TV Review: DANCING WITH THE STARS – Season 13 – Week 9 – “Relay Cha Cha Cha”

By PAMELA HARLAND / Contributing Editor

Posted: November 15th, 2011 / 10:37 AM

Stars: Rob Kardashian, Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez, Hope Solo
Network: ABC, airs Mondays, Tuesdays
Original Telecast: November 14^th, 2011

What a difference a week makes on DANCING WITH THE STARS! Last week J.R. Martinez and partner Karina Smirnoff were unstoppable, scoring two perfect scores. This week, not so much perfection, more like imperfections for the duo. Martinez injured his ankle and struggled throughout the entire night. His dancing, because of that, suffered severely. He placed third overall tonight behind the night’s highest scorers Ricki Lake & Derek Hough and Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke – who seem to be slowly creeping their way up the ladder. Hope Solo & Maks Chmerkovskiy placed fourth. This wasn’t the week for any hindrances. The couples had two complete dances to deliver as well as a Relay Cha Cha Cha.

The Cha Cha Cha had the couples, one after the other, dancing a portion of an instrumental. Then, the judges concurred as to who placed fourth winning an extra 4 points, third – winning an extra 6 points, second – winning an extra 8 points and who placed first – winning an extra 10 points. In the dance relay, Kardashian rose to the top for the first time. Lake placed second. Martinez was third and Solo was last. One week to the finals – it’s obvious who the judges want to go home, but do the fans agree?

Rob Kardashian (reality star) and his partner Cheryl Burke
He can move those hips! Len Goodman just smiled. Carrie Ann Inaba thought his Samba was amazing. Bruno Tonioli told him to keep going!
Inaba – 10, Goodman – 9, Tonioli – 9, Harland – 9

Hope Solo (Soccer Olympian) and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
There was too long of a build up and not enough content. Goodman thought she showed some attitude in her Paso Doble. Tonioli said it was unchained and unattained. Inaba said Solo nailed the character.
Inaba – 7, Goodman – 7, Tonioli – 7, Harland – 8

J.R. Martinez (U.S. veteran/actor) and his partner Karina Smirnoff
He was rough and masculine. Goodman was disappointed; saying the Paso Doble didn’t suit him. Tonioli said he could feel the thrill and excitement. Inaba thought his posture suffered this time around.
Inaba – 8, Goodman – 7, Tonioli – 8, Harland – 8

Ricki Lake (TV host/actress) and her partner Derek Hough
A well done, solid performance. Goodman thought her Samba was fabulous. Tonioli was dazzled. Inaba said it was beyond her expectations.
Inaba – 10, Goodman – 10, Tonioli – 10, Harland – 9

Hope Solo (Soccer Olympian) and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
She looks like she is going to sleep on his shoulder. Inaba liked the fluidity. Tonioli said she was sexy. Goodman applauded all the content in her Argentine Tango.
Inaba – 8, Goodman – 8, Tonioli – 8, Harland – 8

J.R. Martinez (U.S. veteran/actor) and his partner Karina Smirnoff
He was smooth. Goodman thought his Argentine Tango had mood and intensity. Inaba said he commanded the floor. Tonioli thought it was incredible.
Inaba – 9, Goodman – 9, Tonioli – 9, Harland – 9

Rob Kardashian (reality star) and his partner Cheryl Burke
He keeps sticking out his butt! Goodman thought his Argentine Tango was a strong performance. Tonioli called him a leading man. Inaba said that was some good dancing.
Inaba – 9, Goodman – 9, Tonioli – 9, Harland – 9

Ricki Lake (TV host/actress) and her partner Derek Hough
She looked good! Inaba thought she showed a core strength in her Argentine Tango. Goodman loved it! Tonioli said she danced fearlessly.
Inaba – 9, Goodman – 10, Tonioli – 10, Harland – 9

Who will go home? If it isn’t Hope Solo, I will be shocked. Stay strong J.R.! Stay tuned.

UPDATE: TV Review – DANCING WITH THE STARS – Season 13 – Week 9 Elimination

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