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Friday, April 1, 2005
12:30 am
49 Comments
Well, it’s been about two days since the super-sized two hour Amazing Race aired, and I fear that I may have incensed the TVgasm readership. People eager — nay, starved — for a recap were dismayed to find that I had neglected to cover the entire second hour of this week’s episode. I had every intention to include both hours in one post, but hey, I’m only human. There was just too much great stuff for one simple man like me to tackle. That being said, I have now rested, recharged, and returned to my desk for more blogging fun. So where did we leave off?The second hour began with Ray and Deana heading out to a nature preserve to feed some wild lions. I could just imagine Ray throwing some meat at the beasts and then immediately scolding them: “You have to eat the meet! This is your goal! If you fail to complete it, you will be a failure in life. Stop bitching and DO IT! DO IT DEANA!” Not sure why he’d call a lion, Deana, but I tend to think that would be his gut impulse. Unfortunately for Ray and his facially beleaguered partner Deana – a.k.a. Blinky the One Eyed Wonder – their huge lead evaporated in seconds as they discovered the park would not open until 8 AM. Wah wah wah. “This is an unacceptable setback. Our goals have been completely destroyed. I am presently in a state of annoyance,” Ray said in my imagination. Seriously, you’ve got to love his pseudo-militaristic assessments of situations. Well, it wasn’t a total loss for him and Deana. Turns out there would be two shuttles heading into the preserve to feed the lions. One at 8 AM and another 9 AM. So while Ray and Deana’s lead may have been diminished, they at least snagged a spot on the early shuttle. Oh, who the hell cares? They suck.
Next to leave the Pit Stop was Ron and Kelly, who after the last hour, seemed to suddenly have vague semblances of personality. Better yet, Ron stopped relating every damn thing to Iraq. Hey, maybe this was a turning point. Maybe I could start to like him more. After all, I’ve been won over by the brothers. Well, moments after leaving the Pit Stop, lightning bolts streaked across the sky, causing Ron to comment: “That was just like bombing downtown Baghdad.” RON. IT’S LIGHTNING! Have you never seen a thunderstorm? This is not a unique phenomenon. It’s been around since, well, the beginning of Earth. If anything, the bombing in Baghdad is like lightening, not the other way around. I bet he Ron is a real broken record at fireworks displays: “Oh, that was like a bomb in Baghdad. So was that. That one too. Yup, ‘nother bomb. Hey, that was loud too. Whoa! Now THAT was really similar! By the way, this ground we’re standing on, it kind of reminds me of the ground in Iraq. You know, just in the way that it’s under my feet and isn’t considered the sky.”
Third out the gate were Brian and Greg who kicked off this leg with some jovial humor. “Make your way home, give mom a great big hug, then eat all her chicken enchiladas until you enter a food coma,” ad-libbed Brian as he read the first clue. Very clever, very clever. Kind of makes you wonder though just how farty that household smelled after the race. Anyway, this jokey intro led to the brothers telling us how they’d be there for each other if anything were to happen to one of them. Sad dread filled my chest cavity as I suddenly remembered that it would be the brothers would be crashing their vehicle. Uh oh. Would there be death or paralysis? Would they be eliminated? I was just starting to like these guys! The knot in my stomach (which was related to the sad dread in my chest cavity) tightened as Brian hit the curb with his car. “Am I sucking at driving!” he exclaimed, perhaps foreshadowing scary events later. Brian, you are sucking at driving! Stop! Stop!
Lynn and Alex left next and were soon followed by Rob and Amber who contemplated the sad state of the old folks. “Meredith and what’s his name get no money,” he said. What’s his name? I assume he meant Gretchen. He does realize she’s a woman, right? I mean, I know the head bandages obscure her face somewhat, but that’s just ridiculous. Anyway, Rob complained about Lynn and Alex, and upon reaching the nature preserve, found their names written on the queue already. Rob pretended to erase the “L” off of Lynn’s name, but then simply laughed like the rascal he is. Too bad, I’m sure everyone would have laughed and pointed fingers at the gay guys when they saw their names had been changed to “ynn and Alex.” Wow Rob, it could have been so great.
We shouldn’t focus on the evil side of the race. Not everything was manipulation and squabbles. Uchenna and Joyce, for instance, were having a deservedly special experience in South Africa. Joyce explained how their marriage was rocky at the beginning of the race but now there seems to be hope. Huh? They were rocky? Wow. They are the stablest rocky people I have ever seen. Maybe they have really high standards for being “rocky”. I wonder if they disagree over a movie if they consider themselves separated? If there’s anything that can bring them together though (aside from a South African orphanage), it’s the power of them to unite as the Voltron of terrible directional sense. Seriously, these two get lost every single episode. I mean, they could get lost just going through a McDonald’s drivethrough. Heading to the nature preserve was no exception. In mere seconds, they seemed to be combing their maps, trying to figure out where the hell they were. And to think, this was a team that bragged about their knowledge of roadways on the first episode.
Nevertheless, all the teams arrived safe and sound at the Rhino and Lion Nature Preserve, and as everyone waited for the doors to open, Meredith and Gretchen went around and collected donations. Uchenna and Joyce were kind enough to donate some clothes to the plucky duo, and honestly, that shows a lot of character. Still, the two needed moolah, and so Gretchen loaded up a Borscht Belt comedy routine that would make even Jackie Mason proud: “We’re starting a save the rhino fund, and that’s no LION!” she said happily, causing everyone to laugh. I half expected to see Meredith on a drum set doing a rimshot. Seriously though, they should take their act to Vegas.
Almost everyone donated some money to the old people, but two teams conspicuously withheld. Surprise surprise — Ray, Deana, Rob, and Amber kept their money to themselves. Rob explained that the old people were the biggest con around. Huh. Kind of like the way Rob keeps popping up on all these reality shows. Ray meanwhile called the elders the “sacrificial lambs” of the show, noting their need to be vanquished. I decided at that moment that regardless of whatever else happens on the show, the one thing I want is for Meredith and Gretchen to last longer than Ray and Deana.
Anyway, the first shuttle soon departed and teams began throwing giant chunks of meat at the lions. I don’t know if it was just me, but man, I really wanted a steak. Ever the gentleman, Ron joked that if the lion “jumps on me Kelly, I’m throwing him you.” He then added, “That sort of death and carnage would not be unlike the battlefields of Iraq.”
After the first three teams finished their leonine feeding frenzy, they learned that they would be flying to Botswana and locating a giant aardvark, or “Arkvadark” as Rob said it. Now, I know that I erroneously busted Rob’s balls for saying “Yohanessburg”, but I’m pretty sure I’m right when I say that “Arkvadark” is NOT the correct pronunciation of “Aardvark”. I mean, this was a Bolo level of butchering.
Anyway, everyone from the first shuttle arrived at the airport and snagged a flight leaving at noon. The last four teams, however, had some difficulty. Once they were done with the lions, everyone headed out to the airport, but for some odd reason, Meredith, Gretchen, Rob and Amber all followed Lynn and Alex who had no idea where they were going. The only ones who remembered the right way to go were… Uchenna and Joyce! What a comeback! Maybe their marriage IS getting better. I mean, they didn’t even get lost!
Well, the meandering caravan of racers soon discovered they were going the wrong way, and based on a toll lady’s advice, turned around on the highway. Everyone got back on the right track, but unfortunately, Lynn and Alex made a wrong turn again, and while the other two cars headed off to the airport, our gay duo headed deep into downtown Johannesburg. As expected, they found themselves in the dangerous inner city, an experience they equated to driving through Compton (remind me to tell the time I drove through Compton at 2 AM. Man, that was fun). I don’t know why they were so scared. I mean, it’s not like Johannesburg is known as the carjacking capital of the world. Oh wait…
After some hairy experiences, Alex finally paid a guy to lead them to the airport where they just barely caught up with the other two teams who had initially followed them. Not that any of this really mattered. Once everyone arrived in Botswana, they learned they’d all have to take a train to the Arkvadark that wasn’t due to leave until 9 PM. Ah yes. Another time crunch. Still, this didn’t mean we would be without drama. As Lynn and Alex departed to the train station in their taxi, Rob and Amber tried to stop the driver and jump in as well. The boyfriends didn’t allow Rob in though, saying there wasn’t enough room (despite there being two big seats open). There really would be nothing to lose if Ramber hopped in the cab, but the guys kept them out simply on principle, which was pretty cool. As they pulled away, Lynn explained, “I like my air conditioning, and I don’t want to be crowded.” Meanwhile, Rob responded negatively to the rejection. “Okay, we’ll play like that!” he pouted. Um, haven’t you been “playing like that” this entire race? You know, like when you bribed the security guard not to tell other teams about an earlier bus, or like the time you bribed a driver not to open the rear doors of said bus, or like the time you got other teams to chip in for a bribe but didn’t contribute anything yourself? Hey, I think it’s all incredibly crafty and legit, but don’t start acting all innocent now.
Alas, Rob was very wounded, and the thought of Lynn getting away in that taxi really got to him. “He’s stretched out like he’s on a carpet ride,” said Rob, imagining the seating arrangements in the cab. Do people normally stretch out on carpet rides? Is that a thing? Because if they do, screw American Airliens. I’m totally taking a carpet to New York next time.
Wow, this really is like being on a flying carpet!
Anyway, Rob CONTINUED to harp on the taxi controversy, and as everyone met at the train station (Meredith go there by tooting “choo choo!” à la Charla in season 5), he tried to throw the cab shenanigans in Lynn and Alex’s face with typical Rob logic. I must admit, Rob is very good at what he does. If someone crosses him, he simply plays innocent and throws it back in that other person’s face. They’re so busy defending themselves that they never get a chance to poke holes in Rob’s arguments. Unfortunately, while that’s a solid strategy on a voting elimination show like Survivor, it doesn’t really affect things on Amazing Race (HA!). As teams boarded the train, Rob announced that he was no longer gonna be Mr. Nice Guy. So I suppose his withholding a donation to a penniless Gretchen and Meredith was a friendly gesture? Maybe he wanted to see them learn the value of earning an honest buck. Or maybe he’s just a huge hypocrite. (I know, I know – he makes great TV. No argument there).
Well, teams finally made it to the Arkvadark where they received the Roadblock. One member from each pair would have to engage in a traditional bushman hunting practice: throwing a spear at a moving target. Everyone went and picked a bushman guide and began tossing those spears. Well, everyone but Meredith who in classic old man fashion couldn’t find the bushmen RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. In time, he figured it out, and soon we were treated to a lovely montage of spears sloppily careening past sandbags. Brian and Greg took to patronizingly call their guide “Yoda” simply because he was short and old. News flash: bushmen are not pets.
Anyway, Ron connected with his bag first and proceeded on to the next clue which had him driving several miles through the bush to the route marker. “Being in the military, I’ve driven through the desert in hum-v’s, whereas I’m sure there’s no one here who’s done that,” he said. DAMMIT RON. CAN’T YOU JUST SHUT — oh wait. That was actually a relevant comment. It made sense. It was a logical application of past military experiences to a present dilemma. I apologize.
Teams eventually left the Roadblock one by one until the only one left was none other than Boston Rob. As he continued to miss the sandbag, he grew infuriated, asking if the spear had been sharpened. While baby wanted his bottle, Brian drove speedily down the dusty roads, giggling excitedly. As the bumps shook and rattled the car, Brian guessed that Lynn was probably like “Woooooooo!” (just imagine him saying that really effeminately). The producers then cut directly to Lynn as he squealed, “Woooooo!” in the most effeminate, Dame Edna-ish voice ever. It’s really hard to communicate how truly funny this was, but needless to say, it was a brilliant moment of editing.
Bringing up the rear of the SUVs leaving the Roadblock were Joyce and Uchenna who managed to, you guessed, get lost. Well, sort of. They couldn’t find their bags. This allowed Rob and Amber to hop into their car and move up a spot. There was a lot of hubbub, but somewhere in the middle of it, Joyce said “Meredith is a guy, yeah.” Okay, have these people even MET each other? What did Uchenna say when giving the oldsters some clothes? “Hey, here’s a shirt for you… whoever you are.”
Anyway, the bush country roads turned out to be quite bumpy, causing Gretchen to comment that her bladder was going to wind up in her chest cavity. Speaking of which, the sad dread that had taken residence in my chest bladder (my bladder was safe and sound) had grown considerably as the inevitable crash scene seemed to be drawing near. Sure enough, the brothers flipped their car in an accident that way out-delivered Chip and Reichen’s lame swerving off the road in Season 4. It was truly a scary moment, and when we returned from commercial break, we saw that the guys’ cameraman seemed to be injured. Luckily, both brothers were shaken up but unharmed. Lynn and Alex, the first team to encounter the wreck, immediately jumped out of their car to make sure everything was okay. Like Uchenna and Joyce donating clothes to Meredith and Gretchen, this act showed great character from these racers (if I had a plaque, I would bestow it on them). Brian and Greg seemed confused, bewildered, scared, guilt-ridden, and about half a dozen other things so well depicted on those insurance commercials with Dennis Haysbert. Meanwhile, Rob and Amber, who had managed to pass everyone on the road, simply motored by without even stopping or slowing down to make sure everyone was all right. Granted, they had no obligation to stop, but seriously, at least roll down your window and check in. Lynn and Alex eventually left, and for the record, every other team that drove by stopped and offered assistance. The brothers just waved everyone by and waited for the replacement car to show up.
Meanwhile, Ron and Kelly had already arrived at the next clue which was the Detour: Food or Water. Teams could either fill a basket up with corn they had pounded to a fine consistency or they could fill twelve ostrich eggs with water syphoned from a well. Ron and Kelly opted for the food challenge, which in retrospect wound up to be the more difficult of the two options. Ramber arrived next and opted for water, quickly catching up to Ron and Kelly. Lynn and Alex soon joined the POW and beauty queen, and as both teams pounded the corn, the guys were sure to catch up everyone with the gossip: there was a car wreck and Rob and Amber didn’t even bother to help! Sure enough, Ron and Kelly entered superhero mode as they bashed the corn with new resolve to not let Rob win the race. Unfortunately, Rob and Amber seemed to be almost done with their eggs, and it became apparent that these two might be snagging yet another first place. Luckily, Ron and Kelly managed to finish their Detour in just the nick of time, and the two teams jumped into their cars and sped to the Pit Stop. Eventually, it came down to a foot race, but Rob and Amber were soon stymied by some errant clues that had fallen out of their bags. As they stopped to pick up their mess, Ron and Kelly checked in first, but sadly, won no prize. WTF? Rob and Amber stepped up to the mat next, and Phil threw a little PA softball at them, asking “Did you guys stop for the wreck?” That was okay, Phil, but you really need to take a page from Jeff Probst sometimes. You know, really let them have it with a snippy remark like “Wow. You guys didn’t even stop. I didn’t think that people could be so heartless and pigheaded, but you proved me wrong. Let’s hope that you don’t wind up in a situation where you’ll need someone else’s help!” Man, Probst should really host more shows.
Back at the car wreck, the brothers paced around and waited for the backup car. One of them said he hoped they don’t get eliminated because of this. Yeah. Hope your camera man doesn’t die either. I mean, that would be a major downer, dude. Later, when the guys got their new ride, they were kind enough to say a prayer for their fallen videographer. Okay, these guys are really nice.
At the Detour, Ray and Deana had arrived and were working on that corn. Unfortunately for them, their teamwork was at an all time low as they kept accidentally bumping into each other and generally failing to produce any sort of worthwhile cornmeal. When she wasn’t incurring more injuries to her face and neck, Deana took the opportunity to whine, causing Ray to nearly lose it. “This is your goal. DO IT!” he barked. Meanwhile, the old folks and Uchenna and Joyce soon arrived and got to work with the corn. Uchenna was a monster and soon eclipsed everyone, ultimately checking in with Phil in third place. Alex and Lynn came in fourth and were proud to once again bash Rob, tattling that he just kept on driving without stopping. These guys love to gossip.
As Ray continued to get mad at the corn, the brothers finally arrived with their replacement car. Using some brainpower, they noticed that teams all seemed to be doing the corn thing. Hmmm… That means that it must be hard. The guys took a risk and went for the ostrich eggs, but surely they wouldn’t be able to come back, right? Right?
Well, much to the chagrin of Ray and Deana, Meredith and Gretchen finished the Detour first and drove off to Phil. When they arrived, Gretchen jumped out of the car and began a celebration dance worthy of ESPN’s highlight reel. The two eventually snagged fifth place — and couldn’t be happier. It was their best placement yet. Seriously, they’ve got to start raising their standards if they want to win this thing. Also of note was Gretchen who scolded Meredith to put his hair down before checking in. Hey, he didn’t say anything when you were wrapped up like a crazy mummy. Zip it, lady! Oh, what am I saying? I could never be mad at Gretch.
Things were suddenly becoming very exciting at the Detour. Ray snapped at Deana, saying “It’s depressing doing this with you.” He then added, “Seriously. That gimpy eye of yours makes me feel like I’m working Igor.” Nevertheless, the two finally finished, and as they headed to their car, we cut over to the brothers who… were finishing too! Okay, heart is starting to race a little here. Brian and Greg ran to their vehicle and with memories of previous car accidents seemingly gone from their brains, they sped along the road, trying to catch up with their dysfunctional competition. An aerial shot from a helicopter revealed that the two teams were in fact fairly close, but Ray and Deana clearly had the edge over the brothers. Well, this was all exciting and everything, but we’ve learned the ways of tricky editing. As much as I really dislike Ray and Deana, it seems we’ll be with them another week.
BUT WAIT! A few moments later, the brothers seemed to be right on the other team’s tail! Literally, my hands were shaking. The tension escalated even more as Brian and Greg undid their seatbelts in anticipation of stopping (uh, is that such a great idea? Remember that one time when you flipped your? Oh yeah, that was FORTY FIVE MINUTES AGO). Ray and Deana parked their car, and as they opened their doors, we could see the brothers pulling in right next to them. Then the producers, god bless them, gave us one long, uninterrupted shot as we watched the two teams literally race neck and neck to the mat. Happily, Brian and Greg pulled into the lead and arrived at the mat with just seconds to spare. We’ve had some intense, neck and neck foot races before, but rarely any ever as dramatic as this. Plus, the good team won. Yay! Brian and Greg emotionally arrived on the mat and broke down into tears as the day’s stress all caught up with them. Honestly, we can just give this show the Emmy right now.
As for Ray and Deana? “We deserved to lose. We were terrible,” said Ray, clearly not taking in the big picture just yet. Ah, yes. Divine retribution. The oldies survive to live another day while the brash youngster go home with nothing (well, two Rav 4s). Kudos to the producers for setting up that rivalry so casually and yet so skillfully. Now, let’s see what we can do about Ramber.
What did you think? Were you happy to see Ray and Deana get their comeuppance? And should Rob have stopped for the brothers, or is all fair in love and racing?
49 Comments
great recap of a GREAT episode! So glad the brothers made it, ray and deana really piss me off so much!
Maybe its because i never saw survivor but i quite like rob and amber, i was a little disheartened that they didnt stop for the bros but i suppose i can see their logic. Lynn and alex had already pulled over and it was clear everyone was mobile so i suppose it wasnt all bad. Still though…
The only thing that sucked in this 2 hour bonanza was a distinct lack of phil antics. He didnt really seem to do much expect look bizarrely suprised/confused whenever somebody cracked an antecdote at the pit-stop line. Amazing.
Rob and Amber make this show more fun to watch. I am rooting for them to win the big money. So what if they already have won the million on Survivor. They are the best thing on Amazing Race. Well maybe not so much Amber, but Rob is “the man”.
I’m so glad you noticed Rob saying arkvadark. Fabulous. Honestly though, was anyone really shocked that he wouldn’t give money to Gretchen & Meredith and that he didn’t stop for the brothers? I didn’t expect them to. I did think it was a little sleazy for them not to even roll down the window to see if everyone was okay. They were ahead, even if they had taken 1 minute to stop and make sure everyone was okay, they still wouldn’t have lost their lead. I’m so glad Phil said something to them about it, but I wish he had been a little more Probst about it.
I’m definitely rooting for the brothers now. I was absolutely thrilled when they beat Ray & Deana. Nothing could be better than Ray & Deana losing and Gretchen & Meredith outlasting them. Well, except for Lynn & Alex outlasting Rob & Amber. I should say, I don’t even have anything against Amber- she’s just in this for the cardio. Rob just bothers me. I’m not saying I wish him a Gretchen-like headwound…but it would be sorta funny.
Rob is a tool who is so self absorbed he doesn’t realize he is engaged to a zombie who has no opinions, nothing interesting to say, and doesn’t even look hot anymore.
Great recap!
Is it just me or did Lynn/Alex seem way closer than the other teams on the spear throwing contest?
Maybe Lynn and Alex were closer…”to accommodate Lamar’s limp-wristed throwing style”, if I may quote the esteemed Revenge of the Nerds.
heh.
I just came to write the same question!!
It did seem like Lynn was standing 18 inches from the bag in the spear throw. While everyone else was much further.
Also, Lynn and Rob’s throws looked EXACTLY like Lamar throwing the javelin in Revenge of the Nerds.
Yay AR. By By Ray & Deanna. Liked Deanna, hated Ray so no sympothy here. Hope she does herself a favor and run away from him as fast as possible.
It seems that Uchenna & Joyce would have won at least three legs if they weren’t so fucked up on directions. They’re always placing 3rd. And when they lost their bags I wanted to put my foot through the TV. How do you loose your freakin bag? Thank goodness they don’t have a child because they would end up loosing it. (Ok that was callous. I take it back) By the way, when the driver said feed the lion I could have swore Uchenna was gonna jump out of the truck and hand the meat to them. I thought, “did he just leave the vehicle?” Go UchJoyce
When they were lost in the city the gay duo’s “Tupac” and stereotypical comments were hilarious. I thought they were more classy than that, being gay and all, but it was still funny.
You guys didn’t know about the gay rule on the Race? They get to stand closer in challenges that involve throwing things, but the trade off is that they don’t get prizes when they arrive first.
OK, everyone, just hold your horses…. let’s think about this logically. For everyone who loves Rob and Amber, they are still on the show. Happy happy joy joy for you. For everyone who loathes and despises them, like myself, having them still on the show is still good. Why? What makes the show even more fun to watch is the fact that the other teams loathe and despise them also. So, since you and I are not on TV with millions of captive viewers listening to us loathe and despise Rob and Amber, at least there are several other teams doing it. Especially the gay guys, God love ‘em, everything they say is a gem. I wish they got even more screen time. But their loathing seems the most intense, so a best case scenario, for everyone who loathes and despises the Survivor duo, is for Rob and Amber to stay in the game until the bitter and BARELY get second place. They always say, 2nd place is the 1st loser. To have them fall from the highest height would be the most satisfying for those of us rooting against them. So, before you wish for their early departure, think of how much more fun it will be if they stay in a long time and lose.
it’s going to make GREAT tv when rob & amber are eliminated! the best.
I am hoping for Lynn and Alex to lose to Rob and Amber in a foot race to the finish…
Just because I think Lynn’s purpose for living will be over and he will take his own life, samurai style.
and really, a ritual samurai suicide on TAR would be AWESOME!
oh, I hate Lynn and Alex twice as much as the hate people have for Rob and Amber, (if you couldn’t tell)
Abfab recap!! just what I waited for. I was a little perturbed by Rob not stopping. It is totally callous. It doesn’t take much to pull over and roll a window down. Lynn/Alex have way more class. ANd good for the old folks. Ray/ D DID deserve to lose. They suck. Good riddance!!
My love for Phil is becoming obsessive. Did you see how he got a little choked up at the end? *Sigh* He is a real man in all senses of the word. (Yes, I stare at his package too.) This show would not be the same without him. Marry me, Phil!!!!!
Saw Ray & Deanna on the CBS Early show —- OI VEY, they are engaged and he looks like a monkey ( sorry monkeys that read this )
She had on makeup and her eye looked intact.
I was hoping the CBS chick asked Deanna about Phil’s package…..but alas, NO!
Happygirl, have you seen Phil’s site? http://www.philkeoghan.com/ I am absolutely delighted to find out that Phil once hosted a show called Keoghan’s Heroes. Seriously.
Please note the photo of him leaping.
B-Side- Thanks for another great recap. I have a question – does anyone know if the brothers are actually from St. Louis? They look very familiar to me, but maybe I am confusing them with Zach Braff.
Best episode EVER. It’s probably just me, but so many of things the brothers said reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite. I can just see them back home saying “GOD, I told you, on my vacation I threw spears with a bushman named Yoda and then i had this wicked car wreck and then I caught a delicious bass….JEEZ!” Ok, maybe it is just me.
Love the brothers, but love Ramber more. When they brought that woman from the market with them to the Pit Stop it was freaking hilarious.
DUDE – a reference to Voltron – sweet.
What was especially great about the ending was that Ray didn’t see it coming. If you watch it over again on Tivo, it appears as if he’s getting out the door and is surprised to see another car racing past him. Were they checking their rear view mirrors?
I think the bushmen are part of the conspiracy to help Lynn and Alex win. They were like 5 feet away from the target.
One other point. I’m thrilled that the show ended the way it did (with the brothers coming from behind and beating Ray/Deana). However, were the brothers truly entitled to a replacement vehicle? The rules, as I understand them, are that you get a replacement vehicle if your vehicle breaks down because of something that is no fault of your own. The show wouldn’t have been very satisfying if it ended with the brothers stuck in the middle of nowhere, but rules are rules, and one could make a good argument that Ray and Deanna got screwed.
I liked the brothers before, but after this last leg, I really like them. They are now one of the 3 teams I would most like to see win. I’m just glad that Ray and Deana were eliminated instead of the brothers.
It’s so funny how there are now 2 conspiracy theory camps. One camp insists that no matter what we seem to see on screen, CBS has orchestrated a Rob and Amber win (or at least top 3 finish, I guess.) The other camp now thinks maybe Lynn and Alex are getting some help or preferential treatment.
I was joking about the Lynn/Alex conspiracy.
I second the props for the Voltran reference.
i don’t know. it’s not like they put unleaded in a diesel engine. they were driving on sand, essentially, which i don’t think the average urban american would be expected to do well. and it’s not like they were being intentionally reckless, doing donuts or anything (though don’t know how fast they were going) so, i’m more apt to blame the producers rather than the brothers, especially if it’s a decision that leads to the elimination of a loathsome couple!
THAT WAS BRILLIANT EDITING WITH THE BROTHERS AND LYNN IN THEIR CARS. IT WAS PERFEECT
ROB IS A TOTAL HYPOCRITE.
Who is this B-Side man at who’s feet we all worship? A man whose musings on our guilty pleasures are more addictive than a narcotic? Is he old or young? Gay or straight? Hip or dorky? Funny in person or a social misfit? I need to know more about this man. (For the record, I’m guessing young, straight, dorky and funny.)
B-Side, why don’t you have a REAL bio section on this website? What sort of disfigured face or shady past are you hiding?
Great recap. Still heart the oldsters, but the brothers are growing on me like mold on a college guy’s dirty dishes. As for Lynn/Alex, they are still annoying with thier Romber obsession, but they stepped up with class after the wreck (unless you consider the class points they lose for being the biggest tattletales since Cindy Brady).
I LOVE THE LYNN AND ALEX, THEY ARE HYSTERICALLY FUNNY. THE BROTHERS HAVE TO WIN THIS THOUGH. I THINK THEY ARE FINALLY GETTING THEIR ACT TOGETHER AND ARE THE ONLY SERIOUS COMPETTION FOR RAMBA.
Catie . . . oh yes, Phil’s website is a well-worn bookmark on my computer. Here is my favorite pic of sweet and wonderful Phil:
http://www.noopportunitywasted.com/gallery/detail.php?pID=pk&id=2
1. caps lock=sucks
2. The brothers are getting their act together? They just totalled their car and BARELY avoided elimination for the 2nd time (or is it 3rd).
I like the the brothers but, I don’t know if they finally ‘put it all together’. I think what you meant to say is, ‘I’m glad someone imploded worse then the brothers again this week.’
Mediagirl: My friend said that the brothers ARE from St Louis. Before the season started I was a little irked by them since I am actually FROM Santa Monica and they were just posing. But I can’t help but root for them now.
soriner: I saw ray and Deena on the CBS morning show and they said they thought they were in the clear because they couldn’t see the brothers behind them because of all the dust.
That was an awesome part.
I love me the Ramber, but I did have a pang of sadness when Rob didn’t even slow down. I thought that was very lame.
Great episode. I don’t know how Rob and Amber can’t end up in the final three, who’s going to beat them? The incredible gay duo or the oldies but goodies? I doubt it.
The fix is in! I have also come to the conclusion that a conspiracy is happening right before our very eyes. There is no way that fat-ass Rob and Amberslut could have made it so far without some kind of retribution for their mistakes. Lets look at the facts: They make big mistake after big mistake (I mean let’s face it folks, they aren’t too bright to begin with – can you say aardvark? – apparently not, moron} but somehow these mistakes actually work in their favor! How can that be unless CBS (shame on you!) has been helping them along just to keep them in the race for better ratings. I mean what are the odds of someone in South Africa recognizing you from Survivor? Sorry, CBS, not that stupid. In the meantime, it’s sayonara. The race is so blatantly fixed that I see no reason to continue watching. So bye-bye CBS, I’m not going to waste my time. If I were the other teams, I would seriously consider a class action lawsuit!
OK why has there been like 5 double posted comments today? That’s irritating!
MediaGirl,
I went to college with Greg (of the brothers) and I’m almost positive that he is from St. Louis. I really don’t remember him being from California.
The shot of Lynn and Alex with the empty seats was totally money!
All I can say is that RAY finally got his lesson, “there will always be someone YOUNGER, FASTER AND STRNGER than you”, I’m sure he wont forget that soon.
Yei Brothers!!!
Phil’s website is amazing everyone…thank you bitty….i wonder if Phil knows how intense we are about him and his package?
“I mean what are the odds of someone in South Africa recognizing you from Survivor?”
You do realise survivor is a very popular show in South Africa? You didnt? Well guess what, it is.
As for Ramber I think they got edited in the crash incident to make them look worse then it was. L/A made a big deal about not stopping.. well apart from them noone else stopped either. That was what seemed to be the big deal, them not stopping, they may have rolled the window and asked and it just got edited out. L/A never saw the other teams just “drive on by” too, and that they not show L/A say something more along the lines of “them beetches didnt even slow down and ask if they could help” which come on they are petty like that and woulda complained about that too. And even phil on the bathmat asked about the stopping, if they were the bad guys that cbs is trying to make them out to be, then phil shoulda said, “so didnt even slow down and offer assistance?”. Just seems to be some crafty editing going on. Like the pictures that they show from inside the crash, edited in after the fact.
Didnt Ron remind us of iraq on the first episode inside the cave?
Great recaps as always, and glad the brothers beat j/v lite in a foot race, was hooting and hollering for it.
TAR7 is the Best Ever topped off by your excellent recaps B-side!!
Yay! RayBolo and Deana are gone!
anyone else notice the hissing snake noises during the slo-mo shot of Rob smiling as they drove on past the wreck, as well as when Phil asked them about not stopping when they were on the mat?
ARK-VADARKS RULE!
I feel the need to put my 2 cents in and say that Rob & Amber did nothing wrong by not stopping and getting out of their car for the brothers. Lynn & Alex had already gotten out of their car to help. What could Romber have done? Just get out so later they can say “I offered to help”? It’s sad that this is what the World is coming to and people only help others for their own personal gain.
Rob showed compassion by saying he didn’t want anyone to get hurt while he was driving. It isn’t like he sat there and said “I hope they die so we have one less team to race agaisnt”.
The reason all of the other teams stopped to roll down their windows and ask the brothers if they were ok was because nobody else was there. The other teams didn’t know that Lynn & alex had already stopped to help them out but Romber obviously did. Therefore, they are not bad people. You all are just looking for reasons to hate them.
Alright, I too am a fan of the brothers. But I have a question…..Didn’t one of them appear on Fear Factor a few years ago, and he had to eat something gross (duh), but he was talking the whole time and Joe Rogan was telling him to stop talking or else he wouldn’t make the time limit.
And of course he didn’t, but he refused to leave and was arguing with Joe ???? I swear it is one of the bro’s…. Can anyone confirm ???
Lisa,
Rob gives a testimonial, after some time to gather his thoughts, justifying his ‘not stopping to help’ by saying ‘its part of the race’.
The easy answer was to say that L&A were already there…but he didnt, because he has no clue where the ‘game’ ends and where ‘reality’ begins…
as you can tell Im not his biggest fan, but like B-Side says ” they make good TV ”
Akaidah – Everyone is dumber after having read your post. In fact, I think we are all borderline retarded now.
One thing I was wondering about as far as the rolling down of the window thing was that people were passing the wreck on the left (the passenger side in South Africa). This would be the side the cameraman would be on. They may have been rolling their windows down just to get a better shot. When I watched Uchenna & Joyce and Meridith & Gretchen go by, you hear a voice ask if they are OK, but it doesn’t sound like Uchenna or Meredith, and I think it probably was a cameraman.
I’m sure Rob and Amber slowed down a little (if nothing else just as a gaper thing). Also, from the camera shot you see from Rob’s car as they go by, it appears that everyone is standing up at that point, and they may have figured everything was taken care of.
That being said, I think Rob and Amber should have definitely slowed down and at least asked to make sure everything was OK. It’s the basic human thing to do, and I was disappointed that they didn’t do it.
GREAT re-cap of both part 1 & 2!
Rob & Amber represent EVERYTHING that is wrong with our society today. I am mystified by the people who say they like them, and think they are great!????!!! Can you say: Style (or superficial attractiveness) over substance????
But then again, I was mystified at Bush being re-elected.
For those of you who defend RAMBER by saying, Well that’s just how you play the game…it is a competition after all….funny, seems like the other teams do just fine without those completely soul-less tactics. But again, I refer to my comment above re. what’s wrong with society today.
And are Ramber necessary as the “Team we LOVE to hate”, thereby making good tv??? I think not. Who needs stupid pseudo celebrities when you have Ray & Deanna???? Ron & Kelly are next I predict.
Can’t wait for the next episode…and re-cap thereof.
Something strange is ocurring when the bushmen are more covered in their crotch areas than look-at-this(!) host Phil is. As for Ray, I hope you get really old and become a shrivelled up geezer!!!! May you grow old and weary!!!
Wooly, I heard that Brian of the brothers was on Fear Factor in December 2003.
Yes, the Christmas episode, where he had to eat a penis covered in ants. He’s the one who kept blabbing and showing off while he was eating, and misunderstood the rules so that he still had the last mouthful of peener in his mouth when the 20 minutes were done. (I guess he thought that you had to have it all in your mouth by the buzzer, but it was that he had to have a clean mouth by the buzzer.) So he lost! Booyah! Where was the fist-bump then, huh?
Great recap- I laugh out loud every week when I read them!! Just a comment re: ramber not stopping- everyone knows this is a show with numerous techs, staff etc. of the amazing race around. I think it is pretty safe to assume that no one was going to be left in the desert to die. I kept thinking how useless Lynn and Alex seemed to be standing there- nice, but useless.
Just ‘amembered: Lynn (or was it Alex? Which one’s the big one?) saying, “muhlululul Flats!” when he couldn’t be bothered to pronounce the name of wherever they were in Botswana. Ha!