Harry Shum Jr. Scores Perfect 40 as Two Couples Exit DWTS Horror Special
The 'Dancing with the Stars' cast performed horror-themed routines, resulting in a double elimination and a return date of Nov. 2.
By Ethan Cook ·
Viewers of the ABC hit 'Dancing with the Stars' saw two contestants leave the competition on the episode that aired Oct. 28. The 'Horror Movie Night' theme required pairs to choreograph routines based on classic scary films and their soundtracks. This Halloween week special featured costumes and moves that tested the dancers' creative limits, leading to the first double elimination of the season.
Actor Harry Shum Jr. and professional dancer Jenna Johnson topped the scoreboard with a perfect 40 out of 40 points. They performed a contemporary routine to 'Toxic' by 2WEI, inspired by the film 'Saw.' Judge Bruno Tonioli stated he could literally taste the fear in the moment and called the performance perfection. His colleague Carrie Ann Inaba agreed, describing the routine as both perfect and impactful. With this score, the pair raised their two-night total to 76 points.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy also posted a high score of 37 points for their Argentine tango. Their routine, based on zombie movies and set to 'Uninvited' by Damned Anthem, drew praise for its precision and passion. Derek Hough rose from his seat to call it one of the best Argentine tangos he had seen on the show. Shirley Bolling noted that the routine drew pictures for her. Their combined score for the week stands at 74 points, matching the total of Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov.
The bottom of the leaderboard determined who would go home. Jackson Olson and Emma Slater were eliminated after scoring 35 points for a contemporary dance to 'That's Life' by Frank Sinatra. Their 'Joker' themed routine impressed Bruno Tonioli, who said Jackson was thriving in the character's madness. The other eliminated pair was Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, who received 26 points. Their Viennese waltz to 'Love Song by a Vampire' by Annie Lennox was based on 'Bram Stoker's Dracula.' Critics noted that while Cameron committed to the character, his technical frame needed improvement.
The remaining six couples will return for a special broadcast on Nov. 2. That episode will be themed around Disney properties. Cynthia Erivo will join the regular judging panel as a special guest for the performance night.
