The Geek Girl's Recap of 'DWTS' Season 28, Week 2

Week Two Leaderboard (Based on Monday's Scores)

1. Hannah and Alan (24/30)
2. Kate and Pasha (21/30)
3. James and Emma (20/30)
4. Ally and Sasha (20/30)
5. Kel and Witney (20/30)
6. Karamo and Jenna (19/30)
7. Lauren and Gleb (19/30)
8. Sailor and Val (18/30)
9. Sean and Linsey (16/30)
10. Ray and Sharna (15/30)
11. Mary and Brandon (15/30)
12. Lamar and Peta (12/30)

Eliminated: Mary and Brandon

What's new—texting to vote and the judges' save

The show's newest features are finally introduced this week with a texting option for voting and a judges' save.

The voting audience can make their submissions all throughout the show by simply texting the name of the celebrity to 21523. For example, simply type Ray, Hannah, Kate, Kel, etc. into the textbox and send to the number. (One at a time is probably best, though) The phone will then receive an automated response confirming who you have voted for, and that ten votes per couple is the limit. Text-based votes will be accepted only during the broadcast, and casting votes online at ABC.com is still an option as well.

The judges' save adds a twist to the elimination process, as they will offer a collective vote to save one of two couples who are named in the bottom two by the end of the night. This is actually a very similar format to the "rival" dance show, So You Think You Can Dance? The couples were announced safe in no particular order until Ray and Mary were to be called. Carrie Ann and Bruno were torn between saving either one, so Len made the final decision in saving Ray.

Geeking Out

James and Emma

James and Emma's routine this week was a cha-cha that scored 20 out of 30, a step down from last week's score. While Len called his a solid, crisp performance, the likely negator could have been the "gimmicky" nature of the routine, meaning it was a bit more flair, fluff, and fun than content-related—AKA not quite Len's cup of tea. Bruno called it showy like Broadway too.

Sailor and Val

Sailor and Val danced a rumba that scored 18 out of 30. No change from last week strictly on scores, but they tumbled down the leaderboard by the end of Monday night. Last week must have set a high bar for some viewers' expectations for her. Bruno at the very least expressed this in saying she "has everything going for her," and giving her "tough love" with critiques that wanted improvement on her transitions and emotion while dancing.

Ray and Cheryl

Ray's and Cheryl's second routine was a foxtrot that earned 15 out of 30, and no score change over the last couple weeks. All the judges admitted seeing a lot of mistakes, but his personality was a saving grace. Bruno and Len were interested in seeing his potential on the dance floor further developed and opted for him for the judges save.

Ally and Sasha

Ally and Sasha waltzed up to a 20 out of 30 score, a step up from last week and into this week's fourth place, but Len called the performance "pretty-looking" at best, wanting for more technical quality in the dance.

Mary and Brandon

Mary and Brandon cha-chaed into a 15 out of 30 score, two more points than they earned last week, but unfortunately not far enough to survive this week's elimination. Bruno called the routine simple, but effective. Carrie Ann could tell a number of mistakes and missteps happened, but "like a pro," could not tell by her face they happened. From Wilson's show of potential over the last few weeks, Carrie Ann at the least made a push to save her from the bottom two elimination.

Lauren and Gleb

Lauren and Gleb had a Paso Doble routine that earned a 19 out of 30. Her same score as last week, but situated in the middle of the pack this week. The technicality of the dance disappointed Len, though all the judges praised the character she expressed about it, calling it strong, confident, flexible, and having a pow about it.

Sean and Witney

Sean and Witney danced a tango that earned 16 out of 30. No changes score-wise or position-wise between last week and this week. Critiques were the most in any sort of movement though, with them claiming his performance had improvement and looked better than last week.

Karamo and Jenna

Karamo and Jenna quickstepped up two points from last week, earning 19 out of 30. Much like Ray, Karamo was called an electrifying crowd-pleaser with this week's dance.

Kate and Pasha

Kate and Pasha danced a foxtrot that earned 21 out of 30, and made both the biggest point and position jump in the last two weeks. She impressively had the highest score of the night before Hannah and Alan were scored. What's more is that Carrie Ann compared Kate to Kelly Osborne, who was third place runner-up back in season nine! Len was also most pleased with this performance after much of the evening seemed to leave him a lot to be desired.

Kel and Witney

Kel and Witney performed a samba routine that scored 20 out of 30. Four points more than last week, and even in a three-way tie for third place with James and Ally! His attitude and means of performance were positively praised, saying he was smooth and had a naturalness about him.

Lamar and Peta

Lamar and Peta danced a salsa that earned 12 out of 30. Slightly better points and performance than last week, but no upward mobility yet. For being called safe this week, he seems to be a popular enough athlete for the votes. Len called the routine a "job well done" and "on the right track." Bruno and Carrie Ann commented that he had more fun and was more relaxed, though had some mistakes.

Hanna and Alan

Berten and the Bachelorette were the best saved for last tonight, with a waltz that scored 24 out of 30. The highest of the night, and the first eights of the seasons! From last week, she bumps up four points and into first place.