No jiving about Macchio's danceability

Ralph Macchio, presumptive favorite to win the whole season just one week in, danced again last night, before three of his toughest critics, his children (Daniel and Julia), and wife Phyllis. They were positive. The three other judges were somewhat less so.

THE DANCE: Jive

THE JUDGES SAID: "It was all a bit too much. You over-did it [and] it got frenzied. But I liked it." (Len Goodman).

"You have a huge, huge likeability factor, but the Jive requires extreme precision; the kicks were not as sharp as they should be and watch the hands." (Bruno Tonioli)

"If you want to go further, you need to be sharper." (Carrie Ann Inaba).

RALPH SAYS: "I'm happy to be standing at the end."

MY SAY: The judges doth quibble too much. Macchio is a full-body dancer who deploys hands, feet and limbs to entertaining effect, and the Jive is well-suited to his style. He's easily safe Tuesday night.

SCORE: 21, for a combined total of 45 out of 60.

MOST LIKELY TO GO:Mike Catherwood or Wendy Williams. A toss-up.