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[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 7

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

I’ve never watched Survivor before so I went into this season blind; ignorant of Rob & Amber’s fame and notoriety from CBS’s other stalwart show. I greatly underestimated the popularity of Survivor as Rob & Amber were immediately recognized during the first leg and countless times afterward. To their advantage, they used their fame to help further them along while other teams struggled.

The other teams immediately targeted Rob & Amber as the ones to beat. This was especially true with Lynn & Alex and Susan & Patrick. Rob jokes they won’t be on many people’s Christmas card list.

The new rule introduced this season was the penalty during non-elimination legs. Last season they took away your money, but now they take away everything you have except your passport and clothes on your back. I thought the money thing was cruel, but taking away everything you have is just wrong. After losing everything, they carry around a plastic bag which is something…

Although Rob & Amber are the main draw, the season also focuses on the relationships of Uchenna & Joyce, Ron & Kelly, and Ray & Deana.

Again, we have couples using the show to test if their relationship will last. Okay.

Married couple Uchenna & Joyce have experienced hardship in their inability to start a family. They question if they are really meant to be together because of this. That’s a tough situation and I rooted for them from the beginning. The arc of the season finds them facing their hardship right on especially when they visit the orphanage and during Joyce’s head shave.

Ron & Kelly are the youngest of the couples. Rob was a prisoner of war, while Kelly was a former beauty queen. During the intros, I wondered if Ron was going to mention his military career whenever he could and he did not disappoint. He uses the military to prove what a man he is during the race. He immediately disengages with Kelly when she becomes upset during a challenge. He doesn’t seem to understand emotions and says that he didn’t have to worry about emotions in the military.

You can pin point the moment their relationship dies when he says he’d prefer to keep traveling rather than marry and have kids. Kelly breaks down crying, saying how difficult it is to love someone when there’s nothing there anymore.

Ray & Deana are the most tumultuous of the couples. They love each other, but hate each other and don’t know why their still together. They can’t explain it but they both sense there’s something there between them and hope the show might reveal something, good luck to them.

Brian & Greg are the neutral team in the group and befriend everyone they interact with.

Rob & Amber know how to play the game unlike any contestants I’ve seen before. They’re cunning and manipulate the other teams with ease and skill. They’re able to plant disinformation and scam everyone to their benefit. Somehow they’re also likable and charming.

Rob & Amber’s greatest achievement of manipulation takes place during one of the roadblock challenges where they have to eat four pounds of brains and other organs. Unable to finish the challenge, they take the four-hour penalty and convince one team after another to drop out of the challenge to secure they wouldn’t be eliminated. Phil actually congratulates them on the crafty idea.

A number of bilingual teams succeed traveling through South America. A great skill. However. Debbie & Bianca’s ability to speak Spanish doesn’t help them as they drive two hours in the wrong direction.

While exploring a cave during a challenge, Gretchen falls and injures herself. She remains in good spirits even covered in blood, and yells for Meredith to continue.

While driving, Brian & Greg’s vehicle flips over. A camera man is injured in the accident but recovers. All the teams, except Rob & Amber, stop to see if they’re okay.

Hoping they wouldn’t be eliminated, Brian & Greg strip down to their bathing suits before checking in on the mat (since non-elimination legs requires you to lose everything but your passport and the clothes you’re wearing).

Everyone arrives at the pit stop and greeted by Phil who tells them to keep going.

The elephant challenge was so chaotic I loved every moment. I loved how they threw Gretchen on top.

Teams received their next clue in the middle of the night while asleep on the train, how rude.

I didn’t know weighing people in public was so popular in Turkey?

First appearance of the Travelocity gnome.

The Sherlock Holmes challenge was a lot of fun.

It was so hard to watch Uchenna & Joyce beg for money in the Jamaican airport.

Wow, what a fantastic season. The teams, the challenges, and the drama were all engaging and exciting to watch. Thoughts?

#RBReviewsTAR #the amazing race #the amazing race 7 #tar #tar7 #Uchenna & Joyce #Rob & Amber #survivor #phil keoghan #cbs #Rob Mariano #Boston rob

[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 2

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

Hey, I’m RedBarracuda and I hope, whomever may be reading this that you’ll enjoy my commentary as I marathon the complete series. I’m new to the series, like twenty years late, but I enjoyed watching the thirty-third season and decided to give the other thirty-two seasons a go. My marathon starts here in season two because the first season was unintentionally spoiled for me, but I plan to go back eventually. I’ll write out my thoughts and feelings I’m having and publish them here.

The show cannot resist but focus on the complicated (and I mean complicated) relationship of Tara & Wil, and how could you not? The married, but separated couple loathe each other but cannot resist the temptation there might be something there. Of course, we’ll use a high-stress reality show to decide our fate for us.

Wil is highly possessive and creates tension whenever anyone interacts with Tara, especially Chris & Alex who play up the flirtation.

I love the visual of the teams driving out of the Nevada desert. The trail of sand and debris flying up into the air from the speeding vehicles wildly driving all over the place is intense and gets the mood pumping. What a thrilling introduction.

Oswald & Danny and Peggy & Claire are my favorites. I immediately love Peggy & Claire, there’s absolutely no way they’ll win but I want nothing but the best for them.

Gutsy Grannies! I didn’t realize teams had nicknames. I thought everyone was being rude when describing Oswald & Danny as the Cha Cha Chas. Who knew?

I’m skeptical of sibling teams Blake & Paige, Shola & Doyin, and Mary & Peach. Gary & Dave are the goofs of the season, but their humor doesn’t always land. If Tara & Wil weren’t such big personalities I suspect Gary & Dave would have been the villains.

Blake & Paige are playing the game and I’m here for it. If you’re going to be conniving, work it.

I would not kiss Fat Maria.

I love the hand gliding challenge.

Blake loses the teams money. Such a horrible moment, and they have to beg in the terminal for money.

I love how they change the bus tire. Teams are dealing with a lot of issues with foreign tires.

Peggy & Claire begin their collapse by forgetting to set their alarm. I’ve wondered if a team would ever oversleep and I wasn’t disappointed. In last place, Blake had the opportunity to wake them.

Later, we encounter the difficult scene at the airport where teams go in every direction. The race requires them to travel to South Africa. Peggy & Claire make a fatal mistake and book tickets with a layover in New York. I felt so bad for them. They arrive so late they are instructed to go directly to the pit stop instead of completing any tasks.

The challenges in South Africa are thoughtful and honest with the country’s poverty. I loved how they started the challenge by visiting the jail where Nelson Mandela was held, too bad they didn’t have time to reflect on what they experienced.

I love Oswald & Danny, they’re so positive and hilarious throughout out the race. They share travel tips from their own experiences traveling which are actually helpful. For instance, finding five-star hotels when you need directions. Their patience and honesty help them like when they easily recruit people off the street to follow and help them through challenges.

Also, not being rude to your taxi drivers. They can’t help if there is traffic. Screaming at them won’t make things move faster. I know you’re in a highly stressful situation, but you have to respect that there are things out of your control.

I love the dune sledding challenge.

Shola & Doyin get stuck in the stand while driving. I thought they handled the situation as well as they could.

The struggle is real in Thailand. The water taxi part was so chaotic, I felt overwhelmed watching it.

The bat challenge was okay. I didn’t think it was as bad as the teams made it out to be.

I loved the elephant washing roadblock.

Amelia Chow!

Mary & Peach admit defeat and head out for dinner before checking in at the pit stop, I love that. I wonder how long they were out before the producers were like “okay, move this along.”

I like how multiple teams failed at the Australian slang challenge, but did they really have to complete the challenge again? Why not just give them a time penalty?

Golfing on the driest course seemed like the better option. Although, I did like the amusement of the miners.

"I'm not a miner! … No, you're an idiot!" Thank you Tara, ahahaha.

The pineapple challenge appeared easier than anticipated?

The race unravels. Tara & Wil lose their travel instructions to the delight of the other teams. Tara begs Chris & Alex and Paige & Blake who decline to hand over any information because of Wil’s behavior over the span of the race, which I loved to see. Everything comes full circle.

Tara attempts to remember anything from the clue and succeeds by looking through a phone book at the airport. Wil, because he’s Wil blows the secrecy of Tara’s discovery by gloating to the other teams. If there were any feelings, any spark of love between I sense it was dead by this moment.

The final leg is a chaotic race through the streets of San Francisco, which should have been an immediate win for Tara & Wil who live there. It’s an exciting few minutes which features Wil’s bizarre diversion plan backfire and concludes with a foot race. What an excellent finale!

#RBReviewsTAR #phil keoghan #the amazing race #amazing race #theamazingrace #tar2 #tar #amazing race 2 #amazingrace2 #Wil & Tara #reality

[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 8

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

Family edition? Oh no.

How exactly does this work, and why is this a thing? I’m immediately curious why there isn’t an age limit; some teams have small children while others have grown adults.

Unlike previous seasons, teams are now comprised of four people. That’s 40 people total, way too much.

For the first time but only occasionally, roadblocks can now be performed by two people.

The Gaghan family, Carissa describes how she plans to manipulate adults. Well, bring it on! I want to see this skill in action.

From the beginning, the Paolo family lashes out at one another, viciously. The older son and the mother barely communicate without screaming at each other, it’s ridiculous. I was wondering when a team would lose their stuff and the Paolo family did not disappoint.

I like the Aiello, Black, Bransen, and Linz families. They seem genuine and real.

For the first time the race will remain in the United States. That’s a nice change and I’m interested to see how that impacts the teams.

The other teams turn against the Weaver family, dubbed Florida. The Weavers, grieving from the loss of their father/husband, remain independent while struggling to figure out what’s next for them. They openly say they don’t trust anyone but family, and are rude and distant with the other teams.

Can we talk about the Weavers for a second? I’m so confused. The Weavers will be like “everyone hates us! It doesn’t make sense, we’re nice people”. And then in a group setting they’ll lash out and act like buffoons for no apparent reason. The other teams are like “no thank you.” It’s a vicious cycle the Weavers put themselves in.

The Bransen family, comprised of a dad and his three daughters, come to realize their out-of-shape dad is a liability on the race. He tries to show his worth, but the catchphrase “Wait For Wally” unfortunately sticks.

The first challenge is to find an outdoors store in New York City. Did anyone see the size of these tents? How are four people supposed to fit in there?

Mark from the Schroeder family jokes that he hopes somebody pushes a handicapped person into traffic, what a start.

During one of the challenges, the Weaver family loses control of their carriage and it accidentally runs over the mom. Which, should have been horrifying, but they were so in the moment to stop and reflect on the situation.

As the other teams are struggling, the. Gaghan family strolls by with the kids cheerfully signing. Probably the hardest I’ve ever laughed during the show.

In Pennsylvania, one of the challenges requires teams to carry injured soldiers off the field during the reenactment of a Civil War battle. Some teams are afraid of being shot. I love how, at the checkpoint some of the teams hastily dump the actor on the ground.

In Washington D.C. I love how they have a running spy theme in the challenges.

As they’re waiting for their flight. Hunter and Rolly goof off. It was nice to see a moment when the teams could actually relax. Char breaks it up because she doesn’t want Hunter to give away their strategy, like this season actually requires strategy.

As the teams are traveling to the mystery destination, the Weaver family just … loses it? They’re hysterical laughing and crying and the other teams are like oh, please get away from us.

Wow, the challenge takes place at Talladega. All the other teams are like how are the Weavers gonna handle this as their dad was killed at a race track.

You need therapy, not the Amazing Race.

I love how the team flashed the others, and how Phil joked about it.

The Schroeder family gets lost only minutes from their home in Louisiana. The second team to be eliminated because dad didn’t listen to the kid, like the Rogers family.

Okay, I guess we aren’t staying in the United States for the entire race. We head south to Panama.

The amount of fast-forwards have decreased dramatically, now there’s only one for the entire race.

That bean challenge.

In one of the best moments of the season, during the banana challenge the Paolo family watches their dad easily carry the large bushels of bananas. Their dad works as a garbage man and watching him carry the bushels makes the kids respect and better understand their father.

At the Yield, The Weaver family was so rude to the other teams.

We’re back in the United States, after a two foreign country trip. From the frustration of the teams it sounds like they’re annoyed the majority of the race takes place there. I get it. “I want to go to New Zealand!"

There’s another challenge that takes place at a race track, man the Weavers are being forced to face their family tragedy hard. The Bransen family shows their support to the family and encourages them not to give up. The Weavers turn around and badmouth them, seriously what is up with this family?Later on, we see the Weavers throw trash at another family’s car on the highway, and then lash out about how rude everyone is to them. They claim they’re being targeted and how they’re just trying to live a nice Christian lifestyle, ugh. Hiding behind your religion doesn’t make up for how awful you are as people.

Enjoy your ten seconds at the Grand Canyon.

The 360 airplane roadblock was so cool, and maybe my favorite challenge so far.

I don’t think Jesus would appreciate the shit the Weavers are spewing.

The tree of hemorrhoids.

Unlike other stops, I’m glad they were able to wait and enjoy - to an extent - the Old Faithful.

I so want that golf cart.

I too thought it was Buffalo Bill the serial killer.

The Godlewski family implodes. The sisters blame the talkative Chris, who constantly breaks down crying, but we know the real villain is Sharon. I like how honest they were afterward about how the race changed nothing about their relationship or how they view each other.

Canada time!

Ted: taxi driver of the year.

In the beginning, the Weaver mom talked about how she had to step up as parent and support the family, but actually it turned out Rolly carried the team and kept it together when the other three would give up.

The search of the stadium challenge was just brutal. I wish the show kept a running time on how long it was taking them to find the clue on the back of thousands of chairs. I also love how they were able to sleep there for the night on cots in the middle of the field.

The race wraps with a return to New York and a challenge to assemble a puzzle of North America, which was a perfect way to conclude the season.

I retained my initial mixed feelings about a family edition of the show. I appreciate the concept and how different it made the show feel, but I don’t know if it fully came together. The main problem? The amount of contestants. I spent a lot of time thinking okay what team is this and who is screaming at who? 40 people is just way too much to have any cohesiveness. At the same time, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Phil so involved with the teams.

#RBReviewsTAR #amazing race #the amazing race 8 #phil keoghan #tar8 #tar 8 #Linz #Weaver #Family Edition #TheAmazingRace

[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 3

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

The group immediately turns against twin brothers Derek & Drew. The hate is so strong that I actually started rooting for the brothers because the hate is so unnecessary and mean.

Derek & Drew don’t help themselves when their taxi drives off with their bags. They later attempt to show off their athleticism by jogging to the fast forward, which fails.

Aaron & Arianna start off fun and likable. However, as the season progresses they become bitter and mean. They’re the ones that started the hate against Derek & Drew. The constant hate becomes tiring.

Here we go with that new couple using the show to see if their relationship will last. It’s clear from the start that Flo & Zach are set to fail while John Vito & Jill work well together as a team.

Teri & Ian are loud and proud. The older married couple in the group; they yell and fight their way through the race. The way Ian treats Teri is so uncomfortable. There’s a point where Ian proudly says no other team wants to make an alliance with them.

In the opening intro, Teri & Ian’s part is so hilariously bad.

Ken & Gerard nicely balance out the awfulness of the other teams. The race really helps them reconnect as brothers and it’s great to watch.

The bus crash was frightening and I’m glad everyone made it out okay.

The dolphin challenge is cool but the dolphins couldn’t care less about the group.

Michael decides to complete the dolphin challenge even though he doesn’t know how to swim.

I don’t think we realize how late in the evening that soccer roadblock occurred.

Heather & Eve, two lawyers, incorrectly read directions: walk instead of driving. They’re eliminated on a technicality.

Flo has a breakdown while attempting to descend down the side of the cliff. Other teams encourage and show her support. They switch tasks and she blames Zach, who is carrying the team by himself.

They focus a lot of time on the racers incorrectly fueling their vehicles. I loved how gradual it played out as one team’s vehicle dies after another. The great diesel mistake, how unsettling. Each team handles the mistake differently - siphoning was the best.

Even though the diesel mistake cost them a win; I think the experience helped Kathy and Michael grow stronger as a couple. He finally showed some vulnerability and a side Kathy was looking for in their relationship.

First responders, Andre & Damon go through the race without a strategy and aimlessly follow other teams through the challenges, to the annoyance of others. It’s actually surprising how far they get with their clueless stumbling.

Eventually Andre & Damon’s strategy-less strategy catches up to them and they are detained by the sketchy local law enforcement. This clearly has an impact on them as they are still in shock when describing the experience later. Shout out to the behind the scenes crew for stepping in and resolving the issue.

In Switzerland, the counting challenge was rough.

The foot race through the small village was chaotic. I loved how people jumped fences and ran through random fields.

How could John Vito & Jill not enjoy the cheese fast-forward?

In between challenges, teams were allowed to call home to one of their loved ones. I honestly didn’t care for this moment even though the show pushed the emotional factor hard, it felt unearned to me.

Flo & Zack and Teri & Ian struggle with the bike challenge. Ian is so unsupportive when Teri falls off the bike. Flo has another meltdown when she thinks they’re going to be eliminated. I can’t believe (even though I should) she angrily throws her helmet and threatens to quit.

In Vietnam, Flo has a major meltdown. I know right? I have no idea how Zach remained calm and patient. Flo is clearly exhausted and out of it. I feel for her but at the same time I don’t. She lashes out at Zach so often and so bitterly that I think the show should have offered him a new teammate. He is so amazing and the only thing holding their team together. Besides her meltdowns and lashing out, how does Flo support Zach? She’s over there flirting with Derek & Drew. Oh my god. Zach realizes any chance of a relationship are dead and he’s just here for the money now, even if he has to drag Flo across the finish line.

The detour in question has them taking a basket boat across the water or ride a bike covered in baskets. Flo just loses it and threatens to quit, again. Zach talks her off the ledge, somehow. At the same time, Teri struggles with the bike and finds support in the horde of children hanging out there. Ian’s off down the road yelling at her to keep up.

Ian’s behavior at the travel agency was so out of line and I’m glad he was called out by the brothers.

Zach’s decision to not cut the line at the airport annoys Flo and sets up her last meltdown of the season. As their relationship(?) / friendship(?) dissolves, Flo consoles in a can of soda. If Zach never spoke with Flo again I would understand.

A great season overall, with enough drama and suspense to keep your interest. We’re only at season three but I already feel like Flo must be one of the most undeserving winners in the show’s history. Thoughts?

#Why Is Flo Like This? #Justice For Zach #the amazing race #cbs #amazing race #the amazing race 3 #phil keoghan #tar #tar3 #RBReviewsTAR

[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 6

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

Can we talk about how toxic this group is? Jonathan & Victoria and Adam & Rebecca may be the most toxic contestants ever to participate. I do like how Jonathan admitted he was an asshole seconds after first appearing. Adam just casually says he’s going to kill himself as Rebecca calls his bluff. What?

New Rule where they limit the amount of roadblocks one person can perform. A nice change after last seasons teamwork failure.

Never cluelessly follow another team.

Lori and Bolo have such an interesting relationship. The way they greet Phil at the pit stops is enjoyable

I’m actually having trouble telling Freddy and Jon apart. You have your basic cliche contestants.

I like how all the teams immediately want Jonathan and Victoria out. Like, we’re only seconds from the starting line and they want them gone.

Two Jews in Iceland!

Victoria!

I think we all immediately rooted for Don and Mary Jean even though they never had a chance.

Parent/child combo has yet to be successful.

There’s that new young couple using the show to see if their relationship will make it, like that’s healthy.

The Viking Boat challenge, ahaha.

Building IKEA furniture, oof.

Lena’s struggle with the bale of hale was so unfortunate.

Love the way the show addressed slavery in Senegal. It was very emotional and moving.

Kendra’s comments about the poverty in the country is so awful.

Surrendering all your money seems awfully cruel.

Jonathan’s treatment of Victoria in Berlin was so awful. Even Phil was like the fuck.

Who sabotaged the gate?

Jonathan’s behavior gets them kicked out of a taxi, I love it.

The soup challenge, no.

Three testicles!

Hayden’s breakdown was so uncomfortable to watch.

The lock and key roadblock was just brutal.

The proposal was so unnecessary after what just happened.

The pizza challenge was amazing. How could anyone have a problem with that?

Never tell an officer there’s an emergency when there isn’t one.

It was honestly difficult to get behind any of the teams as the season went on. Some teams were so toxic that it really sucked the enjoyment out of watching the show. Thoughts?

#amazing race #the amazing race #season six #phil keoghan #Jonathan and Victoria #cbs #tar #tar6 #RBReviewsTAR

[redbarracuda]

The Amazing Race: Season 4

My Thoughts - Spoilers Ahead

In the beginning, Reichen and Chip say they won’t disclose to the other teams they are gay to prevent themselves from becoming targets. Which, okay for our society in 2003 could have been an issue. However, at no point during the season do I feel like they have any connection or love for each other. Even when they’re on their own it’s cold.

Inevitably, Reichen and Chip become targets because the other teams see them as the bros to beat. Reichen and Chip don’t help themselves when they decide to jump the line and hold onto the doors at the station.

I was afraid the clowns would become annoying but they’re great, too.

Steve and Dave refer to themselves as the BFGs: Big Fat Guys. I love that attitude.

Another season of “we’re using the show to see if our relationship will last”.

Millie and Chuck refer to themselves as the virgins in a 12-year relationship. We immediately know they’re doomed.

It’s interesting to see Millie and Chuck’s relationship fall apart. It’s unfortunate to spend that much time with somebody and at the end of the day they’re still a stranger.

I love Debra and Steve but they never stood a chance.

I also love Monica and Sheree and how their honest about their privilege.

Steve and Dave immediately have problems while walking down the side of the mountain.

Three teams tie for first and receive a vacation. I’m sure the show wasn’t happy about that.

For friends, Tian & Jaree immediately go after each other.

We receive peace with an early elimination from an annoying couple and avoid the unnecessary tension.

The cow manure challenge is nasty but doable.

The poverty in India is tough to watch.

Always been curious how the show is okay with people sleeping on the street.

Tian & Jaree’s taxi driver was so out of control.

Bull racing in the mud seems like fun but also the nastiest challenge thus far.

Kelly & Jon gradually become my favorite as the season goes along. They work well together even if there is tension between them.

Eventually, Reichen and Chip come out to the remaining teams and the group is supportive except for Chuck. The focus quickly shifts to Millie and Chuck’s relationship and things get awkward.

Getting lost near the North Korean border seems safe.

The raw octopus challenge is brutal.

David & Jeff make a fatal mistake by not booking a connecting flight. I like how the show “forgets” about them.

Jon grows so comfortable that he decides to become naked while completing a task.

Overall, an enjoyable season. Thoughts?

#the amazing race #the amazing race season 4 #cbs #phil keoghan #Reichen and Chip #tar #tar4 #RBReviewsTAR