# Dancing with the Stars -- DWTS -- Fall 2010 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 31, 2010, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077 "2010-08-31T01:26:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/321 "2010-11-18T17:03:07Z")
Has their been any official comment about this voting issue? If this is true I hope they drop email voting for the final. It just seems odd to me because I thought I voted online in a previous season and I had to register at the website, have my email confirmed and could only vote 3 times. ---
**Author:** ![DKW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dkw/32/3118_2.png) [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/322 "2010-11-19T07:58:44Z")
Yeah, took me a while to get back here. I just gotta say…I have never been more disappointed with this show than I am now. And no, my problem isn’t that Bristol Palin doesn’t deserve to win. My problem is that NONE of the finallists deserve to win. Palin, well, that one’s a gimme. She’s gone from utterly lackluster to pretty good. Not great, not inspiring, just pretty good. And it wasn’t that major an improvement, so she doesn’t even have that going for here (I’d give the “Most Improved” nod to Fox). Massey shouldn’t win because as far as he’s come (and I admit, I’m impressed he’s still _standing_ after this many weeks), he still relies too much on his elegant, graceful, sexy partner. We’ve seen underachieving male stars being carried by their partners before, but never this far. He’s not even the best guy; I’d put both Fox and Warner over him easily. And Gray has become the Brazilian soccer team. It’s tough enough to root for a ringer when she’s also benefitting from bad calls. Honestly, did she deserve the kind of scores she got in the last two rounds? She was hurt, and it showed, regardless of what her fans might think. I know, it sucks that they start from zero every week and a letdown at any time can be fatal, but that’s just how the system is. Nobody should get free pass, especially the top favorite. Even worse is the implications regardless of who wins. Gray, it means that the original premise of the show is dead forever. If you’re not a talented, experienced dancer, you may as well not even show up. Palin, it means that the lunatics have well and truly taken over the asylum. And Massey winning means that DWTS is a man’s world and always will be. I should start a thread just about ways to salvage this show. Right now I’m not even sure if I want to watch the final. Or if there’s much point. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/323 "2010-11-19T12:41:05Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > I should start a thread just about ways to salvage this show. Right now I’m not even sure if I want to watch the final. Or if there’s much point. In addition to losing viewers who are disgusted with the show, DWTS may also suffer as potential star contestants see what happened to Brandy and think twice about coming on the show. They are already well into the C-list celebrities, and if forced to lower their standards yet again, the ratings will swoon. ---
**Author:** ![jacquilynne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/67e7ee/32.png) [@jacquilynne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacquilynne)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/324 "2010-11-19T15:56:56Z")
That doesn’t seem all that clear, really – the ratings have been increasing as they’ve booked more reality stars and other “celebrities”. They’re clearly not going to get current A-listers, but it doesn’t appear that C and D-listers are doing them any harm. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/325 "2010-11-19T15:59:31Z")
> [@jacquilynne](#): > > That doesn’t seem all that clear, really – the ratings have been increasing as they’ve booked more reality stars and other “celebrities”. They’re clearly not going to get current A-listers, but it doesn’t appear that C and D-listers are doing them any harm. Even the C-list has pride, and they won’t want to be treated like Brandy. Fewer celebrities will want to go on the show next season if Brisket wins. ---
**Author:** ![Long\_Time\_First\_Time](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@Long\_Time\_First\_Time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Long_Time_First_Time)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/326 "2010-11-19T19:58:51Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Even the C-list has pride, . I beg to differ. You think Barry Williams, Rupert, Clive Pearce, Newt Gingrich, or Tia Tiajana are going to worry about “fairness” if they get a few weeks of TV exposure. There is an enormous number of wanna be celebrities who answer their phones, “I’ll take it.” ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/327 "2010-11-19T20:05:28Z")
> [@Oy](#): > > I feel bad for Bristol. Even if by some miracle she managed to pull off the world’s greatest dances next week, she’ll never be able to feel that she did it on the basis of her own abilities. If she wins, she’ll know it was fans of her mother who did it. That sucks for her. The fact is it would be true. She is not still in it because of her dancing. She will not win it because of her superior dancing ability. The producers are going to have to find a way to keep her from winning. Otherwise it is going to be seen as a popularity dance contest. it may be a fact, but they don’t want it to be seen that way. In the final analysis, they have to make it appear as a dance contest first. If they fail, what little dancing cred they have would be gone. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/328 "2010-11-19T20:09:03Z")
> [@Oy](#): > > If she wins, she’ll know it was fans of her mother who did it. That sucks for her. She doesn’t come across as that self aware. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/329 "2010-11-20T05:05:40Z")
There’s an article that claims the dwts producers may go overboard and totally redo the judging/voting. They seem to forget the fan votes are what makes this show interesting. It gives a personal stake in the outcome. Dancing where the judges matter is called Ballroom Dancing. PBS suffered big losses for years running Ballroom Dancing. It was like watching paint dry. My local station had to drop it years ago because they weren’t getting enough pledges for Ballroom Dancing during the pledge drives. I can’t imagine dwts keeping ratings if the judges start eliminating popular dancers because of technical stuff most viewers don’t even understand. Who gives a crap whether it’s a heel lead or toe lead? Certainly not the average person, sitting on their sofa. I think what matters to most viewers is how entertaining the dance is. It’s worth noting that Kyle was terrible the first half of the season. He’s improved a lot, but is certainly no technical dancer. He’s become a front runner because he’s extremely entertaining. Kurt and his frying pan hands was the same. Very fun to watch, but limited as a technical dancer. They consistently got very poor scores. Would either of these guys survive past week 4 if the judges called the shots? \ I guess we’ll have to wait and see. If the judges get the ultimate say in who goes or stays, I’ll switch it off. Find something else to do on Monday nights. I’m not investing my time or energy watching a genuine Ballroom Competition. I’m hoping everyone will take a few deep breaths and think before they wreck a show that has finally hit it’s stride. One weird season doesn’t warrant a total revamp of a successful format. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/dancing-eyes-new-voting-system/television/?cid=cs:headline7](http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/dancing-eyes-new-voting-system/television/?cid=cs:headline7) > [@](#): > > “Not only was everyone stunned that Bristol will be in the finals,” the staffer said, “it just made everyone realize the voting system really needs to be changed. This is going to lead to a reworking of the entire voting system. There definitely will be a restructuring to give the judges’ votes more weight.” ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/330 "2010-11-20T06:23:31Z")
Actually, whatever’s going on this time, the producers are probably loving it. Conflict is good. There’s no such thing as bad publicity. And it IS a popularity contest, not a dance contest. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/331 "2010-11-20T14:32:33Z")
I don’t think setting up an email confirmation system is going to destroy the show, esp. while people can still call or text their votes. They’re obviously not going to eliminate viewer voting, which is, as you correctly point out, central to the appeal of the show. ---
**Author:** ![jacquilynne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/67e7ee/32.png) [@jacquilynne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacquilynne)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/332 "2010-11-20T14:45:09Z")
I could see them switching to a format where judging matters more: 1. Lowest two judges scores are up for elimination. 2. Lowest two vote-getters dance again for the judges, who eliminate one. But honestly, I think they mostly just need to tighten up on ballot box stuffing – I don’t think it’s clear that Bristol actually has all that many fans. Hers are just slightly more dedicated. ---
**Author:** ![bigdfrombigd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df705f/32.png) [@bigdfrombigd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bigdfrombigd)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/333 "2010-11-20T16:44:37Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > These are Sarah Palin fans we’re talking about. Not the brightest bunch of coconuts on the planet, are they? Why do you think Sara Palins fans are not bright? Because you disagree with what they think or believe in!!! Wow. Just wow. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/334 "2010-11-20T17:02:36Z")
Everyone who wants to argue about the intelligence or lack thereof of Sarah Palin’s fans and followers, please go do so elsewhere. This thread is about a TV show, let’s not get heavy here. Thanks, **twickster** , not just a DWTS fan but a moderator ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/335 "2010-11-20T17:54:51Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > I don’t think setting up an email confirmation system is going to destroy the show, esp. while people can still call or text their votes. They’re obviously not going to eliminate viewer voting, which is, as you correctly point out, central to the appeal of the show. I seem to remember that the reason I don’t vote via email is because several seasons ago, when I tried to sign up, the email confirmation system was too much of a pain to bother. I wonder if they swung it too far the other direction, or if I just remember incorrectly. I don’t think they should overhaul the judging or change it that much. While I am pretty sure Bristol will win and I’m not thrilled with the outcome, I think the problem\* can be cured with casting decisions. \*I’m also not sure there _is_ a problem. ABC’s ratings have been higher this season. The show isn’t first and foremost a dance competition, it’s first and foremost a vehicle for Disney to make money - and it’s succeeding there better than ever. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/336 "2010-11-21T00:23:19Z")
> [@amarinth](#): > > \*I’m also not sure there _is_ a problem. ABC’s ratings have been higher this season. The show isn’t first and foremost a dance competition, it’s first and foremost a vehicle for Disney to make money - and it’s succeeding there better than ever. This controversy has only manifested itself recently. Any negative effects won’t be noticeable until next season, if Bristol wins. Until then, the controversy could conceivably increase ratings, but at a cost to next season’s viewership. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/337 "2010-11-21T01:42:07Z")
> [@bigdfrombigd](#): > > Why do you think Sara Palins fans are not bright? Because they’re dumb enough to be fans of Sarah Palin. Oh, and by the way, you spelled her name wrong. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/338 "2010-11-21T03:11:57Z")
> [@joebuck20](#): > > Because they’re dumb enough to be fans of Sarah Palin. Oh, and by the way, you spelled her name wrong. Ahem. You seem to have missed my post: > [@twickster](#): > > Everyone who wants to argue about the intelligence or lack thereof of Sarah Palin’s fans and followers, please go do so elsewhere. This thread is about a TV show, let’s not get heavy here. > > Thanks, > > **twickster** , not just a DWTS fan but a moderator This means _everyone_ who wants to snark on Sarah Palin’s fans and followers, pro and con. Do not continue this hijack in this thread. Period. **twickster** , Cafe Society moderator. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/339 "2010-11-21T03:53:33Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Ahem. You seem to have missed my post: > > This means _everyone_ who wants to snark on Sarah Palin’s fans and followers, pro and con. > > Do not continue this hijack in this thread. Period. > > **twickster** , Cafe Society moderator. Sorry, I hadn’t seen your earlier warning. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2010, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077/340 "2010-11-22T13:12:06Z")
[Tom Bergeron on the finale:](http://www.tvguide.com/News/Dancing-Finale-Tom-Bergeron-1025865.aspx) > [@](#): > > “If you want a technical dancer, watch PBS,” he continues. “It’s part dance show, part popularity contest. It always has been and always will be. If you don’t get that by Season 11, I don’t know what I have to say to you.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-dwts-fall-2010/552077.md?page=18)