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Here’s hoping you bought Kleenex in bulk ahead of Monday’s Dancing With the Stars episode.

Just when you think the ABC series will keep things light — after all, last week’s installments were both dedicated to fun, glamorous U.S. cities — it takes a sharp turn and throws you straight into ugly-cry territory, as it did this week with its “Most Memorable Years” episode. (This theme comes around every season, and yet my tear ducts are never prepared.)

As is usually the case with Dancing‘s “Most Memorable Years” episode, many contestants turned in their best performances of the season thus far, thanks to the vulnerability and raw emotion they’re able to showcase for the first time. Or, in the case of Milo Manheim, just some really cool backflips.

Let’s break down the highlights of the broadcast:

BEST OF THE NIGHT
Juan Pablo Di Pace and pro Cheryl Burke (Samba) — I’m not saying we should hand the Mirrorball to Juan Pablo and Cheryl right now… but I’m also not not saying that. As lovely as the evening’s more emotional routines were, it was equally as captivating to watch Juan Pablo attack this samba with tons of heat and energy. Not only did he nail the fast-paced partner work with Cheryl, but he carried out those solo sequences with incredible precision and confidence, paving the way for a richly deserved perfect score. (The first of the season!) Judges’ Score: 30/30