Round of Six: Part 2 - January 23

Last time, our six skating pairs met and begun their journey as one. A lot of bumps and bruises later, they're still absolutely dedicated to this competition... so says Summer, Scott's better half in hosting. Tonight, though, they face their next challenge...

BUT FIRST! You notice we have a new announcer on board? Former "Rock & Roll Jeopardy!" announcer Stew Herrera takes the Mark Thompson role this week. Now...  The standings from the previous show...

Jillian & John: 51.8
Dave & Nancy: 49.3
Bruce & Tai: 48.8
Deborah & Kurt: 48.0
Todd & Jenni: 47.7
Kristy & Lloyd: 47.5

Remember, the pair with the lowest combined point total from this week and last week will be sent home. It's a sad reality, but such is life in the world of the ice war. There must be a winner. There must be a loser.

As the contest progresses, each pair must master a new and more difficult technique. Tonight, not only must each pair do a three-rev spin, they must also incorporate synchronized footwork that must cover at least 1/2 the length of the ice. Tonight's musical theme: the 70s.

We start with the team in the last place... Lloyd Eisler and Kristy Swanson. They had a connection, but the judges didn't see it last week. Kristy can't act her way out of this one. But do they have the magic between them this week? I'm sure they do, but can they show the judges that? "It's probably going to be over." Good enthusiasm, Kristy. They disco their way through "Boogie Fever" by the Sylvers. Let's go to the judges... Dorothy thought it was fantastic. Mark thought the program was wonderful. Sir John saw a complete 180 from last week. And now, will the judges please reveal the scores...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 8.5
Hamill: 8.4
Lund: 8.3
TOTAL: 25.2

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 8.6
Hamill: 8.5
Lund: 8.4
TOTAL: 25.5

Their total: 50.7. An excellent score to lead off on! Added to their score from last time, it's 98.2 out of a possible 120. Looks like they just might have saved themselves.

Next up, the Blues Brothers, Dave Coulier & Nancy Kerrigan. Last week, they used each other's strengths in a comic routine, but this one has a far greater degree of choreography. Dave is convinced that he'll have it together at showtime. That would be... NOW! They swing their way through the Godfather's "Get Up Off Of That Thing". And miraculously survive. Mark was "thoroughly not entertained." Dorothy thought they had trouble getting in sync. Sir John gets on Dave again about the pointed toes he ground off last time. This could hurt a little...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 7.9
Hamill: 8.0
Lund: 7.8
TOTAL: 23.7

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 7.9
Hamill: 8.0
Lund: 7.8
TOTAL: 23.7

Their total: 47.4. The score for the past two weeks... 96.7. So we know that Kristy & Lloyd will stay to next week. This score is good for second, but for how long?

Back to the 70s with Bruce Jenner & Tai Babilonia, who brought the crowd to their feet, but failed to wow the judges. They think they can add rhythm and finesse to their techniques thanks to a shared appreciation of the decade... unless it wears Tai out. Bruce stays at it, but will it pay off? Time to "Shake Your Groove Thing" with Peaches & Herb. Sir John says that neither of them were in the shape they were in during the 70s. Mark disagrees, as he liked it. Dorothy is awestruck. And now, will the judges please reveal the scores...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 7.9
Hamill: 8.3
Lund: 8.1
TOTAL: 24.3

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 8.1
Hamill: 8.4
Lund: 8.2
TOTAL: 24.7

Grand total: 49.0. Past week's total... 97.8. They're in the lead now!

Last week, John Zimmerman and Jillian Barberie were on top of the world. This week, they were practicing like the champs they were last week. This week also sees the first major injury, as Jillian pulled her groin. A little stretch and she's able to skate... for now. But will it hold out for showtime? Their song: "More Than a Woman." We're staying alive with the Bee Gees. And so is Jillian.  Mark loved the footwork, but didn't see any connection that was there last week. Dorothy disagrees... again. Sir John: "A good performance, but a disappointing one." He saw no improvement.

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 8.4
Hamill: 8.6
Lund: 8.2
TOTAL: 25.2

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 8.5
Hamill: 8.4
Lund: 8.3
TOTAL: 25.2

Their score: 50.4. Added to show #1... THEY'RE in the lead with 102.2.

Kurt Browning was up in Canada for the week, so Deborah Gibson had to follow her partner there to get in some practice. Last week, it was all fluff, no form. This week... after seeing the others, it's time to step up the game. "I want to win," she says. Will it be enough? She's not in any immediate danger, but she better keep that fight as she skates with Kurt to "You're the One That I Want" by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta. Sir John just thought it was okay. Mark liked the energy, and thought the spin was a smart move. Dorothy thought that Deborah's footwork needed a bit more work work. And now, will the judges please reveal the scores...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 7.8
Hamill: 8.2
Lund: 8.0
TOTAL: 24.0

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 7.9
Hamill: 8.3
Lund: 8.1
TOTAL: 24.3

Their total: 48.3... Their total from week one added... 96.3. Dave & Nancy are safe, but now Deborah & Kurt are in the danger zone. It all hinges on the final performance...

... Todd Bridges and Jenni Meno. Last week, Todd was one step from falling, so Jenni calls in her husband, Todd Sand. After learning about a lift that might just lift them to victory, the choreographer is speechless. Will they go for it? They do the "Jungle Boogie" with Kool & The Gang.... and we have a fall down, and the tigers are flying... What the hell that means, I have no idea. The players' comments? "AAAAAAHHHH!" Yeah. The judges' comments...  Dorothy liked the skating she did ski. Mark said that he improved so much. Sir John likes Jenni... but thinks Todd can't skate. "You are an ice accident waiting to happen, and tonight, it happened."

Alright. Doing the math in my head, Todd & Jenni need a 48.6 to stay in the competition. Otherwise, they'll be the first skaters going home. That said... will the judges please reveal the scores...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 7.9
Hamill: 7.9
Lund: 7.9
TOTAL: 23.7

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 8.1
Hamill: 8.1
Lund: 8.0
TOTAL: 24.2

Their total: 47.9. Add it up, it's only a 95.6. Todd & Jenni are the first casualties of "Skating with Celebrities." Kurt & Deborah, you're safe.

Todd thought it was a lot of work, but he is grateful for the experience. Jenni is very proud of her partner.

And so ends another "unbelievable" show (I swear, I'm getting tired of that word, and it's only night 2). Next week, more hits on the way to the final, as yet another team is given the axle... get it? The axl... oh, never mind. Just be here next week, please and thank you.