It's the story gripping TV viewers across the country. Who will win this season's Dancing With The Stars? Well, maybe we're overstating the excitement, but only slightly. Television's top-rated program moves into its finals tonight with more than the usual intrigue. As Dallas Morning News media writer Tom Maurstad points out, this season has involved conspiracy theories (do producers want a female to win after a series of male champions), charges the show brings in ringers (Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan) and slags that it is nothing more than a popularity contest (duh). Make what you want of it, take what you want from it, the show is done well and this season has been full of the kind of real-life, off-camera drama that makes for gripping TV: co-host Samantha Harris gave birth at the start of the season, Jane Seymour learned her father had died, Marie Osmond fainted...and "Cheeter Girl" Bryan got booted sooner than conspiracy theorists expected. Going into tonight's finals, three couples are left:
1. Mel B. and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
2. Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough
3. Marie Osmond and Jonathan Roberts
Picking a favorite is a tough call. Osmond, the poorest dancer of the bunch, has the biggest fan base, or else why would she still be on the show? Mel B. is a Spice Girl, enjoying huge loyalty, plus she can dance. Helio has proved both charismatic and an excellent partner for Hough, who is the shows real star. The only sure bet is that the finals will be a ratings blowout. Last year's finale drew 23 million viewers.
