No Kelly, fewer problems?

Following the crazy confrontation between Abby and Kelly on Dance Moms Season 4 Episode 7, the latter was barred from the studio this week and viewers were left to wonder:

Who would feel Abby's wrath next?!?

Watch Dance Moms Season 4 Episode 8 Online

She was actually in a pleasant mood to kick off Dance Moms Season 4 Episode 8, as Kira and Kalani came on board the team, replacing Brooke and Paige.

At pyramid, meanwhile, Mackennzie is warned she could be next, while Kalani is at the top right off the bat. Drama!

On the docket for this week is Virginia's FIERCE National Dance and Abby doles out the assignments: a solo for Nia; a duet for Chloe and Maddie; and also one for the two newbies.

Mackenzie won't be involved in any special dance because she is recording two tracks in Los Angeles, much to the happiness of Melissa.

This mother then invites other over for wine and cheese, but Christi both turns her down and makes a comment about her multiple affairs. Damn. Low blow!

Mackenzie isn't doing too well, either, with Abby overseeing her singing and telling her she needs more fire, more personality. And… wait… is she rapping?!? She leaves the recording studio displeased.

While their daughters rehearse, the moms wonder about Kelly. Does she want to return, Holly asks? Christi doesn't really answer. Did she get in trouble with the police? Christi is silent again.

It's time for the competition. Kalani and Kendall do okay, though the latter is tentative, while Chloe performs solidly but Maddie seems off.

Nia, sadly, cries in the dressing room after her headpiece falls off. This, naturally, leads to Abby going off on Christi for doing a poor job with it and taking away all solos from Nia.

In conclusion, the group dance wins first prize, meaning Kalani will be sticking around at least one more week. But Abby can't end an episode with good news, of course: she tells the moms that Kelly has been arrested and they should stop asking about her coming back.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.