Last Tuesday, chef Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff came very close to being eliminated from Dancing with the Stars. But thanks to Misty May-Treanor’s nasty accident, the couple was given another chance to stay in the game.

Unfortunately, the remaining 9 pairs were not able to write off Week 3 completely. The scores from this Monday’s dances are going to be combined with last week’s numbers to determine Week 4’s elimination.

So after tonight’s Samba and Tango performances, were Rocco and Karina still likely to leave next? Read on!

Maurice Greene (partner Cheryl Burke)

(Dance: Samba/ Song: ‘That’s the Way (I Like It)’)
The dance – thanks to the song and the ‘fros – had a disco flair to it tonight. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite sure where the disco elements ended and the samba began. Regardless, Maurice once again looked like he was having fun. He was full of funk and musicality. His stiff arms could have used a bit of help though.

Len said that’s the way he kinda liked it. Although he thought the dance was fun to watch, he felt the performance could have used a bit of refining – especially in the hips and hands department. Bruno said the couple looked “ghetto fabulous” but that the dance looked a little too loose. He thought it was time for them to work on precision. Carrie Ann felt Maurice was going backwards in his progression. She thought the dance was a little too free form.  Score: 6/7/7 (20)

(Dance: Tango/ Song: ‘Bohemian Like You’)
Julianne’s I Dream of Jeannie-esque outfit made Cody look like the mature astronaut tonight. Despite his inattention during rehearsal, Linley was incredibly focused and intense. He moved well across the floor and maintained a nice posture for the style. Unfortunately, he appeared to be uber stiff at points. (You can view Cody’s performance below.)

Bruno said Cody was finally starting to find his mojo. He thought the 18-year-old was focused, romantic and masculine. Tonioli also liked that they did a proper tango without any gimmicks. Carrie Ann agreed with Bruno; she liked that they went for a proper tango. She said at times, though, Cody was holding Julianne so hard she was afraid. She also noticed that they had some difficulty working around Hough’s garment. Len said the “little boy” turned into a “boy wonder.” The head judge thought the sharp, aggressive performance was Linley’s best dance so far.  Score: 7/8/8 (23)

(Dance: Samba/ Song: ‘De Donde Soy’)
If you’ve ever seen Toni’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough” video, you kind of have an idea as to what she was wearing tonight. Coincidentally, Toni’s performance reminded me of Alex’s first season partner, Kelly Monaco. While she definitely looked sexy, her arms looked a bit awkward at points. She also appeared a little uncomfortable outside of her holds. Her spins and samba rolls were very nice though.

Carrie Ann said there was no way to deny the couple’s sensuality. She simply advised Toni to work on her shoulders; the tiny dancer has a way of making herself look smaller. Len complimented her “lovely spins” but critiqued her on the flawed promenade run. Bruno said Braxton was a “tasty morsel of sugar and spice.” He thought her spins were great and her samba rolls were well done.  Score: 7/7/8 (22)

(Dance: Tango/ Song: ‘The Big Date’)
Despite Cloris’ age, I ironically thought this was her most mature performance – and outfit - to date. There was nothing gimmicky about her blue spaghetti-strapped dress or her dance. It was clear Leachman had spent most of rehearsal time perfecting her nice spins and foot movement.

Len said if he hadn’t seen it, he wouldn’t have believed it. Goodman thought the fabulous performance had great musicality. Bruno said Cloris became a grand duchess this week. He was impressed with Leachman’s nice leg extensions. Carrie Ann apologized to Leachman; she thought the contestant always had to go for the quick joke. Inaba was glad she pushed herself to the edge of her capability this time.  Score: 8/7/7 (22)

(Dance: Samba/ Song: ‘I Go to Rio’)
Rocco’s pink, fluffy, chiffon arms, was the most appealing thing about tonight’s performance. Although you could feel the chef’s effort, it was almost as if he was trying too hard to have fun. His hops were awkward, his knee walks were strained and his technique simply wasn’t there.

Bruno said all the ruffles in the world could not mask the fact that Rocco didn’t have a musical bone in his body. Carrie Ann said she could tell DiSpirito was genuinely having a good time. Unfortunately, his dancing was still lacking. Len complimented him for coming out and having fun.  Score: 6/6/6 (18)

(Dance: Tango/ Song: ‘La Bohemia’)
Let’s face it. There’s nothing Lucci could do to make herself look less frail. That said, this was her most forceful performance so far. Every week, the actress manages to let go just a little bit more…and she beautifully played her part tonight. Her growing confidence was even evident when she was dancing outside of the hold.

Carrie Ann said this was what she was waiting for. She thought Lucci painted a beautiful picture with her dance. Len said there was nothing timid about the performance. He thought the passionate dance was her best so far. Bruno said he always knew there was a tough broad underneath the polished appearance.  Score: 8/8/8 (24)

(Dance: Samba/ Song: ‘Hip Hip Chin Chin’)
Once again, Brooke turned out another fabulous performance tonight. Even though her dance was filled with far more content than most of her challengers, she had no problem mastering the choreography. Had I not known she was a competitor, I would have been convinced the woman in the sexy gold number was a professional.

Len said the performance was far too erotic for him. He didn’t like it when Brooke removed Derek’s nerdy glasses or ripped his shirt open. Bruno said a “sex bomb” had hit the building and warned everyone to take cover. He thought it was the sexiest samba he had ever seen. Carrie Ann loved Brooke’s blend of athleticism, grace and sensuality.  Score: 9/8/9 (26)

(Dance: Tango/ Song: ‘Disturbia’)
The dark and artsy choreography screamed Wade Robson from the get-go. Even though the performance risked being too young, I thought this was Lance’s best performance to date. His movements were crisp, his posture was tight, his footwork was clean and his spins were very nice. (You can see Lance’s performance below.)

Bruno said the quirky dance managed to stay a tango throughout. He liked how controlled Lance’s performance was. Carrie Ann said this was Bass’ night to shine. She thought he did an amazing job. Len gave the competitor a new title: Sir Dance-a-lot.  Score: 9/8/9 (26)

(Dance: Samba/ Song: ‘Bounce with Me’)
Warren was as fun tonight as his orange shirt and sparkly vest. The football player again proved that large men can be incredibly light on their feet. Sapp – who did a great job with his musicality - closed the evening on a very funky and bouncy note.

Carrie Ann said Warren’s performance was lacking a bit of content this week. Len agreed with Inaba; he thought there was too much gyrating and too much of Kym dancing around. Bruno said Sapp took it a little bit too easy tonight. They should be seeing more content in Week 4.  Score: 8/7/7 (22)

(You can find all the Dancing with the Stars: Season 7 posts here.)