Dancing with the Stars Trims the Fat, Sends Weak Contestants Home

It took approximately four weeks longer than it should have, but Dancing with the Stars finally sent its two weakest competitors home this week.

Michael Irvin and Mark Dacascos were each sent packing, as the boring season will at least continue now with a quintet of worthy contestants.

Said the former NFL wide receiver. "Last night was a great night, and to see the audience here standing up as a way of saying they appreciate the hard work, it means a great deal to a lot of people right now, with the economy going the way it has."

We're not sure if any studies have proven that no-doc mortgage applicants suffering through foreclosure are comforted by D-listers dancing, but, hey, whatever makes you feel better, Michael.

Dacascos added: "[It's] certainly much harder than it looks on television. It's a lot easier to watch it than do it."

He'll have the chance to sit back and do so next week, as Kelly Osbourne, Donny Osmond, Aaron Carter, Mya and Joanna Krupa perform two dances each.