Dancing With the Stars: Movie Night Brings A Season First And A Shocking Elimination!

An exceptionally well-done opening number for A Night at the Movies on Dancing With the Stars showcases Val Chmerkovskiy and Sharna Burgess, well cast as Hollywood stars. Kudos to choreographer Mandy Moore.

Shania Twain, aka the Queen of Country Pop, pops in as the first guest judge of the season. I always ask whenever there’s a guest judge: What’s their ballroom dance background? And if they don’t have one, why are they there? A quick google search of “Shania Twain dancing” doesn’t bring up much, but man can that lady sing!

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev; Argentine Tango, 36/40
In the pre-dance package, Artem gave a little tough love to Nikki. It paid off. Superb routine as evidenced by the scores. Bonus: Nikki and Artem are called safe!

Before the next dance begins, we learn some couples are safe and some are in jeopardy including (gasp!) Val and Victoria Arlen!

Drew Scott and Emma Slater, Paso Doble, 30/40

Emma hopes that Drew will score well with Shania because they’re both Canadian, but Carrie Ann and Len felt finesse was lacking in their dance. Ouch. Shania gaves a “9,” offsetting the judges, who’ve been judging this show for 25 seasons, and gave “7’s.”

Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd; Samba, 26/40

Nick says he’s the worst dancer still in the competition. Dude is way too hard on himself. Remember, likability took Bill Engvall to the finals. Maybe that’ll happen with Nick, too? Carrie Ann said he nailed the breakdown and Len said she was right — for a change. (He was teasing.) Despite the compliments, Len broke out the “6” paddle. Grrr….

Victoria Arlen and Val Chmerkovskiy; Paso Doble, 31/40

A strong Paso to a…continue reading on the next page —>

Continue reading on the next page…

Victoria Arlen and Val Chmerkovskiy; Paso Doble, 31/40

A strong Paso to a hockey-themed dance. Based on the costumes, someone at the show is a Boston Bruins fan. Shania gives a “7” while the other judges, who’ve been judging for 25 seasons, give all “8’s.”

Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke; Jive,  37/40

The couple worked wanting a “10 from Len” into their James Bond-inspired Jive. No top score from Len, but he gave high remarks and a “9,” as did Carrie Ann and Bruno. Shania broke out her “10” paddle. Cheryl’s making Terrell a true contender.

Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson; Jazz, 31/40

Frankie asks Witney if he should be smiling the whole time since their theme is animation. No she says because it’d be “creepy.” (I LOVE how blunt Witney can be sometimes.) Len gets to use the pun: “Frankie Goes To Hollywood.” (Relax, someone had to say it.) Carrie Ann pulls a “Shania” and gives a “7” while the other three score with an “8” each.

More couples (Jordan/Lindsay, Lindsey/Mark and Vanessa and Maks) are given their fates related to being moved onto next week. Surprisingly, all THREE pairs are told they’re safe!

Vanessa Lachey and Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Quickstep, 36/40 

Part of Vanessa’s dress fell off…continue reading on the next page —>

Continue reading on the next page…

Vanessa Lachey and Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Quickstep, 36/40 

Part of Vanessa’s dress fell off at the beginning of the routine; kudos to Tom Bergeron for quick-stepping (get it?) onto the floor to retrieve it so the loose garment didn’t hamper the rest of the routine.

Len’s not sure if this dance deserves less, the same or more as past scores he’s given the pair. “More,” says Maks with that devilish smile he knows how to flash.

Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold; Rumba, 39/40

J&L make a pinky swear to be truthful with one another in their pre-dance package. Adorable. Their dance was fantastic, receiving a standing ovation. Carrie Ann says watching these two dance is like watching taffy – in a good way.  Len gets real picky on some of Jordan’s gestures, but gives a “9” anyway.

Lindsey Sterling and Mark Ballas; Argentine Tango, 40/40

Appropriately, Mark plays a mad scientist — because when it comes to choreography he is a mad scientist! Bruno agrees, calling it the best dance of the season:  “Professor Ballas, you’ve created another work of genius!” Shania picked the right dance to be in unison with her fellow judges: “10, 10, 10, 10!” The season’s first perfect score!

Ejected duo: Nick and Peta are voted off in a season that’s gotten highly competitive.

“I’m proud of the effort we gave,” Nick said. “I can’t say enough things about this wonderful woman (Peta).”

Next week: Halloween Team Dances!

Dancing With the Stars airs on Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10:01 p.m. on ABC. (ET/PT)