DWTS - S10 Week 1

Another cycle of DWTS, let's see what "Season" 10 has in store for us.

Tom tells us that there have been 27 professionals and 104 celebrity partners on the show (name 'em all!) so far. The new graphics and opening titles are all shiny and nifty, with the couples now greenscreened into a cityscape near big glowy names instead of the old 70's kaleidoscope effect. It even extends to a projection on the dance floor.

Of course, the most important new thing to see? Our new co-host, Brooke Burke! Yay! Somehow, Samantha Harris decided that her gigs other places should take priority and I couldn't be happier because I don't watch any of those shows.

Here come the couples, some looking quite elegant and graceful. Edyta is wearing a trenchcoat as if anyone will be surprised when she takes it off (spoiler alert!). Instead of the old Red Room, the studio now features a glass-walled room complete with an extra little balcony so that these people will always be on display. They've dubbed it the "Celebriquarium" and I don't like it already.

Time to dance.


Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke: He asks to be drilled and worked hard, which works for her. Cha Cha. Solid-ish footwork, light. Good focus and musicality. Some stiffness and hesitation, half decent arms. 18/30

New scoring graphics, even. Now the judges are in a little box, their paddles are repeated in boxes beside them and the total score is tallied beneath for the truly lazy.

Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas: She's doing it for her dad but is terrified of performing; he calls self "Prince of Ballroom". Viennese Waltz. Tough choreography, but clean. Solid foundation, decent footwork, needs more emotion. 18/30

In the audience: Helio, Jonathan (who has an awful seat), Tim Allen, Marlee and Joanna.

Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: She, perfectionist, wanted the tough teacher; he: "they always ask for me, they always regret it". Fun couple. Cha Cha. Good footwork, great timing, excellent attitude & flexibility. Needs leg strength. 21/30

Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower: He says The Bachelor is not a competition (not for him, yeah) and wants to be good right away; she gives good advice on that. Viennese Waltz. Nice movement, knows steps, on time. Improve posture & upper body. 19/30

Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel: She likes her "jiggly parts" and doesn't want to lose weight. Cha Cha. Good expression, but a lip syncher. Fast, clean feet. Needs more snap and energy. Nice ending. 17/30

Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya: He's been called too technical in skating and has trouble turning in a new direction. Viennese Waltz. Excellent posture and extension and hands. Point toes and connect more to partner. Very polished. 23/30

We get a quick hello from some astronauts on the International Space Station. Awesome.

Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa: He's 80, a risk-taker and thought "this is a cute babe" on meeting her. Concern over memorizing steps. Cha Cha. Shaky and hesitant, needs to count but still off time. Fun and cute and he's enjoying it. 12/30

Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough: A lot of dorkiness between them; a new challenge for her. Viennese Waltz. Nicely soft and elegant. Great extension and balance, nice frame. Okay footwork, nice feeling for music. 24/30

Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinksa: He's goofier than you'd guess; she keeps flirting. Cha Cha. Oh surprise, she takes off jacket. Yawn. Has his timing, knows steps, lacks some flex and musicality. Lousy choreography with nothing for him to do as usual. 16/30

Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani: We don't see the first meeting. Interesting. He mentions her bitchface, she calls it insecurity. Viennese Waltz. Awkward and stiff, needs to drive and attack steps. Nervous expression, but she keeps up. 14/30

Pamela Anderson & Damien Whitewood: Both new with lots to prove. Her hair is out of control at all times. Cha Cha. Much stronger than expected, clean feet. Good connection and expression. Shaky overall. Enjoying it. 17/30

No elimination this week for some reason or other.