Dancing With the Stars Review: May The Odds Be Ever In Willow's Favor
Ashley Bissette Sumerel
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The "Most Memorable Year" is almost always one of my favorite themes.
On Dancing With the Stars Season 20 Episode 4, the contestants danced to music inspired by their most memorable year, and it brought out a lot of emotion.
What's nice about this theme is that it gives us a chance to finally get to know the contestants a bit better. Whether they're well-known celebrities or ones we actually weren't familiar with, this theme gives them a chance to show their personalities and talk about their backgrounds.
Even Len pointed out that he has to judge on the dancing regardless of the emotion behind it. I can definitely see that as being a struggle, because watching from home it's hard to not root for every single contestant this week.
They tell such personal and emotional stories – the loss of loved ones, broken family relationships, and personal struggles are all the kinds of stories that bring about tears, and they all make the dances meaningful regardless of whether or not they are skilled.
It was Suzanne and Tony's dance, which was dedicated to John Ritter and called "the dance that Chrissy and Jack never got to have," that brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of my childhood. I loved that the setup looked just like Three's Company, and when the song came on I was transported to the home I grew up in, when I'd watch old episodes of the show with my mom.
One of the things that I love so much about Dancing With the Stars in general is that it has the ability to evoke that kind of nostalgia. I'm always most excited when the contestants are cast members from shows I watched as a kid, and it's even better when they honor those specifically.
Also among my favorites this week was Willow and Mark. As a fan of The Hunger Games, I was thrilled to see that their dance was inspired by the films – and it was beautiful. The dance itself was incredibly well done and fascinating to watch (it earned the highest score of the season) but the effects and the story were also great. The films were captured very well. Can we please get an encore performance of this one?
I can't handle how amazing Noah Galloway is, and I think it's even more remarkable that he went completely shirtless for this dance, leaving himself totally exposed. The moment when Len asked everyone in the room to stand an applaud only made things more emotional. Wow. Just wow.
More time was spent on results this week, thankfully, though it was still handled in an odd sort of way. I feel bad for any couple who is told they are in jeopardy just before they take the dance floor.
As for the elimination, Michael and Peta were sent home this week. While I'm sad to see Michael go (someone whose story is also incredibly inspiring), I admit it's probably the fair choice. And he left with grace.
Other Thoughts:
- Artem is quickly becoming one of my favorite pros. He's so fun to watch! I love that he's paired with Patti.
- For some reason, Erin seems to enjoy making Chris Soules super uncomfortable.
- Robert's reaction to his score this week was priceless. I can't help but root for this guy.
What did you think of this week's episode of Dancing With the Stars? Which couple are your rooting for, and who do you think will go home next? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Here are this week's scores!
- Willow and Mark (Contemporary): 39
- Nastia and Derek (Argentine Tango): 36
- Rumer and Val (Waltz): 35
- Riker and Allison (Tango): 34
- Robert and Kym (Waltz): 34
- Noah and Sharna (Contemporary): 32
- Michael and Peta (Rumba): 30 -- Eliminated
- Patti and Artem (Jazz): 30
- Suzanne and Tony (Foxtrot): 28
- Chris and Witney (Rumba): 27
Ashley Bissette Sumerel was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in September 2017. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.
