History and culture on 'The Amazing Race'
 

Watching last night's epi. I was happy to see that the producers highlighted the historical and cultural significance of two locations that served as pit-stops; Goree Island in Senegal (which was the departure point for slaves destined for the New World, for those that didn't watch last night) and the Berlin Wall and the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin, Germany.
It was especially nice to see the Racers' reactions to being in these locations and being confronted with the location's past (some were quite affected, some lesser so and others apparently indifferent). It reminded me about many of you who have posted about being affected by the historical significance of places you've visited. Has anyone had similar experiences at either of these locations ?
I enjoyed Gus' profound comments at each of these sites. (And I think he should have had that beer !)

Now if they could only do something about Jonathan...and that other girl, Kendra.

That blue-haired nut (Jonathan) should be charged with assault for hitting his wife numerous times on camera.

Some of the actions by the players were outrageuos. The womans comments about the people in Africa "they just keep breeding and breeding" and that out of control maniac that shoved his girlfriend because she picked up his backpack. Does he think that no one would steal in in the middle of Berlin? This is the first time I have to keep the remote handy so I can mute out all the screaming they do.

The sad thing is she probably has no clue how racist, uneducated, callous and stupid her comments are. I don't really like any of these teams - the older couple is nice but does he really need to cry every week about how wonderful his wife is? We agree. Get on with it.
Oh well, at least there's the amazing scenery, like that red lake in Senegal, and the cosmopolitan delights of Stockholm and Berlin.

Wow, I'm glad someone else is watching!

Those were two very significant locations. I like Gus and Hera a lot, and also Kris and Jon. Jonathan is just horrible.

This is a really strange group this time. It will be interesting to see what the comments are etc. after it's over. I can't really care about ANY of these people except of course the two that were eliminated last night and the father/daughter team. See, I don't even care what their names are...and, the comments made about Africa from a couple of them, especially the "breeding" thing, right in the cab in earshot of the driver...if i'd been that driver I would have dumped their sorry a-- by the roadside. I was frankly horrified. The father/daughter team also made a comment about the poverty etc. but NOT in a dirogitory way..just a sort of "that's what it is there" and contrasting it to Berlin and the U.S. Well, I'll still watch of course..but like I say..I don't really care about any of them.

The Jonathan/Victoria team is too painful to watch. I think the casting people really made a mistake. The sad thing is that even after watching himself on TV, he won't get what an abusive ass he is. I was also shocked by the breeding comment. The team of Kris and Jon have been upbeat and respectful the whole time so they are my current favorite. One of the places I was really moved by when I visted was in the U.S. - the Viet Nam Memorial in D.C.

A hearty ditto for crefloors. What on earth could the casting staff have been thinking?

Agree that Kris and Jon are behaving nicely, while most of the others are not anyone I'd choose to spend time with... (Gus and Hera excepted).

Maybe Phil could boot Jonathan-the-ass off, and let Victoria try it on her on.

I watched AR last night, just to see what you guys are raving about. The couples and how it's put together are both stupid. Very low-class entertainment, watching people with backpacks race around looking for a clue box. Stupid TV! Really stupid. Sorry, not to be too personal, but it is worse than I'd thought. How CAN you watch that junk!

I like Kris and Jon too - they seem focused on the game and aren't rude to each other or other teams as far as I can see. I hate that Jonathan guy - I was so appalled to see him shove Victoria - I thought the show's host should have said something stronger about that because it should be emphasized that this is a game, it's not worth beating up your spouse over...

Actually, I think it is fairly obvious that the casting folks have done everything exactly RIGHT..otherwise, there wouldn't be the degree of buzzz about the participants that their efforts have produced. After all, it is all about ratings and audience share.

I really was ready for Phil, the host, to step in and say "enough's enough" to Jonathan. It looked like he was on the verge, but didn't want to break character or violate his impartiality or whatever.

This season has been a drag. There is far too much bickering and anguish overshadowing some interesting locations.

Intrepid, I think you've got it backwards. There hasn't been nearly the same buzz about this season as previous seasons and the ratings are down. This is the first thread about AR since the first week. Last season we were all posting as soon as each week's episode was over and discussing/arguing about it all the time.

Mr Go has it right, this season has been a drag. Maybe they should have waited longer before starting a new season.

This is the only "reality-type" show I would ever consider watching. I suppose it's not for everyone but I certainly would say that among all the other bachelor, wife-swap crap that's also on, this is the best one. At least you get to see some fairly interesting sites from around the world. I do, however wish AR incorporated more map navigation or travel knowledge or something that takes more than just endurance and who can make 7" long sausages.

"This season has been a drag."

So much so that I have stopped watching. Try "House" on Fox at the same time.

Of course, if I hear that someone kills Jonathan, I'll definitely TIVO that episode.
((H))

..did you hear the older woman say "wow, seven inches is really big!"

I don't think the casting people made a mistake at all, look who it is and what it that is being discussed here by many.

What is it that stands out about the current group - Jonathan. Four of the first five posts in this thread mention him by name or deed.

The job of a director and a casting agent for a reality tv show is to find people that the audience would find interesting and someone they might relate to - good or bad. If they are an ass, no problem as long as they are interesting while making a fool of themself.

If I'm wrong, please explain to me Paris Hilton.

I like Gus and Hera, but after the beer incident, does anyone else wonder whether he has a drinking problem (albeit one that's mostly under control)? His behaviour was very compulsive and furtive (although he managed to get himself under control), and it was quite inconsistent with the rest of his conduct. And while his daughter's comment "You've got a problem" might have been taken out of context, she did seem to be quite upset and frustrated with him (which suggests that his conduct has a history).

Especially in light of the pushing incident last night, I think the Amazing Race should have an automatic expulsion rule for teammates who assault their partners. (Between teams, a no-shoving rule might be used strategically - like soccer players' hamming for the camera in order to get the other side served with penalties.)

I should use preview more often. I meant that, since a no-shoving rule between teams might get used strategically, the "no assault" rule should only apply as between partners.