Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Episode 6 Recap: Monster Night
Halloween marked the halfway point of the competition on Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Episode 6, “Monster Night.”
Not only was this episode filled with themed dances and elaborate costumes, but it also included an extra round of competition that allowed the contestants to earn bonus points. The night once again featured a guest judge as well: Neicy Nash Betts.
ALFONSO RIBEIRO
The guest judges feel like they take away from the night, giving the official judges less time to offer helpful comments. It’s a marketing tactic, and maybe it’s fun to see various famous people show up, but it’s frustrating more often than anything.
I’d rather Carrie Ann be able to offer every piece of advice she can than be cut short on time for the sake of letting an extra judge speak.
But maybe that’s just me.
Otherwise, the theme of the evening made this an especially fun episode to watch.
Here are a few of the highlights from the competition this week:
Jason Mraz and Daniella kicked off the night in elaborate zombie costumes with a contemporary routine that Derek said was a fantastic way to start Monster Night. It was a gorgeous routine that continued to show Jason’s skills, earning a score of 36/40.
(Also, props to Jason for staying in character the entire night, making a habit of staring down the camera with zombie eyes while Julianne was interviewing contestants.)
JULIANNE HOUGH, JASON MRAZ, DANIELLA KARAGACH
Alyson and Sasha followed Jason and Daniella with a vampire-themed Paso Doble. It was a fun nod to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, though Alyson couldn’t say the show’s name directly. But if you know, you know, and Alfonso Ribeiro did make note of Alyson’s work on the series.
Bruno praised the extra content included in the routine, and Carrie Ann said it was Alyson’s best performance yet. They earned a score of 29/40.
ALYSON HANNIGAN, SASHA FARBER
One of the top-scoring routines of the night came from Xochitl and Val. It was a contemporary routine that, personally, was one of my favorites.
It was a powerful performance that had both dancers in character the entire time, and it gave me chills. They earned a score of 37/40.
VAL CHMERKOVSKY, XOCHITL GOMEZ
The only other couple to score that high was Ariana and Pasha, who danced an Argentine Tango that the judges praised greatly. Carrie Ann even told them, “I think you have what it takes to win it.” They tied Xochitl and Val at 37/40.
Charity and Artem’s jive later in the night was another personal favorite. They dressed as skeletons and seemed to have more fun than anyone else on the dance floor. It was just incredibly entertaining to watch, and Bruno called it “deliciously spooky fun.” They earned a 35/40.
CHARITY LAWSON, ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV
Following all nine routines was a second round that offered dancers a chance to earn bonus points. They called it the “Monsterthon,” and it had all of the couples dancing their hearts out at the same time. One at a time, different couples would be removed until only one was left.
The longer a couple stayed, the more points they earned. It was fun to watch, though it felt a little cruel! You could see how exhausted these dancers were getting in what was a 4-minute-long contest. Ultimately, it was Xochitl and Val who won, earning the most bonus points to add to their score this week.
Of course, the night always ends with an elimination. This week, the couple that was sent home was Mauricio and Emma.
ALFONSO RIBEIRO, JULIANNE HOUGH, MAURICIO UMANSKY, EMMA SLATER
Here are this week’s final scores, which include bonus points from the Monsterthon round:
- Xochitl Gomez and Val: 42
- Ariana Madix and Pasha: 41
- Jason Mraz and Daniella: 39
- Charity Lawson and Ezra: 38
- Lele Pons and Brandon: 37
- Mauricio Umansky and Emma: 33 — ELIMINATED
- Barry Williams and Peta: 32
- Alyson Hannigan and Sasha: 31
- Harry Jowsey and Rylee: 29
What did you think of this episode of Dancing with the Stars? Who was your favorite dancer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. Viewers can stream the series on Hulu the following day.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.