Mondayeve

I rewatched that clip on YT (yes, I am crazy) and I thought while it was short, very romantic. She just melted into his arms and he kissed her after he told her "let's get a hug" or something similar. I think we would have seen a longer kiss actually but the camera moved off their face. They seemed like they wanted it to go on longer but they couldn't. Some times those hugs where you don't want to let go can be just as romantic as a passionate kiss if not more romantic IMO. It is more intimate and connected. Frankly I am confused and mesmerized by all the chemistry she has with Peter if Bryan was her choice. That is the beauty of this show.

Perhaps that is the edit of Peter that they are going for to make Rachel's final decision easier for her. The "I am so attracted to him but he doesn't feel the same way, so he is not the one for me."

I thought that the hug that Peter and Rachel shared showed tremendous chemistry but they cut it very short so we would not see much, just a taste.

It is a little weird - no to thinking about sex with a woman you made out with but down with nude selfies. ???? Not judging though.

I was on the Peter train for that romantic first date but with this new spoiler it gave me pause... When Peter talks about Rachel and being with her he sounds hesitant whereas Bryan doesn't. The thing that strikes me is that when Bryan sucks face with her she responds and kisses him back. She does not resist.at.all. I would think if she were having feelings for Peter she would have a hard time responding so enthusiastically to Bryan's aggressive kissing. Now that I go back and watch the season promo you can see that it is Bryan she kisses so passionately. Just a speculation but could TPTB have Peter as the next lead locked and loaded even before the season started and story boarded it to have Rachel get to the end with him and then let him go, while she can pick from all the other suitors? He belonged to ABC even if she liked him. Wasn't Rachel herself picked as the next bachelorette when she did her season so she it was designed for her be let go by Nick? Peter is quite handsome and a season of him laying it down to become popular - the quiet mysterious good looking broken hearted suitor who gets a second chance at love? Swoon city for the bachelofiles. Reality TV. Sometimes I question myself why I watch. I hate the manufactured relationships but it is TV. The incorrect spoiler is probably going to boost ratings now.

After Sharna's easy breezy chemistry with James last year this is so hard to watch... To me, Bonner is so dull and lackluster, no amount of showmance or hotness can make up for it. I don't even care about the grab-gate.

Once he gets some rest I hope he takes his darling Becky on vacation where he can just chill. He's earned it for sure.

I am proud of James and what he was able to do coming from where he came. I loved his little speech when he came in second and I thought he was gracious in his second place. James was always gracious personable and had something to say. I feel like he showed the world when he hangs up his helmet there are big things waiting for him especially something that involves him being in the public or on camera. He worked hard and put in long hours. He had no advantages going in. No one knew who he was nor did have any kind of training that would make learning dance easier. He treated Sharna with respect, listened to her took instruction and to me more importantly acknowledged her hard work also and her choreo. They were a team. So for that I loved and respected him. They made the season for me. I didn't need perfect dancing or a set number of Latin vs ballroom. I just wanted memorable dances so I could get lost in my little Mondayeve show. For me they delivered that and more. I said it before and I will say it again, the one thing James had boatloads over all the other celebs was that light and shade in dancing. On Sharna's instagram there is a beautiful picture sharing the stage for the last time and it is very touching. It was the first time I cried this season. I am sure that they will post more comments and pics plus I am looking forward to James' topknot story that he promised.

Congratulations to Laurie and Val. America has spoken. I think the show gave it away within the first 10 minutes with the edits and her going last so I knew. I hope she goes onto big things. Cute bubbly and talented girl. Val kind of stole her moment with his little speech and I am surprised she did not acknowledge him as her pro and how he taught her all these weeks or the other two couples but she seemed happy and Val seemed even happier.

No matter who takes it tonight there will be upset. Who knows, Calvin could take it and wouldn't that be the ultimate upset of the entire series?? Well, except for the Calvin fans. I know it is part of watching contest reality shows where the public is allowed to vote but when I see James and Val hugging on the balcony, Laurie and Val cheering James on, James saying Laurie he knows Laurie is an incredible dancer compared to himself and Peta posting both Laurie's and James' numbers for votes it makes me sad that the fans go at it the way they do. I get the fans are passionate and invested so anything less than a win for your team is devastating. But it gets ugly every year and it sort of sucks the joy out of it for me. Maybe I am the only one who feels that way. It is fun to hash it out, and listen to the different opinions so I need to adjust if I want to keep watching. I plan on being happy for whoever wins because I think Laurie brings her bubbly youthful energy and athleticism and James brings his storytelling his teachability and grace on the dance floor. All 3 couples will have danced every dance and they will all be on GMA and have equal time. I know a silver medal doesn't have the same impact as the gold...some of the most memorable celebs and dances have not been the winners but they did make finals.

Not for nuthing but Craig the judge on SCD who has no problems pulling out a 3 or 4 paddle when he deems it necessary says he only gives a 10 to a dance that moves him. Go figure.

One comment I read on YT that I feel describes it best as far as James' tonight. All of his dances have had a character. Except for his first dance and now his last dance. Just James being James. Emma on DWTS access commented on his arms and hands, his gracefulness and his extensions. Those were also the comments made most about his Rumba. I always feel like we don't see that from male celebs who have never danced before and I admit that might be part of why I am enamored of his dancing. Like he listens to every detail of instruction that Sharna gives him, takes note and then does it the best he can. I also see musicality and the interpretation of the music every single time in addition to his storytelling. I don't think he is the best male celeb we have had, of course not and I feel Julianne made a bone headed mistake by saying that and actually hurt him by that comment. But he has brought something extra to the dance floor this season and I think that explains his popularity because he is resonating with people. I understand YMMV.

So I am hearing that for some viewers emotion in dancing is not important and should not be factored in. If you are moved by a dance it does not count because technique is all that matters? Would it ever be that way in this type of environment? It would look too much like watching PBS instead of a program like DWTS where we get to see the whole person and not just steps.

Well perhaps James will get 2 latin dances for his fusion dance and then the judges can have at him. It will be cool if he nails them.

This has got to be one of the closest finals and I know how many times that has been said but damn... Calvin raised his game BIGLY. Lindsey did great choreo. Laurie danced a fun fabulous freestyle. James was wonderful and I loved the story and emotion that did not veer into schmaltzy so for me it worked. It was understated and I can appreciate that. Sharna has the most creative mind when it comes to telling a story with dance and she has a partner in James who bring her visions to the dancefloor. If I were an undecided voter I would have a hard time choosing but if I look at the entire season and the freestyle as that last punctuation to a season ending, it will be James and Sharna for me.

http://www.arthurmurraylive.com/blog/5-reasons-james-hinchcliffe-could-win-dancing-with-the-stars-23?utm_content=44202692&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter A few more dances to go and the all important freestyle but another endorsement for the mayor of Hinchtown. I saw a photo of the camera blocking and James and Sharna were in bare feet. I am wondering if this dance will be done in bare feet especially where they are doing some ballroom? Len hates barefoot dancing and any whiff of contemporary wafting. We shall see. I am so looking forward to tonight.

Not only that but the Ellen producers decided on the cha cha at the last minute. They were going to do their tango which they had just done. So James had to rewatch his video to refresh his memory of the choreo that he had done earlier in the comp. Little bit of a panic backstage but he pulled it off and actually did better than he had done on show night.

Another blog. http://dwts2016.blogspot.com/2016/11/dancing-with-stars-season-23-week-10.html It is the improvement arc that Hinch has been on starting with zero training and ending up in the finals.

http://www.etonline.com/news/203221_dancing_with_the_stars_season_23_final_four_contestants_on_how_they_plan_to_take_home_mirror_ball_trophy/ I am looking forward to all the freestyles but of course this one is special. I am trying to be zen about the finale and who wins because it always tough on social media whoever wins. I feel like James has done his absolute best this season and the votes will go where they go. He and Sharna given so much pleasure this season not just from the their dancing but their facebook chats and how they work with each other. Thank you to the producer who spotted him at that taping of Family Fued and knew casting brilliance when she saw it.

Yes, that makes me feel better. And the one hint about the freestyle is a mashup of several dances and Sharna promises it is a freestyle that has not been seen before. Just as I suspected they know anyone can win and are being supportive of the others. I like that about James - even though he is competitive he has been kind to the other celebs and knows well they are excellent dancers and whoever wins is deserving. All we can do is vote for him if we support him. I will put in some extra votes for you Redfiat. They look so tired this week but it is that last push.

I just found out from Just Jared these are the dances and music for Hinch and Sharna. Redemption Style: Tango – “It Had to Be You” by Harry Connick Jr. Freestyle: “Beethoven’s 5 Secrets” by The Piano Guys. Can I just say I am excited by the music!! However, I wonder if Tango is a misprint because that music is suited a foxtrot and James mentioned he would like to do his foxtrot over to show how far he has come. A fabulous foxtrot to traditional music will please Len so much. Fingers crossed this is a redemption foxtrot. And classical music for his freestyle. I say a misprint because Just Jared got Calvin's dance wrong last time and said he was doing a samba instead of salsa. It had to be you by Harry Connick is absolutely foxtrot and I am trying figure out how Sharna would choreo to it? Any ideas? Okay edited. Saw the FB chat and it is indeed a foxtrot.

This is a from a ballroom blogger and I feel they know ballroom so I respect their opinion. Interesting comments about who they feel could win this. http://www.arthurmurraylive.com/blog/dancing-with-the-stars-23-semifinal-results

I watched the afterbuzz dwts. They seem to think that Jana will win this. She says is better than Laurie and Jana dances from the heart, etc. and when Len gets back he will have plenty of praise for her and point out how good she is. Laurie is their second choice. So we are at the point of the comp where opinions are varied on who "should" win and who "will" win. I say it will come down to freestyle and fan bases. It depends on who you ask what answer you get. I just hope we get some great freestyles and I think we will. The beauty of DWTS finals. It does get raw with all the opinions and fan wars but I think the cast themselves get along well and will support whoever takes it.

And the reviews keep coming in. http://www.buddytv.com/articles/dancing-with-the-stars/why-james-and-sharna-deserved-62132.aspx

Does anyone follow Hector's blog? I always look for his review of the AT because I know that he knows this dance well. Here is his review. http://hectorsblog.livejournal.com/ For the record I am not interested in all the putting Laurie down business because I love her and think she is wonderful dancer and a well deserving winner if she takes the MBT. However, I feel like if James should win it is because the fans believe him to be the deserving winner and are voting on what he brings to the dance theater and on that I agree with Hector. Sportmanship if you will.