Odd 'Dancing' pairing, but entertaining

Last night was Americana red-white-and-blue meets the Brazilian Samba; I know -- odd. And to meet the challenge, Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff concocted a high-energy blend full of arms, legs and one 10-gallon hat. The judges were mostly rough on the pair, but they're (probably) still safe.

RALPH SAID: "I'm a New Yorker, Karina is from Russia, and we're dancing to Alabama; it's perfect."

JUDGES SAID: "One week, I think you're there, then another week, this isn't working. I'm not saying this was terrible, but you're not consistent." (Len Goodman)

"I cannot disagree. Yes, it's American night, but we are looking at the Samba and it needs fire down below. You need to get the hips, the lines, going. You do a character very very well, but I want to see that feel for this kind of dance. Give me sex, man." (Bruno Tonioli)

"Yes, it's a crazy concoction, but . . . that was a great entertaining performance." (Carrie Ann Inaba)

MY SAY: Agree with Carrie Ann on this one. Entertaining, absolutely, but the Samba, absolutely not. It was all more of an Agnes De Mille routine from "Oklahoma," like that big rousing dance number, "The Farmer and the Cowman Should be Friends." Brazil was nowhere in sight, but still fun.

SCORE: 22 out of 30