Judge Len Goodman’s knickers are in a serious knot. He was just a cranky old man tonight. Now, I know he’s the toughest judge usually, but does he have to be so surly?

Host Tom Bergeron had to cut him off at one point when he was berating Brooke Burke for her footwork: “We’re only a 90-minute show, Len.”

You might not know it from Len’s remarks, but the couples are getting better each week.

Tonight’s show had two performances from each of the celebrities — a ballroom dance and a Latin number. That much-hyped “solo dance” turned out to be 15 seconds of solo dancing during the Latin dance.

After the two performances, Brooke Burke and Derek Hough topped the judges’ leaderboard with 55 points out of 60.

For the ballroom portion, Brooke and Derek performed a beautiful tango earning two 10s and an 8 (from Len of course).  

Their mambo to “Cuban Mambo” earned them straight 9s. You would have thought that the way Brooke spent her 15 seconds of solo dancing (shaking her assets right in front of the judges) would have earned at least one 10 from judge Bruno Tonioli.

In second place by only one point are Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson with 54. They tangoed to Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn,” earning themselves a 10 from judge Carrie Ann Inaba and 9s from Len and Bruno.

Warren and Kym jived to Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah I love Her So” and scored 26 for their lively number. Warren did a great job with his 15 seconds of solo action.

Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer took third with 50 points. Their foxtrot to “Sweet Pea” earned them 26, but their samba to “1 Thing” scored a 7, an 8 and a 9 with the judges. Are we sure the judges were all watching the same dance? And can you guess who gave them a 7?

Tied at the bottom of the judges leaderboard with 48 points are Maurice Green and Cheryl Burke with Cody Linley and Edyta Sliwisnka. 

Maurice and Cheryl danced a quick step to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and earned straight 8s from the judges. Their paso doble to “Let It Rock” earned the same score despite the judges’ effusive praise. Maurice did an impressive solo cape swirling for his 15 seconds.

Cody and Edyta foxtrotted to “Call Me Irresponsible.” Jude Carrie Ann called them on an illegal lift. The couples’ mambo to “My Way” ended with Cody’s 15 seconds of solo work and his leap onto the judges’ table.

Who will go home tomorrow night? I’m not sure. We can hope Len goes home. That nice Michael Flatley could return.

Brad Paisley performs on the results show, as well as Julianne Hough who will be returning after her appendectomy. Dr. Drew will be visiting with some analysis of our dancing couples.