Reality Ravings

Michael Klim was predictably the first contestant out of last nights Dancing With the Stars - Series 7 in an episode where Channel 7 cross promotion of their shows reached new heights.

The annoying thing about this show is that it takes 15-20mins to get to the first dance. First we have Darryl Somers doing a monotonous monologue to the camera, and each week I think he really needs to be shifted to a daytime format, or the writers sacked.

Then there is the pedestrian 'repartee' between Sonia Kruger and Darryl. Sonia Kruger was on fire tonight once she was away from the charisma sapping Darryl, and had some classy one-liners. As did Todd McKenny who showed why he is the judge with the highest profile.

Then they introduced the contestants and did some obviously stilted rehearsed patter with them.

Finally David Hobson and Karina danced the jive to snap be out of my catatonic stupor. I am starting to buy into the cult of David he is obviously going to be popular. Their dancing something was like something you see late on a Friday night after work drinks when people are trying to dance and sing at the same time to some tired old covers. Not great but not the biggest trainwreck of the night. Judges scored it highly - which indicates they want him to stay.

It was good to see that Channel 7 are trying to make the show carbon neutral by recycling Ozzie Ostrich into Karina's dress.

Next up Corinne Grant and Csaba doing the tango. Gosh did she luck out Csaba is a hottie, but I suspect he was acting the passion of the tango with her. These suspicions were confirmed when Todd and Csaba shamelessly flirted with each other at the end of the routine.

Unfortunately the dancing reminded me of a corspse in the stage of rigor mortis, so stiff. But 10 points for the lift at the end. Corinne your mission if you choose to accept it is to convert him by the end of the series.

Michael Klim and Eliza did a jive. As predicted by Reality Raver, Michael was the first to go. He was always going to need a big routine this week, but it just did not happen. Yes the Blues Brothers take off had energy but so unco. However he did a great high kick so would obviously rate highly if he had to do the Can Can.

James Courtney and Olya did a nice little tango which resulted in the highest score of the evening. This is where the start of Channel 7 cross promotion began. I think they said Bathurst 1000 about 20 times in a 5 minute segment. It worked for me as finally the penny dropped how James came to be on the show. They needed someone to promote their Bathurst coverage on the show, and Grant Denyer had already been a contestant. I wondered whether James would score a bonus by actually saying on screen that Channel 7 would be covering the race.

Not withstanding that for someone I had never heard of prior to last week, he is great. Nice personality, relaxed on camera, and does have a bit of rhythm. He could be the dark horse of the show which will be an exceptional feat considering he would have a small fan base. Also I suspect post racing he will be mugging at the cameras on The Great Outdoors. Channel 7 you picked a winner there.

Jessica Rowe & Serghei danced the jive. I really really want to like her. But I find her personality just does not gel with me. She has a great body, but what she was wearing looked not great. Her dancing is awkward and gangly. The lift they did was a mess. The judges have been told to be kind but they only scored her 23 which was one of the lowest scores of the evening.

I hope she stays on awhile but I will be surprised is she gets half way through.

An Doh and Luda did the tango - I liked the trick of them doing the first 20 seconds of the routine in the dark so that it gave atmosphere, but having the benefits of the judges not seeing any poor technique. I could almost hear the teeth clenching of the other contestants as they thought "damn why did not I think of that."

He is another good choice by Channel 7 it was a risk as he also comes from a small fan base, but he has rhythm and personality. My only criticism is that he is always trying to crack a joke and I would like to see more of the real An Doh shine through.

Elka Graham and Michael danced the jive - she is stunning, a Cyd Charisse without the rhythm. She was in the bottom 2 this week, and I think she will struggle to get out of that position which is unfortunate, as it is the highlight of the show when she stands next Darryl to make him look like a hobbit.

Patti Newton and Sandro did the tango. Would Patti be able do another showstopper like last week? No not quite, but still pretty good, and one of the highest scoring routines of the night. Paul Mercurio or was it Mark (those two blend in to me) mentioned her showbiz past, and her dance training from 40 years ago is obviously helping. The $50 million question is whether Channel 9 will allow Bert to attend any of the shows to see Patti dance. Clearly Matt Newton with his DV shame has been told to stay away as it is a family show.

Bridie Carter and Craig did the jive it was predictably good and fun. This was the highest scoring dance of the evening with James. I know she is apparently the favourite to win. However I think she needs to be careful about playing the modesty, "I don't think I am very good card" could cause a voter backlash. Also she is seems to come across as quite competitive which is never popular with the Australian tall poppy syndrome audience.

Mark Beretta and Linda were last and they did the tango or was it the bolero?? Again Channel 7 managed to plug Sunrise about five times. It made want to watch Today just to teach them a lesson...

His dancing is not great, and I found it vaguely amusing that his partner Linda was dragging him around the dance floor in a dance where the male is meant to be most dominate. The judges justifiably gave the routine a low 22.

Then we had the ultimate in cross promotion with Kath and Kel from Kath and Kim doing a routine. The ironical (as Kath would say) thing is that they were clearly the best and most entertaining dancers of the night even if it was a parody. Can they be contestants next series David Leckie?

The show ended with them quickly kicking Michael Klim off - no suspense and we were all allowed to go to bed.

Predictions for next week:
1. Home and Away actors will attend as part of an episode for the show as Sally won tickets in a local radio station competition. As part of that episode her and Darryl will do a duet singing I Got U Babe. NOOOOOOOO,
2. Darryl will improve by actually cracking one joke during the episode, and
3. Csaba and Todd will continue to use the show as foreplay.