Ep 12. The Apple of Her Eye

The episode begins with the announcement of an upcoming competition where Abby Lee and her elite team are set to showcase their skills and talent. The competition is going to be tough as they are up against some of the best dance teams in the country.

Before the competition, Abby selects her team and assigns the girls their respective dance routines. Being a stickler for perfection, Abby is hard on her team, pushing them to their limits. The week before the competition, Abby makes a surprise visit to the studio in the middle of a routine and is not pleased with the team's performance. She criticizes every dancer for their mistakes, ultimately singling out Maddie for not being at the top of her game.

The criticism does not sit well with Maddie's mother, Melissa, who feels that her daughter is being unfairly targeted by Abby. Maddie is Melissa's "apple of the eye," and she is not going to let anyone tarnish her daughter's reputation. Melissa confronts Abby, but Abby dismisses her concerns, making it clear that she knows what is best for the team and Maddie.

The day of the competition arrives, and tensions are high as the girls take the stage. The elite team performs flawlessly, leaving the judges and the audience in awe. However, things take a turn when one of the dancers misses a step, causing the team's performance to suffer. Abby is heartbroken, and Melissa is fuming. As the dance instructor and Melissa have been at odds for a while now, the incident only widens the gap between them.

Back at the studio, Abby criticizes the entire team for their mistakes during the competition, but Melissa defends Maddie, insisting that she did nothing wrong. Abby responds abruptly, conveying her disappointment with Melissa's interference in her coaching methods. The argument becomes heated, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving fans wondering what will happen next.

The Apple of Her Eye is an emotional episode that highlights the intense pressure and competition that is a part of the dance world. Abby's coaching methods come under scrutiny, and her relationship with the parents of her students is put to the test.

Fans get to see a different side of Melissa, who is usually portrayed as the doting mother, fiercely protective of her daughter. She stands up to Abby, even though she is aware of the consequences that might follow. The episode is a testament to the strength and loyalty of a mother's love and makes for an engaging watch.

Overall, Dance Moms season 3 episode 12 is an entertaining, drama-filled hour of television that keeps fans hooked from beginning to end. The show's ability to captivate audiences by showcasing the unbridled passion of dancers is excellent. The competition is nail-biting and exquisitely choreographed, and the young dancers showcase their incredible talent and skills.

The show has been a massive hit among fans, who are eagerly awaiting the next episode, which will hopefully provide answers to the many questions left unanswered in this one.