Cobwebs and Margaritas

Road Rules Latin America gets more interesting when Abe takes to Holly like an A- French major on his first day in Paris, writing checks with his mouth that his brain can't cash.

Analysis

This week I was a bit more into the show, and found myself less tempted to switch between channels during the episode. The episode itself mainly consisted of two main plots: the Raramuri foot race which dominated most of the episode, and Abe's futile efforts to impress Holly.

The A plot was interesting from a cultural standpoint. The Raramuri having no need for money, car, or any of the other material things we often attach our selves to, yet they are perfectly content. What's important to them is faith, harmony with nature, and intangible values. And I was glad to see that somewhat have an impact on the Roadies. I hope Sarah's personally taking all this in stride. And since she knows almost nothing about her Mexican Heritage, this mission can provide some self awareness, and self pride into who she is.

The foot race it self was not as grueling as I anticipated from my narrow perspective sitting in a comfy chair while sipping on a Mountain Dew. So to clarify things a bit, last week Al told them they were going to be running 20 miles. But they actually only had to run 8 miles in 4 laps. Now don't get me wrong! 8 miles is nothing to sneeze at, especially given the terrain they had to negotiate while playing soccer, the Roadies did pretty well for themselves......well most of them anyway.

Holly seemed too obsessed with proving to everyone how much of a elite runner she is, and ended up puffing out a few times. Ditto to Gladys and Sarah who both took to the course like Varsity Blue's Billy Bob on a treadmill! Less than a minute into the race, and Sarah's out of breath already, and complaining of body aces. And Gladys begins whining before the race even begins! One small commentary regarding Gladys. I hope this doesn't become a regular thing where Gladys has to find fault with every mission. I remember ranting a lot during the RW/RR Challenge about Beth and Montana's constant complaining about having to do every mission. Which always led me to the same conclusion......"If you're not up for the task, don't bother signing up!".

For now I'm willing to cut Gladys some slack since it's only the second episode. But if five or six episodes down the line, and Gladys is still singing the same old song, then it's time to send her packing! However, I was glad to see the rest of the gang (Josh and Brian) motivating Gladys and Sarah to keep up.

At this point, Josh appears to be emerging as the leader of the group. His actions during the race: keeping everyone motivated, and then saving the day when he found the ball they needed to finish the race shows he's cutout for the job. Not to mention the fact that he's obviously more mature than Abe.

Speaking of which......the show's B plot poked its head in half way through the episode when out of nowhere, a hormonalized Abe leaps into a puddle splashing mud and water on Holly in an obvious failed attempt to get Holly in a wet T-shirt. In fact, I remember pulling that same move on a girl I liked, Lori Smith, but acourse I was 8 years old at the time. Abe's behavior in this episode really shows how immature, disrespectful, and sexually oppressed he is. Why in the heck would Gladys [Foreshadowing] get so pissed off, and Irate over this guy is beyond me!

So the B plot unfolds with the Roadies filling up on Margaritas in front of their newly acquired posh lodge. It's here where Abe pitifully tried, and failed to sucker Holly up! Instead she made it clear that she doesn't date little boys. One thing in that scene I could've done without was Gladys jumping in Abe's face, imploying "The annoying best friend of your girlfriend" factor. Some of you know what I'm talking about! The same best friend of your girl who's always in your business. And believe it or not, knows more about your relationship's status than YOU do!

But you can understand Gladys's reasons. From her bio, she too has had a bad history involving guys, so sticking up for Holly just when she's about to get played imploys a bit of "Girl Power"! But save it till next week Gladys, you'll get your chance!

Abe's pursuing of Holly only got worse as the episode chugged along. At dinner he started digging into her personal life, asking about some of her skeletons in the closet. Holly, for her part held good ground until she started crying over.......a 8th grade fling? Puleeeease, I would not have let him get to me that much. Now that Abe knows exactly what buttons to press, he'll be patronizing her in the future. I wont go into details of Abe's final attempt to "score" which was so ridiculously executed and juvenile that I can't imagine seeing him with a intelligent woman anytime soon.

Other nickpicks I wont go into details about. And I don't mean to jump the gun, but do we have to see a group hug after every mission? And I have a feeling we wont see to much Menudo except in mission involving animals. We may see a bit more of him next week when the kids do an acting gig.

Overall, a more interesting episode than last week. But not enough interest to nudge it up a point. Plus we didn't get any background info on the cast. Instead we were treated to a juvenile performance that I would rather see on Saturday morning TNBC. So I'm giving it a 3.


NEXT WEEK: The Roadies put their acting skills to the test, and we get the first Abe vs. Gladys bout.

Jump straight to "Cinema Spaghettios". Or go back to "Ai Chihuahua!".


Want a second opinion, check out Billy and Tracy's review.

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