Thud…Oh Crap! on Dancing with the Stars

Marie Osmond started this week’s Dancing with the Stars in grand fashion, collapsing after doing her samba. While getting their first critique from Len Goodman, Osmond fainted which she later admitted as being somewhat a common recurrence. When gaining consciousness, her first words were “Oh crap!” It’s a good thing she didn’t see their scores of all 7s.

While I doubt Marie’s fall was a staged gimmick, it probably saved her and Jonathan from elimination this week. I mean who’s going to cut her after undergoing a mild medical problem? This spells bad news for Mark Cuban and partner Kym Johnson who also received a combined score of 21.

First off though, I must say that Cuban is a smart, smart man. No duh, he’s a gagillionaire, but did you see his strategy this week? Mark knows he’s outskilled in the technicalities of dancing so instead he’s trying to change the game where he can then succeed. Cuban brings in the fun factor even for a sensual samba. And yes, he went there. He did the I Dream of Genie getup with Genie Kym Johnson doing things pre-pubescent boys dreamed about. Along with Joey Fatone’s Princess Leia as Jabba the Hut’s prisoner routine (also with Kym Johnson), I Dream of Genie has got to rank up there in guy fantasies. So while still doing the proper dance, Cuban brought in other facets to be competitive.

Also, I might have missed it due to a brainfart, but I admire how Cuban doesn’t pull stunts with a celebrity support cast. For each star dancer, eventually you see other celebrities in their corner rooting for them. Jennie Garth has Ian Ziering from 90210. Marrie has her brother Donnie, Mel B has the obligatory Spice Girls, and I think there was a Cheetah Girl or two in the audience, but I haven’t seen a member of the Dallas Mavericks in the audience or as part of Cuban’s dance training. It’s always his family. Instead of relying on stars to bring in extra votes, Mark continues to feature and rely on his family for support. Very admirable I say.

Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas continue to show no weaknesses no matter the style of dance. Helio Castroneves’ smile is Samson’s hair and the source of his strength. Take away his smile and there goes his dancing ability. Helio and Julianne Hough might actually land in the bottom two this week which might be a mixed blessing. I’m guessing Mark Cuban will be eliminated, and Helio and Julianne will receive compensating fan support in the following weeks.

Related: DWTS Season 5 Recap

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