KELSEY MCNEAL/ABC via Associated press

Cheryl Burke and Gilles Marini perform during the semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars in Los Angeles.

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Has "Dancing with the Stars" jumped the shark or just plain burned itself out?

The season finale (8 tonight, WATE, Channel 6) is one of the most lackluster endings in recent memory. Who cares who wins tonight? Even during its best seasons, it's hard to recall who actually ended up winning.

And while "Dancing" remains one of primetime's biggest hits, still managing a finish in the top 10 almost every week, the local numbers are a mash-up with fair-to-good results.

This series can still be saved. Here are a few suggestions:

Getting better-known names. No one expects an A-lister to be on "Dancing." But it seems like this season has been a wealth of names that few people know. Joanna Krupa? She's not exactly a household name, even if she is posing on the cover of the current Playboy. Louie Vito? Yes, the boarding crowd will know him, but the demo for "Dancing" will be scratching their heads. "Dancing" should at least be striving for the D-list, not the Why-Are-You-Here list.

Include some outrageousness. Cloris Leachman set the bar pretty high for zany antics on "Dancing." She complained of elderly aches and pains and was as stiff as a board when she tried to dance. However, the lady was hilarious and took no guff. In the season after her, "Dancing" booked Steve-O of "Jackass" fame, undoubtedly assuming he'd bring some unpredictable - and maybe even uncensored - moments to the show. Unfortunately, all he wanted to do is talk about how he's sober now and whine about his pains. He wasn't voted off quickly enough. Oddly, Marie Osmond - fainting spells and all - was more entertaining to watch than he.

Lure Julianne Hough back. Her perkiness has been missed this season as she tries to ignite her country music career and deal with a struggling relationship with singer Chuck Wicks. She's been sorely missed on "Dancing." Her bright demeanor and fetching smile are needed. It adds a new dimension to the show knowing she is competing against her brother, too. Please get Julianne, the show's best dancer, back on.

Add more comedy. Keep the Monday night competitions serious, but, on Tuesdays, more comedy should be allowed. Show us outtakes from rehearsals and get more bits going with Kenny Mayne. "Dancing" has to pad out its results show, but it's more tolerable when it parodies itself.

Try to sign these stars. Genie Francis of "General Hospital" would make a great pick. She's the right age to compete and has a loyal fan base. And what about Emily Osment from "Hannah Montana"? She'd grab the younger demo. Former wrestler Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) would be good, too.

Terry Morrow may be reached at morrowt@knoxville.com or 865-342-6445.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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