The pity vote. It happened. Nobody’s proud of that fact, but it did. Ashleigh is going through to the finale. And Mollee, who gave her best performance of the season was… as my dad would say, “dropped like a banana”.

I don’t know why he says that.

I guess, I didn’t realize until after the fact, how so many viewers, including myself… could be that manipulated. But looking back on it all again, it was pretty obvious, wasn’t it? Ryan pleading to us to save her, the subtle assurance that we’d be given a prize if we do (the married couple dancing), the judges imploring us to consider everything she’s done, begging us not to sit back idly… to vote!

But will that backfire? How many people in America are sitting back in shock now, muttering to themselves, “I was bamboozled… hoodwinked… tricked into shattering a young girl’s dreams.”

Okay, maybe that’s a little much. I mean, her and Nathan did move forward at least twice in the competition when their performance certainly didn’t warrant it. There have been quite a few hearts broken this season. Yes, Ashleigh got a free pass last night, but Noelle got a free one into the Tour too.

The bottom line is this competition’s been all over the place this season. It’s seen some of the best dancing and choreography in the show’s history, for sure… but its cracks have also exposed a lot of the machine underneath… a machine that, at times, is more concerned with delivering “Good TV” than a fair competition.

But that’s to be expected. Which is why we here, at The Lark, have had to rise up! Fill in some of that competitive void!

Last night was a tough decision for us Larkers. One of the toughest we’ve had to make. Kudos to those who saw through the tactics and landed some bonuses.

But a special congrats to the 11 Gunners now in this competition. Some of you may have been wondering whether unlocking The Dart Gun required getting both bonus picks as well as the safe girl. In the new set of rules, the only criteria is your safe girl… so that’s what it is.

But I’d like to give a special mention to Yan, the only player to get both of their bonus picks along with their safe girl. Actually, the only one to get both of their bonus picks at all. Congrats! As a special prize, I have decided to give you the coveted “Red Gun”. It doesn’t do anything different than the “Black Gun”… but it just looks sizzlin hot!

We still have our power player, Amrie, very far in the lead. And Amrie is now armed and dangerous. That being said, she also has Ashleigh at the absolute bottom of her card.

Amrie, I know you’re crossing your fingers that the Wrath of Kahn comes for Ashleigh next week. Cause you do not want her winning this. There are also a few Gunners who have broken 100. If they pick the right player, they could see themselves with an extra 12 points… and that could give them the edge they need against the deadliest player in Lark history.

And if you didn’t get The Dart Gun, or you’re just too far behind (i.e…. me), you’re still an important part of this Lark. These Gunners are gonna be looking for easy targets, and I’m sure they’ll be considering Larkers who they think have thrown in the towel. Don’t give them that satisfaction next week!

Here are the current standings: