Dancing with the Stars

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First Impressions of ABC’s Monday Night

Last night’s line-up on ABC was just what a night of television should be.

Full of surprises. Full of drama. Full of dancing.

If you have been around here long, you know that I love Dancing With the Stars, and the Bachelor franchise is my guilty TV pleasure.

First up Dancing With the Stars.

This has been one of the best seasons I have watched, and I have watched them all folks. I think this is the first time the three couples in the finale have been this close. There is just something special about this season. It has been very magical and very tearful. I think I have cried almost every episode.

In my opinion, the mirror-ball trophy could go to any one of them. And I would be completely fine with any of them winning. Usually, I have a clear favorite and will be upset if one of the other three win. Not this year. I have voted for them all as the leader at some point of this competition. (After the first couple weeks, I do actually vote by the dancing.)

They have all shown vast improvement, and bring a different strength to the show and to dancing.

They all had stellar free styles, which in the past have made clear winners. Anyone remember the Stacy Keibler free-style flop?

I think that Allison and Riker are my favorites to win, but then I feel bad and want the other two to win…So I have no idea who I want to win.

Then the Bachelorette premiered.

This wins the most awkward award. They started the night with two Bachelorettes, Kaitlyn and Britt.

It was almost painful watching them meet the men coming out of limo. Having the guys choose which woman to meet first hurt my heart…And then some of the guys would say the same thing to each girl who could HEAR the conversations. They were standing so close. How about those guys who only introduced themselves to one girl and then walked in the house. Awkward.

Britt said that Kaitlyn was cheating when she went in the house. There are no rules to this show. Don’t you know that by now Britt? Do you remember that trip in Iowa you made or when you snuck off for alone time with Chris? You are just jealous that you didn’t think to do what Kaitlyn did first.

Then this guy Ryan, who they ended up kicking off the show. He was saying and doing some really inappropriate things. He was joking about rape, picking fights, and touching the women inappropriately. I am glad the show’s executives decided to end his night for him. Although, my radio show is convinced that he was a plant, so there’s that.

It was a very interesting twist to the first night. I think Britt said that it was really hard to be genuine because she felt like she was trying to win everyone over in a few minutes for their vote. Well first of all you are on the Bachelor so yea…But I do agree that it added a weird element that kind of rocked the boat. But you know ratings…

My first impression rose would go to…Joe (moonshine guy) or Shawn B (the guy with the nephew drawing).

And talk about a cliff hanger! I was hoping to know who would actually be the Bachelorette, but no.

I am team Kaitlyn myself. I don’t know if I could watch a whole season of Britt.

Who would your first impression rose go to? Who do you want to win DWTS? Will you be watching tonight to see how things turn out on either show?

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20th Season DWTS

I love this show.

Seriously obessed.

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Other people may think that it has run it course, but I am genuinely sucked into every single season. It is my elusive dream to be famous one day to be on this show. That is the only reason I would want to be famous. Well that and to have someone do my hair everyday.

Here are my first takes on each of the couples:

  • Noah Galloway and Sharna-I cried every single moment of this dance. I cried because of what he was doing. I cried because of the sacrifices he has made. I cried because that could have been Tom. Noah is an Army veteran who was stationed at Ft. Campbell. He lost his left arm and leg during his service. His dance and partnership with Sharna is just beautiful. As Carrie Ann said, “He is redefining what it means to dance.”
  • Robert Herjavec and Kym-He was not as stiff as I thought he would be. He was really ecstatic and lively with his dance. He is also a big flirt with Kym, so that will be interesting and awkward to watch. He was a surprise for me.
  • Patti LaBelle and Artem-She was so emotional and thankful for the experience. Her dance was very touching to me. She is definitely bringing some soul to the show.
  • Riker Lynch and Allison-I am excited to see this partnership. I think Allison sometimes dancing so well and with staccato that it highlights her partner’s weaknesses more. I think that Riker is going to be able to match her energy and enthusiasm and seems to have some basic skills already down. They should be exciting to watch.
  • Nastia Liukin and Derek-Clearly this is my favorite team. I know there are a lot of Derek haters out there that think that he is just given who will naturally be winners, but I would disagree that this is not the case. He has had several that have not won including when he was partnered with Shawn Johnson during the All-Star season. He is a good choreographer and teacher who highlights his partner’s skills. I love him and y’all need to back off. Back to Nastia, I always love seeing what gymnasts can do on the dance floor, so this will be fun to watch them work together.
  • Charlotte McKinney and Keo-She seems fun, but I think she is going to talk about her boobs a lot. We didn’t really get to see how Keo works last year either, so I don’t really have much to say about this partnership yet.
  • Redfoo and Emma-I am excited to see what Emma does with someone closer to her energy. She has done really well with the older gentleman partners she has had, but I think we will be able to see much different choreography from her. And Redfoo I think will make any appearance worth watching. He is a little awkward right now, but he has the heart.
  • Michael Sam and Peta-They are probably my second favorite couple. I am a fan of Michael Sam’s because he use to be Mizzou football player. I have always been a Mizzou fan, but even more so now that I live down the street. He seems really fun, and Peta seems like a great match for him! I also am a Peta fan! I will say that he seemed a bit nervous and stocky the first go around, so hopefully he can relax a little. Traditionally football players have done really well on this show, so I hope for the best for this couple!
  • Willow Shields and Mark-I am glad Mark got another young one. I think it is forcing him to not think so much about himself in the choreography. Willow seems fun and like she has something to prove only being 14, which usually means that they fight hard for it. She should be fun to watch even if I am NOT a Mark fan.
  • Susanne Somers and Tony-Tony is one of my favorite choreographers so I always enjoy the relationships he builds. IT was funny when she introduced what she was known for she said Three’s Company and Thighmaster infomercials. I actually know her most from Step By Step. Anyone else? She seems spunky and likely will give us some comedic relief throughout the show.
  • Chris Soules and Witney-I still don’t know how I feel about the Bachelors coming off their show to DWTS. I do however love both Chris and Witney (not his fiance, although I love that Whitney too). He actually was a lot better dancer than I was bargaining for. He was a little awkward but he had a lot more charisma than I think we have seen. I also thought it was funny that Erin called him out for feeling nervous for dancing so close to Witney when he made out with every girl on the Bachelor.
  • Rumer Willis and Val-Arguably the best dance of the night. She is a little spitfire. I also love Val’s choreography so I am excited that he has someone moldable to work with. She was really good, but I think there are some walls that have to come down for her to really break out on this show.

I think this is a great cast with a wide variety of experiences and skill sets. (Although Tristan MacManus needs to come back!)

It should be fun to see what they have in store for the 20th season and their 10th year. I am sure all kind of surprises are in store.

They have also started a live stream on the ABC website. For an hour a day they showcase a couple’s practice. This is making me even more invested than ever before. I love seeing all sides of it. It is really interesting too because you see so much more here than they show in the clips. Love this idea! (My productivity doesn’t so much.)

What do you think? Do you watch DWTS? Who are your initial favorites? Are you a Derek hater?

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Friday Filter: Dancing With the Stars Recap

Holy Moly! This week’s episode was one of the best premiere’s I have seen.

The new contestants are phenomenal!

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The only one who was not pictured here is Amy Purdy, and that is because she was performing in the ParaOlympics at the time.

Even on just the first night, the bar has been set pretty high on quality, enthusiasm, and competition.

My current favorites are obviously DJ Tanner and Winnie Cooper (I mean Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar). I also am loving Amy Purdy, Merle Davis, and Charlie White hot off their Olympic wins. My unknown favorite is James Maslow (what a cutie). Plus I am loving the dynamic between him and Peeta.

I love this show for two reasons:

1. I love dance. This is mainly about ballroom which fascinates me.

2. It shows how real these famous people are. You know I love a good story.

I already cried on the first episode. I can’t blame it on pregnancy hormones. I would have cried at Amy Purdy’s dance regardless. Speechless. Secretly, I am so glad she was paired with my love from another life, Derek.

I know the fan page blew up with the announcement of Erin Andrews co-hosting with disgust. I honestly thought she killed it. I think she has a knack for announcing and just really enjoyed her.

I am not sure how I feel about switching partners. I think that is one of the great dynamics of the show is seeing how they bond and grow as a partnership. We shall see how this new format of switching partners goes though.

I am one of those nerds who uses two email accounts and their Facebook to vote. I feel better about it especially in the beginning, because I can divvy up my votes with more people. I mean I have 6 favorites. Who does that!

We’ll see if they stay the same throughout the season.

In other TV news (spoiler alert ahead), did you see this week’s episode of Pretty Little Liars? Some answers were given, but SOOOO many questions arose too! I can’t believe I have to wait until June. However, I am glad we were able to see that Ezra is not A, but it would be nice to know if he is ALIVE!

Do you watch Dancing with the Stars? Who is your favorite? Would you vote?

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Friday Filter-My TV Guide

So the seasons are starting their Winter hiatus. How did this become a thing?

Anyway, I figured I would give a brief update on where I am at with all of my TV shows.

Sundays

  • Once Upon a Time-Still one of my favorites out there. I am having a hard time watching “Henry” in his “Pan” moments. I also kind of want Emma to be with Hook more than Neil.
  • Walking Dead-So glad the Governor is gone…or is he? Also, I may have teared up a bit when Hershel died.

Mondays

  • Dancing with the Stars-My man Derek and his partner Amber Riley won! I have an obsession with Derek Hough and also Tristan MacManus. I want them both to be my dance partners, and I honestly watch the show more to see them than the “stars.” Maybe they will help me fulfill my 30 before 30 task of dance lessons.
  • Castle-My favorite show currently. I called it that Beckett would return to New York, which happened in either the third or forth episode of the season. If you do not watch this show and you are looking for something new, ADD THIS ONE!
  • Hart of Dixie-I watch this show at lunch every Tuesday. It is such a pick me up. I just love the quirkiness of the small town. I am glad Dr. Hart’s family has come around!

Tuesdays

  • New Girl-I am really enjoying Nick and Jess together. Winston is my favorite. He generally makes or breaks every episode for me.
  • The Biggest Loser-I am in love with this season. I mistakenly tried watching this at lunch a few times, and ended up crying in the Union dining court. Whoops. I am rooting for all of them, but really mostly Rachel.
  • Awkward-I stopped watching consistently after the third episode. I have them all on the DVR ready to binge watch the Awkwardness. I just need to be in the right mood right now for teenage affairs.

Wednesdays

  • Super Fun Night-I honestly forgot that I started watching this. My DVR stopped recording it for some reason, so I haven’t seen it for a few weeks. It isn’t a bad show, but I am obviously not missing it.
  • Nashville-I watch this every week live, and I am slowly getting Tom hooked. I really wish Rayna and Deacon would just be together though. Also, I am hoping that I see them on my excursions to Nashville. Real life right?

Thursdays

  • Grey’s Anatomy-I will go week’s without watching and then binge watch 3 episodes while Tom plays video games. I am apathetic about the show, but I am still hooked enough to come back to see what’s up. I am invested until the end.
  • Once Upon a Time in Wonderland-I just wasn’t into this show. I stopped after the third episode I think. It was too Willy Wonka for me. There was not as much overlap into the original as I was hoping so I didn’t feel I was missing anything by not watching.
  • Crazy Ones-I really enjoy this show. It is ridiculous, but it is short enough and light so I will watch it when I need a quick pick me up. Robin Williams is totally worth it.
  • Parenthood-Max working with photography? Perfect. I see myself in Julia with her struggles of being a stay at home mom (except without the mom part obviously). I just love this show.
  • Glee-I stopped watching this show two episodes ago. I think it was the muppets episode that I just couldn’t do it anymore. I am not sure what is going on but it has just gone way downhill for me. The music also doesn’t really call to me anymore, so there was no reason to keep watching the absurdity. I was really sad about it, which is why I held out as long as I did. The last couple just did me in.
  • Scandal-I am in a constant state of shock with this show. I have drug Tom into the goodness! I caught him up on the first couple seasons so he knew what was going on. If we weren’t married, Tom would want to work in CIA/Huck like jobs. Scary I know, but that’s what it is. So he loves it for that, and I just love it for all the OMG moments. I did not see last night coming!

Every Day

  • Ellen-this is the best part of my day. I watch it in small segment–a little before I go to work and right when I get home. And when I don’t get through it, I will binge watch that week’s episodes on Saturday mornings while Tom is sleeping in. I just love Ellen so much. She is great and fantastic, and a great role model for human beings. I want to dance with her/meet her/embarrass myself ridiculously for her. Also, when I am home alone, sometimes I think Tom is secretly in the house to video tape scare me like Ellen would do. He has gotten me more times than I would like to admit-no video yet, just lots of scaring and screaming. So I am in a constant state of panic because of Tom being inspired by her pranks. Thanks Ellen.

Not on right now

  • Pretty Little Liars- CAN.NOT.WAIT.
  • Switched at Birth-This comes back soon too. I love this show for so many silly reasons. One being that it is based in KC. They mentioned World of Fun (not the real Worlds of Fun) once. Although they are in KC, Kansas, and not Missouri. But I will forgive them for their ignorance when showing the KC, MO skyline. Here is your education on Kansas City. Yes it has Kansas in the name, but most of the city is actually in Missouri. All the sports teams are in Missouri, all the famous BBQ-Missouri, all the jazz history-Missouri, all the goodness-Missouri…haha JK (only kind of)

So there you have it. I only weeded out a couple shows. What can I say, I am TV junkie!

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Friday Filter-TV Review Premiere Week 1

One of my favorite things about fall is all the shows coming back from their summer hiatus.

The next couple weeks shows are beginning again, so I figured I would do my initial reactions to the season openers.

Ellen Season 11

I adore Ellen. A life bucket list item is to get on her show (preferably the 12 day give away). She is truly a role model for life. I usually end up having a marathon every weekend to catch up on her daily shows. It is a constant reminder for me to laugh and live in the moment. She always has the greatest YouTube clips too! She has had some good guests the past two weeks. And like clockwork, I cry every episode and also bust a gut laughing so hard. My favorite story so far is the Homeless to Howard story. Look it up if you haven’t seen it. Just wonderful. I also am loving that she is doing different Deejays everyday. It really spices things up, although I do miss her daily razzing of Tony. I love the message that she ends with every day. “Be kind to one another.” I am so glad she is back!

Dancing With The Stars

This is my favorite reality show out there. I love love love this show. Every season I groan and mumble that I don’t really like the cast, and then opening night happens and I am hooked. To be honest though, I actually did have a lot of favorites before the season stated which is not typical. This will be a tight race because there were so many high marks that first night. I don’t think I can ever recall a 9 in the first night let alone how many 8s there were. I am interested to see how this new format will go with only having it one night. Now that I don’t have Monday night meetings, I can get to the voting apps much easier, but still, I am just not sure. Besides watching the stars out of their element, I come back each week for two reasons. One) I love dancing, and I secretly wish that I had done more of it when I was a kid instead of just choosing basketball. And Two) I love Derek Hough and Tristan Macmanus, who are two of the professional dancers. I have always swooned over Derek, but Tristan may be stealing his place…It must be the darker hair and accent. Also who wouldn’t love a show that Tom Bergeron hosts? So happy to see this back!

New Girl

Ok so I may just say that all these shows are my favorite…I really love this show though because the character Jess really resonates with me. She is a little dorky and awkward, which is basically my life. The season ended last spring with Nick and Jess finally getting together! So there was much anticipation to see what would happen to these two beloved and must be together characters. You are always nervous though to put two main characters together because you don’t want to curse your show and have reached the pivotal point to early. I honestly was not that engaged in the first episode. I think I may have anticipated too much. It was still funny, don’t get me wrong; I laughed. But I always expect a laughter that will make milk come out of your nose, and that just didn’t happen this week. Maybe I was having an off day. Work is hard; Tom was gone, who knows…Anyway, I only assume though that it will continue to get better in the wittiness. Hopefully Schmitt decides on a woman instead of dragging two women along on his journey of love. Winston just may be my favorite character, and he was awesome as usual with his puzzle masterpiece. So I still liked it, I just wasn’t as wowed as I hoped for this season premiere.

There are a whole bunch coming next week! Tom watch out! This lady is takng over the remote…or DVR!

Friday Filters offer a review that are my own opinions. I was not contacted by anyone associated with this work or compensated for my review. My review has not been influenced by anything other than my love for entertainment and art.

Come back on Sunday for “Autumn on My Mind.” Sunday’s episode is about fall activities that you do in your community. You can see the full schedule here.