What would we ever do without Tom Bergeron and Samantha Whatsherface to keep us entertained between the Paso Dobles and the Cha Chas on “Dancing with the Stars?” His sometimes witty patter and her inane interviewing style are all we need to keep our brains nice and mushy during the entire two hour marathon. That is, if all the stars are actually able to make it to the taping of the show. Because this season in particular, it seems like there is a new devastating injury a week that will either hinder a contestant, or throw them out of the competition altogether.The cynical side of me even wonders if perhaps the accidents are now built into the contracts, as a sure fire way to keep ratings up and viewers interested. If you twist an ankle, you get featured in a special segment and sympathy votes are sure to come your way by the millions. Especially if you manage to keep yourself upright for the entire minute and a half routine, or faint right afterwards like Marie Osmond did so cleverly a few seasons back. When octogenarian Cloris Leachman was on the show, she never sustained an injury. Well, not a life-threatening physical injury anyway. But her ridiculous antics and constant need for attention forever changed my view of her as a consummate professional.
And even though the casualties keep coming, there’s never a fear that the dancing will be over any time soon. For waiting in the wings is a never-ending collection of has-beens, wanna-bes, and whotheheckaretheys to step in at a moment’s notice to take their place. I mean, honestly, the nude guy from the shower scene in the “Sex and the City” movie? Does he really qualify as a star? Does anyone even know his name? I mean, I know the term “star” is totally overused for contestants like that Jilted Woman from “The Bachelor,” but when one nude scene qualifies you for stardom, there’s something definitely wrong with our value system.
But that’s just me. What do you think about the current crop on “Dancing with the Stars”?
As a special added bonus, I have included a “Dog Days” clip that features one dog’s dreams of someday being on the show. To watch the one minute video, please click on the photo below.
8 comments:
We haven't watched the show since Mario Lopez (oh yum!) ws on. Too much filler, too many commercials, too boring for words. Wait I lie - this week we watched for 20 minutes - didn't know anyone on the show and no one can dance (that we saw).
BTW - caught the newest cat clips on You Tube - laughed out loud - Good One! Waiting for next episode. I love these!
Aww, Henson...I LOVE Dancing With The Stars...no plot, no story line, no need to concentrate...We "rocking chair jockeys" love that stuff. But, that's just my opinion.
I notice that you must watch DWTS often enough to comment-soooo. I love it! Also, I wonder if it were a WOMAN who won fame for a nude scene in a movie, that you might be more of a fan. I had never heard of that Giles guy either, but--WOW! Can he--ummmm--dance!
Grace--I thought Donny Osmond was supposed to be on this season...but I guess he was beat out by more popular celebrities like...well, I guess I'm not sure who...P.S. Glad you're enjoying the Cat Clips...
Judy--Did I say I didn't like it? I find it quite comforting...like watching old episodes of Lawrence Welk...you just get dulled into this sense of peace and tranquility...It's silly, stupid, and yet, when an underdog of the pack suddenly improves over last week's efforts, you can't help but feel happy for him/her. And in this day and age, having anyone to root for is actually a good thing...
Patricia--Yes, I watch it all the time. I wasn't trying to give the impression that I didn't watch it...if for nothing else than to have something to talk about from time to time on this blog. I think Giles was included to get the Mario crowd back to the dance hall. As I imagine Holly Madison was put on to make sure some of her clothing fell off. (Can you say "wardrobe malfunction"?) Anyway, thanks for stopping by.
I've never watched the show, and I'm not watching it this year, either.
But, my friend at work LOVES it... so, I'm watching vicariously through her this season because I like Ty Murray. (yes, I'm a total hilljack and I luuurve bull riding.) I like Jewel, too (they're married), but I guess she got injured before the season started. Guess she didn't get the memo about the sympathy votes :)
I have never thought about it being in their contracts, but you may well have a valid point. After all, what reality show is really real? For instance, my mom has been freaking out for several weeks now over Jon & Kate Plus Eight. Are they getting a divorce? Is the show going off the air? Have I seen anything on the internet? I keep telling her that the whole fight/breakup/rumors of infidelity are probably staged for ratings sake. There's nothing like a cliff hanger to keep you guessing until next season. I also told her that, as much money as TLC is making off of the couple, they'd probably pay them to stay together.
Meanwhile, there is the Dancing with the Stars Curse. It's landing people like Steve-O, who has done stunt after stunt uninjured on Jackass, in the hospital. Can that many injuries really be happening? I took ballet for eight years, and the only injury that I got was blisters on my toes.
I wouldn't be surprised if 10 years from now E does a Hollywood True Story on the show, and we find out the curse was just a publicity stunt.
They should just hire me for that show. I am not a star, but since the title of the show is "Dancing WITH the stars" I could be the one who "Withs". I can get myself injured quite easily and by complete accident, so I do believe I would be the perfect candidate. I do own a pair of blue suede shoes, so they would have to be put on notice.
SpeakDog--Have to say, I've never heard of Ty Murray before, but he's turning into one of the biggest surprises on the show. Very committed and a pleasure to watch as he grows into his dancing feet.
Staci--I was of course being somewhat sarcastic in my assumption about the show's growing "accident" quota...but we all know reality shows are about 30% reality and 70% scripted...or something like that...so nothing would surprise me when it comes to publicity or gaining an audience...
VintageGent---wow, blue suede shoes...I've always wanted to see one of those close up...
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