Watching this episode of TAR was a spiritual experience for me. As far as I'm concerned God firmly regained control of the universe. There were a lot of people out there who thought the Weavers would win. Ye of little faith - God was not going to let that happen.

Want more proof - check out the cbs.com race after the race (where the second and third place teams compete to win a giant gas guzzling SUV).

It's always nice (if not rare) to see the team you're rooting for actually win. Yes this was by far the worst season ever but props to the show for still having the ability to cast interesting people. No doubt about it this spring we'll have our show back better than ever.

By the way the "Who Dey" thing is from the 1991 Cincinnati Bengals when they came out of nowhere to actually have a good season. I think it got started because people around the country were wondering just who the hell they were. But what do I know I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan...

Thanks for all the great recaps!!!

The only thing I can say is... the Weavers didn't win. Thank goodness. People put Christianity back 200 years and homeschooling back 30.

I loved the finale! I wish the whole race had been as wonderful. Excellent recap!

Loved the recap especially "Another Christian!! In Quebec of all places too!!! It's a Christmas Miracle!"
The series was tedious, but the finale was worth it.

B-Side, I couldn't agree more. Edge of my seat exciting. I have to admit I've softened my stance on the Weavers a tad, probably because they didn't win. I feel so bad for Rolly, he's so young and the gals in his life are so lame. When he was climbing the mast (?) Linda let out the most nonplussed "Go Rolly, Go Rolly" she might has well have told him to fuck off. What's up with quitting looking for the plane ticket? Is that allowed? Did they all have to stick together and look in the same place at the same time? It seemed like it. Splitting up or letting your exhausted mother sleep seems reasonable.
The enormous speedboat looked like the most exciting ride in the land! Partybike be damned. Weren't the extra people AR and boat crew?
Did you notice DJ Paolo with tears in his eyes? Sweet demon Carrissa? It was too much.
Hooray Linz's, with your fun songs and sibling love.

So where did the Weavers get the jackets since they were "stripped of all of their belongings" not too long ago? I wanted to see them in their t-shirts and hot pants in chilly Canada...oh well... Anyways...happy that ANYONE won over the Weavers. And I was also happy to see the Bransons win (yet another) vehicle on the cbs.com site. :o)

aww, the next morning on the CBS morning show, the linz's showed how awesome they are.

when asked what they are dong with the money they said "50% is going straight to mom and dad and the remaining 50% is to be evenly divided among all 7 of us siblings"

you cant hope but to have kids with such respectful and well reasoned intentions!

THEY ARE THE BEST/hottest indeed.

I am so happy TAR is over and even happier the Weavers did not win. Oh LQ - you are a great person being softened by the Weavers in the end. NOT ME! I felt no compassion for them - although I did feel a tinge of lightheartedness when Carissa hugged Alex, DJ wiped a tear away ...... sniff, sniff. Congrats to the Linzes & the Bransens - job well done!

I must add, the previews for the next AR looked FANTASTIC!!! Did you see all the exotic lands, people??? Can't wait to get back to the old format.

I've been checking tvgasm practically every hour since this episode for one reason only -- the golf cart stand off (or stade off) between the Weavers and Linzes.

Someone said something like "Thunder thighs can't scoot over any more." I'm sure it was one of the Weavers and that it was directed at Meg (who was stony-faced during the next task), but others seem to think there's some uncertainty.

Please, this needs to be cleared up! My hatred of the Weavers needs to be unsullied by uncertaintly. Did they or did they not call Meg thunder thighs? My high-horse awaits...

The Linz family was great. They got along with each other and had a positive attitude about everything. The one brother who wanted to move to Canada to do curling--I loved that. It was such a tense contest between the two teams at the end. A real nail-biter. I cried when they crossed the finish line. Thanks TAR!

The jigsaw puzzle at the end was one of those "edge of your seat" moments.
Great finish to the show.

The finale was great and made up for a lackluster season. I literally groaned when I saw the giant puzzles, but it sucked me in as the two families battled it out. But damn those editors for making me have any good feelings for the Weavers at the end after hating them the entire season.

I half-assed it through this season. But I know enough to know that putting those horrid Weavers on a "Real" AR would be priceless. Imagine them in any country where English isn't spoken by 90% of the population and horrors - no one is Christian? They should make a show solely about that.

Glad you caught the random folks in the back of the Linz boat. That fascinated me.

The CN tower is not, "The tallest building in the world," Phil. I guess the fact checkers got lazy this edition too.

Geographical ignorance is epidemic. Oh how I'd have loved to have watched a Weaver struggle with the final puzzle. Again, that could have filled an hour for me.

WalDER is totally me in the future.

The Linz's weren't familiar with Olympic Stadium. That's just weird to me, and I hate baseball.

Nothing better than those idiots trying their reality TV french accents... in TORONTO.

Thank goodness this mess is over. Now please, CBS, no more of this gimmicky crap. Thanks.

Anyone do a "Ted" count? A great episode, but that bit was like nails on a chalkboard.

Fun to see Toronto and Montreal, lived in 'em both, though not especially exciting. That mix-up with the McGill Arena, you'd think one team might've noticed when the clue said "now drive 22 miles" and they only went a few blocks. OK, not the Weavers obviously. Loved the Linzes enthusiasm though! And that lame Bata shoe museum bit was very much the low-rent version of the Venetian masquerade ball. Dozens of dazed women wandering a shoe museum chanting "this is not my shoe" - who even came up with that.

But not-the-Weavers won, and that's all that counts.

sg-dub, Cn Tower is the tallest free-standing structure; building is just easier to say, I guess.

Does anyone know if the 2nd place team gets any money like Survivor, I really hope the Bransens get like 100k and the Weavers burn in hell.

Great recap B-Side. "rhymes with Chesus" = classic.

I thought Tommy Linz called the weaver girl thunder thighs in the golf cart stand-off

Izzy i (and the rest of my family) was sure it was Megan who said it to the Weavers. Anyways i thought it was great, one of the better endings to a season of the amazing race. What i didnt like was how it said next season they were only going to 5 continents! I want them to go back to Australia!! haha damn CBS, they must think Australia stinks or something

I was glad the Weavers didnt win, but i would have liked to see them try the puzzle. That could have been the funniest part of the whole show

Once again, excellent recap B-Side. I look forward to these as much as I do the show. I agree with you and was definitely surprised how exciting this last episode was. They were so boring up until now and with the biblethumping Weavers in first place for the beginning of the show I thought that maybe I should start believing in God and pray that they lose. Man how I hate those hypocrites...so glad they came in 3rd...and happier the Linzes won, they were awesome.

I agree lizardqueen, poor Rolly. He's an idiot by proximity default, not really his fault.

By the way, Who Dey was the chant the crowd would yell during the 1988 run to the superbowl..."Who Dey, Who Dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?!!?" Who Dey is also the name of their mascot. Hey Milkshake, sorry dem Bengals put a damper on your playoff run...oh wait, no I'm not. They need a few more losses so my Chargers get in.

B-Side, thanks for your great recaps!
I read every single one of them,its actually added more fun to the show.
I personally enjoyed myself through out the 2 hours,esp when they were solving the puzzle.
A real heart-pounding moment!

And the Linzes won, I cant be happier =)

niagAra, please! and i've been on those whirlpool jetboats. sooo much fun.

I always look forward to your recaps, B-Side. They are so funny and it always makes me laugh whenever you mention Marion's neck kerchief. I'm so glad the Linzes won!

Are sad this season is finally over? YOU WILL BE!!! Honestly though, since Ma Weaver was nearly run over by the buggy in the first episode, I have been rooting for them. I feel bad for them being hated on so much. They really had good family values and I commend them for getting so far. P.S. I don't think Rolly was "patronizing" that CN tower guy. I think he was just trying to make conversation. Give the 14 year old a break. He's much more mature than any other 14 year old boys I've met.

I'm glad the Linz's won too! The trapeze moment had me worried, but they pulled it off in the end. I was also suprised that one of the Linz boys (I don't remember which one) was the only one to KNOW what the CN Tower was. It was right there looming over them for chrissakes! Now I want to ride in one of those powerboats too. Maybe they needed the people in the back to distribute the weight evenly so the ride would be smoother?

Thanks for the HI-larious recaps B-side. I'm looking forward to the new season with the old format.

"I thought Tommy Linz called the weaver girl thunder thighs in the golf cart stand-off" - Nikita

"Izzy i (and the rest of my family) was sure it was Megan who said it to the Weavers" - piCARSO

Clearly, this matter is far from settled. I replayed it a few times and am sure it was a woman's voice. My first impression was that it was one of the Weavers and I just can't imagine Meg Linz saying it -- I need a definitive answer. The thunder thighs accusation is not to be taken lightly.

I haven't read the recap yet and skimmed through the comments. But I jumped on here as soon as I saw it to say that I would give anything to see the Weaver's at the big geography puzzle. They didn't show it because I can guaran-freakin-tee you they didn't even attempt it.

I can hear it now, "Mommy, no! We can't! Not the map with all the colors on it! I don't even know what that is!"

THEY SUCK!!! And then to have to go back to the map for a second chance bonus prize. CLASSIC! I bet my left leg that wasn't even close either. Priceless!

Was it just me, I thought the Weaver women were all hot for Ted. I couldn't get over the way they were gushing. I couldn't believe how intense a jigsaw puzzle could be. I felt a little letdown that we didn't get to see the Weaver's try to put it together course we'd probably still be watching it.

I cannot wait until the next season starts and will be right here waiting for your recaps B-Side.

Randall is a jerk.

you're hilarious.
i seriously love you.
when i watch AR with my friends everyweek i steal your jokes and all my friends think i made them up, but they're all you. haha

are you sorry i stole your jokes???
you will be!!

"Cirque du So-Lame" nearly did me in. So very funny. Very nice recap, with only one gripe. I actually became temporarily blind after looking at that picture of Celine Dion. Sheesh, you should post a warning or something. She scares me. Thanks for the laughs!!

I believe Canada is now Celine Dion-free. Wish I could say the same for Vegas.

Notes to Linda: 1) If you'd seriously read just about any religious text in the world, you'd know that the left is the non-God route -- you don't sit on the left hand of The Father, and Hindus reserve the left hand for wiping their asses. Plus, "sinister" (Oooo! Creepy and Godless!) just means 'on the left," like the route you chose.

2) Speaking of fathers: Your husband didn't die, he lost his will to live after waking up next to you too many mornings.

3) One more note: You can also make foreigners understand English by speaking it very loudly or with an accent. Try it! I guarantee it will be as successful as your efforts to date.

Congratulations, Linzes. And thank you for teaching the Weavers a lesson, though I doubt if it soaked in.

Who Dey is the Cincinnati Bengals' mascot!

http://www.bengals.com/fans/whodey.asp

They had a final challenge for a GMC whatever-it's-called. Bransens v. Weavers.

http://www.cbs.com/gmc

as much as it pained me to root for someone from cincinnati, i too am glad the linzes won. i hope they use some of the money to buy tommy his own private short-bus.

jenny10girl (#6)- i could tell if you were being sarcastic, but canada's pretty damn hot in the summer. although i agree seeing the Greavers suffer in their hotpants woudl've been fun, it wouldn't happen in toronto in july, just ask sweaty walDER.

one of my favourite parts (other than the linzes raving about canadian girls... oh how i blush) was rolly carrying hot-pants on his SHOLDERS? does he have the strength of a thousand men?? i was shocked, and impressed!

another shocking sight was carissa jumping into the arms of one of the Greaver daughters... the young can be so naive.

I realized why they didn't show the Greavers after the boat ride, they didn't wanna show the after-effects of the water on the wicked witch of the west. i'm melting....

Someone said something like "Thunder thighs can't scoot over any more." I'm sure it was one of the Weavers and that it was directed at Meg (who was stony-faced during the next task), but others seem to think there's some uncertainty.

I'm pretty sure it was the Tommy that said this. Classic and true. Weaver sisters need to wear bigger shorts. Damn.

Notice how when the Waevers finish, there isn't as much cheering and hugging with the other teams?

ya, i noticed the golf clap. I thought I saw a few people not clapping either... but i'm not sure.

I love the Weavers!!

At the end I got all choked up by the sweetness of the Linz and Branson families and had a few small tears in my eye but I was at a friend's house who didn't appreciate all that is TAR, so when they looked at me all choked up - I saw the look of pity, at a fool choking up over a tv show. Thankfully the Weaver's showed up - tears went away, sentimentality went out the window and my dignity was restored. Who dat cryin at dis dumb show?

One more reason to LOVE THE LINZs:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051214/ENT/312140020

They are good kids and there are 3 more boys at home!

Would the Weaver's even tithe their winnings??

Thanks B-Side for a great season of recaps.

As soon as I saw Marion's neck kerchief at the finish line I knew you would honor it with a mention.

I agree the Weavers doing the puzzle would have made a good episode even better.

I'm glad the Linz family won. Especially after hearing about how they were dividing the money.

Wow, after reading that article, I like the Linzes even more. They're the bestest!

I didn't like the Linz's at all. They were not funny, just juvenile. And they were just annoying that they couldn't be bigger than the Weavers. It was Bransens all the way for me.

Dear hollyterror

I like many did not like the Weavers and found them annoying, rude and hypocritical. But I am not about to go so far as to say that their father and husband lost his will to live because he woke up next to her. He obviously loved his wife and his children dearly and you have no right to say otherwise.
I do like to come on and read some light hearted Weaver-bashing, but what you said went way too far. You are an asshole and you are no better than the dirt under my shoe. I hope you realize what you said was wrong and that it doesn't take losing someone tragically for you to realize it.

I think it was definitely Meg Linz saying that the "thunder thighs" of the Weavers couldn't move over anymore! The Linz family asked them to scoot over, they replied that they did, and then Meg said that comment. I thought it seemed pretty clear, and definitely a female voice.

I'm a relative new comer to Amazing Race Fandom. I saw the Linzes on a show one week and enjoyed the way they ran the race, so I started tuning in. I'm from Ohio as well so that made me an even bigger fan of the Linz family.

I've really enjoyed your entries(the humor is a great touch, and it helps me find out what happened on earlier episodes I missed. I'm hoping this season comes to DVD so I can actually watch all the shows.

Yay B-Side!I've been waiting for this recap...YOU DO NOT DISAPPOINT! :)
And when I saw Marion, I knew she'd get a shout out--can you imagine the tears of joy if the Paolo's won? I want to see Marion on the jetboats...*sigh* I heart Marion.
And as naughty as it made me feel, I laughed outloud at, "rhymes with Chesus".

At last -- someone agrees with me. From Jam! TV in Canada:

For the second time this race, the Linzes and Weavers got in a right-of-way face-off while passing each other. This time, it was in golf carts just outside Olympic Stadium, as the Linzes were trapped between a low concrete wall and the Weavers’ cart. The Florida family just barely allowed them to squeeze by as Rolly called one of the Linzes “Thunder Thighs,� and in retaliation Tommy told “Roly Poly� to “shut it.� The righteous Weavers got on the highest horse available and denounced the Linzes for calling names. Dear Linda: Matthew 23:28. Look it up.

Here's the link:
http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/A/Amazing_Race_8/2005/12/14/1352486.html

Somehow, though, it's not as important anymore as I, like John in the comment above, ponder what a jerk Randal is...

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the obvious.

Big Geography puzzle = Guarantee that the Weavers can't win TAR: Family Edition.

I'm glad the producers stuck that thing at the end of the race. Yes, it would have been fun to watch the Weavers look for the Philadelphia State puzzle piece. But there is no way in hell that those four educationally deficient family members would have finished that before one of the other two teams (if they were in the lead).

After watching the GM challenge on the CBS website, there is a quick glimpse, but its obvious that the Weavers didn't even attempt the puzzle.

Someone above mentioned that they would like to see the Weavers in a foreign non-Christian land. It's been done before (Brandon and Nicole). And dare I say, tastefully (never thought that I would). I wouldn't mind watching the Gagin parents and Paolo's (Mom and DJ) in a real TAR.

Good riddance to the Weavers.

Let's get on with TAR!!! (February 28th??)

Baba Booey to the Linzes.
Tata Toothey to the Grievers.

Black family, we hardly knew ya.

I know its not about the amazing race, but Randal is an a$$. I had to voice it somewhere...

mellymel. Why should he share the spotlight? White folks always bringing a bro down.

That was a joke for all you Sirius heads!!

Oh No. I've been labeled a malicious abusive user! Whateva happened to free speech TVGasm?

Stacie #43 - Lighten up Sue Hawk

I loved the finale - I laughed, I cried, I ogled Phil's package.....

The Linz family was so awesome because they just had such a great attitude - everything they did, they talked about much fun it was and how beautiful the scenery was and how great it was to be there, down to the giant office chair.

The Weavers whined and complained and hated on everything.

Long Live Uncle Bone!!

Unlike most, I loved this season, although I prefer the standard two-person TAR. The ending was so exciting and emotional--just the way we likes it, yes?

Shame on Randal; I used to love him so . . .

FHEW!!!!

But mellymel, he is the nicest guy everrr!

Why the hell did their clue say "Tour CN"? Was that just to confuse them as to thinking all of Canada was French-speaking? I thought that was incredibly lame.

And YES, sg-dub, the CN tower IS the tallest free-standing structure in the world.

Are you all kidding me? I would have been so PO'd if Randal said to give Rebecca a job too.... ridiculous! Let's get an Apprentice recap so we can really talk about this.

I hope the Weavers' preacher has some strong words for them when they return to church.

I loved the final episode--it made me glad that I had stuck through this season. It was worth it in the end, but I hope they never do this family thing again. So much of the fun of TAR is watching the teams deal with the culture shock of being in a completely foreign environment. Also, I hate small children.

My only disappointment? I REALLY wanted to see the Weavers working on that geography puzzle. Now THAT would have made the finale the best. show. ever.

homeskooled (#39), thanks for posting that great article.

Personally, I loved the little head slap at the end after the "Who Dey" chant and the comment of them winning the million dollars.

It made the Colts fan in me laugh. Oops, sorry, I thought we were making some football references here. :-)

(Ducking and running now.)

When the Weavers and Bransens did their post-Race challenge for the vehicle, they used the puzzle maps. In the background, you can see the 3rd map not put together, so the Weavers never did the puzzle. I'm sure that's because the producers didn't want all the other teams to have to stand around at the final mat all night waiting for them.

I agree with those who think Megan directed the thunder thighs comment at the Weaver women. The Linzes were asking the Weavers to move over, not the other way around, so it makes the most sense for the comment to have been directed at the Weavers.

I have a feeling no matter how many times you decided to throw “YOU WILL BE!� in the write-up I would laugh. I can hear Linda’s shrill voice every time!

And curling is surprisingly pretty fun, I fought it until we hit the ice but it turned out okay. Some things you just have to try when you live in a winter Olympic city.

Little did nice little cabby Ted know that while he was being kind and helping a team several million people were yelling at him through their TVs.

Thanks for the hilarious recap!

Maybe on this new season of AR, we'll have some real, decent Christians who treat people they way Christians should. And not brag or isolate themselves over it.

Great recap - I too kept checking in waiting for this to appear!

Now, about the finale of Apprentice....

Thank you to Stacie, ANTF, happy_gal---If a certain "other" poster had made those comments he would have been villified on this very site.

Just an FYI, the Bransens won the challenge that you can watch on the internet, so thank Chesus, the Weavers won NUTHIN'!

It was for sure one of the Weaver girls that referred to Megan Linz as Thunder Theighs. Hence the rage in her when they got back to the arena when she was talking to the Branson clan about how they needed to beat the Weavers. You can also see the look on her face right after it was said. She just sat there with her arms crossed. If it was said to the Weavers, they would have been more pissed about that, then the Rolly-Polly comment.

OK - is is my imagination or is Marcia Wallace (the Bob Newhart Show) related to Celine Dion??????

http://www.harrywalker.com

Even though I swore that I wouldn't reward the programming idiots at CBS by watching any more of this season .... I hate to say it but my girlfriend got me to watch the last several episodes of this season. She told me about the Linz family (thank god they won) and the Weaver family (third place was far too high a finish for them.)

About the Weavers - I was truly astounded at just how awful, mean-spirited, and ignorant these self-proclaimed "good guys" were. Definitely reminded me of the "Friendship" (Gag) from Big Brother 6. If your so damn good and likable, then how come nobody likes you? It's like somebody telling you that they are cool - If you have to say it about yourself, then it ain't true.

I may be wrong, but in one of the first episodes (before I grew to loath this stupid gimmick of a season) didn't they reveal that the Weaver's father was run over at a Nascar event where he was working as pit crew despite being deaf. Probably not the best environment to be working in if you can't even hear an 800 horsepower car bearing down on you. If that was true, it appears the intelligence apple didn't fall far from the tree regarding his kids. If those self righteous a-holes thought that Utah was ugly (WTF?) I really think the producers should have made them spend a night waiting for something to open in the slums of Calcutta or Bombay. CBS missed a great opportunity to teach them a thing or two about true suffering and need (a lesson they could sorely use).

Glad it's over. Doesn't sound like I missed too much. Glad that the Linz family won and even gladder that the Weaver family didn't.

Looking forward to the real Amazing Race next year.

Later

I just read that article and MAN it just makes me love the Linz's even more.
"Question: Was it true you helped the Paolo family from New York win the Nov. 1 episode taped in Costa Rica?

Alex: Her son was yelling at her to hurry up. She was really wheezing and gasping very bad. We let her know that knew we couldn’t win. We just kind of walked her up to the mat. We told her, “Don’t push yourself. You’re going to win this one.� Second for us was OK. It meant we were still in the race."

That is just so awesome and SO sweet.

I'm SO glad the team I was cheering for finally won. FINALLY the right team won!!

Next season... I gotta cheer for the Nerds!! NEEERRDDSS!! I need to cheer for my own kind... lol

a few things:

a) It was definately Meg Linz who made the thunder thighs comment (i know that many of you think that the linz's are infallible and everything, but they can be mean too)

b) randall's the biggest surprise a$$ of the season - rebecca totally deserved that job

thanks for the awesome post, heard linda's voice every time that quote came up!! oh man, laughed my a$$ off every time = weird looks from ppl around me @ school. i think i might be the only one who was perfectly content with any one of the three teams winning this season. (as long as it wasnt the GAAAAAAADlewski's) :):):) see ya'll next season

Stacie (#43): I have every "right to say otherwise," and from what evidence do you conclude that he "obviously loved his wife and children dearly"?

No one else seems to like them very much, so from a statistical standpoint, the odds are that he didn't either.

B-Side: No worries.
"Professional" reviewers never know WTH they're talking about (ew.com) and that Defamer dude seems SO unnecssarily bitter, I just laughed.
One thing I love about you Gasmer cappers is that, even if the entire season has sucked, you still approach each ep. as if maybe this one won't suck. And hey, it worked out for once!

Go Linzes :)

They came here !!! Yeah!!!

McGill arena is really called McDonald College Rink, I have NEVER rolled logs, the Underground City is really called Place Ville Marie, The US pavillon burned a few years back, only the shell remains and the Stade is a dump...

Come one, come all for a visit!!

About "thunder thighs", I agree with Lisa (#69), I watched that bit a couple of times, and I'm almost positive that one of the Weavers said it.
I loved the idea that curling and log rolling were popular sports in Canada. I've curled once (and loved it), and never have I ever log rolled, let alone know anyone who has.
So glad the Linzes won!

Now My darling Nick Linz is not only cute, and funny and sexy, HE'S RICH!!! What a catch.

Glad they won...

B-Side = BEST recapper!

I was very happy to see the Linzes win it all. Unfortunately, even the producers revealed that they were ignorant about Canada. Log rolling is not a popular sport in Canada. Hell, we're running out of logs because the Yanks are pilfering them from under our noses.

I lauged my ass off when the Weaver girls worried about getting cold once in Canada, despite being in MONTANA, which is actually further north than the parts of Canada that they visited. Stupid freaking dumbasses.

I am almost 100% sure the infamous 'thunder thighs' comment was made by a Weaver. Whoever pointed out that had a Linz uttered it the Weavers would have gone more nuts than they did over Rolly-Poly is absolutely right. You just know they would have bitched and bitched and bitched. I experienced great schadenfreude when the Weaver girls were pissing and moaning about the "stupid" challenge. Notice that throughout the race, anything that allowed another team to catch them was automatically stupid?

One other thing, what a bunch of pussies those Weaver women are, constantly "letting" Rolly do all the Roadblocks. Bitches.

Slight correction to B-Side: the ship they sailed to was the Kajama, not the Kajaba.

Thanks for the recaps. I've been checking the intarnets far too often since Tuesday night in hopes of reading this one.

PS. Add me to those who were deliriously hoping to see the Weavers attempt the puzzle.

I SO wanted the Weavers to have to do the puzzle. They might still be there. I was disappointed in the entre season (climb the giant chair???), then was getting into the last episode. When I saw the puzzle I came out of my seat in anticipation of the Weavers making Rolly find the piece for Lake Ponchatrain and put it with the Great Lakes. What a letdown. I was crushed.

Can everyone please watch out about giving away spoilers on other shows? We have TIVO but haven't been able to watch "Apprentice" yet because of extra long hours at work kicking our butts, etc...we're watching tonight when we get home from work.

Thanks. :-)

On to TAR! Great recap, B-side. Although you scared the hell of out me with that Celine Dion picture. shudder, shudder

You can thank me that the Weavers lost. Yes. I prayed fervantly to God; I said, "God; you let them win, and you and I are QUITS! You hear me?!"

Guess he listened. Praise the Lord!

When the teams read the clue telling them to fly to Montreal, I screamed at my tv 'How dare you choose this shitty season of TAR to finally stop in MY town!!' But I was so happy the episode ended up being fun. GREAT RECAP B-SIDE, even though you grossed me out with that pic of Celine Dion. *shivers* but you made up for it with some PhilPackage. :D

Geography Map + Weaver family = certain loss.
YAY Linzes!!

Apprentice recap needed stat!

Great recap -- can't wait for the NON-family Amazing Race to come back, though.

...Phil woody? Haha! Nice.

Amber - I got news for ya. Once an episode has aired from coast to coast, it's no longer a spoiler. Besides, the Apprentice finale was live. We aren't going to wait until you get a chance to watch it before snarking about it.

I agree with everyone that I would have given anything to see the Weavers try that map. I can just picture them now trying to fit Alaska in central America or making up names for states.

You missed when Rolly (who I think has turned out pretty well adjusted for growing up in that family....there's still hope for him!) was doing the roadblock and asked if the guy was a professional. I SO wanted them to say "no, sorry, he's from Amazing Race Australia!" or something like that just to freak him out.

Also, when the Weavers were in Ted's cab they kept saying "Mercy! Mercy!" even after he spoke perfect english to them. Really it was just their way of showing that the can totally ruin any language.

I am so glad that the Linzes won. They seemed like they had the most fun and were just going along with the ride. No drama with them, just all sorts of craziness.

"Later, the teams gathered to eat a hearty lunch, and as usual, the Weavers separated themselves from the pack by sitting alone at an empty table. Too bad, really. You just know Linda was dying to join in once the Bransens and Linzes started making "Last supper" and "Judas" jokes."
-Too funny, I was thinking the same thing!

I had a dream last night that I bumped into the Weavers on the streets of Manhattan and they asked for directions and I just yelled at them "Why don't you just ask Jesus to lead you? Aren't you tight with him?!" and walked away.

Finally an exciting episode of TARFE. I was actually so engrossed in the episode that for the first time all season I didn't notice Phil's package. Thanks for the screen shot! I needed something to clear the horror that is Celine from my mind.
The Weavers didn't build the final puzzle. The race was over and they needed to do the car challenge before the cows came home (or the Weavers figured out they were looking at North America, let alone trying to put the pieces in place!). The clip on cbs.com of the Weavers and Bransens battling for the car is classic. Apparently in WeaverWorld Mexico is Costa Rica. The best moment -- Rolly calls skunkhead "asswipe"; I'm still looking for the biblical reference for that quote.

more Linz Love
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051215/ENT/512150383/1086/life

After taxes their take is approx. $600,000 split 50/50 with their parents - and then 50/50 among the 6 kids - they bring home about $43K each for running the race.

and we learn Tommy "Bone" is named for his bald head as a kid

split among 7 kids I mean - 6 boys and Megan.

sorry, I flunked math twice

I just wanted to add the debate that I believe the one of the Linzes said thunder thighs to the weavers and I thought I saw meagan cracking up after they said that.

There is a God, and the Linz win proves it! Splitting the $$ with the whole family... awwwww...

An actual race to the finish, surprisingly exciting! I wish they'd made the Grievers (did you know their dad died?) flail about failing to do the puzzle and then arriving after Phil and the other teams were long gone. That would have rocked! The golf clap they got from everyone was pretty good though. Quite a contrast to how everyone liked the Linzes and Bransens. Wally did old farts proud, didn't he?

Rolly might be a good person if he could be taken away from his family and raised by real Christians with a decent education. I wish they'd had to mix up who did the roadblocks; hilarity would have ensued.

Can't wait for the REAL Race to come back! Overseas, w00t!

Thanks for keeping us going through this lackluster season, B-Side. You brought the funny and the awesome screencaps to us when we despaired.

i think it was rolly who made the thunder thighs comment!

its kind of a highish voice, megans mouth isn't moving

I would like to just say one thing...YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY A TEAM THAT I'VE BEEN ROOTING FOR WON!!! This whole reality tv season has been a disappointment, and I am glad that SOMEBODY good finally won!! Does anyone know when this was filmed? If it was in summer, then sadly, the Weaver girls wouldn't have had to put some real pants on. Winter is a different story..however, in Alberta the weather has been surprisingly nice so you never know..those girls may have just worn shorts. I knew that they were going to come to Canada. They really should do an Amazing Race: Canada, since most Americans (not all) don't know the finer details of Canada, like the history and what not. It would make for a VERY interesting season. I don't really understand why they picked Toronto though. Probably because it's closer. I mean, it's a nice city, but it would have been amusing to see a farm challenge in Saskatchewan or something. I really enjoyed the Montreal part though. All of the families had heinous pronunciation of French words, and being bilingual, I was thoroughly amused hearing the French language being slaughtered so nicely. I was laughing so hard, I actually spit out my popcorn when I heard Rolly say "El fasto." I was rather disappointed that Phil didn't attempt some French though. That would have made some good television. The ending was really odd too. I would have loved to see the Weavers attempt that map, but alas, it was not so. At the end I was surprised that people were clapping for them. They were just being polite I guess, something the Weavers dearly need lessons in. I was shocked that the Weavers let everyone else get so close to them. You would have thought that their unGodliness wouldn't sit well with the Weavers. They probably just did it to look good on camera. I bet you that after that, they all went home and scrubbed as hard as they could. I'll admit though, that Rolly tugged on my heartstrings a little bit at the stadium when his sisters were being such spoil-sports. Let's hope that their dunderheadedness doesn't rub off (anymore) on him.

Au revoir,
Georgia

the comment about phil's package...classic.

Loved the recap B-side, Hilarious!!!

Way to go Linz family, it's great to see a local team win!!! I'm from Cincinnati (actually Anderson Township same as the Linz's) We are all so proud of them here!!!
Speaking of the "Oh so Christian Weavers" The Linz's are right there with you, all 7 kids went to private catholic schools, just shows you don't have to flaunt it!!! I was on the edge of my seat for the puzzle too, I almost couldn't watch! Way to come back CBS!!!

"Oh LQ - you are a great person being softened by the Weavers in the end. NOT ME! I felt no compassion for them.."

You didn't feel any compassion...YOU WILL BE (feeling compassion..?) ok, that didn't work...sorry.

I went out of town last week and was late watching the finale and just now had a chance to post here, and found everyone has said everything I wanted to say. Oh well, GO LINZES!

I am a cab driver and a friend of TED's , and I was at the airport in Montreal when the families came out.I am a big TAR fan and was shocked and very jealous when I saw my friend TED driving off with the Weavers . I was calling TED often to find out where they were going so I pretty much knew the locations . When the season started I was cheering for the Weavers but after a few episodes I realized they suck !!! congrats to the Linz family . (by the way , I was on screen for 2 seconds when the Linz family was outside the airport and looking for a cab. I was in the background but I know it was me because I WAS THERE !!

#96 Hmmmmm - Nope - don't think so!!! (You're funny!)

The Weavers finally see a Great Lake and no comment! I loved it when one of the Weaver kids asked how you say 'where is' in Toronto. If you need a map to find the CN tower you truly are useless. And how stupid are the Weavers when they see the Linz's and the Bransens pointing at the marker from the CN tower? Would it not have made sense to follow the other teams rather than continuing to search the skyline? They could have at least looked in the direction that everyone was pointing to. I guess they wanted to stay up in the tower, close to Jesus.
The Weaver's tour of Olympic Stadium, attempting to find an open door, was priceless as well. When they couldn't find the opening, one of them said, "maybe we have to go up". I would have loved to see them try to drive the cart up a wall. I assume that Linda Weaver uses Roadrunner cartoons for her homeschooling physics class. I too wish they would have shown the Weavers at least attempting the map. I am curious if they would have been able to find Florida!
Are the Weavers sure the father is dead? He may be stuck under the car, like Mother Weaver in Amish country? Or maybe realizing how useless his family is, he came up with his own "I'm going out for a pack of smokes" scenario and just left?

I also wonder if the Weavers chose 'curling' because they thought it was a chance to visit a hair salon?

I was SO happy when the Linzes won (and the Weavers didn't)!!! And i live in Toronto so i thought that was cool when they came here. LMAO i thought that was funny when the detour required the teams to take part in two of Canada's favourite activities, curling or lumberjacking(?), as if everyone in Canada rolls logs for fun. Ahhh such a funny stereotype.

I finally figured it out. Even CBS didn't want the Grievers to win! Knowing they were so AWFUL at geography and all things maplike (Yes, Weavers, there IS a Utah), the final challenge was putting together a map. Rumors are still going around that the Grievers didn't even attempt the map...

dear santa, all i want for xmas is a linz boy.