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05/11/05 |
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My thoughts on The Amazing Race |
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Here I will give my thoughts for each leg of the race, I will put where I think or would like each team to finish inside ( ) so an example if I would like to see Brian/Greg in third place but they were in first it will look like this: 1. Brian/Greg (3). This will be a continuous page, so it will get long! The Amazing Race KINGSTON, JAMAICA to MIAMI, FLORIDA Road Block: Jump 30 feet into water, swim to get next clue. Detour: Pony upHorse back swimming, take a horse into water, slide off its back and grab onto its tail and swim around to get clues. Tee it upHit a golf ball 140 yards onto a green. 1. Uchenna/Joyce (1) - WINNERS of THE AMAZING RACE 7! What a leg to start out with no money on, in Jamaica in the middle of the night. I think going to the airport was about the only choice they had, and once they get there no one wants to give them money. They did manage to get some money, $40 and found a taxi driver that was nice enough to drive them around for that price. Getting through the detour quickly and being able to get the golf ball on the green with very few tries helped them out big time. They were able to get to the airport and get on stand by for the delayed American flight. A very nice pilot allowed them to get on the flight after the jet way had been pushed back. I have never, ever before seen people allowed to get on the flight after they gate has already been pulled from the plane. Once they arrived in Miami they were able to find the cigar shop much easier then Rob and Amber were, and even had time to beg for more money to pay for the cab. That might have been the best part, paying for the cab and still being able to come in first. 2. Rob/Amber (3) - Rob and Amber had this made, they were in a decent lead after the onions on Rob and Amber and after the tee it up they still had a healthy lead. Getting on a flight to San Juan that had been delayed really helped them get a big lead. Unfortunately for them they could not get to the road block until the morning, allowing the other two teams to catch up. 3. Ron/Kelly (2) - They were in second place by a long ways until they got to San Juan and everyone was even at the road block, they were even in second place leaving that. But after getting booked on a flight they did not try to get on an earlier one as the other two did, leaving them in last place arriving in Miami far behind the other two groups. Meredith/Gretchen ELIMINATED *********************************************************************** Road Block: Dance the limbo, have 8 chances to see how low they can go, departure times are determined by how low you can go, earlier times are lower. Detour: Raft ittravel 8 miles on Rio Grande to get clue. Build itBuild a bamboo raft correctly and travel across the river to get clue. 1. Ron/Kelly (2) - They didn't work together at all on the detour, Ron had to do most of it and it seems Kelly is more interested in their relationship and not winning the race. I think luck played a big part in them coming in first. 2. Rob/Amber (3) - They were in first until they got pulled over by the police at a check point, and were following Uchenna and Joyce when they got the flat tire. The detour went pretty quickly for them, putting together the raft seemed to go pretty fast. Survivor might have helped them. 3. Uchenna/Joyce (1) - They made up time at the detour by putting the raft together quickly, they had the bad luck of blowing a tire, having to fix the flat cost them first place and put them in third. They lose all possessions and money from coming in last, this is the last non-elimination leg. Meredith/Gretchen ELIMINATED *********************************************************************** Detour: BrainsGo to a near by subway and solve three riddles, leads them to Baker Street, the location of Sherlock homes to get clue. BrawnGo to a park where they have to transport 5, 160 lb boats and stack them. Road Block: Drive Double Decker bus through course of cones, if a cone is hit have to restart the course. Yield: Rob/Amber chose to yield Ron/Kelly 1. Rob/Amber (4) - They got to the airport and took the earliest flight, finding it by using the internet. Again, once they got to London they used local help to find what they need to find. The big thing they got was to take public transportation, they took the rail instead of cabs, that is what put them in first. 2. Ron/Kelly (2) - They gave money to Meredith and Gretchen when they came in last. So Meredith was the first and only to give them money in return. They did not seem to have any problems getting money. The biggest problem was that they took cabs, which were slow and Kelly didn't complete the detour very fast. Having the yield used on them did not help either, but they could have done it to Rob and Amber and didn't. 3. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - They took the direct flight thinking it would be better to not have to deal or worry about delays. Not a bad idea but not the best if there is a better flight. 4. Meredith/Gretchen (3) ELIMINATED - They were also on the later flight, which set them back to the point where they can not come back from. I am very surprised they were able to as far as they were. Kind of sad to see them go. Lynn/Alex ELIMINATED *********************************************************************** Detour: Columns: 2 miles to a place with 222 columns, use a grid to 4 specific columns, pull a box from a well and use the numbers from the columns to open the box to get clue. Kilos: Weigh people to get a total weight of 2500 kg. Road Block: Storm a ancient fortress, climb to top of tower to get key and unlock next clue. 1. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - They took Robs question seriously and called a travel agency to find if there was an earlier flight, which they found and had a two hour lead over the other two who did not get on it. Rob trying to worry the other groups and get into their heads finely worked against him. Once Uchenna and Joyce got to Turkey they completed everything pretty fast, finding the clue at that one tower proved to be pretty hard from the other groups, but they found it fast keeping them in first. 2. Meredith/Gretchen (3) - It is hard to believe it was 4 legs ago that they came in last place, and now they have worked into second place. I wouldn't mind seeing them go to the final, it is kind of fun seeing how far they can get. They did make finding the clue at the tower a little hard, going to the top twice. Gretchen was able to complete the road block without taking too much time, probably the right choice to do it. 3. Rob/Amber (4) - Rob asked Joyce if they were on the earlier flight, trying to make them thing and worry for the entire flight. Rob than figured that maybe he should look for an earlier flight, so they go to Turkish Airlines, not a travel agency, and tried to find an earlier flight. They were not able to find one on Turkish Airlines because they didn't have one. So they figure they are in first and he got cocky, saying that Uchenna and Joyce are so lost they are asking Meredith and Gretchen for help. I think it serves him right to end up in third place, behind both those teams. 4. Ron/Kelly (2) - Last to arrive on a non-elimination so they get all belonging besides what they have on taken away from them. It will be interesting to see how they deal with it. They did win the trip from Travelocity, $20,000 to spend on travel from the web site, and they get to stay in a 4 star hotel for the night. Not a bad prize for coming in last. Lynn/Alex ELIMINATED
Detour: Trunk: Chose an elephant and push it half mile. Dunk: Dye white sheets to find clue after sheets are untied. Road Block: Camel Carts, have to ride around in a cart pulled by a camel around a obstacle course. Fast Forward: Shave both teammates heads. 1. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - Joyce had to shave her head to get the fast forward. She did not want to do that, which is understandable, it is hard for people to lose their hair. She got through it though and they ended up in first place because of it, unfortunately for them, but by much. And they didn't win anything. 2. Ron/Kelly (2) - They have formed an alliance with Rob and Amber, which might help them, it seems to have helped them in this leg. I think it can only hurt them if Rob tries to trick them into something and they allow it to happen. It might work for them if they dont put to much trust into it. 3. Rob/Amber (5) - I think the alliance hurts them, helps Ron and Kelly but hurts Rob and Amber. Rob is able to get people to help him at just about any time, something the other groups dont do. 4. Meredith/Gretchen (3) - Officially the oldest team to make it this far in The Amazing Race, pretty cool. I really am amazed on how far they have made it and wonder how much further they will make it. 5. Lynn/Alex (4) ELIMINATED I cant say I am all that disappointed they are out of it. Going to the wrong palace allowed Meredith and Gretchen to get ahead of them. *********************************************************************** TO BE CONTINUED The second time in The Amazing Race we have seen an episode be split up like this, but never before have we seen Phil hand them a clue. From what teams were saying, everyone was ready for a pit stop, some food, and rest. This is where it gets hard, the dog days of the race. Road Block: Search through 600 different size boxes to find clues. Yield: Was not used. 1. Rob/Amber (5) - Somehow they managed to form a small alliance with Ron and Kelly, which I think helped them big time in the first part of this leg when Ron and Kelly chose not to use the yield. The difference in the first flight put them apart from the other teams. They chose liquid and did it pretty quickly. 2. Ron/Kelly (2) - I have no clue why they formed an alliance with Rob and Amber and why they did not yield them. It only seems like the right thing to do when you are ahead of one of the stronger teams in the race, this was their chance to hold back Rob and Amber, Rob even said he would have yield them, so would I, BIG mistake. They chose liquid at the roadblock, and did it about as fast as Rob and Amber did. 3. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - Not sure how they would have gotten tickets yet, and I dont know if it was an agreement that Lynn and Alex would get the tickets for them, not sure what happened there. 4. Lynn/Alex (4) - They got a cell phone to get the tickets, which had a lot of power, since they were on a later flight it puts these three teams behind Rob and Amber. They could not figure out why Rob and Amber did not yield them, there really isnt much of a reason for them to do that, as Lynn and Alex have not really been a threat to Rob and Amber. 5. Meredith/Gretchen (3) - I think luck is on their side that Lynn and Alex like them, as I dont know when they would have bought tickets. They did get help from the locals in India. *********************************************************************** Road Block: Navigate through a crocodile infested waters, than chose a path, the path is blocked by logs in the road that have to be moved. 1. Rob/Amber (6) - On the Detour they started out with carry but couldn't balance anything so decided to milk the goats. They do work well together and I think if they keep to themselves and dont worry about other teams they will 1) gain some points with people like me who dont like them and 2) stand a better chance of winning the Race, as teams wont have a reason to be angry at them. 2. Ron/Kelly (2) - They also started out with carry but Kelly didn't look like she could balance the water, Ron didn't look like he had much of a grip on it either, so they milked the goats which took them a while. I have no idea what Kelly got upset about, I would guess we did not see all that happened. Because if we saw everything and Kelly is upset about what we saw I dont get it. 3. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - They decided to do the Carry it and did it fast! But when they got to the Road Block they only took down the ribbon, not the whole post like they were supposed to. So they had to go back and get it. They still stayed in third place though. 4. Lynn/Alex (5) - Didnt have good luck with the vehicles this week, as one stopped working, the second one got a flat tire. On top of that Alex decided to do the road block but isnt that great at driving a stick. Like others they started out carrying the stuff and quickly moved over to the milk. Putting on all the cloths when they though it could be a non-elimination leg and were in last place was a pretty good idea. 5. Meredith/Gretchen (4) - They decided to milk and than on the Road Block Meredith was reading his clue and missed the next one he was supposed to pick up. Forced to go back and get it he almost missed it again. I am amazed they have been able to stay in it this long.
Road Block: Throw a spear 20 feet and hit a moving target. 1. Ron/Kelly (2) - Ron completed the road block first and than chose food at the detour. The last two legs they seem to be doing what needs to be done to finish where they have. 2. Rob/Amber (7) - It took Rob a little while at the road block and than they passed Brian and Greg after their truck flipped over. I thought it was very thoughtless and selfish to continue on without even asking if everything was ok. I dont care who it is or what part of the race it is, if there is a car flipped over you stop and see if they are ok. I think Rob has earned the title of Mr. Pond Scum. 3. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - They ground the food, the slower option but did it faster than others did. 4. Lynn/Alex (6) - They did not let Rob and Amber in their cab at the airport, which is their decision. There was room, but I dont think they needed to let them ride with them. 5. Meredith/Gretchen (4) - Very impressed with them, having nothing and not coming in last. I was pretty sure they would not continue after having everything taken away. *********************************************************************** Detour: Tunnel: Drive 50 miles to underground caves, repel 45 feet and search for clue Tribes: Find 6 traditional items, only 5 match tribes, return the items to right tribe. Road Block: Search market, purchase 5 items for local orphanage. 1. Ray/Deana (6) - Went for the Fast Forward, which was to walk across the cooling towers at a power plant and completed it, they get two Toyota Rav-4s for winning this leg. 2. Ron/Kelly (2) - They did the tunnel which seems to be the more difficult task to do and took some time. I can only imagine how hot it would be down there. They found it after missing it, than completed the road block pretty quickly. 3. Brian/Greg (3) - They also did the caves but found the clue faster than Ron and Kelly did. 7. Meredith/Gretchen (4) - Last team to arrive but the first non-elimination leg. All money is gone and they dont get any to start the race but now, new to this version of the Race is they have to give up all their bags and everything else they have with them. Meredith was driving on the wrong side of the road early on than Gretchen falls cutting her face, I think it looked worse than it was. *********************************************************************** Detour: Shipwreck: Travel 7 square miles a mile for a shipwreck, only reference is a 30 year old picture. Island: Use a map to travel 4 miles to find an island to find clue. Road Block: Traditional Gaucho challenge, ride around on a horse a series of barrels and spear a ring with a stick, they need to do it in 40 seconds or less to receive their next clue. 1. Rob/Amber (8) - How the hell do you show up at 9:30 for a 9:30 flight and make it on? Did CBS bribe the airline to let them on? It seemed as if they just stumbled upon the ranch and than just happened to get on the flight, and than just happened to find the shipwreck. It definitely seems as if they are getting the breaks. 2. Brian/Greg (3) - They were also on the first flight and looked for the shipwreck. They set out to not make any mistakes and I dont think they did. The difference between first and second was for when the luggage came off the plane. 4. Ron/Kelly (2) - They were also on the first flight and were the first ones to chose to look for the island, which seemed to take a little more time. 5. Lynn/Alex (7) - They were the first ones on the first flight but had back luck with the boat. 6. Ray/Deana (5) - Ray has a big problem with being in the bottom of the pack, and I thought it was going to put them in last place. He thinks he is better than the groups that are around him but isn't really proving it. 7. Meredith/Gretchen (7) - You cant follow other groups in this, they started following Ray and Deana who had already found the clue. I cant say that Ray or Deana really gave much of an indication if they found it or not, they just decided to follow it.
Detour: Paddle: complete 7 mile course down a river with expert team. Pedal: 7 mile course on rail road tracks. Road Block: Eat 4 lbs of traditional Argentinean meat. The first Yield of the Race was not used. 1. Lynn/Alex (7) - Once they passed Rob and Amber they assured themselves first place as long as they didn't get lost. I am not sure if their goal is to win or just beat Rob and Amber. 2. Uchenna/Joyce (2) - Uchenna can eat! He can paddle too! The combination of the two put them in first place but they had some trouble finding the check in and came in second. PREDICTION: Uchenna and Joyce will win The Amazing Race 7. 3. Brian/Greg (5) - They were the only ones that did the pedal and ended up getting a flat tire but eating the food put them ahead of others. 4. Ron/Kelly (2) - I guess 4 lbs of Argentinean meat is worse than Iraq prison food. I think it took them a little time to get out of Santiago which set them behind. 5. Rob/Amber (9) - I have realized it is just Rob I don't like, I really don't like Rob though. He is turning this into Survivor. Rob is not stupid though, he is clever and smart, if I were in the race I wouldn't listen to a thing he says, because he has no intention of helping anyone but himself when he approaches someone. For him to stop and take the penalty was a smart plan and was a really good idea once he got someone else to stop too, it guaranteed he would not be eliminated. 6. Ray/Deana (6) - Victim one of Robs plan to guarantee them to not be eliminated, they bought into the plan since Deana decided to try and eat the meat. 7. Meredith/Gretchen (7) - Victim two of Robs plan, and probably the fast one for these two. I have noticed they got passed by a few groups a couple of times in the car, which means that Gretchen is driving slow, which could hurt them down the road. Megan/Heidi ELIMINATED *********************************************************************** Detour: Shop: Travel 2 miles to restaurant and get chili recipe, buy 5 ingredients, bring them to chef to get clue. Schlep: Travel 2 miles to a book store, deliver 180 books 8 blocks to library of congress. Road Block: Shine Shoes: Shine 5 pairs of shoes. 1. Rob/Amber (10) - Rob will do anything to get ahead in this game, getting information fro the security guard and than paying him off to not tell anyone else and than lying about it. He than collects money, but doesn't contribute as he said to keep the back door of the bus closed. He is turning this into Survivor, and sits right next to where Jonathan did, around pond scum. They were third to leave the shoe shine and did the Schlep, and came in first since they took all the books at once instead of making two trips. 2. Ron/Kelly (3) - Getting off the bus in the first group through the front door was what contributed to their turn around from 10th to 2nd. They were first to leave the shoe shine but had to take two trips with the Schlep, which slowed them down. 3. Ray/Deana (6) - They were second to finish with the shoe shine and also did Schlep but also had to take two trips. 4. Uchenna/Joyce (5) - They were on the second flight and did the shop, and lucked out that their fish was the right size, as many were not. I think the shop was completely the wrong move since teams had to use their own money to buy the food. 5. Lynn/Alex (7) - They were on the second flight and did the shopping, their fish was not the right weight so they had to get another one and tried to get their money back from the fish. I cant imagine that is the right way to go, upsetting locals on something they need. 6. Debbie/Bianca (5) - They fell a ways since they were on the second flight, also in the back of the bus. They did the Schlep and made two trips. 10. Megan/Heidi (5) - ELIMINATED - They decided to shop, which might have been the difference in coming in last compared to Brian and Greg. *********************************************************************** Detour: Rope a Llama rope two llamas and take them to pens; or Rope a Basket tie a basket to your back and fill it with alfalfa and travel 2/3 of a mile. Road Block: NONE 1. Debbie/Bianca (5) - They were on the 6:00 flight, which ended up making a huge difference. They also chose the llamas at first and than after arguing they switched tasks to the baskets, which, depending on the llamas you got was the better choice. They also win $10,000 each for winning the first leg of The Amazing Race 7! |
