It was a tense nail-biter; who would leave the dance floor with their tail between their legs on the first installment of Dancing with the Stars? America voted and MSNBC’s Tucker Carlson was the first one booted from the show due to his two left feet and his lack of actual dancing. It was entertaining to watch, at best, if only to feel better about our own ability to at least bop to the beat rather than against it.

Judge Len Goodman said it best, ‘the problems started the moment Carlson stood up.’ I myself was rooting for Tucker because at least he was memorable, as well as under-dog Jerry Springer - lord knows I do not respect the man but he held his own and made me giggle at his endearing show on the dance floor. My bottom three would have been Harry Hamlin, Sara Evans, and Monique Coleman. These stars either had no personality shine through in their performances, or had too much of a “put-on” personality, (i.e. Monique Coleman.) When I decide to spend 2 hours of my precious time to watch amateur dancing, I want to be entertained and these three had the charisma of roadkill. Kind of harsh but it is nothing compared to some of the comments the judges had for a few of the stars.

I am anxious for the Latin segment of the routines, where the heat is turned up and you can really weed out the “have’s” from the “have-nots.” Mario Lopez should blow everyone away in this category as America got an eyeful of his moves this week. At the risk of sounding corny, he is one who’s Hips Don’t Lie. Vivica Fox brought some class to the group, for a 40-something woman, she has still got it. You go girl. Though I thoroughly enjoyed watching Mario Lopez shake his groove thang, I have to pick Emmitt Smith as my favorite. I found myself grinning like a Cheshire cat the whole time he was cha-cha-ing. You could see the joy in his eyes, and most of all…he had fun! That is what the show is all about.

Technically I would choose to crown Mario Lopez the winner by series end, but for showmanship and entertainment factor, definitely Emmitt Smith. Anyone who keeps me smiling for 1 whole minute and 1/2, deserves a sparkling disco ball trophy.