View Full Version : The Amazing Race (season 14, US)
The Amazing Race returned in the US this Sunday. It's perhaps a bit early to say which couples are standout highs or lows, but I do like the short stuntmen, and Mel & Mike (Mel, the father, is an author; Mike, the son, wrote and appeared in School Of Rock). Early indications are the rednecks aren't going to get along very well unless the husband reigns himself in a bit.
I like Tammy and Victor, who remind me a little of Nick and Starr from season 13 -- with less bitching. They seem capable and unruffled, and should go far.
the Gimp
20-02-2009, 09:08
First time I've wtached this (having avoided the previous 13 season), but finally gave into all the adverts for it during the NFL games.
Really enjoyed it, kinda like a larger verion of Road Rules, but with more people to dislike.
S13 was the first one I watched - it is strangely addictive considering the hardest obstacle they come up against is finding a taxi driver that knows where he's going.
even get a bit teary when someone is eliminated
roll on S14
the Gimp
20-02-2009, 11:36
Have any of the previous seasons being broadcast on UK television? I had a look on a couple of the scheduling sites, but I can't see any sign of it.
I think LivingTv have showed it before. The wife and I have become huge fans, it's the only reality tv we watch, can't stand the genre otherwise. We're currently making our way through all 13 series now, we've watched about 7 in total so far now I think.
Yes, Living show it periodically.
If you like The Amazing Race but not other "reality" shows (although this isn't in the same vein as Big Brother et al), you'll probably like The Mole, which has been on and off the air in various countries over the years and returned to the US last year with a 5th season.
the Gimp
03-03-2009, 09:07
While the last couple of episodes haven't being as good as the first episode, I'm still watching this, but I'm finding myself hating most of the teams. I especially want the midgets to get seriously hurt.
The only thing I don't like is they don't have a clock at the end where you can find out how far behind the leading group the rest of the teams are, to give us some idea of how well the leading teams are doing
Although I suppose this doesn't matter, as the leading teams seem to have to wait like 6 hours for train/planes, and that lets all the other teams catch up.
I noticed in the episode this week that there was just over four hours between first and last place (at the start of the episode).
The young couple and the cheerleaders are probably the nicest teams. All the others are just meh.
The only thing I don't like is they don't have a clock at the end where you can find out how far behind the leading group the rest of the teams are, to give us some idea of how well the leading teams are doing
Although I suppose this doesn't matter, as the leading teams seem to have to wait like 6 hours for train/planes, and that lets all the other teams catch up.
I thought the reason for this was so at the end of a leg they can review to see if any penalties or time deductions should be taken into consideration as a result of anything out of the contestants control.
the Gimp
04-03-2009, 18:22
I thought the reason for this was so at the end of a leg they can review to see if any penalties or time deductions should be taken into consideration as a result of anything out of the contestants control.
oh, okay that makes sense. Its the first time I'm weatching it so I'm still getting to grips with what all 'detours', 'reblocks', etc mean.
Decided I want either the Cheerladers, the deaf kid and his mum or Tammy the asian lawyer to win it; and every other team to get hurt (inclusding tammy's brother).
Gutted over who went this week. They seemed genuinely nice, and TBH I haven't got a clue why the deaf lad and his mom U-turned anyone given the position they were in.
the Gimp
10-03-2009, 08:41
Surely it would of made more sense to of U turned the midgets? they'd got on the earlier flights, so even though they were still there (due to their pic still being in the box) the chnaces were they would be almost done/close behind (seen as they did a different task to the deaf kid and his mum)
They said why they did it - cause they wanted to help their friends (ex-cheerleaders), so they U-Turned the other team of whoms position they were certain of - neck to neck stacking wood.
Not to mention that even if it wasn't the reason they did it, it actually made sense. So far Kris and Amanda had been the best performing out of all the teams behind them. Makes sense to get rid of a strong team while you can. The only negative really is that they can't U-turn a team now if they really need to to stay in the competition themselves.
Didn't like the fact that there was the u-turn in this leg though. Given the length of both the detour options, and that there wasn't much room for taking over at the roadblock or in the travel from that point, it was pretty much a given that whoever was u-turned would come in last.
Interesting that all the teams left now are either family teams or two females, given that the first family win was last season (exluding the family season of course, in which it was inevitable!) and there has never been a team of two females to win the race.
:cry: Mel and Mike. That's a shame, they always seemed genuinely happy whatever they did, regardless of their position. One of the only teams too were they never got angry/impatient with each other.
Need a new favourite team now! The short circus performers are SO annoying though, everything they do is incredibly exaggerated, right down to their facial expressions.
Was watching School of Rock earlier in the week and Mike has a cameo in it too as well as writing it.
Have any of the previous seasons being broadcast on UK television? I had a look on a couple of the scheduling sites, but I can't see any sign of it.
:thumbs: Just a quick heads up that there's an early season being shown on Challenge TV (Sky 125) now. Not too sure which season it is, but it's scheduled (and repeated) at:
Monday 1.00am
Saturday 9:00am
Sunday 1:00am
Sunday 9:00am
edit: Just checked, and it's season 9 they're showing. Currently they're on episode 3.
What a load of stupidity between the black woman and the deaf kid. At the second clue box he definitely shoved her into it deliberately. And I have no clue why it's worse for him to be called a name just because he's deaf (and made even more ridiculous by the fact that he called her the same name later).
Does anyone else get the feeling they really didn't want the midgets in the race? The four hour penalty seemed way too draconian, and an almost arbitrary time (aren't infractions normally punished by 30 minute penalties?). Makes me wonder whether they've been a pain during the "mandatory rest stops."
Tammy & Victor or the cheerleaders to win.
Does anyone else get the feeling they really didn't want the midgets in the race? The four hour penalty seemed way too draconian, and an almost arbitrary time (aren't infractions normally punished by 30 minute penalties?). Makes me wonder whether they've been a pain during the "mandatory rest stops."
Only there's no way they'd get away with that legally speaking. Part of me wishes it was just a grudge against them though, as I've been wanting them out for ages. I cheered when they got given the penalties last week! (And it was two two-hour penalties, which isn't quite as bad.) Two hour penalty is fine by me in this scenario. Even if there wasn't an explicit rule (and I'm betting there was) it breaks the rule that you're only allowed to use money given to you on the race. It also screws over people not even part of the race, as lets face it, the taxi drivers probably didn't want their stuff but figured it was better than nothing. Especially the first guy, as they were lying about not having enough money to pay him. Admittedly I don't like it when they can't pay and the taxi driver gets fed up of arguing and accepts it, and that isn't penalised. (No problem with it if it's preagreed, as with Keisha and Jen on the one taxi - I liked them for being upfront about it even if I couldn't get over how stupid they were to leave all their stuff behind.) Back to the point, if they didn't have this rule in play you could get rich racers bringing really expensive stuff on the race and giving it out to gain benefits that other racers wouldn't have.
Haven't actually watched this episode yet but I'm prepared to dislike pretty much everyone involved with the incident!
I would say cheerleaders to win but I can't get over how rude they are (well, one of them is) to people, even if I can occasionally understand the frustration. Before seeing this weeks episode (but knowing who goes out - damn myself for not keeping away from a thread I knew would be nothing but spoilers!) I'd be ok with any team winning really though.
the Gimp
21-04-2009, 11:09
What a load of stupidity between the black woman and the deaf kid. At the second clue box he definitely shoved her into it deliberately. And I have no clue why it's worse for him to be called a name just because he's deaf (and made even more ridiculous by the fact that he called her the same name later).
Does anyone else get the feeling they really didn't want the midgets in the race? The four hour penalty seemed way too draconian, and an almost arbitrary time (aren't infractions normally punished by 30 minute penalties?). Makes me wonder whether they've been a pain during the "mandatory rest stops."
Tammy & Victor or the cheerleaders to win.
Extremely happy the midgets went out, been hoping that every week since the series started. Think the 4 hour penalty was because this is the third time they've broken the rules and they broke the rules twice (?), either way their out and I'm happy.
The squabbling over the clue boxes was stupid, but I now want the "sisters" out due to their laughing and mocking of the deaf kid (and then the deaf kid and his mum out).
Hot Cheerleaders to win!!!!!:clap:
My view on Cluboxgate is that Luke was at fault for both.
In the first he deliberately shoved his back and elbow out to prevent her from getting to the box. In the second he tripped her slightly into it. All very unsavoury.
Anyway, yes, Victor and Tammy to win.
I think most of the arguing was probably down to misunderstandings and Killer Fatigue. Luke thought Jen deliberately ran into him (it looked like an accident to me) and shrugged her off (which I could see myself doing as a reflex) and shoved his elbow in her face (which was going too far imo). Second one they were already heated up over the first incident which lead into pushing and shoving, though I agree Luke was more at fault.
As for the pitstop, I don't *think* they were laughing at Luke or mocking him. Obviously only they know for sure, but I can see them suddenly realising the whole thing was a bit ridiculous, or that they giggle when things are tense (as some people do). I just can't remember any previous behaviour from them that would indicate they look down on him or would mock him for being deaf. In fact, I think they were one of the teams specifically shown trying to socialise with him earlier on in the race.
So yeah, I'm hoping it's all just because they're incredibly tired, because I mostly like both teams outside of this incident. Still, I wouldn't mind have the flight attendants and Mel/Mike back instead!
Victor and Tammy almost blew it. African/Americans and Orientals never could swim well :D
Anyway, wonder where they go to next. I definitely saw Tokyo in the opening credits but then again I saw Big Ben too but I doubt they will come to London at this late stage :nuts:
the Gimp
28-04-2009, 09:21
Just when it looked like it was going to be two good weeks with the midgets and the lesbians both going out; they pull the pit stop and send them off again. Unfortunately I don’t think the 15-20 minutes behind the lesbians are will affect them adversely and be enough to knock them out.
Cheerleaders to win!!!!
richardp
28-04-2009, 16:02
Victor and Tammy almost blew it. African/Americans and Orientals never could swim well :D
Anyway, wonder where they go to next. I definitely saw Tokyo in the opening credits but then again I saw Big Ben too but I doubt they will come to London at this late stage :nuts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Race_14#Future_locations :)
Well one of the naff teams have gone, but I have to say that the placing of u-turns this series has been dreadful. The first one was placed in a leg where both detours took ages, and this one was in a leg which offered a massive advantage to Chinese speakers (and by extension, a massive disadvantage to non-native speakers). The only reason Jen and Keisha weren't thrashed was because of how useless the cheerleaders were.
Don't mind who wins as long as it's not Marcel Marceau and his mom.
the Gimp
04-05-2009, 14:09
Well one of the naff teams have gone, but I have to say that the placing of u-turns this series has been dreadful. The first one was placed in a leg where both detours took ages, and this one was in a leg which offered a massive advantage to Chinese speakers (and by extension, a massive disadvantage to non-native speakers). The only reason Jen and Keisha weren't thrashed was because of how useless the cheerleaders were.
Don't mind who wins as long as it's not Marcel Marceau and his mom.
It did seem starnge that they would have stages in a country where one team had an obvious advantage over the other teams, and then a task is set which again hugely favours the selected team.
Glad Keisha and Jen are out, their loose completeion of the tasks would of surely resulted in a time pemnalty for anyone else (not swimming the 8 lengths of the swimming pool, merely pulling themselves along the lane ropes, and eating the insects and immediately throwning them back up.)
Going back to what Statto said early about the the shows producers seemingly wanting the midgets out, its interesting to note that they haven't being sent /allowed to goto to the elimination station in Thailand with the rest of the eliminated teams and their only communication with the other elimionated candiates was over the phone (from the videos on the CBS website). Maybe more went on than has being braodcast.
Cheerleaders to win !!!
GoblinUK
04-05-2009, 18:18
Presumably the race is decided long before the teams are selected.
It did seem starnge that they would have stages in a country where one team had an obvious advantage over the other teams, and then a task is set which again hugely favours the selected team.
Glad Keisha and Jen are out, their loose completeion of the tasks would of surely resulted in a time pemnalty for anyone else (not swimming the 8 lengths of the swimming pool, merely pulling themselves along the lane ropes, and eating the insects and immediately throwning them back up.)
Going back to what Statto said early about the the shows producers seemingly wanting the midgets out, its interesting to note that they haven't being sent /allowed to goto to the elimination station in Thailand with the rest of the eliminated teams and their only communication with the other elimionated candiates was over the phone (from the videos on the CBS website). Maybe more went on than has being braodcast.
Cheerleaders to win !!!
The stunt brothers carried on racing as 'decoy' racers - people obviously know what to look for now so to try and avoid spoilers of the final 3 etc. the production team asks a team or two to do all the tasks etc. that the racers still competing do, so if they are seen then during tasks or on planes it's still not sure who is actually in the top 3. (For example, I read spoilers before this season began and heard about 'a deaf boy and a woman - possibly his mother' and 'two short men' on one of the later destinations (can't remember specifics - it may have been the flight back to the US.)
And I think GoblinUK is right, I think legally the race destinations and tasks (and placements of u-turns etc.) have to be planned before teams are selected, so the producers can avoid any accusations of weighting the tasks to benefit a specific team.
I do agree that the first u-turn in particular was badly placed though - there wasn't really any way for a team to catch up after that u-turn.
GoblinUK
05-05-2009, 14:35
Not just legally, but practically. It must take months and months to organise
Deserving winners.
Delighted the cheerleaders didn't win - they are just so rude. LMAO at the taxi base woman giving them some back :lol:.
Luke list it though. He was so far ahead..
GoblinUK
12-05-2009, 07:54
Slightly disappointing last leg I thought.
There's no new thread as doesn't seem that popular on here.
Just wanted to mention I had my suspicions and voiced them to the wife right before the announcement at the end. Very dodgy :suspect:
We talking about non-elimination in the current series?
Well, you can make a good guess from looking at 2 things:
1. the interviews
2. the distance everyone has travelled (ie. they changed continents).
As for no new thread, well, to be honest, there are likely only a handful of us who watch it. Even I am getting a bit tired of some of it to be honest.
Just wanted to mention I had my suspicions and voiced them to the wife right before the announcement at the end. Very dodgy :suspect:
Are you suggesting that they pick the non-elim legs based on who they want in the show? Wondered it myself, but if there was ever a time to do that it was with Romber in All-stars. I reckon it's legit.
We talking about non-elimination in the current series?
Well, you can make a good guess from looking at 2 things:
1. the interviews
2. the distance everyone has travelled (ie. they changed continents).
As for no new thread, well, to be honest, there are likely only a handful of us who watch it. Even I am getting a bit tired of some of it to be honest.
What do you mean by the interviews?
THe snippets where they chat to the contestants before the show has ended. You can often tell how they've done.
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