Another Monday. This week the judges came out swinging but not necessarily agreeing.

Marlee Matlin started off the evening with a strong dance and earned a “21.” She continues to dazzle even though she has to literally feel the music. I find the judges very appreciative of what she is doing.

Then the “Gute,” Steve Guttenberg took the stage…and surprise, was pretty good. Before the judges were able to pass judgement, Steve grabbed a helmet and goggles to protect himself from harsh scores as a joke. But he didn’t need the props Monday night. The judges liked him, they really liked him!

Christian and Cheryl danced a jive that I thought was a little awkward. He’s a muscular actor. I figure he will score some points with the women watching. The judges like the routine better than I did (but did argue a bit among themselves over it.) Two 8s and a 9 from a very generous Bruno.

Mario took the stage to a bizarre musical interperation of “Roxanne.” The dance was hot…but the reaction was cold. Len said he was “bitterly disappointed” (ouch!) but Carrie and Bruno were kinder. This one really divided the judges. A 6 from Len, a 7 from Carrie Ann and an 8 from Bruno. 

Shannon and Derrik scored three 8s for an energetic dance that literally left the actress breathless at the end of the routine.

Tom Bergeron scores points as this show’s MVP with hilarious ad-libs, and letting the dancers sit down on the stage to get their scores. Funny, spontaneous moments like this are what make a live show like this so much fun! 

The next dancers, Adam Carolla and Julianne. I thought Adam would be the first voted off this show. And darn it, he was good tonight. As Len pointed out, Julianne’s excellent and clever choreography made this dance a winner.

Carrie Ann, in disbelief, said the dance made Adam Carolla “sexy.” (I bet Jimmy Kimmel will be playing that clip over and over on his show.) Adam’s off color but hilarious remarks about Mormons might cost him Mitt Romney’s vote…but he should stay a least another week.

Marissa and Tony danced a jive, a dance I thought would really show off Marissa’s personality…but I thought she was too subdued. The judges agreed. Len said she was “too careful.” Carrie Ann was really harsh and said she was “boring.”Bruno was encouraging but also critical. She was dinged with the lowest score of the night.

Priscilla did a tango with Louis. I find she excells in the dances that require a stern face and attitude…what I would call  good “character” dances.

Bruno loved her. Len appreciated the passion and drama. Carrie Ann said the tango is “the actor’s dance” and agreed with her other judges.  Two 9s and an 8! Wow! 26!

Jason Taylor’s jive was a little stiff, but still fun. Is he really a football player?

The audience really loves him. Carrie Ann said he needs a little more confidence…but she and Bruno loved his lines! Len thought his dance this week was weak and he went from a contender to a “duster.” 8-7-8 for a “23.”

Tossing to the break, hey, was that Jeff Probst of “Survivor” doing a host cameo stepping in for Bergeron on the toss to the commercial?

Finally, Kristi Yamaguchi wrapped up the night. Talk about pressure. She has been simply outstanding in her first few performances. The judges have been running out of adjectives to describe her and her dances.

But her tango to Duran Duran’s “Rio” was only okay, compared to what we’ve seen from her.

But Len liked it. Carrie Ann didn’t feel much…Bruno wants more emotion too! Technique is unbeatable…but she needs more emotion in her dance. But they still gave her three “9s” for a 27! Go figure.

Based on the scores from Monday, Marissa should be sent packing. But she has so much potential. We’ll see when they announce the scores on the Tuesday night Results show at 9pm on ABC.

Ever since “Dancing with the Stars” has premiered, seems every season there are plenty of rumors about romance among the couples. Some turn out to be true like Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff.  She’s dancing with the R&B singer Mario this time around. Rumors about them have swirled but Mario, the singer says she’s still very much involved with the other Mario, the actor.

Recently, Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke have been rumored a couple so much that they felt compelled to sound off to try to dispel the talk.

Of course, Julianne and Apolo Ohno were once linked…then she was rumored to be dating Helio Castroneves. You need a dating scorecard to keep track of all the rumors!

*****

Did you see where Priscilla Presley’s reps confirmed she was the victim of a phony plastic surgeon? People magazine is quoting a Presley rep and identifies the surgeon as Dr. Daniel Serrano.

Here is the quote to People magazine:

“Priscilla Presley was one of many documented victims of Dr. Serrano,” said Presley’s representative in a statement. “An investigation which uncovered his misconduct ultimately led to his imprisonment. Ms. Presley dealt with this matter years ago and everything is well.”

*****

The new season of “Dancing with the Stars” is off to a solid ratings start! The first week beat the competition and was comparable to last fall’s ratings. The second week was off slightly (possibly due to Britney Spear’s stunt casting on the CBS comedy “How I Met Your Mother.”)

Look for more “Dancing” LIVE on Monday night starting at 8PM.