Amazing Race - Season 22

[Melanie]

Season 22 premieres Sunday, February 17th.

Meet the racers here (http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/)!

I'm not familiar with any of the 'celebrities' on this one, although it is cool John Wayne's granddaughter is competing.

[TheDuckRocks]

Thanks, Mel. I can hardly wait AR is still my number one favorite reality competion.

[MNNHFLTX]

Helloooo!!! We have blondes! They just happen to be from Texas and their teeth are so white they hurt my eyes, lol!

You didn't know the hockey players at all, Mel?

Can't wait for the new season--Sunday evenings are just not the same without it!

[Melanie]

You didn't know the hockey players at all, Mel?

No, remember I'm a fairly new fan to hockey. Ryan hadn't heard of him either.

I'm ready for the new season as well. :thumbsup:

[Ian]

Bates Battaglia was actually a pretty good NHLer for a period of time. His best years were with the Hurricanes ... in fact, I'm pretty sure he was on the team that won the Cup. He played with Brind'Amour on the "BBC" line, which was Brindy, Battaglia, and Erik Cole.

[2Epcot]

I usually pick my favorite teams, the ones I'd like to win, shortly after their introductions and when they start heading to the airport. Of course all based on first impressions. Most seasons it is only 1 or 2 teams, this season there were 4 teams I liked. All of them made it through the first leg with one coming in first.

My favorites: John & Jessica, Pamela & Winnie, Idries & Jamil, and Caroline & Jen.

[TheDuckRocks]

It's still to early in the game to have any favorites right now, but that bride looks like she will go to the top of my "Get Rid Of That One" list. Wow, she has to fake being nice to people? I just don't understand people like that.:confused:

[Granny Jill A]

It's still to early in the game to have any favorites right now, but that bride looks like she will go to the top of my "Get Rid Of That One" list. Wow, she has to fake being nice to people? I just don't understand people like that.:confused:

We couldn't agree more.

My favs are the Father and Son who battled cancer. I also like the guy with the mullet - hee hee.

[Melanie]

It's still to early in the game to have any favorites right now, but that bride looks like she will go to the top of my "Get Rid Of That One" list. Wow, she has to fake being nice to people? I just don't understand people like that.:confused:

Something is off about that couple. :confused:

[c&d]

First impressions of teams I like: the couple from Alabama, the father and son and the twin doctors. The newlywed couple, need to be gone fast.

[JanetMegan]

I missed the last 5 mins but assume the firemen are gone? Stupid DVR. Man wasn't Bora Bora so pretty-sigh. I need a vacation. That sandcastle thing was crazy though. The newlyweds I can't decide who is more high maintenance though, him or her? Also the you tube guy sort of weirds me out.

[tinkwest]

It's still to early in the game to have any favorites right now, but that bride looks like she will go to the top of my "Get Rid Of That One" list. Wow, she has to fake being nice to people? I just don't understand people like that.:confused:

Agree. Agree. Agree.

And the husband seemed to take pride in that character trait of hers. :confused:

[dobby2010]

The newlyweds I can't decide who is more high maintenance though, him or her?

I'd say him. What was with that stupid pink plaid button down? You're on the amazing race! You could end up sledding in Siberia or mud wrestling in Australia. Wear something appropriate. Couldn't stand either of them! Though have to admit the penalty move was sort of genius if not diabolical.

Also surprise people seem to like the twin doctors. I found them incredibly irritating. Wouldn't mind seeing them leave soon. Otherwise liked everyone.

Looking to be a good season! I just love this show so much. In fact when my husband proposed he made a mini amazing race for me to complete with pit stops at meaningful places to us and a detour at the local park then my last clue said will you marry me on the inside. At our wedding reception we walked into the theme song since it is so meaningful to us now!

[JanetMegan]

Also surprise people seem to like the twin doctors. I found them incredibly irritating. Wouldn't mind seeing them leave soon. Otherwise liked everyone.



Agreed, I wasn't too keen on them either.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Worries me that the doctors got so much air time, leads me to believe they could be around for a while. While I don't hate them, by the end of the leg I was getting a bit annoyed with them.

Newlyweds and YouTubers are must eliminations. I don't see Team Walmart getting too far, not if she needs to refuel with a Vodka 7up at every route marker. I can see her giving up at a challenge.

Hockey brothers probably topped my list for most likeable thus far, we'll see how long it lasts.

All said, it was a really good first leg, and I don't think much was lost with the fire fighters going out first.

[Granny Jill A]

Agreed, I wasn't too keen on them either.

And they are outta here.......

The twin whiners were hard to watch. You know that the Race is most likely going to include water, eating icky stuff, high altitude and driving a stick shift.

When contestants are faced with one of the above, they should not be surprised.

[Melanie]

And their other fatal flaw was waiting so long to attempt the second one.

[dobby2010]

Feel so bad for the father son team. I liked them but the clip from next week makes it seem like its the end for them. If I were the team with the express passes I'd go ahead and give it to them. That way you are the only team with one when they go and don't look bad to the other "alliance" members.
Really liked Pam and Winnie this week. They have a great attitude and seem to get along very well think I'm rooting for them now.

[NJDad]

Not to mention that if you give them the express pass you'd most likely see a team get eliminated that otherwise would not have.

The twins said somewhere that the actual time they spent debating whether to take a penalty was 5 minutes.

[JanetMegan]

Who who who comes on TAR and can't swim?? (or drive a stick shift.) Buh-bye!

[c&d]

I feel bad for the father son team. I hope the injury isn't as bad as it looks. If I remember any team that has managed to hurt an ankle usually falters in the race shortly thereafter.

The Twins: I can't believe you would sign up for the race and have a fear of water. I can't remember any of the races that did not involve water at some point. By the end of the leg I had grown to really dislike them having said I liked them in the 1st leg.

[MNNHFLTX]

Do not like the newlyweds at all. They take being two-faced to a whole new level. :shake:

I like the roller derby moms and the hockey players a lot. They are playing the game but having fun too. Chuck and Wynona seem like really nice people but man, she doesn't look like she's in shape enough for the race.

[Melanie]

So much I could say about last night's episode. Oy Vey! That made me laugh out loud. Phil did kind of apologize on his Twitter for saying that, saying it just kind of popped out. But really, John was talking all kinds of jibberish. I know they were beyond tired, but how could they not have used the Express Pass? Wow.

I was on the edge of my seat for almost the entire last half hour. I was really concerned for the hockey players (my favorite team) and the roller derby moms. And despite the fact that she shouldn't be on the race, I find myself liking Chuck and Wynonna. Although, I admit I'm looking forward to the day when she can't say "You do it!". It will make for good TV, me thinks.

I'm wavering a bit on Connor and Dave. What do you guys think about Connor being able to push Dave in a wheelchair around the airports? I don't think it's fair. I'm mean surely, Chuck and Wynonna could gain some ground if he pushed her around, no? And that move by Connor at the end was kinda sneaky. I guess I'm just feeling that it's fairly certain they won't be able to win it all, so I'm ready for them to go.

YouTube boy....ugh. Hope they are gone soon.

[dobby2010]

Oh man, I also laughed when Phil said that. Can't blame him though, that elimination was all sorts of weird! Feel bad for his girlfriend. Wonder how that will play out when they get home. I'd be mad at him for not listening to me the whole leg and getting us eliminated.

Agree on the YouTube guy. Super annoying. Though they seem in very good shape so I can see them around for a little bit more (not much of they keep to their "alliance")

Great season so far!

[TheDuckRocks]

Too slow, can't swim, can't drive a stick shift, make a mistake about reading a clue, don't make the earliest plane contection - could all get you sent home. But plain old being stupid does it every time. Good golly Miss Molly!

[Granny Jill A]

So much I could say about last night's episode. Oy Vey! That made me laugh out loud.

I'm wavering a bit on Connor and Dave. What do you guys think about Connor being able to push Dave in a wheelchair around the airports? I don't think it's fair.

YouTube boy....ugh. Hope they are gone soon.

Loved the off-the-cuff remark by Phil when the couple didn't use their Express Pass at the right time. Oh well......

There have been many times when teams have sort of cheated to get ahead, so I'm not too concerned about Dad-Son team getting a break. No, it wasn't fair, but they have a greater obstacle with Dad's leg. I'm fairly certain they will be eliminated soon. I was rooting for them.

Not too fond of YouTube couple. They are BEYOND irritating with their "aren't we cute" actions.

Rooting hard for the hockey brothers right now.

[PirateLover]

I was rooting for them to get eliminated at the end because of John's silly pride. When your back is against the wall, you use the express pass! That's what it is for.

I don't mind that Connor peeked at Winnie's board. It's the name of the game. She should've made sure that part was covered. If I had no idea what I was looking for, I'd be trying to see what the other teams were doing as well.

Connor and Dave will run into issues at some point (unless the rules changed) because Dave is going to need to do some roadblocks!

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I've been on a couple different message boards where people have gotten upset about Connor looking at Winnie's board, going so far as to say that he cheated. Cheating would infer, at least imo, a direct infraction of the rules. Since Phil did not penalize him, there was no infraction and thus no cheating occurred. These challenges are not randomly set up. This was a close quarters type roadblock, it was pretty obvious that teams would be side by side, Connor did what probably 99% of us would have done in his situation. Its no different than not knowing where you are going and you tell your cabbie "follow that team". It happens all the time. If the rules don't prohibit it, it isn't cheating.

Its hard to believe that Dan and Connor or Chuck and Wynona are much longer for this race. Teams that make the final 3, depending on whether or not they get a Fast Forward or use an Express Pass, generall have a final roadblock ratio of 7-7, 7-6 or 6-6. Right now both Chuck and Connor have performed 4 of 5 possible roadblocks, meaning they probably at most can do 3 more each. The double u-turn next week might help both of them, as would a future fast forward, but eventually the one-sided roadblock performances is going to catch up to them.

I can't even believe to begin to describe how stupid John is. That could be one of the single dumbest things ever (not) done on TAR, getting eliminated with an Express Pass in your back pocket. When Bates and Anthony finally arrived (which told them the 3rd flight was in) and when they struggled, they should have used the EP to take them to the roadblock. After spending that much time on the detour, and knowing the other flight was in and teams were there, switching tasks made absolutely no sense. Even giving them the benefit of the doubt, when they got to the river sand detour, and didn't see the Roller Derby moms, they should have pulled the EP out. Lastly, when they got to the Roadblock and saw teams still there, what could possibly possess you to risk elimination, not know what the roadblock was? Hand over the EP and go see Phil. You lose the EP, big deal, you'd only have it 4 more legs anyway and better safe then sorry. It was almost like "paralysis of analysis". A lot of what John was saying made sense, up to the point where they lost all their time advantage and found themselves falling behind. At that point, cut and run. I figured they were probably the closest thing to a sure bet to make final 3 out of all the 11 teams.

I was glad the hockey brothers survived. Between the bad cabbie and the Express pass, I thought for certain they were doomed, especially once the bad cabbie forced them to do the fruit detour (they would have aced the other one).

Next week should provide more drama with the double u-turn.

[JanetMegan]

What an episode, I will say so far this season has been excellent in both locale and drama. Was pleased to see the hockey guys and Chuck and Wynonna pull it out. Chuck was quite good with the fruit. Father and Son are going to be hosed soon with the challenges though. With the crutches etc the wheelchair thing didn't bother me really.

[Granny Jill A]

II don't mind that Connor peeked at Winnie's board.

I was just thinking about this and wonder if Connor KNEW that she had the right answer?

[Melanie]

I wouldn't have minded Connor peeking at Winnie's board so much if there hadn't have been that exchange between them right before. I think more than anything I was just a bit shocked as they, (the producers and even his dad) had been presenting Connor as this kid who could do absolutely no wrong. I know, it's not that big of a deal, but it did kinda bother me after he essentially told Winnie he wouldn't help her if she helped him.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I was just thinking about this and wonder if Connor KNEW that she had the right answer?

No, he didn't know. All he knew for certain was that he didn't have any idea of what to look for, so Winnie's guess/choice was as good as anything he was going to pick.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I wouldn't have minded Connor peeking at Winnie's board so much if there hadn't have been that exchange between them right before. I think more than anything I was just a bit shocked as they, (the producers and even his dad) had been presenting Connor as this kid who could do absolutely no wrong. I know, it's not that big of a deal, but it did kinda bother me after he essentially told Winnie he wouldn't help her if she helped him.


I think that is being taken a bit out of context. When they discussed working together Winnie put out a pretty big caveat saying she'd work with him if, "you let us take first and you take second" to which Connor then said no.

At that point - "all is fair in love and war". Winnie still had the time advantage, but got lost. And she could have done a better job of hiding the board from him if she was that concerned.

[Melanie]

I think that is being taken a bit out of context. When they discussed working together Winnie put out a pretty big caveat saying she'd work with him if, "you let us take first and you take second" to which Connor then said no.

At that point - "all is fair in love and war". Winnie still had the time advantage, but got lost. And she could have done a better job of hiding the board from him if she was that concerned.

Again, not that big of a deal, but I just didn't care for the exchange.

[MNNHFLTX]

So I watched last week's show on Saturday and then the new episode last night (of course). I have to say that I agree that Connor looking at Winnie's surfboard felt a bit wrong to me, even if it wasn't against the rules--especially when they made a point of not letting the teams see the correct surfboards at the pit stop. Not saying it made Connor look dishonest, but it did not reflect positively on him either. But John, wow--what was going on with him? I attribute it to exhaustion or heat intolerance, but he was almost delusional towards the end of the leg. Jessica should have spoken up more forcefully about using the the Express Pass; unfortunately it took her out of the running for the million dollars as well.

Last night's show was not as interesting, IMO. And I couldn't believe that Wynona let Chuck do the Vietnam national pride song roadblock. That was her chance to get in on a roadblock that wasn't physical ("you do it" seems to be her favorite phrase). And I did get a kick out of the hockey players holding hands to do the bamboo dance. On an aside, does anyone else think that Anthony looks a little bit like Prince William? Lol--maybe I am delusional! ;)

[Melanie]

On an aside, does anyone else think that Anthony looks a little bit like Prince William? Lol--maybe I am delusional! ;)

No, I totally see that, Beth. He does! I :heart: them!

[dobby2010]

. On an aside, does anyone else think that Anthony looks a little bit like Prince William? Lol--maybe I am delusional! ;)

Not delusional. They mentioned it themselves in the first episode!

Can't see how chuck and wynona can stay in any longer. She has yet to do a challenge, and describes herself as the brains in the pair yet couldn't even notice the chicken baskets they missed.

Hope that the father son team comes back for the next all stars season if they do one. I think without injury they would have been the team To beat.

[Ian]

Man Chuck and Wynona ... Whoo! Talk about bad. I can't stand them. They just irritate me by their mere presence. I really hope they're out next time.

So no one else mentioned it and I'll guess that means the answer is no, but was anyone else kinda put off by that Vietnam propaganda show? I was a bit surprised they'd put the teams through something that was unabashed communist propaganda?

Maybe it's no stranger than when they put them through religious type stuff but I don't know ... they were waving hammer and sickle flags and talking about the glory of the State and all that. I found it sort of unsettling.

[Melanie]

Man Chuck and Wynona ... Whoo! Talk about bad. I can't stand them. They just irritate me by their mere presence. I really hope they're out next time.

What is it you can't stand about them? The fact she's useless? I actually like him a lot, except for the fact he wouldn't listen to her at all last week. That said, they (or at least she) have no business being on this show.

[PirateLover]

So no one else mentioned it and I'll guess that means the answer is no, but was anyone else kinda put off by that Vietnam propaganda show? I was a bit surprised they'd put the teams through something that was unabashed communist propaganda?

Yeah that made be uncomfortable. I doubt they got a translation like we did, because I was taken aback by some of the lyrics. I can only imagine what Vietnam Vets would feel about Americans being entertained by a song about how Communism and socialism make the Vietnamese "free." (I know my uncle, who almost died there, sure wouldn't like it.) At least they only had to memorize the phrase at the end and not actually perform the song.

I like Chuck, but Wynona is getting on my nerves! I agree with Beth, I was shocked when she told Chuck to do it because she didn't want to run!?! They had to run for what, 10 seconds to get from the theater to the pictures? What is she waiting for??

[JanetMegan]

Funny you mention that, LVP was VERY put off by the fact that they kept showing the B-52 that had been shot down. (And this was after the banner waving and singing and such.) I did some research on the Memorial they kept showing, it was a little interesting but it was a little in your face.

[TheDuckRocks]

Is putting it mildly to say the least! We just spent time at Disney World in Jan. with my brother-in-law who is a Vietnam Vet and still 45 years later his health is in very poor condition because of his service there. For me that whole song had me yelling at the TV. I can't believe the producers couldn't have come up with some other task. Shame on them.

[MNNHFLTX]

Is putting it mildly to say the least! We just spent time at Disney World in Jan. with my brother-in-law who is a Vietnam Vet and still 45 years later his health is in very poor condition because of his service there. For me that whole song had me yelling at the TV. I can't believe the producers couldn't have come up with some other task. Shame on them.
After reading the comments here and thinking about it, I can totally understand the sentiment. At the time I watched it I found it interesting rather than offensive. But in hindsight, it was a bizarre task and grossly insensitive of producers not to have thought how it would come across to viewers (and Vietnam vets), especially the B-52 memorial.

[PirateLover]

Wow... the B52 memorial... that must have been featured more during a time when I was distracted because I didn't really pay close attention. Ugh.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Wow... the B52 memorial... that must have been featured more during a time when I was distracted because I didn't really pay close attention. Ugh.

It was barely mentioned and definitely not really featured. It was where the u-turn and the route instructions to the pitstop were. More of a background visual, and other than Phil's narration of where it was, you probably wouldn't even know what it was.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I guess I don't really get all the uproar over the roadblock, having to listen to the nationalistic song. Frankly, have any foreigner listen to all the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner (not just what we sing, the whole thing) and it would come of no less nationalistic, not to mention the definite irony of being "the land of the free" when it was penned 50 years prior to abolishing slavery. I don't feel the need to shy away from history. I don't want to see some white washed version of what the producers think we as Americans want to see of Vietnam. That's one of the greatest things of the Race, getting a real look at a country's culture, and my guess is that type of political indoctrination is very reflective. Plus, its not like they haven't been to Vietnam before. I think it was season 10 they visited the Hanoi Hilton and season 3 you had Vietnam Vet Ian (Teri) go thru an emotional return to Vietnam. I think they've handled it pretty well and just because some might find it offensive doesn't mean they shouldn't show it. In my mind it is no different than me as a Christian being offended because the producers make the teams get a blessing from a hindu priest or any other non-Christian faith. For me, its pretty simple, I enjoy seeing the other cultures. I may not agree with their beliefs, religious or political, but I'm not going to take offense because it was shown.

As for those that want and hope to see Chuck and Whine-ona gone, my guess is that you will be stuck with them for at least two more legs. I'm guessing (don't know for certain) that the next leg will be non-elimination. Based on prior seasons placement, this would/should be the time for it. Which means we get them this week and next week. My guess is that Chuck can only perform two more roadblocks, then the rest are up to Whine-ona. Right now the distribution is 5-1, and normally the most any one team member performs is 7. So they are living on borrowed time.

I think Pam and Winnie might be my new favorite team. They still have some directional issues, but they seem to have that extra gear that I haven't seen from Anthony and Bates, my other favorite team.

[PirateLover]

I missed Phil's voice over. I was probably letting my dog out. I have not avidly watched every season and in fact I've missed some episodes this season, so I was not aware that they went to Viet Nam before. I have no problem with them going there or anywhere in general, but I think this one hits people particularly hard because of so many of us still have personal connections to that war. Like I said, my uncle almost died in the battle of Ia Drang and I have a visceral memory of visiting the Vietnam War memorial in DC as a child and helping my dad find the name of his best friend who was a pilot who was shot down. My dad was in the Navy during the time and just missed being sent there himself. So yeah, I can see why people, especially veterans, are offended that an American show had contestants listen to a "patriotic" song that has been around since that era in front of a portrait of Ho Chi Minh and choosing the site of a b-52 which was shot down (and apparently has a very anti- american plaque as a marker) as a casual stop on a journey around the world. I see this one a bit differently than your typical religious/ cultural ceremony. I had no problem with the bamboo dance, the chess, the cooking... They could've planned a leg without including the controversial stuff. I'm not going to stop watching but it did leave me unsettled.

[JanetMegan]

And actually I thought they showed it a TON of times, it was at the U-turn so every single time a team got there, they panned over to it.

[Ian]

What is it you can't stand about them? The fact she's useless? I actually like him a lot, except for the fact he wouldn't listen to her at all last week. That said, they (or at least she) have no business being on this show.He has a mullet. I think that says it all. ;)


In my mind it is no different than me as a Christian being offended because the producers make the teams get a blessing from a hindu priest or any other non-Christian faith. For me, its pretty simple, I enjoy seeing the other cultures. I may not agree with their beliefs, religious or political, but I'm not going to take offense because it was shown.I think you bring up some good points and I did draw the same correlation between the politics and the religion.

[PirateLover]

And actually I thought they showed it a TON of times, it was at the U-turn so every single time a team got there, they panned over to it.

I went back and watched the scene. You're right, it was shown a bunch of times. If you missed the introduction, though, it's easy to overlook the significance of the stop, since they were in and out and the focus is on the u-turn, not really the plane.

[Ian]

Heard they aired an apology at the beginning of tonight's episode.

Guess I wasn't the only one put off by it.

[dobby2010]

They did. It was a nice touch but I thought unnecessary. To me, the race is about showing many aspects of different places and cultures and that may mean different political or religious ideals than I may have and that is part of what I like about the show. I find it interesting. I don't want to see the racers go to mc Donald's and order a Big Mac.

Also wynona finally did a challenge! Joey was really getting on my nerves tonight. He needs to stop screeching.

[dobby2010]

Also, have none of these teams watched survivor? Lol.

[PirateLover]

I knew the non-elimination was likely, especially following The Hitchhiking Ghost's prediction, but I really wanted to see the newlyweds OUT. Whenever people complain about how much people stink or how dirty things are, it really bugs me.

Joey and Meghan don't really bother me. Is he over the top? Sure, but at least they seem like positive, good-hearted people. I personally laughed at him freaking out over the scorpion. I probably would've cried if it were me. :sick:
Also, I loved that the bushmen were basically their tour guides for the leg. They were great!

I watched it online this morning and the apology wasn't part of it, so I just looked it up:
“Parts of last Sunday's episode, filmed in Vietnam, were insensitive to a group that is very important to us - our nation's veterans.
We want to apologize to veterans – particularly those who served in Vietnam – as well as to their families and any viewers who were offended by the broadcast. All of us here have the most profound respect for the men and women who fight for our country.”

I think it was the right call.

[BriarRose0708]

I'm really surprised about this, as TAR has always been an honest and culturally sensitive show. I guess the producers have thought about other cultures so much in developing the show they forgot about how some members of their home audience would react. I haven't been watching this season but appreciate how well cultures and customs around the globe have been represented in the past. I hope they can move on from this and be more aware in the future, but you can't please everyone.

[Melanie]

Boo for the non-elimination round, and the YouTubers are over the top, supremely annoying.

Those are my thoughts in a nutshell. :D

[MNNHFLTX]

Boo from me too for the Newlyweds making it through on a non-elimination! They are possibly the most arrogant, snobbiest couple I have ever seen on the race. Ugh! Can't stand her superiority complex or that insanely stupid pink plaid shirt he wears!!

Sorry, Joey grates on me too, mainly because I suspect his antics are put on for the publicity are not real. And did Wynona actually touch the scorpion? All I saw was the Bushmen handling it and looked like they put it in the jar for her too (woo-hoo, she screwed the lid shut!) And I had to laugh at Caroline telling her Bushmen guides "Good job!" at climbing the tree when they see the lion. I bet when she saw the lion on the video footage after the race that it gave her a start!

But what's not to love about the Hockey Brothers? They are the only ones to successfully make a fire (I knew that would be a hard task) and they are entertaining to watch too. Yep, they're still the favorite for me.

[Melanie]

But what's not to love about the Hockey Brothers? They are the only ones to successfully make a fire (I knew that would be a hard task) and they are entertaining to watch too. Yep, they're still the favorite for me.

Yeah, I love them too. Although last night, the chatter about the girls was a little much. We get it, they're cute. ;) lol

If the hockey brothers, and Pam and Winnie, go before the finals, not sure I'll really care about the outcome. They're my favs!

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Yeah, I love them too. Although last night, the chatter about the girls was a little much. We get it, they're cute. ;) lol

If the hockey brothers, and Pam and Winnie, go before the finals, not sure I'll really care about the outcome. They're my favs!

That would be two of my three for final 3 as well. I don't really have a strong 3rd at this point.

Hockey brothers are getting dangerously close to being like S9 frat boys Eric and Jeremy when they were constantly hitting on the Double D's. Not as bad, but we get it, you like them.

I was glad that CBS didn't apologize for the leg itself, but just apologized if people found it insensitive a/o offensive.

[JanetMegan]

Loving the chatter (even if it was sparked by two week's ago's questionable episode.)

1. Appreciated the apology in its form. DBF really was ready to not watch the show again so that helped in my household.

2. Joey annoying the living crud out of me.

3. Hockey guys are growing on me.

4. Sorry but I sort of like Chuck and Wynona, I don't think they can win but I still like them. Must be the southern redneck in me.

5. Man have they been some amazing places so far this season, I think for locations this has been the best season ever so far.

[Melanie]

Loving the chatter (even if it was sparked by two week's ago's questionable episode.)

1. Appreciated the apology in its form. DBF really was ready to not watch the show again so that helped in my household.

2. Joey annoying the living crud out of me.

3. Hockey guys are growing on me.

4. Sorry but I sort of like Chuck and Wynona, I don't think they can win but I still like them. Must be the southern redneck in me.

5. Man have they been some amazing places so far this season, I think for locations this has been the best season ever so far.

Agree with all your points, but my thoughts are similar to dobby on the first one.

[Melanie]

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :(

I was so certain throughout the whole episode that one of my least favorite teams was going home, and then wham! Bummer.

[dobby2010]

Agreed!

I'm so bummed! They were my favorite team. Such great attitudes. Hopefully they'll be back on an all stars one day...

[TheDuckRocks]

Wow! That sure the heck surprised me. It sure goes to show that just one miss step and in a minute you can be gone. I will greatly miss these 2 very nice young women.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Between the two detour choices - "Brains" must have taken a lot longer to complete. With Bates/Anthony getting the FF, Pam and Winnie were team #2 at the detour and started with "Brawn" while Chuck and Wynona ironically chose "brains".

Two teams (Mona/Beth and Caroline/Jennifer) showed up to the detour well after C&W, chose brawn, and even though C&W completed the "brains" the first time through, they still finished after the two teams that did brawn well after they had started. So to choose brains was in and of itself a penalty of sorts, to go and do it twice, its like u-turning yourself.

I'm starting to get this bad feeling that this is going to be another season where I really end up disliking the winners. Just a feeling. I like Bates and Anthony, and despite winning their 3rd leg, they don't come off as being a really strong team, much less dominate and I don't necessarily view them as favorites right now.

Last night I kept thinking, at least one of my two least favorite teams will be eliminated, then I started to get that "uh-oh" feeling like you know you've been tricked and sure enough.

[thrillme]

Ok one big thing that kinda made me a little crazy with the hocky players is the "dissappearing tooth trick" when they hit the mat. Now you see it, now you don't, now you see it...now you don't...

LOL...I just found it funny

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

In case anyone missed it, Amazing Race is off next week, once again, the AMA's are on.

Scheduled finale for Race is once again two hours, on May 5.

[Melanie]

Ok one big thing that kinda made me a little crazy with the hocky players is the "dissappearing tooth trick" when they hit the mat. Now you see it, now you don't, now you see it...now you don't...

LOL...I just found it funny

I noticed that too, and had to rewind to show my son. Editing. So funny. ;)

[MNNHFLTX]

Ok one big thing that kinda made me a little crazy with the hocky players is the "dissappearing tooth trick" when they hit the mat. Now you see it, now you don't, now you see it...now you don't...My husband and I noticed that too! :silly:

Yep, TAR sure had the last laugh on us last night, didn't they? Just when it looked inevitable that Pink Plaid and the Ice Queen were going to go home too. And no penalty either for backing into the pole and damaging their vehicle--yeah, that seems fair. :rolleyes: Oh well, I was glad to see the Hockey Brothers come in first and Mona and Beth in second. Really, as long as Max and Katie don't win, I will be happy.

On a totally unrelated side note--how cute were those goats? :D

[thrillme]

The goats were SOOOOO cute. :D

The girls just gave up too soon with the donkeys. Then they gave up the horses then back at the donkeys. sigh.

I'd noticed the hockey guys tooth before now it's going to become a "game"...LOL (and for the record. The hockey guys are my favorite :number1:)

[PirateLover]

Hmmm... I posted a long response earlier, but I guess it is lost to cyber space. Suffice to say I'm pretty much in agreement with everyone-Bates and Anthony are the only team left that I will actively root for, I'm disappointed that Pam and Winnie are off but they panicked and made an awful decision to switch, and the goats were ADORABLE!

[tinkwest]

I was so bummed that the girls were eliminated. They were my favorite, as it seems they were with quite a few. I was surprised they picked the brawn task to start with as they are always pointing out that brains are their strong point. I was equally surprised that so many teams went with brawn as over the years beasts of burden (mules, camels, llamas, etc.) have been the downfall of many TAR teams.

[Ian]

The girls just ran a brutal leg and, sad to say, deserved to go home. When you're solidly in second place and you end up losing the leg you've misplayed badly.

I'm sorry ... Chuck and Wynonna are annoying (well at least Wynonna is anyway) and I really hope they go soon. Her constant whining and inability to perform grates on my last nerve. If she's so useless why did she come on the show in the first place???

I was skeeved out by the water skiing Fast Forward. ;) I love to water ski and could ski a mile with my eyes closed, but that WATER? YUCK! :ack:

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I'm sorry ... Chuck and Wynonna are annoying (well at least Wynonna is anyway) and I really hope they go soon. Her constant whining and inability to perform grates on my last nerve. If she's so useless why did she come on the show in the first place???

I've been a little less annoyed by them in the past few legs, maybe because Joey has been so annoying instead.

Regardless, they've done 8 roadblocks so far, and if they match last seasons total of 14 (which would mean 2 roadblocks again in the finale) that means that Wynona, Katie, Jennifer and Meghan would each have to do 4 of the remaining 6 roadblocks, if their teams make final 3. So I think C&W are on borrowed time as is Katie too (I hope). For some reason I think Meghan could be a surprise, but unfortunately that means bringing Joey along with her:ack:

[Granny Jill A]

Between the two detour choices - "Brains" must have taken a lot longer to complete. With Bates/Anthony getting the FF, Pam and Winnie were team #2 at the detour and started with "Brawn" while Chuck and Wynona ironically chose "brains".

Was very surprised when the brainy girls did not choose that task. It's always risky when you change tasks in the middle and start the other.

Hockey Brothers are my favorites right now, but don't count Chuck & Wy-knee out yet. He's better at challenges and they may place high in spite of her.

[TheDuckRocks]

Loved the goats! We have a goat farmer a few miles from us and when I go to the mall I usually come home the 3 minute longer route to see the goats. They really are so cute.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I was so bummed that the girls were eliminated. They were my favorite, as it seems they were with quite a few. I was surprised they picked the brawn task to start with as they are always pointing out that brains are their strong point. I was equally surprised that so many teams went with brawn as over the years beasts of burden (mules, camels, llamas, etc.) have been the downfall of many TAR teams.


Back in the old days (early season 1-9) when Phil would describe the detour choices, he'd often inject something like "teams able to persevere can finish quickly". Back then, not always, but a lot of the times the detour choices were "easier - but longer to complete" or "harder - but the reward of finishing quicker"

I'm not sure they really follow that model as much any more. Sometimes they do. A couple weeks back, the build the fruit shrine vs haul sand was kind of in that classic mold.

The girls might have had that thought when choosing tasks. Harder but quicker to complete. One thing difficult for viewers is that we almost never get to see the secondary sheet of instructions that teams get. Its possible that the amount of distance the "brains" task covered was mentioned and it was a deterent. Hard to say.

[Granny Jill A]

Chuck and Whine-ona are gone. I'm sad for Chuck. That man has the patience of a saint, and she was awful on the cheese challenge. What did she expect him to do? Pick her up and carry her and the sleds up that mountain? I won't miss her complaining.

Glad to see the Hockey Bros coming in first. I was also surprised that the YouTube hosts were less irritating than last week.

[Donald Duck]

I agree.
She couldn't do any of the challenges well.

I don't understand why people who are so out of shape go on the Amazing race, fail at every challenge and then complain to their partner when their partner says something to them about walking faster or trying harder.

Do they even watch previous races before going on ?

If they did, they should know that most of the challenges are physical.






Chuck and Whine-ona are gone. I'm sad for Chuck. That man has the patience of a saint, and she was awful on the cheese challenge. What did she expect him to do? Pick her up and carry her and the sleds up that mountain? I won't miss her complaining.

[PirateLover]

I've certainly ragged on Whine-ona before, but this leg, Chuck was NOT very nice. I understand he's frustrated but when you are in a high altitude and someone keeps saying "I'm dizzy," that can be a sign of altitude sickness, and he wasn't very considerate of that. He gave just as much as he got this episode. Even though Joey can be annoying, I liked how supportive he was of Meghan at the end when they couldn't find a taxi and ended up running/walking all the way to the pit stop. Chuck would've been yelling at Wynona the whole time.

[tinkwest]

I had a feeling that cheese was going to be Chuck and Wynona's undoing. Their departure was inevitable.

[Melanie]

Well, defending Chuck in the past now seems to be unwise on my part. He knew he came on the race with someone unfit to run it, so the harshness last night was extra uncalled for in my book. Wow, she climbed out on a six inch ledge, 10K feet in the air and he could barely muster a 'good job'.

Strange to say, I've softened just a tiny bit to the newlyweds, although I found it hilarious the difficulty she was having getting up that mountain. Those teams behind her sure were more patient than I'd have been. On the other hand, I have NOT softened to Joey. I wish he'd just cut the dramatics. You could see his 'real' self and hear his real voice at the mat when they thought they were eliminated. The act is old.

[PirateLover]

On the other hand, I have NOT softened to Joey. I wish he'd just cut the dramatics. You could see his 'real' self and hear his real voice at the mat when they thought they were eliminated. The act is old.
I agree, his personality towards the end and up to the mat seemed so genuine. Even though he doesn't bug me as much as everyone else (probably because I've known a few of those types being a theater kid), that *real* side of him is much more palatable than the "AHHH!!! THE CHEESE!!! MY CHEEESSEE!!" side. :ack:

[JanetMegan]

Dang it, I thought those rednecks were going to pull it out. I knew they weren't long for the race but Joey annoys me to NO end. Screaming like a little girl with the cheese made me want to :sick:

I guess I'm rooting for the hockey guys...I'm not super thrilled with any of the teams left but they seem to be deserving?

[Melanie]

This is definitely a season of unlikable folks. I know everyone will scream "alpha males!" if Bates and Anthony win, but oh well. I've liked them since the beginning and think they deserve the win.

[Ian]

I'm good with Bates & Anthony winning. They're running the best race and they deserve it, IMO. That being said, I doubt they will. Seems like the front-runners don't usually win on TAR. Although with such a weak second tier they may win just by default.

Glad to see Whine-ona gone. I found her incredibly irritating. I like Chuck, but she was too much.

[PirateLover]

No comments on this week? That "fun house" was pretty...weird. I think I would've done OK because there weren't any people jumping out, but what a nightmare if you're claustrophobic! I have to admit I was bracing for a Bates and Anthony elimination. I thought they were going to get penalized because at one point I'm pretty sure they were in a taxi, and everyone else seemed to be driving everywhere. But then they seemed to have their car back in the end.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I've been very disappointed in the roadblocks. At one point a lot of teams had disparities between roadblock completions, at one time I think Chuck had 5 to Whine-ona's one. It seems like they are serving up pretty easy roadblocks of late. I had hoped the roadblocks would weed out the weaker teams.

-Dig for the Scorpion
-Transport goats by water taxi
-Scale the Eiger
-Walk thru the scary fun house

Really, of the last 4 roadblocks, only the transporting the goats while poling the water taxi had any real chance of failure. The other three that I mention were pretty much hard to fail (granted the Eiger might have been scary, but again hard to fail).

I've liked Bates and Anthony from the beginning, but at best, in the overall scheme of things, they are a middling to average team. They only appear stronger in comparison to the weak field this year. They've shown a lot of weakness when it comes to directions and I've got a feeling it will be their undoing.

A season of incredible locations, but I think its setting up to be a very disappointing finish (just my feeling - no spoiler) in what will be remembered as a sub par season.

[JanetMegan]

I agree, after a fantastic start and some amazing locales it's really gotten sort of blah. Can't believe the boys lost or had one of their bags stolen as well?

[Granny Jill A]

I'm glad this was a non-elimination round. Gives everyone a chance to move forward. Still rooting for Hockey Bros., and oddly, the just-married couple. They are kind of growing on me as they work through their relationship.

Love the Fun House in Germany. Also love the fact that you can almost always find an English speaker in the crowd.

Did you laugh when some of the racers couldn't answer the "tear down this wall" question?

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I agree, after a fantastic start and some amazing locales it's really gotten sort of blah. Can't believe the boys lost or had one of their bags stolen as well?

I was going to go back and rewatch the train scene, then forgot and deleted it. I thought when Bates was looking for his bag the camera kept panning to an overhead rack, like maybe someone moved it from the floor to an overhead bin. Didn't seem like he was looking all that hard for it. Fortunately he had his travel documents on his person.

Only two episodes (3 legs) left. Finale on the 5th will be two hours again.

[PirateLover]

Did you laugh when some of the racers couldn't answer the "tear down this wall" question?
Oh yeah! I couldn't believe that not one of them was certain about those questions. They were gimmies in my opinion. They all chose right in the end, but no one was really sure about it!

Hitchhiking Ghost, does any season/seasons stand out in your mind? I feel that it has been a common complaint among the veteran viewers that the past few seasons have been lacking. I went back and started watching season 1, and while there is plenty of contestant drama, the challenges are a total joke. Find this statue...locate this monument... It seems like they had to do a lot more self-navigating than they do in the recent seasons, though. Also, It's interesting to see how much the show has grown/changed over the years.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Hitchhiking Ghost, does any season/seasons stand out in your mind? I feel that it has been a common complaint among the veteran viewers that the past few seasons have been lacking. I went back and started watching season 1, and while there is plenty of contestant drama, the challenges are a total joke. Find this statue...locate this monument... It seems like they had to do a lot more self-navigating than they do in the recent seasons, though. Also, It's interesting to see how much the show has grown/changed over the years.

Pirate Lover - the first season I watched was season 6 and fortunately at the time we had cable with the GSN network that was for a period of a couple years rerunning seasons 1-5, so we were able to catch up with all the past seasons.

For me, I tend to look at season 1-9 (minus 8) as the golden years, then 10-current as good, but just not the same.

Some of it, like with Survivor, is just over familiarity with the format and revisiting same locations. But I think it comes down to that the early seasons, as you mentioned, had much more self navigation, which is much more conducive to teams excelling and failing. There was much more positional movement within legs in those early seasons. I also think that in general the teams were just much more interesting and easier to relate to. I'm willing to bet that more teams now are recruited vs. coming from applications, combine that with the requisite profiling (need the old team, the dating team, the best friends, the gay team, the fighting team etc) and the result of late have been lackluster teams (this season especially).

Seasons 1-9 I can name off so many favorite teams, The clowns, Wonder Twins, Ken-Girard, Zach and Flo, Wil and Tara, Colin and Christie, Team Cha-cha-cha, Myrna and Shmyrna, Teri and Ian, Blake and Page, Momily, Guidos, Kris and Jon, Jon Vito and Jill (wifes favorite team), Kevin and Drew, Romber, Frat Boys and Hippies and on and on, teams I really loved or loved to hate.

Now, there might be one team I really like or really hate, but as a collective, just not there. This season, I thought Pam and Winnie or Bates and Anthony would be good, but really they were average at best.

I think in the past challenges were a lot better, and they were designed better as well. I liked that they had fast forwards on every leg and it was strategic when to use them. Not a fan of the u-turn or the double u-turn that they employ now.

Not really certain what my favorite season would be, probably 2, 3 or 6 (being our first) and maybe 9. Season 2 arguably had the greatest finish of any season.

[PirateLover]

Thanks for the info! I watched all of season 1 already and am onto season 2. One thing I like about these earlier seasons is seeing the development of relationships. It seems like they don't let the teams hang out together between legs anymore because often they have no clue who came in what place. But maybe they just don't show it. Again, I am a big fan of the self-navigation. Wish they were forced to do that more.

Now, this week's episode. I'm sure most of you are thrilled that the YouTubers are gone! I was a little sad to see them go and here's why: I think they and the Roller Derby girls were treated unfairly by the other teams ever since they found out about their alliance, and how hypocritical is that? When they thought they were on the first flight, one of the blondes made a biting remark out of jealousy along the lines of "Go ahead and do a dance, you know you want to." Well duh, who wouldn't want to dance if you thought you were beating a team by 4 hours? Then the other teams manage to get on the earliest flight after all.

While Joey can be grating, I think they were a really supportive of each other, which I always like. I still don't like Max and Katie because of their attitude at the start, so Bates and Anthony are really the only ones I'd like to see win.

[Granny Jill A]

Now, this week's episode. I'm sure most of you are thrilled that the YouTubers are gone! While Joey can be grating, I think they were a really supportive of each other, which I always like. I still don't like Max and Katie because of their attitude at the start, so Bates and Anthony are really the only ones I'd like to see win.

Of the YouTubers, I'm sorry to see her get kicked off because I liked her spirit. Too bad they can't have people vote to keep the nice half of a team :D.

Max and Katie are getting more tolerable, him more than her. Again, we should be able to vote off the obnoxious member and keep the one who's really trying hard.

Favs are still the Hockey Bros., but I do like the spunk of the Roller Derby girls.

[MNNHFLTX]

Max and Katie are getting more tolerable, him more than her. Again, we should be able to vote off the obnoxious member and keep the one who's really trying hard.Honestly I still don't care for either of them, but you're right, Kate is a lot harder to take than Max. I never knew anyone that can smile and sneer at the same time as much as she does. I'm just hoping that winning this leg of the race will make them overly confident so that they make a blunder next week. Conversely, I'm hoping that the hockey brothers will get competitive and step up their game in the finale.

Joey has got on my nerves here and there, but he's okay. Actually he was pretty fun to watch last week, as he went through that creepy maze.

[Ian]

I was glad to see the YouTubers go home. I found them incredibly annoying. There was something almost shrill and grating about their personalities that I just didn't care for.

Of the remaining teams, I'm actually okay with any of them winning. I think they've all run a good race and earned the right to be the final four.

[Melanie]

Of the remaining teams, I'm actually okay with any of them winning. I think they've all run a good race and earned the right to be the final four.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. As the season has progressed, besides the YouTubers, no one really bothers me. I am partial to Bates and Anthony though.

[PirateLover]

If anything, I'm excited to see from the preview that the finale is taking place at Mt. Vernon. DH and I visited there a few years ago for our anniversary. What a great location. I saw a few spoiler screen caps and it seems like they are doing some cool stuff in DC. :thumbsup:

[Melanie]

If anything, I'm excited to see from the preview that the finale is taking place at Mt. Vernon. DH and I visited there a few years ago for our anniversary. What a great location. I saw a few spoiler screen caps and it seems like they are doing some cool stuff in DC. :thumbsup:

YES, this! I screamed, 'that's Mt. Vernon!' and my son gave me the crazy look. :blush:

[MNNHFLTX]

YES, this! I screamed, 'that's Mt. Vernon!' and my son gave me the crazy look. :blush:I was excited to see that too! Have they ever included DC in the race before? I don't recall it in all the seasons I've watched.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I was excited to see that too! Have they ever included DC in the race before? I don't recall it in all the seasons I've watched.

Nope, never been there. They've ended in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Arizona, Hawaii, Miami, San Fran and other parts of California, Seattle?, the Keys and a few more I've probably missed, but pretty certain they've never been to DC, unless it was Family Edition which I do my best to forget.

[PirateLover]

Nope, never been there. They've ended in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Arizona, Hawaii, Miami, San Fran and other parts of California, Seattle?, the Keys and a few more I've probably missed, but pretty certain they've never been to DC, unless it was Family Edition which I do my best to forget.

They didn't end in DC, but they did go there on family edition. :spoiler: There are reports that the finale will include a switchback of the tidal basin spy challenge :spoiler:

[Melanie]

Loved the finale being in DC. It's just way cool when you know exactly where they are. We park in that Tidal Basin lot all the time, and of course, loved the part at Nats Park. From the time they landed at Reagan National, to the end at Mt. Vernon, they really didn't cover a lot of area.

Woohoo Bates and Anthony! :woohoo: So glad they won, and even though luck played a huge part in how quickly Bates found his agent, they still ran a great last leg. The powers that be may need to find some more challenging tasks at the end though, because everyone taking good notes now sure helped there.

[NJDad]

Well, they did need to be able to recognize the countries on the globes which they probably didn't take notes on.

Almost exactly a year ago I was around the Euston tap and actually had read about it but it wasn't beer o'clock when there. Yelled at the screen at them to finish their pints, figuring there'd be a wait ahead.

[Melanie]

Well, they did need to be able to recognize the countries on the globes which they probably didn't take notes on.

True! I liked Bates and Anthony saying they had hours and hours on the flights to study the maps and where they were going.

[MNNHFLTX]

Great finale! Loved that they didn't try to edit it to create more drama at the end-- it was clear that Bates and Anthony were way ahead so they just let the viewers enjoy their moment at the finish line.

Sometimes I wonder why many of the couples don't split up after the race, with all the acrimonious comments made about each other (Kate and Max as an example). If I was Max I would have been majorly peeved at some of the snarky things she was saying under her breath. But maybe that was editing.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I have some mixed feelings about the finale. Extremely glad that Bates and Anthony won, a rare time when both a team that I liked and picked to win back in leg 1, actually does. But I still think (as shown again when they followed Max and Katie in Belfast, and once gain left a marker first only to arrive 3rd at the next one) that Bates and Anthony are an average to slightly above average team at best. But I'm glad that they won.

Disappointed that they didn't have to find more locations once they got stateside. Despite Mona and Beth once again putting on their dunce caps, everywhere they had to go was extremely easy to locate. So from that perspective I was disappointed in the finale. The switchback was from the worst season ever of Race and I didn't really care for it. It was the reason Max and Katie lost (so I guess that's good) but it was basically just walk around the tidal basing asking every guy in a black suit a secret question. Not really a lot of skill involved, just observation. I didn't think it lived up to a finale type roadblock.

The finale challenge was pretty good, but I think it would have really been interesting to see all three teams in there at the same time. I'm sure that is what they were hoping for.

They do need to start making some changes though. Every team now is like what Bates did, whip out their travel diary of notes taken along the Race. Every team knows to do this now, so its starting to dilute some of the challenges.

Glad they didn't over edit the finale for suspense. They did a bit, they kept showing the hockey bros saying "I hope weren't not lost" and they never showed the cab driver say whether or not he knew where he was going. Then when Max switches out with Katie I think they had one maybe two balls pulled out at most, then all of a sudden they have all of them. So there was some false editing, but not the usual over the top that we are accustomed to seeing.

I did love the Titanic challenge, again, just not sure why Mona and Beth decided to get out of bed that morning.

Overall all, probably a sub par season, made better by having great locations and a very likeable winning team.

[Granny Jill A]

Liked the Hockey Bros winning it all. So much of this game depends on luck, but it also depends on people reading and understanding the clues. The stress the teams were under must have been awful. I felt bad for the Roller Derby Moms when they couldn't get the Titanic menu items in the correct order. Max and Katie surprised me by turning into somewhat decent people at the end.

All in all, a pretty good race, and then best men won.

[PirateLover]

In the end, I liked Max, but still never came around to Katie. As others had said the Tidal Basin challenge was basically all luck. The only thing he could do was say a phrase over and over and hope to find the right guy. That's not something you can really call someone an "idiot" over, which she did more than once.

Overall I liked the finale. I think the memory task was a bit more challenging than some of the others and hey, at least they had one. There have been finales where there wasn't one, which is disappointing. While most teams know to write things down, you are never quite sure what you will need, so I don't have a problem with that. Finding inflatable globes in a huge bin full of decoys is a bit more challenging than just finding the locations on a regular old map.

I laughed a lot during the finale. When they all thought they were actually meeting the president and then realized they were in a gift shop and it wasn't real was great, and having to dress up in the baseball costume while the Nationals mascots laughed at them and made fun of them was great as well.

[MNNHFLTX]

I did love the Titanic challenge, again, just not sure why Mona and Beth decided to get out of bed that morning. Yes, I mentally wrote them off at that point--their heads were not in the game at all. I cannot understand why they did not stop and re-assess the situation earlier instead of wearing themselves out repeating the same (wrong) actions over and over. But then again, it was almost alarming how distraught Mona became doing the mud-snorkeling. Sure, it was cold, dirty water and unpleasant but she was almost in hysterics. Maybe that unnerved her for the rest of the race.

[JanetMegan]

I enjoyed the finale. That Titanic task was hard if you didn't understand, it was a LONG way from the plates to the diners. I felt bad for them but then again I was pleased they gave them something challenging to do to actually possibly change the course of the game. Was glad to see the guys win although by the end I was ok with pretty much any of them winning.

[Ian]

If I had a magic wand and could have waved it over the finale to determine finish order, it would have been:

Bates and Anthony - They just ran a great, clean, friendly race with no drama and no fighting. It was clear to me that in a right and just world they deserved to win. What struck me the most about them was that, even for being professional athletes, they seemed to be very humble and appreciative of it all. No arrogance really. Then again, they're not very good so ... lol
Derby Moms - Not for any other reason than I admired their grit and the fact that they were able to do enough and power through to the final three. They always seemed to turn it on or step up right at the exact moment when they needed to.
Max and Katie - Max kind of grew on me over the season, but I'm sorry ... Katie is not a nice person. You could see the real woman lurking below the surface whenever things went even the slightest bit wrong. Calling Max an "idiot" because random luck didn't go his way quickly enough was really disgusting. If I could give Max advice, I'd tell him to run away from him ... fast. She's bad news.