The return of the results show heralded the exit of two couples, just two weeks short of the finals.

It must be said, it’s good to have the results show back! An unhurried elimination, insight into the couples, and the triumphant return of DanceCenter are all the things we get to enjoy on Tuesdays, and there is much to discuss.

The first couple eliminated was Robert and Kym, leaving the competition in sixth place. Robert was full of smiles and gratitude during his exit, but the hosts naturally had to make it about the showmance. Tom (who usually has more decorum) told Robert, “You may not have won the mirrorball, but I think you won someone’s heart.” Without skipping a beat, Robert replied, “But Tom, I just don’t feel that way about you.” Nicely done! However, it is too late to protest his feelings because…

DanceCenter has video footage of Robert kissing Kym and saying “I love you”! This was transformed into a visual gag of Jerry Rice creepily videotaping the lovebirds. Nevertheless, this is probably the furthest we’ve ever seen a showmance progress on DWTS (somewhere, Val is furiously taking notes).

The second couple eliminated was Chris and Witney, leaving in fifth place. This is the average result for both Witney as a pro and for Bachelor contestants… in fact, Chris outlasted Sean Lowe and Jake Pavelka by a little bit. The Bachelor’s exit was surprisingly emotional, with a teary-eyed Chris trying to deflect questions to Witney.

The elimination progressed in a rather haphazard fashion. Rumer was the first to be declared safe, after performing her trio paso doble for the encore. Asked about strategy going forward, Rumer wisely said she’ll stick to doing classic takes on dance styles and improving her technique. Len probably subconsciously reached for his ten paddle during that interview. Chris was then declared to be in jeopardy. The first elimination was between Noah and Robert.

Nastia was the next one declared safe. Before that, though, she gave a very lengthy interview, opening up about all her feelings, and talking more in one go than we’ve heard all season. The reasoning for this became apparent when the video recap of the previous night showed how rattled Nastia was by the video package, portraying her as cold and unfeeling, which is an image she struggles to get away from. We anticipate many more confessionals in Nastia’s future. The second elimination was between Riker and Chris, and Riker will have another shot at an elusive perfect forty.

Checking in with the stats of our pros: this week marked Allison’s first appearance in a quarterfinal, Witney and Sharna’s second, Val’s sixth (out of eight seasons, a 75% rate surpassed only by Derek), Kym’s seventh (out of fourteen), and Derek’s record-breaking fourteenth quarterfinal.

The most exciting part of the results show was, without a doubt, DanceCenter. A fan favorite segment that was inexplicably MIA the last few years, they returned with a vengeance. A quick rundown of our favorite tidbits:

– Robert, he of the skinny waist and fat wallet, has a relationship status of “It’s ‘Kym’plicated.” Len, covered in bling and a feather boa, insisted there is a difference between bribes and a gift from a dear friend.

– Chris’s strength was listed as “juggling multiple women,” which is ironic given how he struggled in the trio round. He was mocked for being unable to count.

– Riker “Hough” Lynch has hair “styled like that on purpose.” “Harry Styles is his spirit animal.” DanceCenter made a shocking revelation: Riker’s hair is actually a wig, and he’s completely bald! To illustrate, fellow Hough Jerry Rice donned a sleek blond wig and was completely transformed.

– Nastia “Nasty” Putin – er, Liukin – left DanceCenter confused about her nationality. Her favorite drink is “opponents’ tears.” When interviewed by Kenny Mayne, she was not allowed to say anything, per Derek’s orders.

– Noah, with his “washboard” abs, is “more of a man than you are.” DanceCenter pointed out how he obsessed over his package. Len pointed out that this referred to a little video clip, and Jerry asked why it couldn’t be a big video clip.

– Rumer does not seem to resemble Potatohead at all, but Len sure does.

The results show was also filled with performances by Carly Rae Jepsen (whose new song this writer really, really, really doesn’t like) and Josh Groban.

What just grabbed our attention, however, was that there are now four semifinalists… which would imply a return to having three finalists after two years of having four. This is generally a good thing, as four finalists makes for an overstuffed finale and less fierce competition. But it does seem odd to lower the number of finalists in a season with more interesting contestants… just as it was odd to up the number of finalists the season after the All-Stars. Either way, DWTS needs to pick a number a stick with it, to make predicting the finalists easier!

What do you think of the eliminated couples? Are you happy to have Tuesday results shows again? And do you enjoy DWTS showmances or roll your eyes at them?