Season 17 - Week One

I enjoyed the show last night, too, and think it's going to be a pretty good season.  There seem to be some fairly good dancers.  However, I don't like the changes they made with the couples on the other side of the judges (it just feels so awkward to me), and all of them being downstairs.  I like to see them maneuver the stairs.  The dancers don't look too happy down there, either.  They remind me of kids at school being told to stay in their seats. 

I was surprised that Derek got the star he did since he usually gets someone close to his own ability.

The show was preempted in my area and I didn't get to see it until yesterday morning.  I agree about the new area for the judges.  Have no idea how the people behind them can see anything.  And Bruno...well,....

What threw me for a loop was the scoring.  9's??  For a dance that was no better than a couple of others.  Normally, I don't like to see heavy people dance because they're boxy.  This one has a waist - which defines her hips and shoulders.  MUCH more pleasant to watch.

HOWEVER... I spent most of my time dissecting the scoring system.  I've heard it mentioned a few times that the judges watch the dress rehearsals.  It has occurred to me that it's when the scores are decided and they start writing up their little zingers which are broadcast during the show.  By setting the scores ahead of time, they can arrange the leader board and be sure their favs are on top with no surprise dances to throw them off their plan for the week.

Anyway...  I saw critique when I thought praise was warranted - praise where I expected critique.  The black guy (forgive me, I don't know a lot of names yet) looked stiff and they called him fabulous.  Bill Engvall was a completely pleasant surprise - smooth, with grace and musicality - and they gave him the critique the black guy should've had.  ?????

I'm with you, mustang, on Snookie.  As repugnant as always.  And less Brooke is always good.  Bill Nye looked like he had a rod up his back, but the scores were as insulting as the comments.  Amazed at his fans' enthusiasm.  Didn't know he'd have such ardent followers.

I suppose I'll be more forthcoming about the dancers once I've settled in.  Too many strangers right now - pros and celebs alike.

Blue, I never cared for those stairs.  Each time, during the descent, I was waiting for someone in heels to slip.  And felt bad they had to run up there after an exhausting dance.  I like the swiftness of scoring with the dancers on the floor.  Less wasted time.

There has to be less wasted time since there is not all that chit-chat with Brooke before and after the scoring, among other things. No one gets to repeat their dance on the "results" show because there is none. I suspect this is a reaction to trying to "tighten up" the show due to declining viewership (redux of The Bachelor/ette). There were some interesting performances, and it is gratifying to see Valerie Harper seemingly well. We can only pray she will beat this horrible cancer.

I hadn't thought about it, newto, but you're absolutely right.  In this streamlined world, I would imagine many were impatient with the dragged out format of the show.  There was seldom an occasion when we'd see more than one dancer between commercials.

I've enjoyed seeing rehearsal moments but viewed the troupe dances much like I would watching a sport in which I had no dog in the fight.  But I think we might find the placement of the judges somewhat distracting for Bruno.  LOL.