So in tonight’s special episode of Dancing With the Stars, entitled “Road to the Finals,” we got a more in-depth look as viewers into the three pairs left dancing for the Mirrorball trophy: Noah and Sharna, Riker and Allison, and Rumer and Val. I felt myself split on how much I liked the episode. On the one hand, it was entirely pre-recorded video packages, and for a show like Dancing, I would like some part of the show to be live. In fact, they even had one of the segments watching another segment! On the other hand, it was some new things that the fans of the show could appreciate.
Going from the end to the beginning, the last segment was asking the other professionals who they thought was going to win. Again, they all just said how the winner can’t make any mistakes on Monday night, and they have to have great chemistry with their partner. However, no one actually said they’d like Noah (for example!) to win the finale. I did hear some interesting comments, though. Witney, Chris’ partner, said, “Noah is the strongest. Riker is the most unique. Rumer has the most stage presence. This is going to be the most intense finale of Dancing With the Stars.” Tony, Susanne’s partner, elaborated when he said, “In twenty seasons, I’ve never seen this type of competition.” That’s true. Each of these finalists brings something so different to the table, and we as the viewers can’t just compare them based on dancing alone. We have to look at everything the stars are bringing to the table before we vote for one as opposed to another.
The three pairs were individually interviewed beforehand. These was a combination of segments we’ve seen in past episodes and new ones. Each of these new segments included favorite dances, breakthrough moments, judges’ comments on the dancers, and fan questions. I picked out my favorite bits from each segment:
– In an extension of their interview with Rumer’s mom, she said, “It has nothing to do with her being my kid or Bruce’s kid. It has everything to do with who she is.” Bruno also stated, “Rumer found her identity on this show.” That’s true. Before this show, I just knew that Bruce Willis had daughters. Now I know that one is an incredible dancer! Also, who in their right mind would call her ugly?
– Riker: Carrie Ann stated it best when she said, “Riker is so exciting because he is the ‘now’ of Dancing With the Stars.” I took that in two ways. I know that she meant that he is unique and embodies that aspect of the show, but I also understood it to mean more old people than less are watching. Having Riker on the show is a way to get that younger demographic watching.
– Noah: I’m going to vote based on the performances in the finale. What I can’t deny, however, is that every time you see Noah and Sharna talking, you feel like you got to know him a little bit more. For example, did you know that Noah’s contemporary dance is the most watched video on Dancing With the Stars history? Also, he enjoys talking with other veterans since he’s been on the show, despite the fact that he’s “on a different mission now.”
All that’s left now is the finale! See you Monday night, and if you’re really need a Tom Bergeron fix, make sure to catch him in his last America’s Funniest Home Videos tomorrow at 7 p.m.!
[Photo credit: Adam Taylor/ABC]
Follow Us
