I love Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), but I hate the voting system. If you don’t watch the show, then you’re not aware that voting starts at the beginning of the show. Yes, before all of the people have performed. In other words, this isn’t a competition, it’s a popularity contest. Why do they even bother to dance? Practice? Show up? Some may say that American Idol is a popularity contest also – but they differ in two ways.
DWTS has a built-in fan base even before the show begins. On AI, no one really knows about any of them until the show starts. Fan base is based upon our getting to know them, watching them perform. Therefore, while it does become a popularity contest, it is based on what we have seen of the performances, no pre-conceived “I’ll vote for him because I loved him in …”
The voting system. As I said before, you get to vote from the beginning of the show, with a half an hour after the show ends thrown in. Those of us who wait until everyone performs to vote have a hard time getting through – I couldn’t vote at all the first night so I gave up. Plus, let’s say you use all of your votes on performer number three but then you see the last one dance and realize you should have voted for them – too late. I do like the fact that you are limited to a certain number of votes per telephone/computer though, unlike AI’s unlimited number. Technically, since I have a land line, cell phone and three email addresses I could vote a multitude of times, but not the 100s that some AI voters manage.
Then there’s Mario, Joey and Willa and their breaking the rules. Some wonder why the judges were harder on Mario than the other two. D’uh, Mario broke the rules last week, came back this week and did it again. He blatantly threw the gauntlet at the judges and they caught it in mid-air. It’s as if he doesn’t care. As Bruno put it – he’s deliberately making them mark him down. This is a competition, there are rules and everyone should adhere to them. It’s unfair to those people who dance their heart out within the confines of rules set forth. Let’s use AI again. Suppose Bo came out during a 1940s theme and stuck a little Aerosmith in the middle of it, all in an obvious attempt to kiss up to his fan base? Not fair, and not right. Mario has made it through to the next round - see, going by the rules don't matter in this competition, and by the smirk on his face I wouldn't be surprised to see him break them again. He's too smug and I have developed an intense dislike for him.
Why do I watch if I don’t vote and think that the show is a sham? Because I love to watch them perform. Even Jerry has grown on me a bit, damn it. So, what do you think? Or do you even care? Be nice, you know I’m functioning without a brain.
29 comments:
I only watched part of Tuesday and all of Wednesday so not an expert here but I had to agree about voting Harry out (even though I know Jerry isn't the best dancer). Harry is just missing that spark - he seems forced while Jerry is entertaining. Yeah I don't agree with how the voting works either. And who was that singer????? Loved the opera guy and choir though and of course the dancers.
Sorry. Don't watch either shows mentioned. I did watch DWTS last year and found it entertaining, but yes, like a popularity contest. Can I ask a question about regular tv? Anyone besides me think that friday nights suck now?
I haven't seen it. :/ But then I haven't seen much these days. MUST clear my sked for LOST though. And ER. When does American Idol start?
I loved the opera guy too, but just didn't get the other group, but then what do I know, I don't have a brain.
Brandy - but Friday's are one of my favorite nights - Ghostwhisperer and Numb3rs.
Meretta - we cross posted. I don't know when it starts - guess I should find out. Lost began tonight didn't it?
I used to watch Ghost Whisperer, but stopped for some reason, I DO look forward to Numbers. Tuesdays is awful for s though *g*. House is opposite Gilmore Girls opposite NCIS. AGH!
Yeah, tell me about it - I don't watch Gilmore Girls, but it's DWTS, NCIS and House. Because I'm dealing with mother, I can only tape two of them, so I've had to drop NCIS - I figure I'll catch it later after DWTS is over. Thursday sucks for me - I'm at work - so there's CSI, Supernatural and Duets - so I'm dropping Duets because I just wasn't that in to it.
Well of course, my brain's gone too and in addition I have no TV, not that I'd likely be watching the show anyway.
However, they sound like dumb rules to me. Nobody who's going last will even have a chance to win. That must be awfully discouraging for the people affected. And rules should be made--and kept--to make things fair and the starting base even for everyone. And mavericks should be thrown out--lack of respect for rules and other competitors.
I’ve never seen an episode of DWTS but keep meaning to watch. But when I do watch reality shows, the ones with voting, the judges usually drive me crazy. ;-)
I totally agree with you on the voting on DWTS, I don't think it was like that last season was it? I can't remember.
I didn't see what the big deal with the lift was in Joey's, though his handstand I knew was big trouble. And if they were being really picky last night, Tony and Sara should have lost points for the 'Tony roll'
I'm sad to see Harry/Ashly go before Willabeast. Just once I'd like to see Ashly paired with someone who can dance
I don't really watch it but I would have to agree that the voting sounds screwy. I catch the last 5 minutes of the results show when I switch to Jutice.
Isn't Men in Trees on on Friday nights?
I'm beginning to think the networks have stock into Tivo. I wanted to check out Shark last week but the season premeir of ER was on. How are some of these shows going to survive if they put them against fan favouites?
I haven't seen the show yet, so I can't judge. You never even mentioned Emmitt though. How does he do?
Scott - Emmitt is doing just fine. The first two shows he danced well enough to end up near the top of the heap. On Wednesday he didn't do as well and landed in the bottom. I have to admit that some of his sparkle was gone from that performance, probably a result of being tired traveling back and forth between Dallas and L.A. I'm thinking he'll do much better with the waltz.
I only catch it on commercials because I'm usually watching something else. I love ballroom dance though. Who got booted off last night? I missed the end. And I'm with you - I prefer when they stick to the rules. It's not freestyle, it's ballroom.
Kelly - Harry Hamlin went home.
I've only caught the show here and there. I'm sure I would like it, but you're right, the voting sucks. I can't complain though--I watch AI and never vote, either. I don't really care who wins, I just like to see them perform.
Hey, I asked a question on my blog. Have your ladies take a crack at it. What job would be most ironic for a woman to perform?
Bailey - I don't feel that the voting system they have now is fair to the contestants. They should have it after the performances so you can give a true vote and not just a popularity vote.
That's it - it's totally popularity with little regards for talent - I'm glad that the judges score counts for 50%.
Since I don't vote and only watch during commercials on Tuesdays (can't bring myself give up NCIS) I really have no right to complain but I will. LOL
The voting system seems completely unfair and more like a popularity contests! :(
I've never watched it but I don't like the way you say the voting system goes. That makes no sense. It does sound like a popuarity contest.
Mario has bugged me for a while. He is smug.
Rachael - like with AI, it's shown during the little interview after the performance (and I think during, but I don't remember).
I didn't know about Shanna - but Mario cheated on his wife DURING the honeymoon. That's why she filed for divorce three weeks after they were married.
LOST better not have started...unless they're showing last year's cliffhanger. Loreth, my little LOST bird, tells me it's supposed to happen OCT. 4.
I am trying to get into this season because dang it I need a show to watch and someone to pull for. I don't understand the voting really yet and still haven't voted though I like several. Emmit, Mario, Joey is good, Harry Hamlin...well I liked his wife and even Jerry is growing on me too.
I finally figured out why Mario was yelled at. I do agree they have to follow the rules.
Who got kicked off last night?
Oh I see...Harry got voted off. Well he was stiff. His wife will just have to be the better dancer. At least he tried. I would find that romantic.
That's actually why I don't watch the show. It's not based on dancing ability. It's based on popularity going into the show. Last season proved that, when the football star (or whatever sport he played) nearly won the show and he sucked worst than anyone.
I watched it the first time, but lost interest. I did enjoy seeing how the athletes fared.
And guess what? You WON! Check my blog for details :)
I haven't seen it but you're the third person this week I've heard (or read) talk about it. I already have a Project Runway fetish. Plus Lost is starting back up. There aren't enough hours in the day for TV and writing.
I love this show without reason. I love Mario even though he's a bad boy. Actually, that's WHY I love him, lol.
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