Close your eyes and step away from the sequins. It's over. In what I found to be a huge upset, Emmitt Smith has been crowned champion of the third season of Dancing With the Stars. He got more viewer votes than the very talented Mario Lopez after tying him in the judges' votes. I really wanted Mario to win because he was far and away so much better. I find it so sad that the dancer that finished at the top of the leaderboard almost every week was the one that lost. Mario had more than style, though, because his charisma and perfect dancing should have given him the win. Sure. Emmitt's a good dancer. But Mario was more technically polished and was fluid, cool, and always fun.
Finale week was a bit underwhelming compared to the past few sessions. With just two competitors, going back and forth between similar dances got to be tedious. Tuesday night, Emmitt and Mario both performed a samba to the same song. Mario pulled off some very impressive samba rolls, yet somehow received only a 20/30 because according to Len he missed a step. I guess Len missed when Emmitt did the same thing at the beginning yet gave him a perfect score. Both guys then repeated a favorite dance from earlier in the season, which allowed Bruno to use the phrase ''sun-baked Spanish plains'' regarding Mario's paso doble. At least I think he said that. It was obvious on Tuesday that Bruno really liked Mario.
Then there were the freestyles. Considering the inordinate amount of hype they had leading up to the freestyles, I was disappointed with Emmitt and Cheryl. They recycled an M.C. Hammer video, which was simply awful. However, the judges nearly crapped themselves trying to contain their praise. Len called Emmitt his ''dancing hero'' and awarded them a 29/30 which they did not deserve. Mario and Karina's homage to the 80s was simply perfect and fun. Now that is what a perfect score looks like.
Then on the finale I would have to admit that I loved the obligatory Loved Ones Montages for both finalists. The best part: George Lopez remarking that Mario had finally gotten people to forget Saved by the Bell about three seconds after Elizabeth Berkley appeared on screen. Even though I did not want them to win, I do like Emmitt and Cheryl and I thought it was great when they were thanking each other. I remember Cheryl saying something earnest and sweet, but before we could absorb that nice moment, Emmitt slammed us with exceedingly heartfelt lines of his own. I also thought that Mario and Karina's tributes to each other were just as powerful.
We also got to see all of the booted contestants again last night for a big reunion in which they danced in two heats. Vivica must have been pissed to be second-string. I am also sure that the entire time Shanna Moakler was up there, most of America wanted to reach through their screens and hug her for having punched Paris Hilton. Monique executed about 50 steps for everyone else's 10, but it looked great. Harry Hamlin made multiple facial expressions! Even Tucker Carlson showed up to smirk heavily.
And then came the announcement. I had to admit that when I saw them all standing there, that I knew Mario would lose, although I still kept some glimmer of hope. He deserved to win not because he is hot, but because he was the better dancer. All that was lost when Tom announced that Emmitt and Cheryl won and presented them with that ugly disco ball trophy. So here ended another season in disappointment. Oh well, now the wait begins for season four!
Mario was robbed! Ok, I'm done.
2 comments:
Ok.. I have to disagree with you on a few items Jay. I think the reason that Mario lost is because, true he is the better dancer no doubt about that but I think the show focus on who made the best improvement from the beginning of the show until the end. I think if Mario would have come into the compentation not being as good as he was and then did some of the moves he performed he would have had a better chance.
True I think Vivica was upset to be second string but I think they went in the order they were eliminated (not sure but I think that's how they picked them).
And doing the Finally did you see how Mario's partner reacted. You can tell she was upset about not winning and it showed not only in her facial expression but also in her speech when she said that "I'm standing next to the best male dancer here". They quickly cut the camara / mic away from her.
Oh I have to disagree with you about the free style dance. I thought Emmitt did a great job. True it was a rip off of MC Hammer but it was a good rip off. I thoght Marios routine was boring and not exciting at all. I was expecting a LOT more from him considering his talent.
All in all it was a very entertaining season and I can't wait until next year.
Let's face it... When it gets to the end of the season, it's all about the viewers' votes. And we do get influenced not only by the star, but by the professional partner.
I guarantee that if Mario and Cheryl were partners, he'd have won hands down.
I also think that there was an aura coming from Emmitt that showed he was having more fun. Mario looked nervous and sometimes downright scared when the judges were commenting on him, while throughout the season, Emmitt emoted happiness and confidence.
I'm just curious who will be up next, especially since the guys have a huge lead...
I also think they need to do 2 separate tracks - and crown a male and a female dancer.
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