And mostly pull it off...even if one of them pulls a muscle!

This week was the first week that the remaining couples had to learn two routines (if you don't count the horrifying spectacle that was their group country dance...which I don't.) For the most part everyone rose to the challenge. I certainly hope that sympathy and fascination with some backstage romance doesn't keep the wrong couples in too long, but so far America has been pretty smart on this one.

Let's dig in:

1. Marisa and Tony

First they danced the Tango. I have to say I like it when they pull her back and let her look a little more elegant and like a serious contender. Sometimes everything about her is so big...her hair, her smile, her eyes...that it feels clownish even when it's not. I thought she did get the intensity of this dance, and there was some good, complex, intricate footwork going on. That being said, she was a bit flat-footed, even stompy, on parts of it, so I'm not sure I would have gone so far in my praise as the judges.

Second they danced the Rumba. This one did not work for me. I hate to sound like Len, but I really wanted to see more content. I didn't actually see much dancing of any kind going on, and it all felt a bit slow, safe and boring. This reminded me of their earlier routines.

Bottom line: She has definitely been the comeback kid, but I didn't think she had a stellar evening.

2. Cristian and Cheryl

First they danced the Viennese Waltz. It had a very nice and flashy ending that really woke me up. They were also very disciplined about the "no lifts!" rule. I still find his free arm to be overly stiff (and when you see him in sleeveless shirts and see how muscle-bound he is, it makes perfect sense.) He has achieved much-improved fluidity in his movements with his lower body, but not always his upper body.

Second they danced the Samba. This was the big, dramatic moment when he obviously injured himself during the dance, tried to finish, but ended up in a bit of a heap by the end. I played it back and really couldn't see a point where he might have pulled the muscle, so the cramp explanation makes sense. Up until the point of the injury I had really the same feedback as with the ballroom dance...he has a nice fluid lower body, including nice speedy footwork and, obviously, highly capable hip action. But his upper body is stiff and a little uncomfortable.

I saw a transcript of a Q&A Cristian did over a new role he's going to be playing on a USA Network TV show, and he did throw out one little tidbit about DWtS that was interesting. You probably already know they are given the dance style...and the music to use. So sometimes they are just stuck with what they got. And in the case of the rumba Cristian and Cheryl did a few weeks back (back when I said "This didn't do much for me or for him") he really didn't like the song, which impacted the dance.

Bottom line: I think he'll get a lot of sympathy votes, so unless he really injured himself seriously, he'll be back.

3. Kristi and Mark

First they danced the Viennese Waltz. I agreed this wasn't her best. Mostly because I felt she seemed to be fighting the tempo, and sometimes even a bit behind it. But I also agree that she had some lovely expressiveness and emotion in the dance which did indeed compensate for this being less than her technical best.

Second they danced the Cha Cha. Len's an old fuddy duddy. I loved this. She has totally overcome her shyness, especially around shaking her booty. But at the same time there was a speed, precision and intricacy that made this more than a couple folks out there doing hootchie dancing.

Bottom line: Still the one to beat.

4. Mario and Karina

First they danced the Foxtrot. Yes, they had a missed handhold or two, but in general I found this both charming and kinda hot. He has such great posture and bearing. I don't get what Len means at all when he says Mario isn't elegant. I thought they wuz robbed to be in the bottom 2 last week, so I hope it doesn't happen again.

Second they danced the Mambo. I really like watching this couple. He's a pleasure to watch...he's very comfortable in his body and not afraid to loosen up. Meanwhile they also do really hard and intricate choreography, which compared to some of the couples shows how seriously he takes this competition.

Bottom line: LIke I said: I think it would be a shame if he was in the Bottom 2 or eliminated tonight. To me he is actually Top 2 material.

5. Shannon and Derek

First they danced the Tango. Shannon seems to be going downhill not uphill in this battle. While intense, aggressive and energetic, this also seemed overly tense and stiff and anxious to me. Not in a good, dramatic way. Derek was extremely sharp and impressive, but he does have this tendency to kind of outshine his partner...which isn't very chivalrous, you know?

Second they dance the Mambo. This was just terrible. All that booty-shaking in the judges' faces was obnoxious, but not even sexy or loose enough to make it effective. The fact is that she is just not good at those hip-action-oriented Latin dances. it's totally true, and the judges pegged it.

Bottom line: I really liked Shannon during the early weeks, but it's been a few weeks since I thought she really excelled. I hope intrigue over their backstage romance doesn't keep them on longer than the dancing deserves.

6. Jason and Edyta

First they danced the Quickstep. At first Jason was stiff, and in fact it almost looked like you could see him counting the steps out loud. but about halfway through he loosened up, and this got really fun and exciting.

Second they danced the Paso Doble (to the tune of the Monday Night Football theme and dress in football themed costumes.) Meh. This totally reminded me of Edyta and Joey's Star Wars schtick...down to the ending pose. I prefer less schtick, more content. I thought he looked a bit confused the whole time. he had the scary intensity, but I think so much so that e lost focus on the choreography. I didn't think this one was one of his best.

Bottom line: This wasn't Jason's best night, but I'm not sure it matters because he has been such a pleasant surprise, and people really respect that. Dare I say they also respect it more coming from a guy, because it's as though women are just expected to be able to pick up something girly like ballroom dancing, but guys aren't.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

If it were me, the Bottom 2 would be Shannon/Derek and Cristian/Cheryl, and it would be Shannon's turn to go home.

I'm a little apprehensive that somehow Mario and Karina will be penalized for I-don't-know-what and sent home instead though. Which would be a damn shame.

But what did you think?