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-   -   The Amazing Race 4 has begun ! (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/the-amazing-race-4-has-begun-322321/)

Giovanna Jul 17th, 2003 09:34 PM

And another week's adventures passes. I couldn't believe it when that "charming" couple came in last and then weren't eliminated. There's no justice. Was pleased the clowns did well. Tonight's challenges at least weren't the vile kinds of things they have been required to do the last couple of weeks. I was glad of that.

Clifton Jul 17th, 2003 09:49 PM

They did luck out. Shame, as I wasn't a big fan of the cattiness I was seeing from them last show.

Then again, I wasn't particularly impressed with the approach to the social graces that Chuck showed tonight. Ah well, I suppose as much I hope the clowns do well, none of it has influence on who does best at winning a race.

But I didn't see nearly as much of Malaysia as I wanted to. Seemed like much of this episode was in airports and on tight shots of the tasks. More scenic distance & environmentals shots, that's what I'm rooting for.

QueenMab Jul 18th, 2003 07:39 AM

Although I didn't like their behavior, I have to say I was very impressed with Kelly's targeting skills at the end. She got that challenge quicker than any of the guys! I found Chuck and Millie's attitude rather offensive at times. I'm rooting for Chip and Reichen or the Clowns (and I hate clowns!!). :)

Ryan Jul 18th, 2003 07:51 AM

I have to admit I haven't been watching this one as much as I did number 3 after the really, really whiney and obnoxious girl won last time.

Jibboo Jul 18th, 2003 08:37 AM

Has anyone heard anything about Amazing Race # 5? I want to go... This is what all reality TV should be like!!!

MichelleY Jul 18th, 2003 09:48 AM

There may not be AR5 due to ratings and the expense in producing it. We fans have to e-mail CBS and let them know how much we love it (or hate it) so they will bring it back. I read in the paper this morning that AR was nominated for an Emmy in the reality show category.

jor Jul 18th, 2003 11:02 AM

Chuck was the only one who was not celebrating the one year wedding anniversary. He had his arms crossed. What a jerk.

Mme_LeBlanc Jul 18th, 2003 11:11 AM

TAR is one of my favorite shows.I've been watching since the first show and my favorite teams of all time are Team Cha Cha Cha, the Frat Boys, and the Brothers K&G from last year. I agree this year's teams are pretty annoying. Bad shots of India as well. I wouldn't say they're doing any favors for the Indian Tourist Board. Can't wait to see more of Malaysia.

As was mentioned, I wish the non-eliminations were more like the previous seasons where you didn't know it was coming instead of how it is now. Even Jon of KElly and Jon figured out that they weren't going to be eliminated although they were the last team to arrive.

By the way, as someone mentioned, Television Without Pity.com (TWOP) has a section on this show and people from the previous races log in and answer any questions that you have. The gay older team from the second season have written in (they're much nicer than they were on their season), the minister and his wife, Cha Cha Cha and the Frats have all written in to answer questions and gossip. Lots of fun.

capo Jul 18th, 2003 11:14 AM

I liked John's comment last night when he and Kelly discovered it wasn't an elimination round, "I bet the house on it."

I applaud CBS for having a same-sex couple in every (I think) race (just goes to show that gays can be every bit as nice -- and scheming -- as straights), and it's especially nice to see them note that the current couple, Chip & Reichen, are married. If Millie & Chuck are still virgins after 12 years, my bet would be that they're religious conservatives, so it doesn't surprise me that Chuck wouldn't have been celebrating the one year anniversary of Chip & Reichen.

sandi Jul 18th, 2003 01:23 PM

While Millie might not approve of the relationship between Chip and Reichen, at least she forced a smile - but Chuck, well, what can you say about Chuck. He's just so overall "sour". Kind of wonder whether they'll stick to it after the AR4 is over, whether they win or not.

My vote is still for the clowns, but we'll have to wait till the end.

I believe everyone who has responded to this thread has contacted CBS (I know I did) to keep the show on. When one thinks how much is paid to the "friends" on FRIENDS (or any like show with high salaries going to the "stars"), the Amazing Race probably doesn't come close to those costs.

Mariarosa Jul 18th, 2003 03:55 PM

I admit that I emailed CBS to keep the Amazing Race. As Sandi said, compared to the millions of dollars per episode spent on "Friends" just on salaries, TAR production costs are low!

I like Millie's perseverence. She is one tough cookie. But Chuck is so immature. There is Reichen and Chip having a beautiful moment and he looks he's about to puke... She needs to dump him the minute the show is over.

Regarding Malaysia - the very little we saw looks beautiful! It was great that the teams were *not* told how to get to Malaysia. This created some variability in the flights chosen.

Go clowns!

Mme_LeBlanc Jul 18th, 2003 04:18 PM

Just read a June 28th TV Guide article on TAR called 10 Things You Didn't Know about TAR. Couldn't find a link to make this easier so sorry in advance and skip if you're not interested.

1)Each team must stay within 20 feet of the cameraman and sound tech at all times and buy tickets (air/train) for them as well. 2) Teams are given credit cards to book their flights with no price limit but must be economy class. 3)Extra clothing is occasionally provided. 4)The challenges are a lot safer than they look-safety has to be 100% nailed down. 5)Cash for each leg is always in US $$. There's also an emergency fund of $200 but it's like a fast forward and can only be used once. 6)Medical help is always around the corner, no matter where they are. 7)Certain countries are off the map in a post 9/11 world. 25-year Special Air service veteran is in charge of security and gives rules on what countries teams can travel through(no connections through Baghdad). He also provides bodyguards in more dangerous areas and decides if teams can sleep safely outside. 8)Teams get exclusive access to some of the tourist attractions (ie the garden surrounding the Taj Majal or the northeast leg of the Eiffel Tower). 9)Phil Keoghan does his own makeup (and uses MAC cosmetics). 10)Strangers on the street order Phil to Philiminate them but never to say that they've won.

MichelleY Jul 25th, 2003 08:36 AM

I was disappointed with the result of the race last night. But, Millie and Chuck screwed up big time by getting lost. However, Jon and Kelly are so mean spirited and nasty to each other!!! I saw Millie and Chuck on the morning show. They are still together but no marriage plans. They were surprised at the nasty comments from Jon and Kelly. Chuck remarked:"They were nicer to us to our faces than they are to each other!!"

Tune in next week.

Maira Jul 25th, 2003 09:30 AM

I was really surprised to hear that the teams are heading next to the North Korea border DMZ, talk about hazard duty....

jon Jul 25th, 2003 10:52 AM

The site says they get lost and end up there (N. Korea border). I don't think it was actually meant that they go there.

Giovanna Jul 25th, 2003 11:39 AM

Michelle: I agree. Talk about twists of fate. I was sure we would get rid of the Nasty Duo, but they really lucked out. Was pleased the clowns were second. Would love to see them win. The N. Korea thing shocked me too. Glad to hear it was accidental. Ratings or not, putting the teams in harms way would be unacceptable to me. Onward to next Thursday!

Maira Jul 25th, 2003 01:53 PM

Millie stated they had been up all night strategizing, calling airlines, and talking. Well, it certainly was their demise, she is typically the brains and was so out of it literally falling on her face of tiredness. Kelly and John seem to deserve each other.

RufusTFirefly Jul 26th, 2003 07:39 AM

If Millie can't read maps, why wasn't she driving?

As to the Korean DMZ--they would be stopped long before they got into any dangerous areas. We took a DMZ tour 3 years ago and had to sign a release of liability for the UN, USA, and ROK. So our heirs couldn't sue them if the North Koreans decided to chop us up with axes or something. Because neither side is supposed to carry weapons in the DMZ, the guards on our tour bus were Korean MPs with TaeKwonDo black belts. It was interesting to walk around in what is technically North Korea's side of the border in Panmunjom.

Grinisa Jul 26th, 2003 07:46 AM

My husband asked the same thing about Millie-why didn't she drive? I bet it's because she can't drive a stick shift. I can't believe someone who can't even read a map would get on this show.

dln Aug 1st, 2003 04:07 AM

Well, what did you all think of last night's episode? I couldn't have stomached those writhing, slimy, suction-cupping optopii! And with no seasoning, either, to bring out the taste...thank you but I'll pass. I couldn't have done the swimming like the guys did. Kelly of course didn't volunteer for that stunt, I notice. I have this sinking feeling that she and Jon will win the race just like that nasty whiny-bottom Flo did, last season. Have you noticed how easily they find clues, despite being lost, or being in last place, etc? I can't imagine that pair would have a happy life, though. They're all praises to each other when the going's good, and absolutely vile when it's not. Stay tuned!


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