Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” has officially broken viewing records for the fifth week in a row, and like many others, I can’t get enough. For those unfamiliar with the show, celebrities are paired with professional dancers and train for 10 weeks, competing for the infamous Mirrorball Trophy. The “Halloween Night” episode, airing Oct. 28, was full of spooky stage makeup, an unfortunate injury and judging calls that were arguably scarier than the costumes. Here’s my breakdown of each couple’s dance, and whether or not the judges got their scores right.
Whitney Leavitt and pro Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas opened the show with a jazz routine to Green Day’s “Brain Stew.” Bruno Tonioli called the performance “mind-blowing,” but the only aspect of the dance that particularly stood out to me was how out of synch the couple’s timing was. As expected for “Halloween Night,” the production relied heavily on lighting and effects, which usually masks technical errors; however, the mistakes throughout this dance were too visible to ignore, and I was shocked when the couple received three nines and a 1o. The choreography was compelling, and their facial expressions were on point, but their scores throughout the season have consistently been higher than deserved.
My score: 8
Danielle Fishel and pro Pasha Pashkov
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov performed a Viennese waltz to “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, inspired by Fishel’s love for murder mysteries. I thought the concept was perfect for Halloween, but I continue to be disappointed by how slow her routines are. Pashkov is putting Fishel at a disadvantage by not utilizing lighting effects or advancing her choreography. Even the “shocking twist” halfway through the dance was simply her moving a piece of fabric. Her dances are too soft; I want to see her perform something with an edge to it. They received three eights and a nine, and honestly, that is too high.
My score: 7
Robert Irwin and pro Witney Carson
Robert Irwin has continuously impressed audience members this season, and his Argentine tango to “Sweet Dreams are Made of This” by The Hampton String Quartet didn’t disappoint. The entire dance’s intensity had me on the edge of my seat. Irwin and Witney Carson’s movements were crisp, intentional and their timing was impeccable. Tonioli loved it, Carrie Ann Inaba praised Irwin’s control and Derek Hough gave him (a well-deserved) standing ovation. The judges gave the pair three 10s and one nine. I agree with them for once, as Irwin’s dancing was close to perfection.
My score: 10
Andy Richter and pro Emma Slater
Andy Richter and Emma Slater danced a Paso Doble to “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio” by Ludwig van Beethoven, portraying a priest and a demon. While Slater carried the performance with her acting skills, Richter’s movements were slow and stiff. Slater was clearly leading him through the dance, and at this point in the competition, it’s a hard watch. The judges praised his dedication to the show, giving him all sevens. The overall score was generous, and Richter’s continued presence in the competition feels unfair now that stronger dancers are being sent home.
My score: 6
Elaine Hendrix and pro Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix suffered an injury during morning rehearsals and was hospitalized during the live show, so producers aired her final practice footage for judging. Even in leggings and a black tank top, Hendrix outperformed half the contestants with her Argentine Tango to “Bad to the Bone” by 2WEI & Bri Bryant. Her energy, precision and footwork are consistently on point, and each week she’s improving. Hendrix is the second-oldest contestant and is constantly getting hoisted into the air like some sort of gymnast. The judges gave her straight eights, which felt unfair considering her circumstances. Luckily, doctors have cleared her to dance next week.
My score: 9
Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa
Jordan Chiles’ contemporary dance to Sia’s “Elastic Heart” was emotional, powerful and deeply vulnerable. While wearing a harness to symbolize her struggles with depression, Chiles delivered one of the most authentic performances of the night. It feels as though the judges consistently underestimate her, despite her talent showing real potential for winning the season. Inaba commented that the harness distracted from the dance, but I think Chiles deserved more credit for tackling a challenging prop. The judges gave the pair two eights and two nines, a decent score, but she deserved higher, especially after they gave Leavitt a 10.
My score: 9
Dylan Efron and pro Daniella Karagach
It’s impressive how far Dylan Efron has come since his iconic week one performance to “Milkshake” by Kelis. His Viennese waltz to “Can’t Help Falling in Love (DARK)” by Tommee Profitt featuring brooke really showed his progress. He’s finally stepped into the leading role judges have been pushing him toward for weeks. The power he exuded at the beginning of the dance was shocking. Guest judge Cheryl Burk referred to Efron and Daniella Karagach as the “most improved couple of the season,” and I completely agree. My one criticism is how Karagach outshines him on the stage, especially since she was dancing blindfolded this week. While I was trying to pay attention to Efron, my eyes followed her. He got three nines and an eight from the judges, which seems slightly too high for his skill level, especially considering Hendrix scored all eights.
My score: 8
Alix Earle and pro Val Chmerkovskiy
It seems each week that Alix Earle’s dance ends up being one of my favorites, and the couple’s tango to “bury a friend” by Billie Eilish was no exception. Beginning with Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy rising from a grave, the dance was sharp, captivating and full of tension. The lighting complemented the dance well, and the confidence Earle brought to the stage was remarkable. Overall, I think it was one of the best dances of the night. The ending scene was particularly well done, and I always enjoy how theatrical their dances are. The judges gave them three 10s and a nine, placing them at the top of the leaderboard. At this point in the competition, I think Earle has established herself as a serious contender for the Mirrorball.
My score: 10
Jen Affleck and pro Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik performed arguably their best dance of the season, a contemporary piece to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.” The fast pace and dramatic movements were refreshing to see, especially since Affleck recently asked Ravnik for harder choreography. This dance was by far her most complicated dance of the show, and she did it justice. It was fun to watch her perform a slightly edgier piece. Their lifts were impressive, and the stage effects were working in their favor. Her previous dances have been slightly dull, but this one was definitely entertaining. The judges gave them straight eights, which felt fair.
My score: 8
In honor of “Halloween Night,” after the live dances, couples participated in a marathon-style challenge modeled after classic ballroom competitions. Couples were gradually eliminated by judges until Leavitt and Earle were neck and neck. The challenge ultimately ended with the judges granting Leavitt the bonus-point prize, despite Earle and Chmerkovskiy’s many attempted lifts.
The night ended on a sad note with the elimination of Affleck and Ballas. The timing was particularly disappointing as it took place the same night Affleck performed her best dance of the season. I’m shocked Richter is dancing another week, especially since this is the second week that technically superior dancers were sent home instead of him. This week’s episode is reason enough for the spike in viewing records this season, and I, along with many others, eagerly await the next episode.