Dancing With the Stars Switch-Up Week Recap: What Was Up With Maks Chmerkovskiy and Len Goodman?

The celebs and their partners weren’t the only ones dealing with switch-ups this week on Dancing With the Stars—apparently, so were head judge Len Goodman and guest judge Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The two must have drank some crazy cocktail because they got along marvelously and agreed on just about everything. And they were positively giddy over their agreement in scoring, which left the audience, Tom Bergeron, and just about every contestant completely baffled.

The switch-up week itself wasn’t as successful as last season in terms of scoring, but one pair in particular (see below) benefitted more than anyone. Will that create tension going into next week? Will we see two eliminations instead of one? Is Maks aiming for a permanent spot at the judges’ table? We have so many questions and not enough answers. Later, we’ll be chatting with Witney Carson for her take on all of the craziness—but in the meantime, let’s get to the dances!

Wanya Morris and Witney Carson: There was no way these two were going to be anything less than perfection considering it’s Wanya and Witney, right? Well, wrong. The judges were let down and commented that there was too much going on and not enough chemistry. Um, it’s called the switch-up week, judges. What did you expect? Meanwhile, poor Witney looked like she might go all drill sergeant on the judges after their lack of enthusiasm. Score: 30/40

Kim Fields and Keo Motsepe: We have a hot one in the house tonight! And how gorgeous was Kim? Beautiful! What wasn’t so beautiful? Guest judge Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s critique that it wasn’t a Viennese waltz and there was no hold. I don’t know what he (or head judge Len Goodman) was watching, but it certainly wasn’t the same flawless couple that I saw on the dance floor. Thank goodness for Carrie Ann Inaba, who called it “delicious.” Score: 28/40

Doug Flutie and Peta Murgatroyd: My heart goes out to Doug, who puts so much pressure on himself to be an all-star level dancer after only six weeks on the job. I personally think it was his best dance of the competition so far, but that’s probably not going to keep him in the sequined vests much longer. And for those saying he needs to relax and have more fun? There’s a reason this guy was in the NFL for so long—his intensity and focus! Score: 28/40

Ginger Zee and Mark Ballas: There were two pairings I was anticipating the most tonight, and this was one of them. Ginger, I know you love Val. Mark, I know you love Paige. But this is the pairing I’d love to see stay permanent. The two were on fire, and Mark’s choreography was straight out of the Michael Jackson playbook (that’s code for pretty damn innovative and brilliant). Score: 32/40

Antonio Brown and Karina Smirnoff: Antonio’s flashy ensemble almost made me forget about his awful punctuality—almost. Seriously, bud, start respecting your partners and get to rehearsal on time! As for the dance, it was showy and fun, but it lacked focus. This time I agree with the judges. (Oh, God, what’s happening to me?) Score: 26/40

Paige VanZant and Sasha Farber: Paige was scared to death that she wouldn’t be able to channel her inner sexiness, but she had no reason to be afraid. Tonight’s dance with Sasha was positively gorgeous. Maks said something negative about it that I still don’t understand, but Bruno was smart enough to recognize how great it was. And then there was Len, who said it wasn’t emotional enough. What on earth is going on? Did someone switch up his and Maks’ brains? Score: 31/40

Von Miller and Lindsay Arnold: I don’t know what to think about tonight’s show anymore. Same goes for this dance. Part of me loved the energy, while the other part felt like I was watching a bad SNL skit. Score: 29/40

Sharna Burgess and Nyle DiMarco: Finally, Len, Maks, and I agree on the same thing: We’re all obsessed with Glamour‘s May issue! (OK, I made that part up, but I’m sure Grumpy Goodman and Cranky Chmerkovskiy would agree with me). But seriously, I’m glad they both agreed that Nyle and Sharna’s performance was stunning on every level. Score: 37/40

Jodie Sweetin and Val Chmerkovskiy: The other duo I couldn’t wait to see? This one. My only disappointment is that this pairing can’t last. Nothing against Keo at all, but Jodie needs Val’s intensity and laser focus. Their score of three 9’s and an 8 says it all. Score: 35/40

And now, some Dancing With the Stars gossip: Artem Chigvintsev revealed that he’s actually still in touch with partner Mischa Barton post-DWTS elimination. “We text a couple times with each other,” he revealed to Glamour at the 23rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala last Friday. “She’s been missing the show! Once you’re off, you kind of miss it.” A little ironic, right? “It’s those feelings that you’re missing something in life [once it’s over],” acknowledged Artem. Noting that Mischa will be back for the finale at the end of May, Artem doesn’t know if it will be for a new dance number or one that they’ve already performed before. So who does he think will be the final two contestants? “Wanya [Morris] and Nyle [DiMarco],” he said. “We can’t dismiss Ginger though. She’s great as well.”

DWTS pro Edyta Swilinska is throwing her support behind Nyle and Wanya as well. “I hope it’s going to be [them],” she told Glamour. “They are both incredible.” Even though Edyta was the first pro to be eliminated this season, she has no regrets about returning after a long absence. “Not at all,” she said. “I kind of dipped my toes in the water. I realized, ‘OK, I can do it!’ It wasn’t as challenging [this time]. It was kind of easier. And I have my toddler at home, so I had something to come back too.” Will Edyta return for season 23? “I would like to, just because this [season] wasn’t much of a challenge, and I’d like to come back and get someone who can really dance. But we never know until a couple weeks before.” For more information about the Race To Erase MS, click here.

And in other news, Mark Ballas’ fiancee, singer/songwriter B.C. Jean, told us that they’re in the very early stages of wedding planning. “We haven’t set a date yet,” B.C. said. “[But] I have lots of ideas! Marc wanted to go to Hawaii, [but] I put my [foot] down with that one! I said, ‘We can go to Hawaii whenever we want, but I’m not getting married there.”

Stay tuned for more about tonight’s episode! We’ll be updating this post!