'Dancing with the Stars' Recap: Week 5 ('80s Night)

It's '80s night and we've already gotten to the halfway point. We began the night with The Bangles performing and they were struggling with timing issues for both "Eternal Flame" and "Walk like an Egyptian." The troupe provided some sensual movements, save for the really annoying dresses in the first half. The judges even got into the act and did a bit of dancing. Magically the stairs were back in the middle and everyone was channeling their inner '80s costumes.

We occasionally got shots of the celebrities and their professionals. Along with that we were given filler from the judges suggesting what the contestants could do to improve their chances of succeeding. Of course they don't mention that having a lot of fans is a big booster. Later on in the show, the Bangles sang some more, but it wasn't anything outstanding.

Hope & Maks - Tango - Carrie Ann gave her critiques and while knowing she's athletic, she's not sexual. I think the biggest problem is that they often perform in the beginning of the lineups and get a bit forgettable. After a strong Foxtrot, Hope knew that she had to work hard on the Tango. The love/hate relationship should work well for the team, but Hope worried about her lack of acting. I give Hope a lot of credit for dancing with a purse for a few bars. After the jacket went away, I thought that they had an explosive performance. Once in a while, Hope would look like a drunken doll being dragged around by Maks, but at least she tried her best to act.

Len thought that Maks choreographed well, but Hope didn't have the reaction that a tango needed. Bruno thought that Hope got the strong character well. Carrie Ann thought the acting was good, but there were moments of awkward lines. Score: 24 (8,8,8).

Carson & Anna - Jive - Bruno thought that Carson had personality, but he's suffering from poor technique. Carson was scared about having another bad week, but Anna knew that he is exciting. Carson was stressed out because he's been on the bottom last week. Carson still looked like the biggest fool that was really open about trying anything. There were a lot of moments where Carson was ahead of timing, but he did his best when the two looked like they were going to crash.

Bruno thought the group was wacky, even though the jive was minimal. Carrie Ann saw the fun, but she knew that by week five the technique would have gotten better. Len was convinced that the performance wasn't good enough to survive the next week. Score: 19 (6,6,7).

Nancy & Tristan - Rumba - Len likes the honesty and hard work ethic of Nancy, but apparently her Paso was all flash. We learned that Nancy was a cheerleader in the '80s. She was totally challenged by the Rumba and she needed to make sure she was open for the lessons. I liked the little opening with Carrie Ann and was shocked that Nancy wasn't as rusty as I expected her to be. She almost had the sensuality and her technique has been improving every week.

Carrie Ann thought it was appropriate, but she lacked real passion; there was a lack of connection. Len thought the performance was simple but appropriate. Bruno thought that she performed the piece correct, even though there could be more fluidity. Score: 22 (7,7,8).

J. R. & Karina - Samba - Bruno knows that J. R. is consistent because of his magic and inspiration; his biggest problem is that he lacks finish in his movements. J. R. thought that his Latin heritage would help him with the Samba, but Karina knew that she could push him harder. His problem in practice was that his moves and steps wouldn't connect. The two went to the Conga room to learn the right moves. From the beginning, you knew that J. R. was going to provide a Samba that had a good quality. I disliked some of his hand extensions and the Samba rolls looked a bit sloppy. Somewhere near the end, J. R. looked like he was wobbling to keep up with Karina.

Len thought he performed the Samba perfectly. Bruno thought J. R. looked like a sex machine. Carrie Ann thought the whole performance was curse word amazing. Score: 28 (9,9,10).

Rob & Cheryl - Rumba - Len loved the evolution of Rob because he's turning into a man; he has the added bonus of having good chemistry with Cheryl. After critiques of believing in himself, Cheryl wanted to make sure that Rob was sexy in his own way. Romeo showed up to help Rob learn how to be sensual and confident. The band wasn't doing anything amazing to help the couple, but unlike Nancy, the two of them had the Rumba that we would normally see. Cheryl's sexuality really came in handy during this performance as it automatically boosted Rob.

Bruno thought that he finally saw Rob as a partner working together with Cheryl. Carrie Ann thought that he continued to make vast improvements. Len knew that the Rumba was hard for guys, but he managed to be masculine doing the dance. Score: 25 (9,8,8).

Chaz & Lacey - Samba - Carrie Ann knew that Chaz could win over the audience, but he performs in extremes. Lacey wanted to make sure that Chaz was having fun for a party Samba. Chaz was nervous making a spectacle of himself so Lacey brought in her father, Buddy Schwimmer, to help Chaz. I can now see where Benji got his looks from. Chaz started off timid in the piece, but after the jacket went I saw the spirit of the Samba, even though it wasn't as technical as J. R. Lacey did most of the work and his walking wasn't amazing, but I see this performance as a vast improvement from his week one Cha-Cha.

Carrie Ann loved that there was an increase of content. Len thought that Chaz gave a strong effort. Bruno thought that Chaz had the right bounce and while he wasn't J. R., he did a great job. Score: 21 (7,7,7).

David & Kym - Tango - Carrie Ann knew that he was a leading man, but he lacks balance; he thinks too much during the dance. David was happy about his Paso, but was hoping that he would break from the pack. David realized that he's naturally learning, but then was worried about breaking hold. As the couple began, you knew there was an evolved David, just like Chaz, but in this case, David is progressing faster. He still occasionally makes faces about the situation, but he did better keeping character.

Len thought that the choreography was great and David was fighting. Bruno loved the power of the performance. Carrie Ann thought the hold has improved, but he needs to work more on his musicality. Score: 25 (8,9,8).

Ricki & Derek - Foxtrot - After a suspenseful Tango, Ricki knew that she had pressure to perform even better. John Waters arrived to give Ricki some love and advice. After a cheesy opening, the couple was immediately in hold and providing real Foxtrot moves. I thought part of the battle was that Ricki's dress had some wonderful movement. There were some weak moments throughout, but I never expected a Foxtrot to get the couple their highest scores.

Bruno thought that Ricki was a bit off tempo in breaks. Carrie Ann thought that she was also off, but the two worked as a team. Len thought that the movements weren't good in the Foxtrot and the footwork needed help. Score: 24 (8,8,8).

Week 5 Scores:

High
J. R. & Karina - 28
Rob & Cheryl - 25
David & Kym - 25

Middle
Hope & Maks - 24
Ricki & Derek - 24

Low
Nancy & Tristan - 22
Chaz & Lacey - 21
Carson & Anna - 19

Next Week: Broadway week, so I'm hoping everyone saves Carson & Anna.