With Sabs gone, "Dancing with the Stars" is no longer about the best dancer but about the best politician: Who can con the audience into making it THINK they are the best, or at least the most desirable or deserving. Also, who can pull those many millions off their duffs to the phone to vote for them.
What a strange show.
And another observation about the now-Sabrina-Bryan-less "DWTS:" It feels very very old, even with Scary still around. In demographic terms, "DWTS" was always the polar opposite of "American Idol" (broadbased audience that nonetheless aged slightly last season). It really appeals to the 55-plus crowd, which pretty much explains why I now realize that anyone under 35 - or at least any WOMAN under 35 for some inexplicable reason - stands little to no chance of winning this thing. I guess all this means is that Jane Seymour is the front-runner now, while Scary B (32) is a goner, no matter how good she is.
Last night's two-fer show was strange too. The first half was blearingly dull; the second half (Latin dance) was better but still, "DWTS" is feeling creaky to me now. Sabs...Albert...Floyd. The young, no matter how good they are, are being penalized simply because older viewers won't vote for them, and young viewers really don't watch this show.
My wrap: 
Helio: The first dance was clipped, the second much better. But I think Helio's had much better weeks than this one. In my book, only a middling night.
Marie: What a tough, calculating, show biz pro this woman is! Shrewd as they come, too. No wonder Marie Osmond's kept herself in the spotlight for so many years; she's got a spine of steel, even if she's got the dancing talent of....ME! That "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" number - you're not fooling anyone, Marie. Pulling the heartstrings of your geriatric fans. And planting that big one on Len! Oh, you're good, girl. You're good.
Scary: The first outing was merely OK, and Carrie Ann got it exactly right when she observed that it was slightly out of sync, explaining why this thing seemed clunky even when it was forcefully elegant. The second dance was the salvation - perfect tens. But don't be complacent, Mel. You don't want fans to think you're the frontrunner, or they won't vote for you. (The Sabs principle.) I now fear they won't vote for you anyway.
Jane: Another tough, cagey show biz veteran., Jane knows exactly what she's doing and saying. She's a master. (You don't stay in the TV game all these years by being shy and demure.) I thought her dances were dull - but, in the taste category, far superior to the Turkish belly romp she attempted last week.
Jennie: The judges hated both dances; I thought both were wonderful. But what do I know?
Cam: I'm Cam's biggest fan. He's terrific. The guy can do no wrong, and his last outing of the night was absolutely - far and away - the most enjoyable two minutes of the entire night.
Which is another way of saying: Cam, you better start getting worried...