Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011

One last couple hits the road as Dancing with the Stars cuts down to its final three pairs. Who fell short of the finals? Did Hope and Maks make up their massive score deficit? Did J.R.'s injury doom him? Plus: The Muppets perform!As Tom points out, the inflatable rainbow is on the stage, which means one thing: Rob and Cheryl get the encore. But really, we all know they got the nod because Carrie Ann The Cougar wants to see Rob shake what Kris gave him. Rob is wearing his Lucky Bruce Jenner Diamond Stud Earring TM, which obviously bodes well for them as they learn their fate afterward.First safe couple:Rob and CherylI am completely indifferent to Rob, but I think it's cool that he's in the final, especially since most people had him pegged as cannon fodder and an early exit, like sister Kim turned out to be. But it's really not that hard to top Kim, no?After a performance by Cobra Starship, it's Hope and Maks' turn under the Red Light of Doom. I would normally say cut to the chase since we know they're going to be in jeopardy, but their confessional/backstage packages from performance nights are infinitely entertaining (read: cringe-worthy) and revealing. Case in point: "F--- them. I don't even want to look at them," Hope told Maks after their Argentine tango before whining about their scores. Ugh. Woman, this persecution complex is an ugly color on you. You're a great goalkeeper, but you're not a great dancer. And that's fine. You don't have to be awesome at everything. Just try your best and accept the facts. The judges have their shortcomings, but they're not completely wrong in their critiques. And no, they did not want you out in Week 1. Nearly everyone thought you were the one to beat pre-season. Notice how Maks said nary a peep this whole segment.Shocker! Hope and Maks are in jeopardy.Carson's back! He delivers a Queer Eye package about last night's wardrobe. So he's why Ricki looked like Big Bird! He suggests Rob get a "Brazilian for fun... like a deep dark tan," charges his fabric purchases to Tom and, naturally, smacks Maks' ass before he performed. Seriously, guys, just make him co-host. Not to be outdone, Anna hits the stage with Derek to perform the Design a Dance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." And she looks as fierce as ever! I'm really gonna need Anna to win one of these days. The Spotlight Performance follows with four boys from the Gold School, who were bullied in school for being dancers. But as they note, they're the real winners here since they get all up close and personal with chicks on the floor.Muppets! They're all here, including Walter (aka Jason Segel's puppet bro in the movie) to perform "Life's a Happy Song." It's super cute and, lo and behold, Miss Piggy, doesn't, um, hog the spotlight. Statler and Waldorf - who, let's face it, are basically the Muppet versions of Len - however are less than impressed: "Get rid of the singing and dancing and [this show would] be a hit!" Can we have Muppets every week? Pretty please?Back to business! If you didn't read the script beforehand, J.R. and Karina are going to be in jeopardy... and they are!Second safe couple:Ricki and DerekHope and Maks, and J.R. and Karina are not necessarily the bottom two. And the couple leaving is... Hope and Maks. That was suspenseful. Yawn."This is one of the toughest competitions I've ever been part of," Hope says, putting on her best gracious loser face. "Instead of trying to win the Mirrorball trophy, I'm going to try and win a gold medal.""I wish I could've been better for you, but it is what it is. It's been amazing," Maks says before thanking their fans.Thanks, America! This one could have happened a few weeks back, but a final four finish is very good for Hope considering how shaky, not to mention increasingly bitter, she's been. But now you're free! Both of you! Leave and be happy (after the finale, of course).What do you think? Do you like the final three? Who were your pre-season final three picks? Did Hope deserve to go home? Will she hold a grudge against the judges for the rest of her life? Can Statler and Waldorf become permanent judges? Who do you think will win? show less