Great re-cap! I almost thought it was B-Side.

I wasn't able to watch this, so thanks for the ultrafast recap! I was curious about how this would go: are Dave and Mary still super sweet and Romber super annoying? Seems like D+M took a page from Romber's book and are trying to be cuthroat - Rosie won't give you anything else if you're not nice, you two!!!

Awesomely funny recap - I totally thought this was b-side, and was surprised to see Awesomeness wrote this. Great job, Awesomeness!!

I love this all-star season! I hope Dustin and Kandice get to be the first all-girl team to win.

Amazing!

Relax. You haven't offended Romber fans. There's are more Romber haters than Romber fans. I hope they lose the race. I was wondering where B-Side was recently. So that explains why I haven't seen a lot recently.

Where is B Side? This blows.

Team Cha Cha Cha FTW!

I love them! My favorite team ever. I doubt they'd go in an alliance with Charla and Mirna. They're very friendly but they like to work alone.

I miss B Side too. An AMAZING RACE this awesome deserves a B Side recap.

this was a good recap...don't get me wrong. but part of what I liked about this site was that the whole b-side/j-unit aspect of it. (among others who are now departed). I just wish that some shows would stay traditional and farm out some of the other shows. get old skool.

okay enough ranting.

It looked to me like Phil was disappointed when he saw Rombah coming to the mat. I'm not sure how I feel about the new-Kentucky either, Awsomeness...definitely WWCBD.

No honestly, where is B Side?

That was awesome! And even though I love Romber and greatly dislike Mirna/Shmearny...I still thought it was hilarious!

And seriously, Mary and David? What happened? Ya'll used to be so down-home and nice! Now ya'll are cut throat and anti-alliance? WWCBD? LOL

I think Awesomeness has taken a lesson or two from the late/great EdHill's School of Blogging. Awesomeness must have gotten gold stars on the day spell-checking was taught to be over-rated. :(

I am confused by the names used for the Na-cousins. Is this a nickname given to them: the Na-Na's or was "Charna" simply mistakenly misspelled each time except for once? Is her name not Charla? It IS Mirna but I don't think I am wrong in thinking that her cousin is Charla. Am I?

I am ready to see a couple of teams go home already. The two teams top on my list are Team Kentucky and Romber.

David and Mary have forgotten why they were so well liked their first time out. I am in agreement that Rosie will NOT like this "new & improved" David and Mary. Lying, cheating and stealing (a collective whole) is supposed to make them go further in the race?!? (What a lesson to teach "Mommy's Little Angels") I guess they need new tactics since Team Cho isn't here to help them advance. Hopefully Rosie will be totally disgusted with these two and she'll kick their asses out of their new home. I don't understand Mary lying to the Beauty Queens if they were going to tell the other teams (who were only three feet away) that the flight was actually no good. I will await another episode and for another idiotic step before I actually call these two "stupid." Also, I would think that Mary would have learned that she should listen to her husband every once in a while since he was the more rational of the two during their first race (her berating him about earlier flight times was such a repeat of last season -- and lookie!!! -- just like last season, the earlier flight doesn't always mean it is the better flight). Ugh.

Romber simply needs a reality check. The only team smitten with them is Team Kentucky and -- well -- that isn't overly impressive. EVERYONE wants to race against THEM? Uhm, who said? I love the preview for next week in which several teams are asking the wherabouts of these two. The answer is obviously "in a CBS taxi" but we won't get to see those video clips. Instead, we'll just see them inexplicably arrive at every roadblock or task hours before everyone else; make it through customs first in EVERY airport; see them find every "cab driver" who knows shortcuts to each of the destinations assigned to them; and hear them talk about how great they are and how everyone in the world wants to be them. I highly doubt we'll get to see them use this "new bag of tricks" because these so-called "tricks" are actually the inner-workings of CBS and the show's producers. Phil actually seemed quite un-surprised and rather un-impressed that "Team Number One" happened to be Rob and Amber. These two arriving about an hour before anybody else (Rob exaggerated the time by saying they'd waste some three hours) at a destination some 65 miles away (NOT a great distance to travel in ANY country) made the intervention of the Powers-That-Be all the more apparent. Here's to hoping it isn't so obvious next time. They had NO competition this entire leg. Whatever.

I would think Kevin and Drew would try to get into shape if they knew they'd be running again. I'd also think Mirna would have learned how to drive a stick. But, hey, these kinds of things always happen on reality shows. Seriously -- the worst is Survivor and NOT knowing how to make fire. Wouldn't anybody cast on this show immediately spend an entire afternoon at home learning how to make fire?!?

I was disappointed to see John Vito and Jill go home first. I liked them in their previous season and wanted to see more of them.

It was mentioned on another TAR entry, but Terri's face is rather creepy. Whoa! She was probably used as a "celebrity endorsement" for that plastic surgeon; but I'd say it was more of a disaster than an improvement. I did like the little clip of Terri riding her bike like there was no tomorrow -- it was her poor bike-riding skills in Season 3 that caused Ian to fly off the handle and yell at her (again) after she fell over on a bike and bloodied her knee. He was such an asshole -- something is telling me he still is. "Big Kahuna" what? Where the hell did that come from? Is Kahuna another name for prick?

I think this recap took a Quaalude.

Did B-Side die? Really did he?

I appreciate Romber and only winners can understand this. You don't insult us when you knock them because we generally have sympathy toward those less gifted than ourselves.
God does not show favor to those who do not love thy neighbor as we love ourselves... so you are all soooooo loved, more than you will ever know.

I guess any recap is better than none... but what do they pay B-Side the big bucks for exactly?
Is he going to move on to the new Dukes of Hazzard series.. or maybe something equally less important than Studio 60.

As far as reality TV goes you must admit The Amazing Race it the most awarded and Top rated reality show, so who better to recap it than... umm..... who was this again?......um.. Awesomeness... yeah, that's the name...
Thanks for the words.

I am an AMAZING RACE freak, fan, fanatic...whatever you want to call me (I even came in third in a hometown Amazing Race contest - seriously!!!!)....and I thought this recap was great.

The Amazing Race recaps are what first brought me to this website. This one had me laughing out loud just like they always have in the past.

One last note to those racing on TAM...in learning about driving a stick shift, be sure and brush up on the use of alternative fuels such as Diesel. I am sure that will come in to play again this season.

Also - I am a Romber fan...and "No" I am not offended. I can't quite explain my affection for them...but I love me some Rob Mariano.

Count me as cheerleader for Team Romber (still got me some sour grapes about Romber's jet taxiing back to the departure gate just to pick up Uchena & Joyce 2 seasons ago. They were absolutely robbed of what would have been the most lopsided AR victory ever). In spite of their cockiness, they are still a very crafty T-E-A-M: work very well together, respect and encourage each other, and defer to the other's strengths. Not quite understanding all the love for Team Kentucky - Mary has been and continues to be a hag to poor David. Their turn to the dark side won't go over well and makes her even more unlikeable. And finally, I sure would like Mirna & Shmirna to go far this time, if only to see that tenacious dwarf lugging a side of beef again while her useless cousin watches plaintively. God I love them.

Second the notion that Romber was robbed on their last effort at TAR. On their reality show Rob comments about that plane incident (so ridiculous)...that little stunt by CBS almost ruined me from TAR. But seeing as how I am addicted I of course would never leave it.

Romber makes the race so much more interesting. I love 'em. I don't really get the Dave and Mary fascination. Sure, they're fun I guess, but they haven't got a chance. This recap had its moments- "they have to find one of Ecuador's undead who will give them one of three departure times..."- hilarious- that guy was so weird, but overall I miss B-side.

I hate Robandamba. I hope there's a challenege where locals throw tomatoes at them.

What are the listening to?

All Stars? Kentucky?? And that big dork who couldn't outrun the little person?

They need some couples who argue a lot.

i love rob and amber, because i love to hate rob and amber. they are ultra-competitive, they talk trash, they have unbelievable luck (or the help of CBS, take your pick), everywhere they go they're recognized and helped along while the other teams flounder . . . what's not to love to hate?

rob is the classic schoolyard bully who never gets in trouble because he's up the teacher's ass, and amber is the vacuous girlfriend who stands by and giggles while the bully rubs some poor geek's nose in the dirt. they get away with murder, and despite the fact that they have been living quite comfortably off of reality TV villainy for years now, they keep getting free stuff from CBS and more chances to win more money. i repeat: WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE TO HATE?

as for the rest of the crew: i didn't pick up on this show until the 4th or 5th season, so a lot of teams are anonymous to me.

i'm not that worried about dave and mary, because, honestly, i don't think they will last long against this crew without the cho brothers there to carry them.

i actually liked the so-called 'frat boys' in their season (sort of for the same reason i like rob and amber), but the blonde one had more personality, and i think eric's competitiveness will cause some friction there with his airhead girlfriend (nevermind the friction they'll be generating between pit stops).

great to see uchenna and joyce, but sorry to hear that they are still rocky and haven't had luck with the baby--sort of blows the happy ending from their upset victory over the rombers (yeah, rob & amber got screwed, but so what?--they've already made plenty of money playing games on TV).

the rombers may be smug and arrogant, but they are correct in their self-assessment--they're clearly the team to beat. and while others are tired of them, i can't imagine an 'all-star' A-race without them. some of the other choices, however, seem questionable. where are colin and christie, for instance? they dominated their race, only to let it slip through their fingers at the end. they must have broken up (for christie's sake, i hope so). and where are kris and jon, the ultra-cool, really good-looking couple who finished second to the dreaded freddie and kendra? they were awesome. did they break up too? (i hope not; they should definitely reproduce.)

"I think Awesomeness has taken a lesson or two from the late/great EdHill's School of Blogging. Awesomeness must have gotten gold stars on the day spell-checking was taught to be over-rated. :( "

You know the funny thing, I acutally use spellchecker on my posts before I post them and they STILL get through with a bunch of mistakes.

One of these days I am going to post one raw without any spellchecking. I swear it looks like I wrote it in German.

I havent watched TAR since season 5, but Mirna and Chmirna brought me back. There is still not a realtiy scene funnier than when Charla says "I just got electrocuted!!" and Mirna says "hurry up!"

And Edhill- if you have enough time to post, surely you have enough time for PR season 4! Pretty please?? I will edit and spell check for you.

I should remember this, but I don't.....were the frat boys the same ones in the pictures with the hippies all loving up on each other? Or am I thinking of some other team??

Good job awesomeness.

B-Side is alive and well. There are even videos of him in the Newsgasm section. You just have to look for him in other places than before.

And Ed, I have noticed a marked improvement in your spelling since the midseason mark. Makes me think that you found a replacement recapper... :)

Geez, people, we all love B-Side, but I think Awesomeness did a great job on this recap.

My only problem with you, Awesomeness, is your love of Mirna and Shmirna. Ew.

I said it last season and nobody listened (or read): That Southern sweetness is all veneer. It's like they always say: "Y'all come back now, heah?" They're actually saying "Get the hell out". And a Southern Belle can cut your heart out of your breathing chest while saying "Is this all raht, darlin'?"

That being said, Dave and Mary are a couple of conniving rat bastards that played the "sweet" card until they got something. I do love the irony that most of their loot was given by someone I despise.

This being a rant, I'll also add the Rombers are on my shit list, right where they landed during their "Survivor" stint. The only thing I gave Rob points for was his great scheming and landing at least half the mil by marrying Amber, who so richly deserved a rat-bastard husband.

All this having been said, I have no favorites yet; I suspect I'll root for the underdogs, as usual, if only so I can rag on the annoying winners, just like I did last season with the druggie models.

At any rate, we're off to the races and I'll look forward to the next ep. BTW, Awesomeness, you don't deserve some of the flak you're taking. Yes, B-Side was great but I have a feeling you're going to develop into an even better blogger. Any of you that think you can do better than A then you should have stepped to the plate when TVG was looking for bloggers.

Hey, Tony A, I was with the last season on David and Mary! And got actually pretty annoyed at the way, people would tell you off for saying anything against them.

Still, not sure I'm not sure I'd call them conniving rat bastards though ;-) But it was their sanctimonious, judgmental attitude from last season that got my goat, and their "new" approach imo, shows that it was more about us vs them, than any true moral compass. Of course, I'd be able to look past all of that if they could just do one competent thing, just for once.

Can't believe they're on allstars. What a waste. They're pretty much just cannon fodder and should be gone soon enough at least.

Perhaps Mirna can't drive a manual cause she can't reach the clutch? Damn I can barely depress the clutch all the way without the seat being pretty far forward and I am 5 foot 4. That she cannot depress the clutch seems a pretty reasonable explanation as to why she doesn't know how to drive one.

Here we go again...another season of listening to the Bitch-billy berate and degrade her very sweet hubby on national TV. For God's Sake, woman! SHUT UP!!!!! Mary evidently didn't watch the season before. Either that, or this is so typical of her at home, that for her she's just actin' normal. Poor Dave, I really feel bad for him. He needs to dump her ass and take the kids and run for the hills.

I had to stop watching about 15 minutes into the show. I just CAN'T listen to Rob's voice. I cringe everytime he opens his mouth. I'll keep up with the recaps and when (hopefully soon) Romber gets Philiminated, I'll be back. Bad move CBS feeding this Celebrity Whore couple more face time. They will NEVER go away as long as CBS keeps telling them how much everyone looooooooves them.

Damn! The first season of TAR that I won't be watching. And that includes Family Edition. By the way, couldn't we have had at least two of the Linzes in this season. Watching them go up against Romber would have been awesome!

Count me in on the Romber Fan Train. And count me OUT on Kentucky! :-P Say what you will about "bully" Rob but at least he cheers on his invisible partner and doesn't nitpick him to death like slag-hag Mary does to her invisible partner. Ugh!

I thought it was funny when Kentucky kept saying they were part of the "Best of the Best". This is the 3rd Reality show to do an All*Stars now. It's pretty obvious the Powers that Be pick people who (A) Bring drama and (B) Are willing to whore themselves out again on TV. If All Star Reality Fests were truly the Best of the Best, then Rob and Amber would never have met!

Speaking of casting and those who did not make it... I read on another site that Colin & Christie declined to be on TARAS because Christie is pregnant. Soon there will be a wee rage-filled beast born into the world. Keep an eye on him for TAR 117.

Yes, I have been going to other sites when I used to be an avid reader of the Gasm. (I used to check this site a kajillion times a day. Nowadays, it's once a day.) No offense to Awesomeness. This was, in the imitable words of Randy "Dawg" Jackson, an "a'ight" effort. But I am also missing the J-Unit/B-Side/EdHill/Copygodd/sg-dub perspective that brought me here. I think B-side should lighten up on the MTV recaps and come back to the shows that built TVGasm's fanbase. At least, once in a while, anyway.

I have to give it up to Awesomeness for "WWCBD." I'm thinking plastic bracelets are already in production in Kentucky.

I liked Dave & Mary-yes, she's overbearing, but I guess it works for their relationship. But why would we expect them to play the game exactly the same as last time when it obviously didn't work? I think with this being a supposed "All Star" season, we'll see a lot more conniving & back-stabbing & fewer alliances. At least I hope so cuz so far it's pretty boring.

I'm upset that I missed this episode. I had the flu Sunday night and completely forgot it was on! Not that I'm in the habit of watching TAR anymore. I'd watched every season until about 20 minutes into the first episode of the family edition - And never went back!

I agree with what Amber said. If you ask any of the other racers who they would like to beat in the race, who else would they pick? Rob and Amber are the team to beat.

Back on Survivor I never even really cared for them. Especially Rob, in his first season I hated him. But the two of them together have kind of grown on me and now I'm hoping that they win.

"At least I hope so cuz so far it's pretty boring."

tvaholic, it hasn't been long enough to be "boring" yet :) . I think the wrangling wasn't great excitement because it didn't prove to be a challenge and I always hate it when teams check-in at a pitstop in the exact order in which they arrive because the final challenge is not much of a challenge at all. Ecuador was beautiful but it was very ho-hum in the excitement arena. I do honestly say it is too soon to call the season boring, though.

Someone mentioned seeing a smaller Linz group -- I would have liked to see the Gaghan parents be given another shot without their pesky kids in tow. It'd have been nice to see what those two were capable of without the two little-bits.

I do have to give Awesomeness some props with the "What Would the Cho Brothers Do" idea. Sadly, David and Mary don't seem to be following this strategy. Their only strategy so far seems to be to lie to and bad-mouth the beauty queens since they are the only ones they had raced against before. I don't think they fully understand that they are racing ALL of the contestants on this season -- it isn't just another match up between you and your adversary from YOUR previous attempt. If only they could buy a clue.

This slot (David & Mary) is such a waste because they have absolutely NO chance whatsoever of winning. Others will make bigger mistakes before them and get eliminated before they do; but they have no shot at winning the entire thing. Seriously, where were either Colin & Christie, Kris & Jon, Lena & Kristy (the haybail sisters deserved another shot), Blake & Paige, the Clowns, twins Derek & Drew, the Bowling Moms, the ultra-vain "religious" models Brandon & Nicole, Kami & Karli, Lori & Bolo, beer-chugging Gus and his daughter Hera, bickering Adam and Rebecca or Jon and Victoria. Even these last two would have been better competitors than Team Kentucky. I'd have even liked to see the accident-prone Meredith and Gretchen have another shot but CBS probably couldn't afford the insurance on these two for another go-around.

bluesmith - YES it was them. I was sure I was going to find those pictures in this recap. Though it was B-side doing the recaps during the season with the hippies, frat boys and the double d's.

Awesomeness, I enjoyed this recap. It was well done. B-side can't do every recap people want him to. We need his wit to improve shows like RW Denver-COLORADO!!! anyhow. Amazing Race in and of itself is a very entertaining show (except the family version). I can almost deal with not reading a B-side recap of the Amazing Race. I cannot deal with a B-sideless RW/Hills and American Idol.

Great recap!

How did Amber managed to marry a man who can't even pronounce her name? I think Romber should be changed to ROMBUH.

Isn't it "Charla" not "Charna?"

I thought your summary was just dandy, except a little heavy on the fangirl stuff. Then again, most everybody is too fangirl for me. I like the more snarky recaps.

I think Phil is deeply in love with Romber. His face brightens every time he sees them. Personally, I abhor them. I can understand the "love to hate" aspect, because I hate all media whores and I think its lots of fun to root for their humiliation week after week. If only there was a way that no one could win a million dollars at the end, it would be perfect.

But Rob and Amber aren't even fun to hate. They are just washed up also-rans who need to crawl back under the rock they came from and let the rest of us live in peace. I almost feel sorry for them. It's like watching an old athlete play 2 seasons too long. Then I remember that Rob & Amber would sell footage of themselves taking a dump if it got them on TV, and the feeling of sympathy passes.

So, nobody is ging to mention David's new stylish hairdo? Can't wait to see him in the next "Water is the essence of Moisture" commercial.

9 out of 10 horses not watching the Romber wedding special was just plain funny.

And finally, FIANLLY, somebody continues to drive on a flat tire. If I gotta ruin one of CBS's wheels to get to the Pit Stop on time, you bet your PhilPackage I'm gonna do it. And on a dirt road no less!

I give props to Rombah.
I hate Mirna and Charla.
I hate Ian the most.
I enjoy Danny and Oswaldo.

I enjoy the name Oswaldo alone.

subgenre, thanks for the memories.
Tony A., I love recapping TAR!

Cheers!

Ok..plastic surgery watch:

Teri (of Teri and Ian) - 2 of the ugliest people on the planet. Ever. She was so botoxed up, she can hardly speak. She's so pig ugly, she better believe in reincarnation. She would have to die and come back as someone reasonably attractive.

Ambuh (of Rob/Amber): looks like a completely different woman. Did Rob divorce that ragged out bitch and marry some other reality whore?

KH

Tony A. - you're right I think we are being a little hard on Awesomeness because the recap was really good, funny, good flow among other things. I just think change is hard ;). It's like getting used to the new cast of Laguna...it takes a few episodes to adjust.

sg-dub - good to see you dropping by, you were one of my first fave bloggers back when I was a 'gasm newbie. how's baby-dub these days?

I could care less if anyone wins except for those damn BQs and Romber. Anyone else, please please win. Joyce and Uchenna, get another million dollars so you can try in vitro again. Teri, botox the shit out of your face so that you really cannot move your features at all and need a machine to wet your eyes and swallow for you.

Anyone but Romber and the BQs. Rod and Amber are quite possibly the two most useless tv-whores on this planet and the BQs are annoying, dumb and really I can't think of anything else to say besides:

They pushed past the old gay dudes. How do you push past old gay dudes? And i know in their season they supposedly pushed a mother and daughter but they seemed nonplussed about it so it's forgiven.

Thanks juxtapoeser, all is well with the boy (now 1). And really, I'm not that hard to find these days.

katieshole, that goes for you too, as you were always one of me and EdHill's favorite commenters.

I think this is really a very good first recap, Awesomeness -- esp. as you had to cover all the intro stuff. WWCBD was a nice touch. Next time just up the snark.

And B-Side (he who is without peer) is not missing; he is doing important work over at The Hills. This should not be disturbed.

One last thing though, Awesomeness -- re: BBAS, please no more talk about foresaking our brave (but fallen) Sovs for Dr. Will. This is blasphemy.

I'll be the jerk and say it... I scream at my TV (and at the cbs.com website) every time I see that Uchenna and Joyce continue to have problems in their marriage due to their failed attempts to have children. After they won in TAR7, they said they'd use the money for more IVF cycles, and they apparently did so with no luck in the intervening years. My beef with this: She's 47 years old; even using a "young" donor egg, the likelihood of her carrying a pregnancy to term (for a first child, at that) at her age is very much diminished.

I wish they would understand the limitations of their situation and find another solution. I'm sure they'd be great parents, and there's nothing wrong with trying; but there's a point at which you have to change your gameplan or else you ruin the relationship you had to begin with. Geesh.

sg-dub -- are you blogging again? or why aren't you hard to find...i think maybe i'm like fran and barry looking for a clue box :)

Mikey -- I am in agreement with you. During Uchenna and Joyce's first race they went to an orphanage and fell in love with the children there. I thought they even made reference to adoption while there if they were still unable to have a child. Children all over the world need a home. I was so excited when they won the first time because I thought them returning to that said orphanage would have been an excellent CBS Adoption Special. They would have brought much awareness to the needs of children all over the world. But I guess the talk during the first race was simply talk. It all made for good drama which made for good TV :( Them STILL having problems STILL makes for good TV (I guess this is what CBS is thinking although I am not so sure about it anymore).

Rombuh totally remind me of some of the stupid people I met in Boston. Would've been such a nice place to live...

I am not sure if CBS is helping them, but then again how can they get through those challenges with so much ease? I really don't think it's because they have anything between their ears.

I am a little ambivalent about watching this season. I really don't like any of the teams. I guess CBS wouldn't get ratings if they brought back all the nice teams that lost. What they should have done is asked back all the winners for a best of the best showdown. To see Flo whine and whine again is worth it. What great TV.

I thought the hippies were coming back?

No Jonathan/Victoria? Damn it. I never get tired of seeing dysfunctional, abusive marriages.

And no hippies either? :( Well crappola!

They were entertaining as hell. :(

And I'm sorry, but Romber is right, you know. Love them or hate them, the other competitors would all LUUUUUV to beat the pants off Romber, are you kidding?

They are mercenary and out for themselves and that just fascinates me no end. Especially when people seem to think Romber has feelings and such. Get away with that crazy talk! Feeling, huh. They don't got no feelin's.

That's what makes them so fascinating and fun to watch. Like a cartoon!

And why does Kentucky seems to have some kind of hero-worship about Romber. WTF?

It just KILLS me every time I see anyone fawn over the famous to begin with. People are people, doesn't matter if they are famous or rich or have power or whatever. Makes no difference to me at all; I would NEVER try to get an autograph or care if I saw someone "famous", who cares? It's so stupid.

But to fawn over a REALITY SHOW "CELEB"?

AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

/falls over

That's like the dregs of the dregs of celeb worship.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! /laughs again

Good recap, thank you. :)

Oh juxtapoeser,

Most Tvgasm alumni still blog, myself included.

Talk about "awesomeness!" I finally got the clue from sg-dug and Edhill!

They have their own site (with copygodd)at http://www.midseasonreplacements.com

Saved!

It is absolutely, positively mandatory -- I repeat, MANDATORY -- that B-Side write the majority (even better, all) of the Big Brother recaps, which of course is the king of all reality shows/reality show recaps.

As long as that happens, I can even live with B-Side not blogging the rest of the year -- it's that important (well, okay, keep doing Real World as well).

I always read BQ as Team BBQ because they look more like the BarBie Queens to me.

SERIOUSLY...

Where is this week's AR recap? It is now Wednesday and I am in countdown mode!!!!

it was the best episode we have had in a while and I have a list of snarky comments I am waiting to post!!!!