This could be the end for Macchio

How tough was Monday night? You come back from a knee injury that nearly derails your run; are almost mathematically eliminated; and then return to the penultimate show for more tough love from the judges. In fact, brutal love.

Ralph Macchio could do little right, but then came the final straw -- a show-first "winner takes all" cha-cha that would award the victor 15 points. Chelsea Kane ended up taking the bonus points, leaving Ralph -- with just 48 points -- gasping for air.

RALPH SAID: "I have been the underdog for so many years, and always pulled through."

THE FIRST DANCE: Argentine tango

THE JUDGES SAID: "Sharp and precise . . . thought you did a really good job" (Len Goodman); "Very stern, slightly detached, I still haven't seen the Latin lover." (Bruno Tonioli). "You have to get all the emotion from your face all the way to your feet." (Carrie Ann Inaba)

THE SECOND DANCE: Salsa

THE JUDGES SAY: "No real rhythm . . . it was too wild." (Goodman). "You have to be a little bit smoother." (Tonioli). "This was the most fun I've seen you have." (Inaba.)

MY SAY: The judges have turned on Ralph and at this late stage, there is no turning back. They have anointed their winner and it is (most likely) Hines Ward or Kane.