Appreciating Grace
A long note about Nancy Grace and the various and awesome ways she contributed to Tristan MacManus’s stellar break-out season on Dancing with the Stars.
Think back to season 12, when Tristan was a member of the troupe. He looked just as good and was just as talented then, but it was having a non-bland partner like Nancy in season 13 that created a true showcase for what he had to offer. Nancy brought all her fame, notoriety, and media experience to the show, and she acted as a sort of prism through which we could enjoy a broader spectrum of Tristan’s appeal.
Every week, Nancy made adorable videos with Tristan for her youtube channel. Gotta respect the discipline of churning those out and her skill at making them engaging and interesting. I bet, during a long day of rehearsals and taping her HLN show and taking care of her children, making those videos must have felt like a chore at times. But, because of Nancy’s diligence, we were exposed to so much more of Tristan than what was served up on DWTS.
Nancy talked up Tristan and his accomplishments a lot and went out of her way to make him look as good as possible. When Tristan first started making appearances on HLN & CNN with Nancy, there were - understandably - some moments of awkwardness where he wasn’t at his most telegenic. (Not making gifs of that!) During those early learning days, Nancy never abandoned him on air by recoiling or making fun of him when he was truly vulnerable. Instead, her eye contact with him would get warmer and more supportive.
Nancy’s such a polarizing figure which made for multiple ways to fall in like with Tristan. If you liked Nancy, then you probably liked her partner. If you disliked Nancy, then pity/admiration for Tristan made you like him that much more. In any case, Nancy was always game to play the villain - the irritating force - spurring opportunities for Tristan’s patience and wit to shine.
I don’t think whatever conflict that came up was ever that serious tho.
After they got booted from the show, Nancy expressed her affection and respect for Tristan over and over again and was really gracious about crediting him for their successful run.
Love and laughter among best friends:
Feels real.
Something else that feels real: Nancy Grace is a good and loving mom.
I love this reason of hers for doing Dancing with the Stars. :)
