The first injury of the season emerged from “Monster Night” on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Xochitl Gomez appeared to have injured her ankle after a contemporary dance and had to be carried to the judges. She waved it off, however, and managed to score in the “Monster-Thon” dance marathon that followed. The result: She was clearly at the top of the leader board. Great scores and a presumed injury? It doesn’t get better than that, particularly since any edge can make a difference.
Frequently at the top of the game, Gomez could be one of the final three.
One who isn’t: Mauricio Umansky, who pulled out a 31 for his Argentine Tango, but was eliminated at the end of the night.
Now, it seems, we’re seeing the rules of this year’s game:
1. Contemporary dances let the celebrities do whatever and get fairly good scores (no one knows what they’re trying and they don’t have to hold to any rules).
2. High scores for unlikely recipients could spell exit visa. Umansky is a prime example. The judges usually want to leave the stars on a high, so they say nice things. But that could be a chancy spot to be in.
3. “Improvement” is just a way for judges to sound supportive. Some of the worst dancers are told they are better than they were the previous week. They’re not, but it plays well.
4. “Extend your arms,” “finish your moves,” “stay on the beat.” These are phrases the judges toss in to sound like they’re offering positive criticism. They’re not. They’re just saying they don’t see improvement.
5. Rumors play into the game: Umansky’s extra-curriculars, Harry Jowsey’s dejection, Rylee Arnold’s sister.
While Gomez and Ariana Madix had the best scores (they tied in the individual dances at 37), Jason Mraz was right up there with them with a 36.
What comes into play at this point – the halfway mark in the season – is social engagement. Those influencers have clout (thus, Jowsey hangs in); older dancers tend to peel off. Because Madix had a devastating season on “Vanderpump Rules,” she holds the sympathy card and could move up if the audience factors that in.
Charity Lawson was a player earlier in the season but sits in fourth now and could lose the bump that comes from “The Bachelorette.”
Destined to leave: Alyson Hannigan, Barry Williams and, possibly Lele Pons.
“Monster Night” brought Niecy Nash-Betts to the judging panel (which was fun) and a looser format with fewer contestants. As the field narrows, look for more behind-the-scenes packages and a longer farewell for the departing.
