Don’t be surprised if Alyson Hannigan wins “Dancing with the Stars.”
Even though she’s not the best dancer, the judges set her up for the dramatic “we’re not eliminating anyone” announcement at the end of Tuesday’s show.
That means someone they’d earmarked to be the winner probably had lower scores and would have prompted cries of vote-tampering if he or she was dropped.
So, when the announcement came, it was clear: another Bobby Bones winner could emerge.
Hannigan, who crafted a goodbye speech assuming she was going to leave, touched on the growth aspect of the show and the people who were so supportive. She didn’t namecheck the “How I Met Your Mother” faithful or the “American Pie” stans, but you could bet she’s indebted to those audiences. Thus, a Top Five finalist spot – a first for the reality competition.
If she is eliminated early on next week, look for the battle to be between Ariana Madix and Xochtil Gomez. They’ve gotten the best reviews from the judges and more than a little outside pull. Madix has that big “Vanderpump Rules” following (and a storyline that painted her as the victim of a relationship gone bad); Gomez is part of the Marvel Universe (which, like “Dancing,” is a Disney property).
The two who are trailing, Jason Mraz and Charity Lawson, really deserve to be in the top two. Both have had their stumbles but they’re cleaner dancers and able to show growth.
The top four have been lavished with 10s (even though some weren’t warranted) and praised for their a) growth, b) ability to come back, c) journey; d) emotional strength. It’s all part of a playbook that we’ve seen oh these many seasons. Somebody is great the first week, then stumbles the next. An injury follows and then there’s the comeback. The judges marvel at their ability to rise from the ashes and, soon, they’re competing for the mirror-ball trophy.
It's not hard to track this stuff. But what most viewers don’t see is the kinds of dances the contestants are given. Sometimes “jazz” and “contemporary” are ways to get them better scores. They have no real rules, just a way to tap into whatever the “star” has faced in life. That prompts tears and high scores.
The waltz is pretty straightforward, too. Throw in a little fog, some mood lighting and a twirly dress and it can get good results.
The tough dances – like the jive, the foxtrot, the rumba and the quickstep -- can be altered to meet the celebrity’s shortcomings. A quickstep in the wrong hands can easily be a slow walk around the dance floor.
Inevitably, someone develops a sprain or suffers a fall and there’s a fear the competition is over. That fuels the “story” and brings the sympathy votes.
Marital problems (Mauricio Umansky), relationship betrayals (Madix), personal enlightenment (Mraz) all figure into the “at-home” balloting.
So, what does that mean for next week’s finals and the first winner of the Len Goodman trophy?
All season long, the judges have invoked their late colleague’s name.
Tuesday, Gomez executed a dance that “would have pleased Len,” which says she’s the one they’re positioning for the win.
If so, here’s how it will go: 1. Gomez, 2. Madix, 3. Lawson, 4. Mraz, 5. Hannigan. If one of the five says he or she is joining the “Dancing with the Stars” tour, the final placement could be up for grabs.
It's anyone's game but watch Hannigan. She's the spoiler.
