Last night's finale of The Amazing Race: All Stars was an appropriate end to the season. I was glad to see Eric & Danielle win, but the whole thing was just kind of blah.
The major criticism that I have had (and most who blog about this sort of thing) with the season is that it was not "all star" caliber. In fact, everything seemed easier. Remember back to when we were discussing which teams should be included, and what sort of amazing places they would go? And everyone was wondering what sort of fantastic tasks they would have to do? We didn't get any of that. Some of the best teams to run the race were excluded, the locations weren't overly exciting, and the tasks were dull. There were very few physical tasks, and most of the teams were eliminated because of transportation and bad luck. It's such a bummer for a show that has been consistently one of the best on television.
The last leg itself wasn't horrible. Being on Lanai was gorgeous, and I loved the task with them kayaking out to the shipwreck. But there were only two flights on the final leg (it was like that last season as well; in previous seasons there were a lot of flights which leave a lot up to the great airport equalizer). And the producers had to know that there were limited flights from Hawaii back to Oakland that day (and did the teams figure out that it was better to fly in to Oakland or were they told to do that?). I also liked the final task in the vault (though I don't understand why there wasn't a final roadblock), but I wish they had given them unlimited time to do it. I know, they needed the drama at the end of such a close finish. But it would have been fun to watch the timer on the girls at the end and see how long it would take them to match their partners.
In the end, it was Eric & Danielle to cross the finish line first. I was pulling for the Beauty Queens, but it was really impressive that Eric & Danielle won (they were yielded twice and marked for elimination once). And of course, I was glad to see Shmirna finish third. And I'm hoping both that TAR gets picked up for another season and they go back to the difficulty that the show is famous for.
One last note - I don't have any idea what happened to the last week and a half or so of blogs. I thought I uploaded some of them, but I guess not. And it seems silly at this point to try and recreate them. They're floating in cyberspace somewhere...here's hoping they show up somewhere sometime!
Showing posts with label Amazing Race All Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amazing Race All Stars. Show all posts
Monday, May 07, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Anothe Non-Elimination Leg Saves Cha Cha Chas
We're down to the final four on The Amazing Race: All Stars, and it's finally getting good. We're seeing some tougher tasks, and some truly all-star caliber game play. Finally.
The big story of the episode was the game play of the beauty queens. After Danny & Oswald offered to yield a team for them in exchange for some much needed cash, Dustin & Kandice paid $45 for Eric & Danielle to be yielded. Some may think this is a horrible move (for both teams); I loved it. It's not like they were backstabbing or cheating - they made a smart move in the game. The girls had saved a lot of money (a smart move), had already used their yield (also a smart move), and were presented with an opportunity to slow down a very fast team. Why is that wrong?
The girls also showed why they deserve to be a top team. They did each task very deliberately, taking the time to make sure they did it right. Remember, not paying attention cost them the race last season - they have clearly learned from their mistake, and are going to be tough to beat. I also liked the game play of Eric & Danielle. They made up HOURS of time on this leg, with minimal swearing (though Eric had plenty of choice words for Danny & Oswald, even after the beauty queens sort of came clean to them). They are going to be very tough to beat as well.
I continue to love Danny & Oswald and hate Charla & Mirna. I can't handle Mirna's constant yelling. And I was also glad to see Mirna's poor driving finally cost them some time on the race (both this leg and how much time they clearly lost on the last one). Hopefully Danny & Oswald can make up some time and knock Charla & Mirna right out of the race.
The big story of the episode was the game play of the beauty queens. After Danny & Oswald offered to yield a team for them in exchange for some much needed cash, Dustin & Kandice paid $45 for Eric & Danielle to be yielded. Some may think this is a horrible move (for both teams); I loved it. It's not like they were backstabbing or cheating - they made a smart move in the game. The girls had saved a lot of money (a smart move), had already used their yield (also a smart move), and were presented with an opportunity to slow down a very fast team. Why is that wrong?
The girls also showed why they deserve to be a top team. They did each task very deliberately, taking the time to make sure they did it right. Remember, not paying attention cost them the race last season - they have clearly learned from their mistake, and are going to be tough to beat. I also liked the game play of Eric & Danielle. They made up HOURS of time on this leg, with minimal swearing (though Eric had plenty of choice words for Danny & Oswald, even after the beauty queens sort of came clean to them). They are going to be very tough to beat as well.
I continue to love Danny & Oswald and hate Charla & Mirna. I can't handle Mirna's constant yelling. And I was also glad to see Mirna's poor driving finally cost them some time on the race (both this leg and how much time they clearly lost on the last one). Hopefully Danny & Oswald can make up some time and knock Charla & Mirna right out of the race.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
An Amazing Leg in Hong Kong
FINALLY, we're getting some tasks that fit the fact that this is an all-stars season of TAR. Hallelujah.
In case you couldn't guess, I LOVED the ninja task on this week's episode of The Amazing Race. I would have loved it more if there was more fighting with the ninjas, but still - it was great to see an actual physical task. They haven't had to do much of that this season, and I don't know why.
The other thing I don't understand is why Danny & Oswald were able to do the fast forward. They did the fast forward in Poland with Uchenna & Joyce. I thought that you were able to only do one fast forward on the race. I don't remember Phil saying that the rules were different this season; what gives?
The leg also made me love the beauty queens even more and like Mirna & Charla even less. I do feel for Charla - she sometimes seems like she disagrees with how Mirna treats others, but doesn't really know what to do about it. It's a shame - this is how so many of us get labeled "ugly Americans" when we travel abroad.
In case you couldn't guess, I LOVED the ninja task on this week's episode of The Amazing Race. I would have loved it more if there was more fighting with the ninjas, but still - it was great to see an actual physical task. They haven't had to do much of that this season, and I don't know why.
The other thing I don't understand is why Danny & Oswald were able to do the fast forward. They did the fast forward in Poland with Uchenna & Joyce. I thought that you were able to only do one fast forward on the race. I don't remember Phil saying that the rules were different this season; what gives?
The leg also made me love the beauty queens even more and like Mirna & Charla even less. I do feel for Charla - she sometimes seems like she disagrees with how Mirna treats others, but doesn't really know what to do about it. It's a shame - this is how so many of us get labeled "ugly Americans" when we travel abroad.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Amazing Race...not as amazing as before
There's a lot to be said about the last few episodes of The Amazing Race: All Stars. But the thing that has been most interesting is the airport. The challenges have been rather disappointing (Joyce in an interview today said that the challenges weren't as physical to accommodate Charla, which I don't buy at all...they had tough challenges on their season, and poor Sara had to climb and run with her artificial leg last season). Making a fabric print or tuning a piano isn't very difficult - certainly not all-star difficult.
What has been difficult is the traveling. I don't think that there's ever been a race where so many legs have been decided because of airport issues. One factor certainly is when the race was filmed - they started right before Thanksgiving, and traveled all through the holiday season where flights are harder to come by. But it's not great television to have teams be essentially eliminated before the leg even starts.
I continue to love Danny & Oswald and the Beauty Queens (and how much did you love Eric saying "Ladies & Gentlemen, Miss California!" when Dustin threw up?). They are both running good races, and seem to be nice, decent people. Here's hoping for the first all female team to win. And here's also hoping it's not Mirna & Charla. I can't handle how horrible Mirna is. (though I do feel for Charla...it's got to be tough enough to put up with Mirna's shouting, then to have to watch it again on tv...yikes). Every team I've seen in interviews talk about how they like Charla...most leave it at that.
What has been difficult is the traveling. I don't think that there's ever been a race where so many legs have been decided because of airport issues. One factor certainly is when the race was filmed - they started right before Thanksgiving, and traveled all through the holiday season where flights are harder to come by. But it's not great television to have teams be essentially eliminated before the leg even starts.
I continue to love Danny & Oswald and the Beauty Queens (and how much did you love Eric saying "Ladies & Gentlemen, Miss California!" when Dustin threw up?). They are both running good races, and seem to be nice, decent people. Here's hoping for the first all female team to win. And here's also hoping it's not Mirna & Charla. I can't handle how horrible Mirna is. (though I do feel for Charla...it's got to be tough enough to put up with Mirna's shouting, then to have to watch it again on tv...yikes). Every team I've seen in interviews talk about how they like Charla...most leave it at that.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sometimes It All Comes Down to a Flight
Past contestants on The Amazing Race often talk about the "great airport equalizer." But tonight the airport didn't just equalize the race, it determined it.
I thought that I was going to be upset about the lack of flights causing such a gap between the teams. But it's all stars. I'm actually surprised that a team didn't take a chance early on and simply book the first flight to a major city. It took the back three teams nearly two days to get to their destination. There had to have been a better option, especially since they had all that time where they could have gone back to the hotel and perhaps do some research on the internet. So there's no excuse for spending two nights on the floor of the airport (though I do feel a little bit bad for Eric & Danielle - I can't believe they got pulled off of the plane).
The thing I really took away from this leg of the race was how much I hate Mirna & Charla. Mirna in particular. Does she not realize how rude and condescending she is to the people she meets? I've had more than enough of the fake accent. I know that part of our perception of the teams comes down to edit. But they can only edit what you give them. And when you give them shot after shot of being downright disrespectful, that's what they're going to show us.
A side note about editing. Did anyone else notice that there were two times in the airport that Terri's voice over was really strangely dubbed? Almost as if they cut it from four different interviews. Very very odd.
So after a strange few days at the airport (and a weather delay once they landed...I wonder if that delay was for real...), Mirna & Shmirna held their lead, and the 30 minute penalty on Uchenna & Joyce didn't matter at all. And nearly a day later, Terri & Ian were eliminated. Of course...just as I was starting to like them.
I thought that I was going to be upset about the lack of flights causing such a gap between the teams. But it's all stars. I'm actually surprised that a team didn't take a chance early on and simply book the first flight to a major city. It took the back three teams nearly two days to get to their destination. There had to have been a better option, especially since they had all that time where they could have gone back to the hotel and perhaps do some research on the internet. So there's no excuse for spending two nights on the floor of the airport (though I do feel a little bit bad for Eric & Danielle - I can't believe they got pulled off of the plane).
The thing I really took away from this leg of the race was how much I hate Mirna & Charla. Mirna in particular. Does she not realize how rude and condescending she is to the people she meets? I've had more than enough of the fake accent. I know that part of our perception of the teams comes down to edit. But they can only edit what you give them. And when you give them shot after shot of being downright disrespectful, that's what they're going to show us.
A side note about editing. Did anyone else notice that there were two times in the airport that Terri's voice over was really strangely dubbed? Almost as if they cut it from four different interviews. Very very odd.
So after a strange few days at the airport (and a weather delay once they landed...I wonder if that delay was for real...), Mirna & Shmirna held their lead, and the 30 minute penalty on Uchenna & Joyce didn't matter at all. And nearly a day later, Terri & Ian were eliminated. Of course...just as I was starting to like them.
Monday, March 19, 2007
TAR All Stars is Quite the Rat Race
Even with Rob & Amber gone (and I hated that there was both an airport equalizer and a non-elimination leg right after they came in last), TAR: All Stars is still one of the best shows on. And last night's episode didn't disappoint.
I always sit at home at decide which detour I would do and whether I or Chris (my husband) would do the roadblock. No question he would have done the roadblock...ugh. Great roadblock though, with a nice combination of luck and skill. And I certainly would have done the nail polish task - I can't believe so many of them chose to dig in the coal. But my favorite was just a regular task - digging in the glacier. It looked so cool; really just one of those things that I would love to see someday (and someday soon, before they all melt...). I also loved Danny & Oswald's comment that "If you get caught in an avalanche, never come look for Danny & Oswald to get you out."
I also liked the dynamic between Eric & Danielle and the Guidos. I didn't like the Guidos on their season, but I am liking them more and more this time around. They're playing a different game; it could be editing, but they are also coming off much nicer this time around. I also think that Terri & Ian are coming off much better this season. I wouldn't be so sad if they were in the top 3.
My favorite moment of the night though? Danny & Oswald arriving at the mat. Holy cow, did you see how fast Phil took off when the Cha Cha Chas tried to hug him? It actually made me laugh out loud. And I was glad to see that Uchenna & Joyce are around one more week.
I always sit at home at decide which detour I would do and whether I or Chris (my husband) would do the roadblock. No question he would have done the roadblock...ugh. Great roadblock though, with a nice combination of luck and skill. And I certainly would have done the nail polish task - I can't believe so many of them chose to dig in the coal. But my favorite was just a regular task - digging in the glacier. It looked so cool; really just one of those things that I would love to see someday (and someday soon, before they all melt...). I also loved Danny & Oswald's comment that "If you get caught in an avalanche, never come look for Danny & Oswald to get you out."
I also liked the dynamic between Eric & Danielle and the Guidos. I didn't like the Guidos on their season, but I am liking them more and more this time around. They're playing a different game; it could be editing, but they are also coming off much nicer this time around. I also think that Terri & Ian are coming off much better this season. I wouldn't be so sad if they were in the top 3.
My favorite moment of the night though? Danny & Oswald arriving at the mat. Holy cow, did you see how fast Phil took off when the Cha Cha Chas tried to hug him? It actually made me laugh out loud. And I was glad to see that Uchenna & Joyce are around one more week.
Monday, March 12, 2007
A Shocker on Amazing Race
It's been nearly 24 hours, and I'm still shocked about last night's episode of Amazing Race: All Stars.
Even though my favorites were eliminated, it was a good episode. Even though I hate the fact that there is a "catch-up" point on nearly every leg (a lot of former contestants call it the "great airport equalizer"), I liked the detour - I always like when there is a fairly equal split between the number of teams who choose each. And it broke my heart to see Rob & Amber struggle so much with it. Rob said in an interview today that even though we heard Phil's voice over telling us that spelling counted that the contestants weren't told that. (they were told that the directions of the arrows mattered, even though we were told they didn't) He didn't realize it was a misspelled word that was holding him back until he watched it last night. And it was just tough that he was the only one who realized the correct order but essentially lost the race because he spelled a word wrong.
Which brings us to Mirna & Charla. Could they be any more annoying? Charla isn't so bad, but Mirna is horrific. (one of the other things that Rob & Amber said today is that they all liked Charla, but the confrontational & "shrillness" of Mirna that we see on tv is about a million times worse in person). They were also the subject of perhaps the best edit of the season. Mirna had an interview where she confided that she is the hardest working person to ever have to run the race, because she has to make up for her partners "shortcomings." A poor choice of words in itself, but they ran it over a shot of poor little Charla running down the hill. Oh to be a fly on the wall in their house last night. It was also horrible how she treated Charla during the detour and during their run to the mat (what was up with her screaming "LEVEL 5!!! LEVEL 5!!!" the whole way?). And I'm sick of their attitude that they can leave teams in the dust when it suits them (see: treatment of Mary & David), but are horribly offended when it comes back on them.
I also didn't totally understand the letters in the roadblock. Even though I don't like the "needle in a haystack" tasks (too much luck, not enough skill), I understand where you need a couple of "luck" tasks in the race. I just don't understand why they chose to have letters from the former racers that they did. In some cases it was great - like Eric & Danielle getting a letter from their former teammates. And even letters like the Guido's (from Frank) were funny. But some of the letters were downright mean. You can't tell me that they couldn't find a team to write a nice letter to everyone. Or was it really just another opportunity for them to run the clip of Marshall & Lance yelling "bitch" at Mirna & Charla. So strange.
In the end, bad luck and a bad detour meant that Rob & Amber fell from first to last and got eliminated. I am bummed. But I was also pleased at how they handled the elimination. They were also really gracious during their interviews today, and talked a lot about how great the race was, and how much fun they had at sequester (they're calling it "Elimination Station" this season), especially with John Vito (they watched the episode last night at his house) and Dave & Mary. I know they're the couple that everyone loves to hate, but I still just love them.
Even though my favorites were eliminated, it was a good episode. Even though I hate the fact that there is a "catch-up" point on nearly every leg (a lot of former contestants call it the "great airport equalizer"), I liked the detour - I always like when there is a fairly equal split between the number of teams who choose each. And it broke my heart to see Rob & Amber struggle so much with it. Rob said in an interview today that even though we heard Phil's voice over telling us that spelling counted that the contestants weren't told that. (they were told that the directions of the arrows mattered, even though we were told they didn't) He didn't realize it was a misspelled word that was holding him back until he watched it last night. And it was just tough that he was the only one who realized the correct order but essentially lost the race because he spelled a word wrong.
Which brings us to Mirna & Charla. Could they be any more annoying? Charla isn't so bad, but Mirna is horrific. (one of the other things that Rob & Amber said today is that they all liked Charla, but the confrontational & "shrillness" of Mirna that we see on tv is about a million times worse in person). They were also the subject of perhaps the best edit of the season. Mirna had an interview where she confided that she is the hardest working person to ever have to run the race, because she has to make up for her partners "shortcomings." A poor choice of words in itself, but they ran it over a shot of poor little Charla running down the hill. Oh to be a fly on the wall in their house last night. It was also horrible how she treated Charla during the detour and during their run to the mat (what was up with her screaming "LEVEL 5!!! LEVEL 5!!!" the whole way?). And I'm sick of their attitude that they can leave teams in the dust when it suits them (see: treatment of Mary & David), but are horribly offended when it comes back on them.
I also didn't totally understand the letters in the roadblock. Even though I don't like the "needle in a haystack" tasks (too much luck, not enough skill), I understand where you need a couple of "luck" tasks in the race. I just don't understand why they chose to have letters from the former racers that they did. In some cases it was great - like Eric & Danielle getting a letter from their former teammates. And even letters like the Guido's (from Frank) were funny. But some of the letters were downright mean. You can't tell me that they couldn't find a team to write a nice letter to everyone. Or was it really just another opportunity for them to run the clip of Marshall & Lance yelling "bitch" at Mirna & Charla. So strange.
In the end, bad luck and a bad detour meant that Rob & Amber fell from first to last and got eliminated. I am bummed. But I was also pleased at how they handled the elimination. They were also really gracious during their interviews today, and talked a lot about how great the race was, and how much fun they had at sequester (they're calling it "Elimination Station" this season), especially with John Vito (they watched the episode last night at his house) and Dave & Mary. I know they're the couple that everyone loves to hate, but I still just love them.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Rob & Amber Contiune to Dominate
The Amazing Race: All Stars is starting to really heat up. And of the three reality shows on tv Sunday, it was far and away the best of the night.
Once again, Rob & Amber showed why they are the team to beat. First, they were one of only two teams to realize that getting booked on a flight in the middle of the night was far more likely if they went somewhere with internet access than waiting in line at the airport. How the other teams didn’t realize to do this as well is beyond me – did they not pay attention the first time they raced? Rob & Amber also have gotten into everyone’s heads. Everyone is so concerned about where they are that they are able to just zoom ahead.
The leg itself was fantastic – a nice mix of driving (it’s shocking how many races are decided by who can get from location to location without getting lost) and tasks. The roadblock was great, and one that there’s no way I could have done. And how great was Rob’s commentary on Eric shouting at Danielle? I have it on rather good authority that they (Eric & Danielle) are no longer together…it’s not hard to see why. The detour was great too. I would have been petrified to do the rapids, but it did look like it was a lot of fun.
This leg made me like Terri & Ian more than before. It’s always been Ian that annoyed me, but he’s starting to grow on me. I loved the way they handled Mirna & Charla at the airport, and Terri’s attitude when she fell out of the boat was great. At the same time, Mirna & Charla are annoying me more than ever. Why do they feel that they need to be confrontational with everyone? And I hate how they attempt to speak other languages – asking a question in English while throwing in an “amigo” and an extra “o” at the end of a couple of words doesn’t mean you’re speaking Spanish. And it’s rather insulting as well.
I was bummed that Dave & Mary were eliminated, especially over Mirna & Charla. They were one of the most genuine teams on the race (maybe even to ever run the race), and seemed to truly appreciate the opportunity to see the world. If only everyone had that kind of attitude.
Monday, February 26, 2007
TAR All-Stars
A great great episode last night of Amazing Race: All Stars. And even though one of my favorites was eliminated, this is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet.
I think this is as good a time as any to be upfront about something. I love Rob & Amber. Actually, I love Rob. He was my favorite both seasons of Survivor he was on, and I love how he and Amber played (and are playing) TAR. One of the greatest things about Rob is that even though he comes off as a dumb guy from Boston he's actually quite smart. He's right - the other teams are so concerned about beating them that they're losing sight of winning the race. Love it.
I'm also falling more and more in love with Danny & Oswald. They were funny on their season, but they're hilarious on All Stars. They're also pretty fierce competitors - I'll take that combination any day. (I also like that between them and the guidos the producers are painting two very different pictures of what a gay couple looks like. It's about time - we see lots of versions of what a guy-girl couple should look like, but very little else.)
The tasks this leg were much harder than last week, which I liked. It's all stars - things should be harder. That roadblock was really tough (though how great was it that Mary came in and solved it so quickly?). And multiple flights in one leg is tough too, since the roadblock ended up having no impact on the standings, but did a lot for the dynamics of the teams. (I wish we could have heard the conversation on the flight between Uchenna & Joyce...)
Speaking of team dynamics, what was the deal with Mirna & Charla? It didn't seem like the Beauty Queens did anything to them other than be pretty, but their pettiness almost cost them the race. If they had just been content to work together they would have come in much sooner than when they did.
In the end, my favorites Drew & Kevin came in last. They did manage to provide some really fabulous television before they left. I loved that when they got their truck stuck, they hooked it to Kevin to pull it out. And the confrontation on the plan about David & Mary's luggage was good too. I wish they had realized they could drive faster, since then perhaps Mirna & Charla would have been eliminated (and we still need a better nickname for them then Mirna & Shmirna...after their talk about how they have inner beauty and don't need plastic surgery, maybe they could be the petty....). Maybe next week.
I think this is as good a time as any to be upfront about something. I love Rob & Amber. Actually, I love Rob. He was my favorite both seasons of Survivor he was on, and I love how he and Amber played (and are playing) TAR. One of the greatest things about Rob is that even though he comes off as a dumb guy from Boston he's actually quite smart. He's right - the other teams are so concerned about beating them that they're losing sight of winning the race. Love it.
I'm also falling more and more in love with Danny & Oswald. They were funny on their season, but they're hilarious on All Stars. They're also pretty fierce competitors - I'll take that combination any day. (I also like that between them and the guidos the producers are painting two very different pictures of what a gay couple looks like. It's about time - we see lots of versions of what a guy-girl couple should look like, but very little else.)
The tasks this leg were much harder than last week, which I liked. It's all stars - things should be harder. That roadblock was really tough (though how great was it that Mary came in and solved it so quickly?). And multiple flights in one leg is tough too, since the roadblock ended up having no impact on the standings, but did a lot for the dynamics of the teams. (I wish we could have heard the conversation on the flight between Uchenna & Joyce...)
Speaking of team dynamics, what was the deal with Mirna & Charla? It didn't seem like the Beauty Queens did anything to them other than be pretty, but their pettiness almost cost them the race. If they had just been content to work together they would have come in much sooner than when they did.
In the end, my favorites Drew & Kevin came in last. They did manage to provide some really fabulous television before they left. I loved that when they got their truck stuck, they hooked it to Kevin to pull it out. And the confrontation on the plan about David & Mary's luggage was good too. I wish they had realized they could drive faster, since then perhaps Mirna & Charla would have been eliminated (and we still need a better nickname for them then Mirna & Shmirna...after their talk about how they have inner beauty and don't need plastic surgery, maybe they could be the petty....). Maybe next week.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Amazing Race All Stars!
I have been so excited for the premiere of TAR. I love the idea of an all-star version of the show, and even though I'm not a huge fan of some of the selections (see yesterday's post...), TAR shows season after season why it always wins the Emmy.
No real surprises at first - they all should have known from the flight times that the flight that landed first was probably not the flight that departed first (have these people not watched the show before?). And no shock that the game play from some of the teams is the same as before. Especially Mary & David - they seem so nice, and are probably the most deserving of the money, but they have to be the weakest team on the race. Terri & Ian also continued to showcase their "ugly American" stereotype. They just so rub me the wrong way. Rob & Amber also continued their dominance - there is a reason they were so good the first time around. I was pleasantly surprised by Danny & Oswald. It seems like they've grown up a bit since their season - I'm hoping they do well.
The leg itself was good, though I wish there were more things to do, rather than just drive from route marker to route marker. Although the driving was clearly difficult for some teams. And you knew as soon as Phil said that the teams were advised to go to the north entrance of the park that at least a few of the teams would go a different way. I also loved the moment with Kevin & Drew (who I still can't believe drove that far on a flat tire)...one of them commented on how beautiful Peru was; the other replied that Peru probably was beautiful, but that they were in Ecuador. I hope they can pull it together and have a better leg next week.
After a strange detour (and no roadblock...what's that all about?), Rob & Amber came in first (yay!) and John Vito & Jill were eliminated. I was surprised that such a strong team went out first, but it just goes to show how one mistake can make or break the race.
No real surprises at first - they all should have known from the flight times that the flight that landed first was probably not the flight that departed first (have these people not watched the show before?). And no shock that the game play from some of the teams is the same as before. Especially Mary & David - they seem so nice, and are probably the most deserving of the money, but they have to be the weakest team on the race. Terri & Ian also continued to showcase their "ugly American" stereotype. They just so rub me the wrong way. Rob & Amber also continued their dominance - there is a reason they were so good the first time around. I was pleasantly surprised by Danny & Oswald. It seems like they've grown up a bit since their season - I'm hoping they do well.
The leg itself was good, though I wish there were more things to do, rather than just drive from route marker to route marker. Although the driving was clearly difficult for some teams. And you knew as soon as Phil said that the teams were advised to go to the north entrance of the park that at least a few of the teams would go a different way. I also loved the moment with Kevin & Drew (who I still can't believe drove that far on a flat tire)...one of them commented on how beautiful Peru was; the other replied that Peru probably was beautiful, but that they were in Ecuador. I hope they can pull it together and have a better leg next week.
After a strange detour (and no roadblock...what's that all about?), Rob & Amber came in first (yay!) and John Vito & Jill were eliminated. I was surprised that such a strong team went out first, but it just goes to show how one mistake can make or break the race.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Amazing Race All Stars Starts Tonight!
That's right, tonight is the premiere of The Amazing Race: All Stars. And aside from the fact that my tivo might explode this week (seriously, why are so many good shows on at the same time on Sunday and Thursday nights, when you can't find a single thing to watch on other nights?), I couldn't be more excited.
It's hard to handicap the field on TAR, since there's no voting off, and social skills don't play nearly as big of a role as on other shows. I certainly have my favorites that I will be rooting for. I LOVE Kevin & Drew - they were my favorites on their season, and I am so hoping to see them win this time around. I also really like Rob & Amber (yes, I know I am in the tiny minority on this one) and Dustin & Kandice (the beauty queens from last season). And I think that the new team of Eric & Danielle is one to root for as well.
Who don't I like? Well, they certainly brought back a few of my least favorite teams as well. I know that most people loved Teri & Ian on season 3, but I didn't. There was something about Ian that really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm also hoping for an early demise (though I doubt it will happen) for Uchenna & Joyce. I actually really liked them before, and they seem like good people, but they're the only previous winners on this race, and it just doesn't seem fair (especially since there were previous winners excluded who were far more likable). And I was never much a fan of Charla & Mirna, though they did provide us with some great tv.
I'm still bummed out by the selection of the All-Stars. I don't understand why only one team of winners were brought back, especially when so many previous winners wanted to do it again. (in some of the other all-star versions of shows, previous winners declined to do the show again...after all, why starve yourself on an island again when you already have the million). And while I understand that you need to have a few of the teams that everyone loves to hate, it seems like you could have done that with teams that were in the top three or four of their seasons. It would be a much better show with all extremely strong teams. It also is interesting that there are no "all-male-power-teams" this season. Hmmm...
I know, I just really danced around the question of who I think will win. Ok...I think that the Eric & Danielle would be my pre-race favorite to win, along with Rob & Amber and Dustin & Kandice. My "favorites" to go out early? Mary & David (who I love, but relied very heavily on their alliance last season), Oswald & Danny, and Charla & Mirna. Now watch, Rob & Amber will be eliminated tonight while Mary & David win it all.
It's hard to handicap the field on TAR, since there's no voting off, and social skills don't play nearly as big of a role as on other shows. I certainly have my favorites that I will be rooting for. I LOVE Kevin & Drew - they were my favorites on their season, and I am so hoping to see them win this time around. I also really like Rob & Amber (yes, I know I am in the tiny minority on this one) and Dustin & Kandice (the beauty queens from last season). And I think that the new team of Eric & Danielle is one to root for as well.
Who don't I like? Well, they certainly brought back a few of my least favorite teams as well. I know that most people loved Teri & Ian on season 3, but I didn't. There was something about Ian that really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm also hoping for an early demise (though I doubt it will happen) for Uchenna & Joyce. I actually really liked them before, and they seem like good people, but they're the only previous winners on this race, and it just doesn't seem fair (especially since there were previous winners excluded who were far more likable). And I was never much a fan of Charla & Mirna, though they did provide us with some great tv.
I'm still bummed out by the selection of the All-Stars. I don't understand why only one team of winners were brought back, especially when so many previous winners wanted to do it again. (in some of the other all-star versions of shows, previous winners declined to do the show again...after all, why starve yourself on an island again when you already have the million). And while I understand that you need to have a few of the teams that everyone loves to hate, it seems like you could have done that with teams that were in the top three or four of their seasons. It would be a much better show with all extremely strong teams. It also is interesting that there are no "all-male-power-teams" this season. Hmmm...
I know, I just really danced around the question of who I think will win. Ok...I think that the Eric & Danielle would be my pre-race favorite to win, along with Rob & Amber and Dustin & Kandice. My "favorites" to go out early? Mary & David (who I love, but relied very heavily on their alliance last season), Oswald & Danny, and Charla & Mirna. Now watch, Rob & Amber will be eliminated tonight while Mary & David win it all.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
More on Amazing Race All Stars
Yes, it's true - there will be an All Stars season of The Amazing Race. They are filming it right now, and it looks like it will be the next season to air (probably in the spring...they usually do two seasons a year anyways). I am positive that Chip and Reichen aren't a team...on the official cbs.com website for the show, Chip has been blogging about the speculations, and answering questions that people email him. Bottom line? He ran into teams leaving on the first leg of the race while flying home for Thanksgiving. Not sure if they will actually show him in the opening episode (they condense so much footage down to 41 minutes anyways), but we know that it is being filmed right now. There's some speculation (and Chip seems to confirm without really confirming) that there are no previous winners on the all-star season (although I think that Rob & Brennan, the first ever winners, may be on the race after all), and most people think that Colin & Christie, Mirna & Charla, Rob & Amber, and Dave & Mary (from this season) are racing. I've often felt that I am the only one not related to Rob & Amber who loves Rob & Amber, but I do. I'll be rooting for them to win again. (it's got to be the Red Sox thing) For lots really cool info about The Amazing Race and speculation on the all stars season, be sure to read the official blog for the show:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Check out Chip's post from 11/25 (5:29 pm) - he actually mentions my name!! Woo Hoo! :)
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Check out Chip's post from 11/25 (5:29 pm) - he actually mentions my name!! Woo Hoo! :)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Amazing Race All Stars?
Ok, so rumor has it that there is going to be an All Star season of Amazing Race. There is even some speculation that it may be being filmed as we speak. How would people know? Well, on the official Amazing Race website they have a blog from former racers. It is usually full of comments...all of a sudden, it's down to just a couple of bloggers. Chip (of Chip and Reichen, winners of AR4) has put out there that many of the bloggers aren't blogging because they are racing...and it seems like those who are left agree. Who do I think is a part of the all star season? Well, I know who I would cast...
AR1 - Rob & Brennan, Kevin & Drew, Nancy & Emily, Joe & Bill
AR2 - Blake & Paige, Tara & Wil, Chris & Alex
AR3 - Flo & Zach, Ken & Gerard
AR4 - Jon & Al, Chip & Reichen, Kelly & Jon
AR5 - Chip & Kim, Colin & Christie, Linda & Karen, Charla & Mirna
AR6 - Gus & Hera, Jonathan & Victoria, Kris & Jon
AR7 - Uchenna & Joyce, Rob & Amber, Lynn & Alex
AR8 - 2 of the Linz siblings
AR9 - Eric & Jeremy, BJ & Tyler, Joseph & Monica
AR10 - not sure if anyone would be on...Dustin & Kandice, Cho brothers, Tyler & James, Dave & Mary
That's way more teams than you would put on one race, but at least these are the teams that should be chosen from. It's a shame that Chip & Reichen clearly aren't a part of the all-stars, and word is that Chip & Kim (winners of AR5) were very upset to not be included. Hmmm...
The other interesting part of the "are the filming AR All Stars right now?" discussion is that Chip has started answering questions on the blog. It's really interesting, behind the scenes stuff about the race. Like, did you know that everyone they ask directions for, they have to get a waiver signed from? Wow. If you're interested in reading, the blog is here:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Most of the Q&A are in the blog from episode 9. Thanks Chip - it's really nice of you to answer so many questions and give so much insight!
AR1 - Rob & Brennan, Kevin & Drew, Nancy & Emily, Joe & Bill
AR2 - Blake & Paige, Tara & Wil, Chris & Alex
AR3 - Flo & Zach, Ken & Gerard
AR4 - Jon & Al, Chip & Reichen, Kelly & Jon
AR5 - Chip & Kim, Colin & Christie, Linda & Karen, Charla & Mirna
AR6 - Gus & Hera, Jonathan & Victoria, Kris & Jon
AR7 - Uchenna & Joyce, Rob & Amber, Lynn & Alex
AR8 - 2 of the Linz siblings
AR9 - Eric & Jeremy, BJ & Tyler, Joseph & Monica
AR10 - not sure if anyone would be on...Dustin & Kandice, Cho brothers, Tyler & James, Dave & Mary
That's way more teams than you would put on one race, but at least these are the teams that should be chosen from. It's a shame that Chip & Reichen clearly aren't a part of the all-stars, and word is that Chip & Kim (winners of AR5) were very upset to not be included. Hmmm...
The other interesting part of the "are the filming AR All Stars right now?" discussion is that Chip has started answering questions on the blog. It's really interesting, behind the scenes stuff about the race. Like, did you know that everyone they ask directions for, they have to get a waiver signed from? Wow. If you're interested in reading, the blog is here:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Most of the Q&A are in the blog from episode 9. Thanks Chip - it's really nice of you to answer so many questions and give so much insight!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)