'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Judges throw sailor Sean Spicer overboard, but he can swim

This story discusses the results of week 8 on "Dancing With the Stars." Don't read if you don't want to know.

There was something in the air in Monday's Episode 8 of "Dancing With the Stars."

There was clear frustration over Sean Spicer, the perpetual dance underachiever and fan underdog story. The former White House press secretary drew sharper-than-normal criticism from the judges — who seem to be tiring as fans continue to overrule their low scores and bring Spicer back on the dance competition with their votes.

Meanwhile, most of the other dancers stepped up to another level, as the judges handed out the first perfect score of the season, a 10, and proceeded to throw 10 scores around like they were candy with each successive stunning number.

But who went home at night's end? Read on.

What happened last week: Sean Spicer's Frankenstein scares on Halloween Night

Sean Spicer and Jenna Johnson

Spicer took a step back last week with his Frankenstein dance, which was drubbed by the judges. This week, more bad news as Spicer was dealt an additional setback when his pro partner, Lindsay Arnold, had to pull out of the competition at the eleventh hour due to a death in the family. Her best friend Jenna Johnson filled in for Arnold, and Spicer dedicated the dance to his grieving partner. The naval reservist danced what he knows, with his jazz number to "Come Sail Away." He even donned a colorful sailor outfit.

There was the usual Spicer effort over poor dancing, the never-fading smile, this time with jazz hands. But the judges are running out of ways to pan his routines.

"We keep throwing you out of the boat, and the viewers keep throwing a lifeline," said judge Len Goodman. "The mermaid had better feet than you." Goodman ended the critique with his usual mantra of respecting Spicer's effort.

"Dory in 'Finding Nemo' has a better sense of direction," said judge Bruno Tonioli before giving the admitted nondancer encouragement. "When it comes to fish out of water, nobody does it better."

Only judge Carrie Ann Inaba gave positive feedback saying, "I'm proud of you and I hope Lindsay is proud of you." She gave a 7, matched by Goodman. Tonioli gave the lowest 6 score, putting Spicer immediately at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Total score: 20/30

Lauren Alaina and Gleb Savchenko

Alaina showed a positively '50s vibe with her jive to Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog." She started out like an uberconfident teenybopper, shimmying with a ponytail and bright pink heels. But during the routine Alaina faltered, standing still on the dance floor until she found the steps. The judges noticed.

"The King himself would have loved the performance," said Tonioli. "It really had the '50s feels, bright, optimistic. But you made three mistakes."

Goodman noted that "the competition is getting so intense and there was a few mistakes. I'm just hoping tonight isn't 'Heartbreak Hotel,' because you deserve to be in the competition."

Alaina took the criticism and teared up before getting the scores. The marks were remarkably high (straight 8s) considering the falter.

Total score: 24/30

Kel Mitchell and Witney Carson

Mitchell has been stepping up in the competition and continued to show utter dance floor mastery with his salsa to "This is How We Do It." He was so confident that he mouthed the opening words as he danced solo and then proceeded to lead the entire way, twirling Carson around the floor. She ended up draped around his left leg.

"You're on a roll. There was plenty of junk in the trunk, those hips were moving," said Goodman. "You were large and in charge."

Tonioli called the triumphant routine "a star turn," praising Mitchell's solo dancing. "You are the main attraction." He backed it up by giving the duo the first perfect 10 score of the season. Goodman and Inaba gave 9s and Mitchell celebrated.

"I'm feeling so good, that's all I can say," he said. (The duo were further aided with two points from a dance-off.)

Final score, with bonus 29/30

Ally Brooke and pro Sasha Farber

Brooke owned her paso doble to her own song, "Higher." She had her game face on (as well as a stunning silver dress) and started singing behind a large microphone. Then she began the dance with Farber, working her long metallic skirt like a disco-loving matador going in for the kill. Farber spun Brooke out dramatically across the dance floor in the final moment and the crowd went wild. The judges followed the excitement.

"Excuse me, Miss Silver Lightning," yelled Tonioli. "There was a moment where she was not just dancing, she was conducting the orchestra."

"Right now you just proved to me that you are a freaking superstar," said Inaba. "My mind is blown."

The judges gave their first perfect scores. All 10s. Brooke broke out into happy tears backstage.

Final score: 30/30

Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten

After last week's zombie prom queen, where the "Bachelorette" star mocked her beauty queen past, Brown went back to embracing everything about her Alabama roots. Her quickstep to "American Girl" was light and perfectly executed with a beauty queen smile that never faltered, all with an American flag lit up on the board behind her. Brown ended the jubilant number with her arms in the air as fireworks went off behind her. The judges were also lit up.

"That was a game-changer," said Tonioli, saying the action through her feet was just beautiful. "You were in orbit."

Inaba, who has been a tough critic, gave Brown a hug. "You were openhearted," said Inaba. "I'm so proud of you; that was the comeback of the season." The two judges gave 10 scores, with Goodman giving a 9.

Total score: 31/30

Kate Flannery and pro Pasha Pashkov

"The Office" star was in trouble last week, in the bottom two and spared by the judges. Flannery paid tribute to her sister Nancy, who died of cancer the week that Flannery found out she was going to be on the reality show. She dedicated the number to "the joy and the pride of being Nancy's sister." The dance to "Heatwave" lacked any sense of sadness, as the ponytail-wearing Flannery kicked out in red, black and white patterned pajamas and a beaming, pro-actress smile. The judges noted a few out-of-sync steps, however. A potentially fatal falter.

"I felt that celebration," said Inaba. "I'm sure your sister Nancy is watching."

"That is such a joyful performance," said Goodman. "It's not your best, but certainly not your worst."

Flannery received straight 8s from the judges. (The couple received two bonus points during a dance-off.)

Total score: 26/30

James Van Der Beek and Emma Slater

The talented Van Der Beek brought full drama to his contemporary dance, with his shirt unbuttoned to his navel, his hair slicked back and a dreamy look in his eyes. A giant, cloudy moon floated on the screen behind him as fog machines churned. The "Dawson's Creek" star and Slater rolled through "Don't Stop Believing," pulling off complicated move after complicated move together. One Van Der Beek lift had him spinning while holding up Slater by the hips. It had the judges floored and his family crying in the audience.

Goodman said the dance was "like a good book" that had people guessing what was going to happen next. "And I think you're going to find it has a happy ending."

"We have never seen an exquisite lift with such fluidity" said an emotional Inaba, who said the dance showed "pure artistry in motion."

The judges gave their second perfect score of the night, all 10s.

Total score: 30/30

So what happened?

After a spirited bonus dance-off, the business of elimination got serious. To cut any drama, Sean and Jenna were the first couple spared, so Spicer's nondance winning streak continues. Hannah and Alan were also quickly pulled out of danger.

In the end, the final two couples were Ally and Sasha, with their perfect scores, along with Kate and Pasha. It was pretty clear where this was going, even with the judges upset with the final result.

Inaba summed it up saying she was "confused" and "irritated" that she had to ax Kate and Pasha. Tonioli delivered the final blow, sending the couple home for good.

But Flannery was undaunted, smiling broadly and lifting her hands in the air in joy for a successful run. She was carried off the dance floor by the other dancers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Sean Spicer gets thrown overboard