised (if not better scored). But I’m glad to get to see this one again. It is still absolutely hot, and I love the leg work. This is the kind of routine that makes me want to get back on the dance floor. Carrie Ann praised the artistry he brings to the floor. Len says that Gilles brings him the most pleasure to watch this season. Bruno calls it an Argentine Triumph.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30
Which means tonight’s dances mean nothing, and the rankings stayed the same from last night. Gilles and Shawn are tied for first while Melissa is two points behind them. And that means the viewer votes are the only thing that will truly decide the outcome.
And the couple in third is Melissa & Tony. Considering she only had two days to rehearse before her first performance, this is nothing to be ashamed of. I would have preferred to see her in second, but this is still good.
We get another commercial break.
When we come back, we find out that less than one percentage points separated first and second. More scary music. More pausing. And then they tell us the winners are…
Shawn & Mark
Well, the Olympian boost helps again. So far, all the Olympians who have made the finals have won. And Mark has a second win under his belt.
Gilles was a very gracious second place. Yes, I am very disappointed he didn’t win since I’ve been openly rooting for him for weeks now.
But I honestly have to say that I do feel all three stars deserved to be here. They were all good dancers. So while I am not thrilled with this outcome, I am happy with it.
Well, that pretty much wraps it up for me. Feel free to stop by my blog any time and see what’s going on.
I was a bit shocked too, but not really disappointed. Gilles was better than Shawn earlier on in the season, but Shawn kept improving more and more every week. She really did peak last night, and I’m glad the viewers rewarded her for it. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Gilles was fantastic too, but I am glad Shawn won.
Oh and my votes? Three went for Gilles, two went for Shawn.
I still don’t think that Shawn was at Gilles’ level. I actually voted on Monday night, all for Gilles. So I was part of how close it was.
Hoenstly, though, I think I was rooting for Cheryl more than Gilles. Or maybe I shouldn’t be admitting that.
Needless to say I was disappointed. But, any of the three finalists were deserving to win. I just preferred Gilles style. I do not think Shawn, Melissa or Gilles will have any unemployment problems in the near future!
I was happy to see that Anna was picked as the new pro for next season. I do wonder if Mayo will also be offered a job?
It has been fun ‘talking’ with you this season Mark, and I hope you will be back in the Fall with the new season. Many thanks, JoAnne
Like you, I was disappointed. But all three of the finalists deserved their spot.
I’ve enjoyed your comments as well. I’m actually not planning on being back in the fall. Life is just too busy for these recaps, which take quite a bit of time. But I will still be watching the show, so hopefully someone will take over for me and I can comment on their posts.
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