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S21: Alek Skarlatos: American Hero

radishcake

By radishcake
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radishcake

radishcake

ALEK SKARLATOS Army National Guard Specialist Alek Skarlatos has joined the Dancing with the Stars Season 21 cast! Alek became a worldwide hero in August when he helped avert a massacre aboard a Belgian train. While on vacation after a deployment in Afghanistan, the 22 year-old sprang into action when an armed attacker began shooting on the train. Alek and two of his friends, Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone and student Anthony Sadler, disarmed and subdued the attacker, who was armed with guns and a box cutter. The California native is an avid painter and military history buff. In between National Guard deployments, Alek studies at a local community college and plans to enter the police force. PRO DANCE PARTNER: LINDSAY ARNOLD

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Uke
Uke

I think when he talked about 2015 being his best year, he volunteered to serve his country and was justifiably proud to have done so when he was deployed to Afghanistan.  He wasn't just in the right p

treeofdreams
treeofdreams

I know a lot of people are unhappy that Alek is still in this, and that better dancers are leaving before him, and they blame the grammas, the conservatives, the whole hero thing.  But the reason I li

A Boston Gal

A Boston Gal

Well, good for him! I hope he has a blast and does well!  Considering the motor mouths among the other cast members, though, we might be hard-pressed to hear much from him besides the normal Q&A's all the contestants get.

 

You go, Alek! :)

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DollEyes

DollEyes

 I approve. Considering some of the other idiots who are there (Kim, Paula & Gary, I'm looking at y'all), Alek's a breath of fresh air. Based on what I've seen and heard so far, Alek is brave, humble and hot.  Hope that Lindsay can make him as great a dancer as he is a man.

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radishcake

radishcake

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Alex's description is misleading.  He's from Oregon and attended a community college in a town near his home.  

That's straight from his abc press release. And he might have been born in CA and now lives in Oregon. The community college is in the description. 

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COESpiral

COESpiral

His dance tonight was really impressive for someone that's never danced before. I think Lindsey's learned a lot from the last time she was a pro (season 16, I think?) and she looks more comfortable now. This may be a great pair this season.

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JenMcSnark

JenMcSnark

That's straight from his abc press release. And he might have been born in CA and now lives in Oregon. The community college is in the description. 

According to this article in the Sacramento Bee, he started high school in the Sacramento area and then moved to Oregon with his dad and finished there.  But he was raised in Sacramento before that. 

 

Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos attended an independent Christian middle school where they met Sadler, whose father is pastor of a Baptist church in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood. They went to Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks together before Alek Skarlatos left to live with his father in Roseburg, Ore., where he graduated from high school

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CindyBee

CindyBee

Alek is like a breath of fresh air on this show.  And he really seemed to be having fun, which is about all I ask from anyone being on this show.

 

Wonder how much time he'll have to prepare for next week as he has to be in Washington DC at the Pentagon as the military brass are rolling out the big medals--Purple Heart for Spencer Stone, the highest non-combative army medal for him and a civilian honor for Anthony.    Hopefully his popularity will allow him to survive an off week if his time practicing is severely limited. 

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plfarrar

plfarrar

He got the majority of my votes. Bindi was really good,too; but I can't support MBT #6 for Derek. Sharna,on the other hand, is due one. Emma,too, but a 15 year old isn't likely to get her there. Maybe she'll, at least,  finally make the finals. 

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Uke

Uke

(edited)

I'm not so sure he'll be stiff and awkward for the Latin dances. He seemed willing to shake it with that silly nae nae dance.  He doesn't seem terribly self conscience.

 

I lost track of where someone asked if he'd dance in his dress uniform. I'm not sure the Army would allow it. But I'm not sure the costumers would either.  From what I've seen over the years, the men's clothing is modified quite a bit so it looks good and nicely fitted but doesn't rip apart when the guys move - things like hidden gussets in the pant seams, straps on the shirt bottoms (that he steps into) to keep them tucked in, shirt cuffs sewn onto the jacket arms (the shirt's sleeves are cut off), etc.  They do something to keep jackets down on the shoulder when the guy raises his arms, but I'm not sure what that trick is. Anyway, I'd expect Alek will be wearing an "Army-like" dress uniform for one of his dances.

Edited by Uke
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CindyBee

CindyBee

(edited)

I don't know what it is about Alek but each time he's on my TV, I just smile.

 

Glad to see him doing so well and Lindsay is such an excellent partner for him.  I didn't even mind her being his wingwoman and helping him out with his flirting with the single ladies of the troupe. 

 

I thought when the season started he'd last till mid season but now I think he has a pretty good shot for the top 4-5.  

Edited by CindyBee
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AdorkableSars

AdorkableSars

(edited)

 

Alek: "I am NOT sexy." Me: "His dictionary is broken."

 

This.

 

 

Or his mirror.

 

And this. 

 

I am so charmed by Alek. He is very handsome, and also seems like a genuinely sweet, humble, and nice person. And that's pretty sexy to me. And like Carrie Ann said, he can dance. He has certainly been the surprise of the cast for me. And has quickly become one of my favorites. 

 

 

 

Glad to see him doing so well and Lindsay is such an excellent partner for him.  I didn't even mind her being his wingwoman and helping him out with his flirting with the single ladies of the troupe.

I thought when the season started he'd last till mid season but now I think he has a pretty good shot for the top 4-5.

 

Lindsay has been an amazing partner for him. I am so happy that she is getting the credit that she deserves! And I hope Alek at least makes top 4. To me, so far, he's the whole package! 

 

ETA: I'm not even 30 yet (I will be in less than two weeks), but this post still kind of makes me sound cougar-y, right? Apologies to all! 

Edited by AdorkableSars
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RemoteControl88

RemoteControl88

I agree that Alek is killing the ballroom dances. The real test will be how he fares in latin dances I think. Also I'm a bit weary of the romance storyline for him. It could end up hurting him.  IMO the audience can react 1 of 2 ways. Treat it as a "showmance" focus on that and kind of forget about his great dancing.  OR because he's a regular guy it feels more genuine and may be seen the way Kym & Robert were last season. Either way, when the "story" is about romance it distracts from the dancing and I don't think that helps celebs in the long run.

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Rrrhumba

Rrrhumba

Well, Lindsay's married so I hope it doesn't go the Kym/Robert route! I'm inclined to agree his run to the finale will depend on the Latin dances but what he's got going for him is that he's arguably a more masculine presence than Carlos, Hayes or Andy so will be getting the "hot guy" votes, the "American hero" votes and the "not a bad dancer" votes. If he was a conservative Christian I'd say he'd have this thing sewn up.

There's also a big group of fans who are glad Lindsay has gotten another chance at pro, so he'll be getting the benefit of vote splits where fans of the established pros may be voting for their favourite but throwing Lindsay a vote or two as well. I definitely have Alek as top 6 and I think Andy and one or more of Carlos/Tamar/Alexa will go before him. Nick and Bindi are finals bound I think and I don't know about Hayes - traditionally the young uns haven't fared well with the votes but he's getting the YouTube hits so who knows?

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birkenstock

birkenstock

DWTS is lucky to have Alek this season. He's the only one I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing each week. I like Nick Carter and Bindi Irwin, but the rest are meh, fast forwarded through, or I watch because I like their pro partner.  Alek is an ordinary guy who did an extraordinary, heroic thing.  He's humble and, at times, nerdy. Lindsay lucked out because he takes direction well and has good work ethic. He doesn't have the too big for the room aura many of the stars have from too many years in spotlight or a desperation to be liked.*  I do hope he's able to transition back to normal life and go on with his pre-dwts goals.  I hope he won't take the farmer Chris reality tv tour route.

 

*I know he isn't considered a star by many since he wasn't in the entertainment business prior to the show. However, there are a few contestants over the years I wouldn't classify as stars that have been on and were total turds. 

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RemoteControl88

RemoteControl88

Well, Lindsay's married so I hope it doesn't go the Kym/Robert route! I'm inclined to agree his run to the finale will depend on the Latin dances but what he's got going for him is that he's arguably a more masculine presence than Carlos, Hayes or Andy so will be getting the "hot guy" votes, the "American hero" votes and the "not a bad dancer" votes. If he was a conservative Christian I'd say he'd have this thing sewn up.

 

 

Let me clarify...I meant that the focus on romance or showmance between Alek and whichever member of the troupe or Emma...not with Lindsey.

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Uke

Uke

Reading all your comments, it suddenly dawned on me that Lindsay was actually quite smart. She wanted to bring out the "sexiness" of Alek with the dating thing, but he really just showed almost a bashfulness while being game to give it a try (showing he's not a "player") all the while distancing herself from any showmancing between her and Alek. 

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AdorkableSars

AdorkableSars

(edited)

According to TMZ, he and Lindsay were rehearsing when he got the news about the shooting, and he left right away. (I know...TMZ is not exactly the most refutable source...) And as Uke stated, he tweeted that he would be going home to Roseburg tonight. Thoughts and prayers to all affected by the horrible tragedy today. So heartbreaking.

ETA: He filmed an interview on Ellen today (apparently set to air on Monday) with Lindsay. They touched briefly on the shooting today. Here is a link where you can watch it: http://www.gossiproundup.com/alek-skarlatos-discusses-ucc-school-shooting-on-ellen/

Edited by AdorkableSars
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CindyBee

CindyBee

What a horrible ordeal for Alek and everyone affected by the shooting to have to deal with.    just watched the Ellen show clip and  you have to wonder if he's going to have the heart to want to continue on with something as inane as "Dancing with the Stars".   I guess he'll see things through but it won't the same for him.  

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kitcloudkicker

kitcloudkicker

Alek on GMA: He would have been enrolled in Thursday classes if "the dancing show" had not called. "The dancing show" can't be feeling too important to him right now. 

 

(The end of this makes me furious, "These shootings always shatter the entire community..." That we've reached a place where this is common enough that we say things like "These shootings always..." is infuriating.) 

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Wings

Wings

I would not be surprised if he quit the show but there is really nothing he can do by being there at this point.  He may think staying on the show would give him exposure for future stands on violence and how to stop it.  That seems to be his driving force. 

(The end of this makes me furious, "These shootings always shatter the entire community..." That we've reached a place where this is common enough that we say things like "These shootings always..." is infuriating.)

 

 

The perfect words, that will resonate with all viewers,  can be elusive or maybe impossible for reporters, on the scene particularly.  Emotions range from grief to anger and everywhere in between.  No right way to feel. 

 

I do take issue with the news prefacing the story with "the nation is in mourning."  No, no it isn't.  I would mourn the death of someone close to me but not a mass shooting.  I have reactions but mourning is not one of them. 

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kitcloudkicker

kitcloudkicker

The perfect words, that will resonate with all viewers,  can be elusive or maybe impossible for reporters, on the scene particularly.  Emotions range from grief to anger and everywhere in between.  No right way to feel. 

 

To clarify, I am not furious because of the words he chose, I am furious that he had to say them. This is the 294th mass shooting in this country in THIS YEAR. But any more is OT, so I can take my fury elsewhere. 

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Uke

Uke

I just hope TPTB don't exploit the Oregon tragedy too badly. I'd imagine they are already re-crafting his memorable year story to be something like "The terror attack he stopped and the terror attack he didn't stop" . I'm cringing already.

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AdorkableSars

AdorkableSars

I just hope TPTB don't exploit the Oregon tragedy too badly. I'd imagine they are already re-crafting his memorable year story to be something like "The terror attack he stopped and the terror attack he didn't stop" . I'm cringing already.

 

Oh gosh, I hope not. I'm sure they will definitely mention it, and address it, but hope that it is not exploited in any way. I'm sure Alek feels awful enough about all of this. Hopefully they have some damn compassion...

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DollEyes

DollEyes

(edited)

Poor Alek. As if he hasn't gone through enough already. It seems like most of his time in the spotlight has been about him being in the right place at the right time. Surviving at least two near-death experiences would take a toll on anyone.  Hopefully, TPTB will treat the tragedy in a sensitive manner and with good taste, which may be a stretch, but knowing Tom, I think that's a safe bet.

Edited by DollEyes
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sueponine

sueponine

(edited)

I hope he stays with the program.  His most memorable time would have to be the train to Paris.  I do really feel for the guy as he is so young, already been to Afghanistan, then the train. His family is split. I just wish him the very best. He seems to be very level headed and I sure don't see him quiting the show. He's all DWTS has going for it this season, AIMHO.

Sus.

Edited by sueponine
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mamatude

mamatude

(edited)

Hopefully, TPTB will treat the tragedy in a sensitive manner and with good taste, which may be a stretch, but knowing Tom, I think that's a safe bet.

 

Unfortunately, Tom won't be there: http://www.people.com/article/tom-bergeron-alfonso-ribeiro-dwts-host. Unsurprisingly, Alfonso's stepping in.

Seems like too much real life intruding into mirror-ball world this week. Maybe they should take the week off.

Edited by mamatude
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McManda

McManda

Seems like too much real life intruding into mirror-ball world this week. Maybe they should take the week off.

 

Unfortunately probably not an option ... too much to fix if they take the week off. What do they air instead? (Are the advertisers okay with that?) Do they do a double elimination somewhere down the road? They can't just push everything back a week ... that would interfere with November/December programming. Air another Monday/Tuesday combo? What about those Tuesday shows? What about the dances everyone learned for this week? Do they ax a dance style later? 

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mamatude

mamatude

Oh, sure, I know it's not possible. Just that Alek's situation already seemed like a heavy load for such a lightweight show to bear, and now this, and Most Memorable Year is usually pretty fraught without all that. It's the feel-bad ep of the year!

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Wings

Wings

I would not be surprised to learn they sent Lindsay with him to Oregon so he would not miss too much rehearsing.  We may see that in the packet.  Or they were able to get enough in before he left and the judges will be lenient in scoring.   I don't think they will spend an inordinate amount of time on the tragedy and will handle it well.   The show must go on, as they say.  

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PBGamer89

PBGamer89

Nothing against him as a person, but does anyone else think he's getting the "hero" push in the scores? I felt he, like Noah (with or without his amputations) seems to be getting higher than normal scores. That Paso was so dead in the face. I understand why (lack of rehearsal, the Oregon shooting), but if the judges make a point to say we will judge the dance and not the backstory, then all 7's felt more approproate.

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spanana

spanana

If Alek was overscored, it was only one week IMO.   Plus his circumstances were a bit extenuating.  The guy is dealing with a lot of heavy emotions.  This is different than just the celeb having a busy week or usual run of the mill stuff.  So I was fine with it.  I'm sure none of the judges wanted to look like a straight up ass.   

 

Also while I agree that his face was dead, Lindsay still had a lot of content in that IMO.  She doesn't just put him out there and dance around him.  She has him really dancing, so I'm not sure 7's were really warranted either.

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