After watching Tuesday's episode of DWTS (on Wednesday of course), and the subsequent voting show, I was really bothered by the result. I had debated going on and on about it here, but chose not to (and am now glad I didn't.)
     Though the reasons she's leaving are sad and I certainly wouldn't wish them on anyone, from a purely competitive standpoint I'm relieved that Sara Evans will no longer be a presence. There's really no way to say that without sounding heartless and I really don't mean it that way. If I had some great power that allowed me to choose between keeping her marriage together and getting her off the show, I certainly would pick the former. I'm sorry that she had to quit and even more sorry for the reasons. That said (and I can't emphasize it enough), it was getting frustrating watching more talented dancers get booted week after week while she got by with what I considered "adequate" performances. For example, this week I was thoroughly impressed by Willa's performance and it angered me that she got sent home while others got to stay. Sara's fan base seemed unstoppable and I wondered how many more talented couples would get the boot while they blindly voted her back based simply on her existence and not on her talent. I feel the same way about Jerry, but not to the same extent. I think that he at least brings an entertainment value that no one else has been able to match, and while that shouldn't have kept him in a dance competition this long, I can see where he has been able to win some over with his performances and not merely by being who he is (though that obviously hasn't hurt.)
     What I wish is that they could bring Willa back to replace Sara. I'm pretty sure that won't happen, but I think Willa got a raw deal last week and it would be a great second chance. Imagine what the competition would be like if it was really down to dancers and not personalities.