I'm disappointed that at this late stage they still give points for effort and exceeding expectations, rather than on skill, style and execution

But I should suck it up and face my disappointment, because this rooting for the underdog and voting for those who surprise us rather than stun us has always been a part of the equation of reality talent shows.

I just don't have to like it.

Last night I thought it was clear that Kristi Yamaguchi is in a totally different league than any of the other remaining competitors on Dancing with the Stars. The difficulty level of what she does is way harder, her precision and execution way more solid, her style and grace more fluid and natural. (Not to mention that as a woman, she can't do what the male contestants do and just let the female pro dance around her taking all the focus off awkward arms and flat feet.)

But I don't think Kristi will end up winning, and my real disappointment is that the judges contribute to that by picking on her in a way they never pick on the others, and by even giving higher scores for routines that weren't nearly as accomplished.

Is she a ringer? Yeah, I've already said I kinda think so. Then again, so is Marissa, and she didn't step up in the same way. And BTW: they went out and hired the ringers. Did they do that only to penalize them later for being reliably excellent instead of surprisingly good?

Grumble grumble.

On to the show. Each couple pulled the two dances they would have to perform from a hat (which I don't believe was truly random at all, call my cynical.) Each couple did one ballroom and one Latin dance.

1. Jason & Edyta

First, they kicked off the evening with a Foxtrot. Jason really does have excellent posture, which is nice in a man that tall. For the first half he seemed way too intense and serious for the frothy foxtrot, but about half-way through he lightened up and actually seemed to be having fun. He still is at his absolute best when he is in hold with Edyta and not having to move too much solo. I still have doubts about the grace of that free arm when she is not hanging off it!

Second, they danced the Paso Doble. This had some great moments, mostly because Jason can do Paso Doble-style intensity very well. But parts of it seemed really spastic...almost out of control. And did my eyes deceive me, or was there an obvious lift? I think there was, and it was part of the let's-prop-up-everyone-except-Kristi conspiracy to not mention it at. all.

Bottom line: I do think Jason & Edyta look great together, and that yes, it's surprising how good Jason is at this. But if you just watch him (not her) you'll see that he often isn't doing too much, and he still struggles with stiffness and awkwardness and flat-footedness. All of which he gets a free pass on.

2. Marissa & Tony

First, they danced the Quickstep. It was cute, but it really didn't seem like it had Semi-final level difficulty or panache. For much of the routine it seemed more like a foxtrot than the flashy quickstep we're used to seeing...especially this late in the competition.

Second, they danced the Rumba. Last week we had a brief chat on BlogHer about how the women professional dancers dance circles around their male stars without bothering us much, but it's much more bothersome when the male professionals outshine the female stars. I guess this is because most of these dances really are all about showcasing the woman, so it seems obnoxious to do otherwise. In this Rumba Tony was way more languorous and sensual than Marissa...it was just really noticeable that he was moving his body in that sexy, snaky way...and she just wasn't. This didn't have any real spark or chemistry, and frankly, i agreed with Carrie Anne that it was boring.

Bottom line: Having won a Tony for starring as a chubby girl who exceeds expectations to be the best dancer on the stage and win a dancing contest in Hairspray, I think Marissa was just as much a ringer as Kristi...only she hasn't really stepped up. Since most people aren't familiar with her Broadway work, I don't think they realize she's not stepping up. Instead I feel like there's almost this patronizing thing going on...as though being a bit heavier than the other women on that stage would hamper her sense of rhythm or ability to remember steps or talent for hip action or gracefulness in general...none of which it would.

3. Cristian & Cheryl

First, they danced the Viennese Waltz. I mostly really liked that they used the song "Satellite" by the Dave Matthews Band, which is one of my favorite songs you never hear. It was OK. It seemed a bit frantic to me, and Cristian did the same thing Jason did: He danced the first half with an inappropriate furrowed brow of concern, and then loosened up about halfway through to get more relaxed, more fun and more romantic.

Second, they danced the Samba. Yes, this is the dance where Cristian injured himself 2 weeks ago...which they made a big deal out of. On this one everything from the knees up looked great. Cristian had good hip action, a nice loose upper body and seemed to be having a lot of fun. I thought his footwork got messed up on multiple occasions which, again, no one bothered to mention.

Bottom line: I think Cristian wins "most improved", no doubt about that. And here's to a strong right arm...it is pretty amazing how they can carry on with mostly only one arm and not look like they're lagging. I don't think he has the difficulty level or the consistency or the fluidity of Kristi, but he certainly has won me over a little bit, because early on I wanted him booted every week practically.

4. Kristi & Mark

First, they danced the Tango. I really just sat back and watched it. Her skill level is off the charts. It's ridiculous. I'm not saying she looks like one of the pros, but she's probably as close to it as any contestant I've seen on the show. Mario Lopez may have been the only other contestant who really seemed like he could just be dumped in with a pro number and hold his own.

Second, they danced the Jive, This was an example where I thought the male pro, Mark, was over-doing it to the couple's detriment. Either work with her on her steps so that she matches your snap and the height to which you're raising your knees, or adjust yours a bit. I mean, maybe I'm misunderstanding he dance, maybe the guy is supposed to be more extreme than the women, but I don't think so. That's my nitpick because otherwise it was cute as a bug...and really really hard.

Bottom line: I am mostly peeved because I think it's obvious that Kristi is doing stuff WAY harder than the others, and getting minimal credit from the judges for it, while making it look easy enough that the viewers may not realize it. That's the kind of skill and presentation that should, for once, win this thing...not the person who doesn't suck like you thought they would!

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

Well, if it were me it would be Marissa/Tony and Jason/Edyta, and Marissa/Tony would go. (Yes, I'm one of those evil people always counting hr out...shows how much I know.)

I think I may have the right person going home, but I honestly don't know who else is in the bottom. My guess is that voting is very close.

But what do you think?