Amazing Race, Family Edition. *Official DiscussionThread*

[stevenpensacola]

First off, let me say, that I like the Amazing Race.

It's just that I think the race should be run in real time....once the clock starts, it does not stop until the end. It's unrealistic to think that these folks have traveled all over the country (and even out of the country), and yet are only minutes apart.

I know it makes good TV, but what's the point of traveling around the world, "playing" your heart out, and it all comes down to a foot race on the final episode? Why not just go straight to the footrace?

All the times the teams have to wait for something to open (so the teams can bunch back up) kind of annoys me.

I think what makes the show is seeing how the contestants react to different cultures, places, people, etc....not how fast they cant find a different colored grain of corn. I'd like to see less of the side by side racing down the interstate in a big SUV (which is nothing more than a commercial for the SUV maker).

 

[damo]

Isn't Linda Weaver a teacher?

OMG I hope not!!!

Here is a quote from the CBS website:

"Linda is an elementary school teacher who is hoping her experiences on THE AMAZING RACE will alleviate some of the heartache from the past couple of years."

 

[airhead]

....But not so much this time.

 

[cardaway]

First off, let me say, that I like the Amazing Race.

It's just that I think the race should be run in real time....once the clock starts, it does not stop until the end. It's unrealistic to think that these folks have traveled all over the country (and even out of the country), and yet are only minutes apart.

I know it makes good TV, but what's the point of traveling around the world, "playing" your heart out, and it all comes down to a foot race on the final episode? Why not just go straight to the footrace?

All the times the teams have to wait for something to open (so the teams can bunch back up) kind of annoys me.

I think what makes the show is seeing how the contestants react to different cultures, places, people, etc....not how fast they cant find a different colored grain of corn. I'd like to see less of the side by side racing down the interstate in a big SUV (which is nothing more than a commercial for the SUV maker).

I posted something similar earlier. The race should be teams getting from beginning to end, with X amount of money, with a few madatory check points along the way. The could have challenges at each check point that without having the teams have to wait to start.

IMO it would be exciting to see the strategy each team would make. No reason they couldn't use the same editing tricks they are using now to hide how close they are to any given goal. It still could be exciting.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Here is a quote from the CBS website:

"Linda is an elementary school teacher who is hoping her experiences on THE AMAZING RACE will alleviate some of the heartache from the past couple of years."

Sadly I think that shows how bad a role model she is to her children--unless her children's academic difficulties came after the dad's death.

I mean--no parent is perfect, but her kids don't seem very with it academically.

But man did they do an awesome job with the horses (I think they said they owned horses). So maybe math and geography are not their cup of tea b/c they seemed to know exactly what to do with the horses.

 

[cardaway]

"Linda is an elementary school teacher..."

Those poor kids. How scary.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

First off, let me say, that I like the Amazing Race.

It's just that I think the race should be run in real time....once the clock starts, it does not stop until the end. It's unrealistic to think that these folks have traveled all over the country (and even out of the country), and yet are only minutes apart.

For safety--I think that is why they have the mandatory 12-hour pit stops. And when you rest--you get recharged..and they can research and do whatever they want during the pit stops except get their next clue and head to the next destination.

Team Guido was about a day or so behind on the 1st run of the Amazing Race. How boring a race would that be if you know b/c of the extravagent spacing--who will win and who will lose.

 

[cardaway]

Team Guido was about a day or so behind on the 1st run of the Amazing Race. How boring a race would that be if you know b/c of the extravagent spacing--who will win and who will lose.

1. They could hide that easliy with editing.
2. One day is nothing when you are on your own in a month long race. Even with the "equalizers", teams playing the current format have lost almost a half day. Imagine the placing shifts if people had to find their own transportation without the aide of TAR production crews.

 

[Beth76]

1. They could hide that easliy with editing.

How? Team Guido was in Alaska when the other teams were in NYC. Besides if they "hide" things with editing then we're not getting the real story. What if one team just barely made it onto a plane (with the others just minutes behind them) that put them 12 hours in front of everyone else. Is that really fair? What would be the drive for the people behind to continue the race. As much as I get ticked with some of the equilizers (because my team get screwed ) they are necessary for the game.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

1. They could hide that easliy with editing.
2. One day is nothing when you are on your own in a month long race. Even with the "equalizers", teams playing the current format have lost almost a half day. Imagine the placing shifts if people had to find their own transportation without the aide of TAR production crews.

The team NEVER made it to the finish line. They left there little abode at sunrise to go to the clue box and the clue they were given was that the race was over. They NEVER finished (only time in AR history to not finish the final round) and they said they were a day behind in their post race interviews.

They were actually editing it to make it look like they were close--and boy were they nowhere near close.

 

[robinb]

Here's my take on last night's episode (in order of finish):

Bransen Family:
I am liking them more and more. Yes, they are a little boring. They don't fight. They don't goof off. They don't dis the other teams. Oh, wait a minute. That's exactly why I like them! Walter really rocked on driving spikes at the railroad . You can tell that his daughters are developing a greater respect for him.

Weaver Family:
Those who believe say that god works in mysterious ways. You can't tell me that the production delays on the two fastest teams wasn't an answer to their prayers. I liked the Weavers a bit more this last episode (as with every episode ... go figure ). You could tell that the Weaver girls could really ride well. It was a pleasure to see them sit the horses with ease while other teams flailed around and sawed at the reins. I remember that they were riding their own horses for the introduction in the first episode and it struck me as a "rich kids" moment. As for them acting goofy ... well I just chalk it up to being a "Weaverism". I was shocked that the mom allowed her daughter to wear her boyfriend's name on her butt and I am also shocked that the mom is a teacher. I hope she teaches the lower grades where geography is not as important as acting child-like and engaging.

Linz Family:
I have to hand it to the Linz girl Megan. She is a trooper. I was afraid she was going to toss her cookies on the air balloon ride since she was sick the night before. She stepped up to the plate and did what she needed to do, even though she was sick and surrounded by her brothers who were obviously starting to get on her nerves. I feel bad that they were delayed by the production error . First to last (although we're not sure if the Linz or the Godlewskis made it to the mat first). I'm feeling OK about them, but they still annoy me. I can't put my finger on it, though.

Godlewski Family:
I don't know how much more inter-family drama I can take. The race is definitely talking its toll on an already rocky relationship between the sisters. The snarkiest one, Michelle, is 42 for Pete's sake! Grow up already and get along. I was disappointed for them when they missed the eruption by just minutes. Even though I would like an all-women team to win, I am beginning to dislike them because of their constant bickering.

 

[suzannen]

The team NEVER made it to the finish line. They left there little abode at sunrise to go to the clue box and the clue they were given was that the race was over. They NEVER finished (only time in AR history to not finish the final round) and they said they were a day behind in their post race interviews.

Actually, this also happened in AR 4 when Reichen and Chip won. The final leg was in Phoenix, AZ where they beat Kelly and Jon. The 3rd team, friends David & Jeff, were informed in Hawaii that the race was over and that Chip & Reichen had won. They had gotten stranded in Syndey and never made it back for the final leg.

 

[CPM]

Here is a quote from the CBS website:
"Linda is an elementary school teacher who is hoping her experiences on THE AMAZING RACE will alleviate some of the heartache from the past couple of years."

Lovely, a teacher.@@

 

[Pooh93]

Robinb-I love your synopsis on each family. I feel pretty much the same way. I'd love to know what if anything has gone on behind the scenes with the Linz and Weaver families. The nastiness between them is more than the usual "I want to win over them" talk. It's really over the top imo.

 

[SeeDisney]

I sure do miss the Gaghan family -- go kiddies

I miss seeing the Paolo family too -- they made great TV

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Robinb-I love your synopsis on each family. I feel pretty much the same way. I'd love to know what if anything has gone on behind the scenes with the Linz and Weaver families. The nastiness between them is more than the usual "I want to win over them" talk. It's really over the top imo.

I agree! At first I really liked the Weavers, but I am starting to like them less and less. I wonder how much of it is in the editing?
I really like the Bransens now and hope they win!

 

[glass-slipper]

The Weavers just get worse with each episode! mom Weaver is a teacher? I feel sorry for her students The sisters annoy me with their constant bickering and making the one cry and then laughing about it, how nice

I hope the Linzs or Bransons win!!

 

[cardaway]

How? Team Guido was in Alaska when the other teams were in NYC. Besides if they "hide" things with editing then we're not getting the real story. What if one team just barely made it onto a plane (with the others just minutes behind them) that put them 12 hours in front of everyone else. Is that really fair? What would be the drive for the people behind to continue the race. As much as I get ticked with some of the equilizers (because my team get screwed ) they are necessary for the game.

Because in this new format the teams may take totally different routes. Even if they took the same route, it's quite easy to hide when different teams were there.

And yes, Guido fell behind at the end so they didn't finish. Rather unique. Other teams have made 12 hour shifts taking them a top ranking to the bottom in just one leg.

I also agree the equalizers are necessary given the current format, but the new format idea takes away any need. People would hopefully continue because they know anything could happen and they wouldn't be running up to the same teams all the time. No idea where they stand.

 

[cardaway]

The team NEVER made it to the finish line. They left there little abode at sunrise to go to the clue box and the clue they were given was that the race was over. They NEVER finished (only time in AR history to not finish the final round) and they said they were a day behind in their post race interviews.

They were actually editing it to make it look like they were close--and boy were they nowhere near close.

The Guido situaiton was quite unique. As you pointed out, it's proof that editing can make a big difference.

 

[chris1gill]

Actually, this also happened in AR 4 when Reichen and Chip won. The final leg was in Phoenix, AZ where they beat Kelly and Jon. The 3rd team, friends David & Jeff, were informed in Hawaii that the race was over and that Chip & Reichen had won. They had gotten stranded in Syndey and never made it back for the final leg.

I was just going to post this LOL.... Yup, I remember when this happened, I felt really bad for them...

About the Weaver Mom being a teacher, I'm sorry, she's a pretty poor role model IMHO...