Judging by the new standards of ABC's hit dance competition TV series, Dancing With the Stars, Monday's episode was simply fantastic as no one walked on to the stage to obstruct the broadcast.
Nevertheless, even without Ryan Lochte-related drama, the second installment of Season 23 was quite a fun expedition. Determination was certainly higher; techniques were more elaborated, and if Amber Rose and Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Game of Thrones dance is anything to go by, the network may have already spent this season's entire set design budget.
This season's first elimination is slated to take place Tuesday night, but before we delve into predictions on who will be eliminated, let's take a look at the evening's best and not-so-good performances on TV Night.
Laurie Hernandez and pro Val Chmerkovskiy: Best Of The Night (Jive) - Judges' Score: 32/40
As expected in this early stage of competition, Laurie and Val snagged top honors. The Olympic gymnast's vivacity was simply remarkable all through her Ducktales-inspired routine, plus, her footwork was so neat that it's nearly impossible to think that Mirrorball hers to lose, TV Line reported.
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and pro Allison Holker: Most Pleasant Surprise (Argentine Tango) - Judges' Score: 30/40
No one would've expected the X-Files theme music to be so sensual. Similarly, no one would've thought that Babyface could effortlessly pull off those kicks and flicks. Basically, it would be a big mistake to count the R&B singer out as a real contender. Edmonds scored two 7s and two 8s for a total of 30/40 points, per ABC News.
Jake T. Austin and pro Jenna Johnson: Most Inept Plot (Cha-Cha) - Judges' Score: 24/40
Apparently, transforming a theme song meant for 5-year-olds into a sensual Latin dance was a very bad idea. To make things worse, the actor's poor footwork didn't go unnoticed by the judges.
As far as the worst of the night performance is concerned, "DWTS" fans are well aware of who gets this honor. In fact, the performance was so ordinary that judges' score of 22/40 also seemed a bit too generous.
Hint: His name rhymes with Mick Cherry.
