Last night’s episode of The Amazing Race was… interesting. They sure are spending a lot of time in Burkina Faso, aren’t they?
I won’t recap the episode for you — there are plenty of sites that do that. Instead I want to talk about the outcome. And since that’s chock-full of spoilers, you’ll want to click Read More.
Lorena and Jason were given the boot under unfair circumstances. This season introduces something called a ‘U-Turn’. It’s similar to the Yield of previous seasons in that it’s something one team has the option of doing to another team behind them. Instead of a waiting period like a Yield, the U-Turn forces the targeted team to do the detour they earlier chose not to do.
The idea of the U-Turn itself is fine, and adds another element to the game. What I don’t agree with unveiling it in an elimination episode. And as much as I don’t care for Shana & Jennifer (Dustin & Kandice they are note), I’d feel the same way if they were kicked off. Fair is when teams come in last due to arrogance or silly mistakes or simply risks taken that don’t pan out. Trying for a tighter flight connection, not following maps correctly, arguing and missing signs, failing to adapt to the local culture… there’s some degree of team control in these things.
Am I the only one that felt their booting was a bit “off”?
You bet I agree! I like the concept of the U-Turn, but I don't think introducing it in an elimination round was necessarily unfair — the teams clearly were aware of what it was. But the way the Bimbos (I won't call them the Blondes out of respect for Dustin & Kandice, who should've won last time) used it last night was mean & not logical. Why delay a team that's already last — unless of course you have no confidence in your ability to maintain your own position. Can't wait for the inevitable karmic turnabout that will boot the Bimbos – Shana already knows it's coming!! Other than Lorena's crybaby meltdown over the camel milking, she & Jason were a very likable couple & it's always hard to see likable players go early. I agree with your prior post that there hasn't been anyone to really detest so far & that makes watching more fun in my book. But that has now changed! [Dun - dun- duhhhhh -- ominous music effect] I can now actively root against Shana & Jennifer! As of now, I'm pulling for the brother & sister team. But only because there's no nephew & aunt team!!
At one point I thought me and Dad should apply, but it'd be super embarrassing to be whipped in a foot race by your 60+ year old father. Plus, I don't know that we'd fight as much as the producers would hope, since he can read a map like nobody's business, and I drive like the wind.
I figure some of the groups are counseled or coach to create some dramatic interest — otherwise a couple of people with stable emotions and a modicum of clearheadedness could do well. I haven't seen any physical challenge that I thought would completely daunt me. However, I'm not so confident about a plate of still-squirming octopus, or several pounds of caviar (unless there was a gallon or so of good vodka). About last night, I'll be the producer re-visits the use of the U-Turn. I was certain as the episode wound down that this would be a non-elimination stage — think of being penniless in Burkina Faso and trying to get out of the country.
Speaking of penniless, that reminds me of another odd thing. They received $0 for yesterday's leg, but had to take a 100 mile taxi ride, and none of the teams seemed to have any problems finding a cab. Either they had to have money saved up (and what if they hadn't?) or the producers arranged and paid for their cabs. Regarding food, the attitude I have while I'm here at home, full from eating normal American food, is: if it's food for enough people, it's food for me. For example, the thought of cow tongue makes me gag. But lots of people eat it, so I could probably make myself choke it down. Those are the mental gymnastics I'd be performing while I'm staring at that plate, anyway.
ps. it's fun to say 'Ouagadougou'. More fun than saying 'Joaquin', even.
FYI re: Intense Debate: the right edge of the replies are cut off on my screen. Only original post & the first Comment are fully visible. Perhaps it's on my end. But I've got "More fun than saying 'Joaq'" and that's all.
Can you do an Alt-PrintScreen, then paste into an email to me?
Okay, my nickname is "Duh." Alt-PrintScreen does nothing.
Ah, but it did. Go to Wordpad and hit ctrl-v (or edit->paste). Viola. Then email that Wordpad doc to me.
As in "Dee-duh"? A new variation!
Very clever. I suppose I can now expect you to teach Leighton Jr. to call me that.
How come I can see the "full" comment for the last few of a thread? It appears to be truncated by the right hand column?
"can" should be "can't"