Even though Dancing With the Stars was not on last week due to the vice presidential debate, the stars and their professional partners kept their schedule. They pre-taped the episode that aired Monday evening.
This episode was called “Soul Train Night” and was the first part of this week’s double feature of DWTS. It took everyone back to a time when boogie was very popular. The energy was high, and the excitement was clear.
Guest Judge: Rosie Perez Joins the Fun
The famous dancer Rosie Perez, who appeared on Soul Train, joined as a guest judge. She provided feedback to the contestants on whether they captured the fun and groove of the old-school show. With bright costumes, wigs, and the fun music from that time, the episode was full of life.
Contestants like Ilona Maher and Dwight Howard dressed in flashy 1980s outfits, and their performances were colorful and entertaining. The only downside was that the judges’ scores were a bit all over the place.
First Performance: Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovsky
The first couple to perform was Phaedra Parks, known from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and her professional partner, Val Chmerkovsky. They brought their funky energy to the dance floor. They performed a Quickstep to Aretha Franklin’s song “Think.”
Although their performance had some noticeable mistakes, both judges, Carrie Ann Inaba and Perez, approved of their dance. Perez praised Parks for her ability to not just dance but also know how to “boogie.”
Impressive Performances: Joey Graziadei Shines
Another contestant, Joey Graziadei, who is from The Bachelor Season 28, also received that same compliment from Perez later in the night. His performance was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. Along with his partner, he worked hard to make the dance fun and enjoyable.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
In a similar way, Ilona Maher and Danny Amendola scored 30 out of 40 with their foxtrot. The judges praised Maher for her improvement in dancing. Amendola, a two-time Super Bowl champion, received compliments for his effort to smile more during his performance.
However, Stephen Nedoroscik, who has ranked third for two weeks in a row, struggled again with musicality and stiffness, resulting in a lower score, just like Maher, Parks, and Amendola.
Inconsistent Judging: Confusing Scores
As the night progressed, it was clear that the judges’ scores felt inconsistent. Last week, Derek Hough was a bit strict with the stars and their professional partners regarding their scores. This week, the issue was not with his scores but rather with Carrie Ann Inaba.
She seemed to give higher scores than the other judges. Last night, it became clear that her feedback did not always match the rest of the judges, except for Perez. She gave out 8s easily, even when some performances were more straightforward than others.
The most confusing score of the night was for Brooks Nader and Eric Roberts, who both received a ‘7.’ Their performances were not on the same level of skill and execution, yet they got the same score. This inconsistency made it hard for viewers to understand the judging process.
Choreography: Two Styles of Sexy Dance
Despite the judges’ mixed scores, the night showcased sexy choreography in two different ways. Brooks and her partner Gleb Savchenko had some drama in previous weeks due to their showmance. However, their rumba did not stand out as the most sensual performance of the night.
In contrast, former Bachelorette Jenn Tran brought intensity to her Viennese waltz with her partner, Sasha Farber. She moved away from her usual bubbly smile to portray a deeper emotion.
This performance was powerful and caught everyone’s attention. Tran showed great skill and hard work, landing in the Top 3 by the end of the episode.
Top Performers: Kinney and Graziadei Shine
The top two spots of the evening went to stars Chandler Kinney and Joey Graziadei, who both achieved the first 9s of the season. Graziadei, who was once a bachelor, surprised everyone with his performance each week. His jive to “Shout” by The Isley Brothers received special praise for its energy.
He and his partner, Jenna Johnson, delivered one of the most lively performances of the evening. Their stage presence was exciting, and they included fun choreography with a backflip that amazed the audience. If he keeps up this level of performance, Graziadei is on track to be a strong contender for the mirrorball trophy.
On the other hand, Chandler Kinney also impressed the judges with her talent, which has been evident since the first week. The Pretty Little Liars: Summer School alum and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, showcased a cha-cha that mixed hip-hop elements. Judge Bruno Tonioli even mentioned that we might have another star like Zendaya on our hands!
Conclusion: A Memorable Episode
“Soul Train Night” was filled with fun and showed how some celebrities were slowly making their way to the top. Even though “Hair Metal Night” would air soon and give viewers a closer look at who would continue in the competition, Monday’s episode already showed some potential winners in Graziadei and Kinney.
The energy and the talent of the contestants made the night memorable, despite the judges’ inconsistent feedback. Each dance had its unique style, bringing the vibrant atmosphere of the past to life. The participants fully embraced the theme, and the audience enjoyed every moment.
Guest Judge: Adding Nostalgia and Insight
The connection between the contestants and the audience grew stronger with each performance. The dancers not only aimed to impress the judges but also to entertain viewers at home.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
They worked hard to showcase their skills and to bring joy to everyone watching. The show is not just about dancing; it’s about connecting with people through the art of movement and expression.
As the competition heats up, it will be interesting to see how the stars handle the pressure. With the mix of new themes, challenging choreography, and varying judge feedback, every performance will be crucial. The excitement of the upcoming episodes keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the stars will adapt and shine.
Dancing With the Stars continues to bring joy and entertainment to its audience. With memorable performances, guest judges, and a touch of nostalgia, the show remains a favorite.
Fans look forward to each episode, excited to see their favorite celebrities take on new challenges and to celebrate the art of dance. The journey is just beginning, and everyone is ready to enjoy the ride.
In the latest episode of The Penguin, titled “Bliss,” viewers are treated to an intriguing development in the Gotham underworld. We follow Oz (Colin Farrell) as he learns about a new drug called Bliss, which is being promoted by Alberto (Michael Zegen) and Sofia (Cristin Milioti).
They believe Bliss will be the key to their rise within the Falcone crime family and their ambitions to seize control of Gotham’s entire criminal empire. The drug, known as Bliss, offers users an escape from the harsh realities of life in Gotham.
What is Bliss?
At first glance, Bliss is a drug derived from basidiospores, a component found in mushrooms. The drug is transformed into a striking red crystal that users consume to achieve a euphoric state. However, this high comes with a notable side effect: a red stain left on the user’s tongue.
In a recent test run conducted by Oz alongside Eve (Carmen Ejogo) and Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) at a local club, it appears Bliss is set to become a popular choice among the residents of Gotham.
Many individuals are looking for ways to escape the grim circumstances surrounding them, especially after the devastation caused by recent events in the city.
While Bliss has its origins in DC Comics, the true nature and potential side effects of the drug in The Penguin remain largely unexplored. As the story unfolds, it is evident that the drug could have far darker implications than initially perceived.
The creators of The Penguin have cleverly adapted the drug’s background, grounding it in more realistic and relatable methods of creation, which could lead to more severe consequences.
Bliss Originates from DC Comics
The history of Bliss dates back to 2010 when it was first introduced in Titans #26. In the comics, the drug is crafted by Elijah, a minor drug lord and villain in the Teen Titans universe.
Unlike the more sophisticated method presented in the show, Elijah’s drug is produced through a much more sinister and abusive practice: he extracts hormones from kidnapped pre-adolescent children. This darker origin contrasts sharply with the approach seen in The Penguin, where Bliss’s creation is depicted as more grounded and plausible.
In the show, although certain mushrooms can have psychoactive properties, the specific mushrooms associated with Bliss, known as Bleeding Tooth Fungi, do not offer such recreational benefits.
This blend of science fiction and realism helps create a narrative that feels believable, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and the situation more deeply. The adaptation of Bliss into a more grounded context enhances its potential impact on the story.
Sofia’s Personal Connection to Bliss
As the episode progresses, Sofia reveals her deeper involvement in the operation surrounding Bliss. When she first introduces Oz to the drug’s production, he notices trucks arriving with bags labeled “Arkham Hospital.” These bags are likely transporting either the mushrooms themselves or the soil used to cultivate them.
Initially, Oz believes that Alberto is the mastermind behind the operation. However, Sofia subtly indicates that she has a far more significant role in the plan than she initially suggested. This revelation raises questions about her true motives and what else she might be concealing from Oz.
Sofia’s connection to Bliss becomes even more personal when she discloses to Feng Zhao (François Chau), the head of the Triad gangs, that she was given the drug while at Arkham. This statement adds a troubling dimension to her character.
By using Bliss, Sofia might be inflicting upon others the same psychological torture she experienced, stripping them of their willpower and rendering them “submissive,” as she describes. This dark turn of events highlights her character’s complexity and suggests that her motivations may not be purely driven by a desire for power.
It remains uncertain whether Sofia actually uses the drug herself. Although she appears not to, it would be fascinating to see how Bliss might influence her character and actions, particularly when considering the nightmares she has experienced.
The Potential Power of Bliss
The scene culminates with Sofia telling Oz that they will “paint the town red” with Bliss, indicating that this operation aims for far more than just financial gain. Instead, it seeks to control the psychological needs of the citizens of Gotham, which is a significant point raised by Sofia.
Given the chaos that has engulfed Gotham, particularly after The Riddler (Paul Dano) flooded the streets and caused widespread devastation, the demand for an escape has never been more critical.
People are looking for a way out of their grim realities, and whoever controls Bliss may hold the key to immense power and influence. The struggle for control over this new drug could lead to heightened tension among characters, as they vie for supremacy in the broken city.
Bliss presents itself as the “new high” that Alberto promised, potentially transforming the drug trade in Gotham. As Oz discusses with Johnny Viti (Michael Kelly) and Luca Falcone (Scott Cohen), Bliss might truly “revolutionize” the way drugs are distributed and consumed in the city.
However, the extent to which Bliss can control the people of Gotham and who will ultimately command its distribution is still a mystery. Sofia’s involvement adds a layer of vindictiveness to the power struggle, hinting that she may see this as payback for her traumatic experiences in Arkham.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
While the origins of Bliss are rooted in the comics, the show adapts its concept to create a more realistic narrative. The impending deal with the Triad for distribution hints that it won’t be long before Bliss evolves into the true currency of power in Gotham.
The Penguin is currently available to stream on Max in the U.S. and continues to show the darker underbelly of Gotham through its complex characters and gripping storylines.
Viewers are left to ponder the implications of Bliss and how it will shape the future of Gotham’s criminal world. As the story unfolds, the potential consequences of this new drug are bound to create more intrigue and tension in the episodes to come.
