Amazing Race 11/8
 

Well, have to recodre tonight because I have a dinner engagement.

Some of you are already watching, and I am really looking forward to viewing tonight's episode. Looks interesting.

Will try to stay away from this forum till after I watch the tape.

It is only 5:30 here, and I am itching to watch....2 hours tonight, yippee!!!! My friend asked what I was doing tonight, then she said "oh ya, your show is on." Funny! They know better than to bother me on Tuesday nights!! :)

I won't spoil the ending but the second hour was better than the first. I am still amazed at the number of people who cannot read a map.

Well, the only real surprise tonight is that the final elimination turned out to be (or at least seem, with editing) close.

Some decent tasks but an awful lot of point-to-point driving. Really frustrating to have so quick a look at the Grand Canyon, with no task or stopover there. Wonder if the Park Service vetoed any possible tasks there.

All I have to say is thank God they are finally out...I was really getting sick of them! How miserable it must be to be them...

I can't believe I watched the whole thing.

I think I'm going to have to start The Amazing Race Drinking Game. Have a drink every time Ma Weaver says "Thank you, Lord." Have a drink every time one of the Paolos is unthinkably nasty to another. Have a drink every time the Goodlookskis shriek in unison. Have a drink every time Wally can't keep up with his daughters. Oh, look! The show just got a lot more interesting!

I guess this must mean I'm rooting for the Linz family, huh?

At this point I'll taken ANYONE but the Weavers.!!!!!!

I have been lurking on these threads since the show started but today I wanted to respond.

I am enjoying this "domestic" version although I am sure they will not repeat it.

I particularly enjoyed last nights episodes because I have been to Page recently & the guy who introduced himself as Marcus at the Dam was not only a tour guide there but also a waiter at Bella Napoli in Page (often recommended by Fodorites). Mr. Laurieb & I were just cracking up.

It was fun for me to watch, because we leave for our Arizona trip on Saturday, and I've never been there.

As usual, I dislike way too many of the contestants. I guess pleasant, quiet and polite people don't make for good television. ;-(

But the Linz family seems ok; I guess there is hope for them, since they are so young. But I think I'm pulling for the dad and daughters, although I don't think they stand a chance.

And Oh Lord, please make the Weaver family more likable. Never thought I'd hate a bunch of orphans and a widow.

Lost by not being able to read maps correctly- for sure. I have noticed that the big city people who are my friends and who really don't travel by car anywhere don't know how to read maps either.

Isn't it incredulous how the Weavers seem mystified about the reasons why they are disliked. Maybe when they themselves see the tapes at home later, they will listen and see why. But probably not then either.

Doesn't seem like the Lenz can ever get into first place, they are getting the 2nd place stigma that's for sure. Maybe it will make them try harder next time.

Funny how with three different flights, they all seemed to get to the next few stops fairly closely together. All the flights to Phoenix must have been right on time.

Before this season started, there was a thread (I think on Europe) of what do you think we'll see in a USA version of TAR.

I said, how about go to the Grand Canyon and see how fast you can make it down the Bright Angel Trail (or words to that effect, I haven't checked). I was thinking when they read the clue to go to the Grand Caynon "I'm a mind reader -- woo-hoo" But in the end I think the Griswolds in "Vacation" spent a longer time at the Grand Canyon.

I hope the son 'D' has learned something from this. My guess is Mrs. Paolo does everything for the family (cooks, cleans, school volunteer, builds stuff, etc.), never expects much in return in the way of thanks. D doesn't think Mom can do anything because she's mom and he's a teen.

Ok, when/where do they go ballooning? It's in the opening credits and I want to see a slow-speed balloon race.

The Weaver's have got to go. When asked about the animosity with the other teams, one of the girls said at the pit stop, " Its really frustrating because those teams are classless, we're the only family thats trying to live a Christian life and its really hard" Yeah, whatever. I too never thought I would dislike a widow and orphans! The boy doesn't seem as bad as the girls. Will the Godlewskis please stop SCREAMING? The one Godlewski sister always acts like she is on the verge of a breakdown. I'm hoping for the Linz family to win. They are at least pleasant and seem to be having fun.
I missed the previews for next week. Anyone notice where they go next? This is hands down my least favorite installment but I know I will keep watching, I look forward to the old format and exotic locales.

Weaver kids are not orphans, they have a neurotic Mother with a bad dye job. Those screaming sisters are killing me, but not as bad as that music that is giving me a heart attack. I had to turn the volume down. The music is SO BAD! What are they thinking? And the Paolo kid? If my brother EVER spoke to my Mom like that he would have gotten the back of my Dad's hand or been sent to military school. I am really disgusted that Mr. Paolo hasn't defended his wife to that little know-it-all snotnose brat. Needless to say, I dislike this season so much that I fell asleep halfway into it for the first time in 7 years, and could care less.

from the post above...if you had a drink everytime mother weaver asked god for help, you would be so loaded, you'd never see the end of the show. mind you, i think i need a few drinks to put up with those stupid screaming women. i hit the mute button whenever they accomplish anything...drives me nuts.

There were some good tasks tonight. It was interesting watching them drive on roads that I have driven on. I think DJ Paolo said clearly that he did learn things about his mom and has much greater appreciation for her. He's still go a long way to go, but he does seem to be on a better track now.

Please let the Weaver family go next. I can't bear to even think about what they'll say if they win.

Things I'm sick of:
1. the snickering and squealing between those who seem never to have left sorority/fraternity row at college -- dating game meets fear factor
2. the spectacle of a crew who claim to be closest to God being the most judgmental and meanspirited
3. the constant dismissal of good advice by Father Knows Best
4. the sham of "deep down we really love each other" after hours of toxic bad-mouthing
5. PEOPLE WHO CAN'T READ MAPS!

No, I couldn't do better at any number of those tasks -- you'd never get me up doing loops in a little plane (or any plane). But I'm beginning to think they producers aren't giving them any tasks that require problem-solving or intelligence for a reason.

"Aymen" ;-) :-))

I don't really care who wins, as long as it's not the Weavers.

They really left a bad taste in my mouth after this episode - what a bunch of hypocrites. It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't constantly go on and on about what great Christians they are - but there they are, being hateful and mean, even after one of the sisters tried to offer support during the go cart racing task.

And that little pity party they threw for themselves at the mat about nobody liking them - Ugh - maybe if they stopped yammering about how much better they are than the rest of the teams and really thought about it, maybe they'd figure it out.

I got to watch it this morning. Thought it was much better, except for the Weavers still being there. They should have been made to re-paint the wheel. They just slopped the paint on and made a mess of it.

It was a real surprise seeing the race come to Arizona. They did show some of our beautiful scenery. Enjoy your trip out here, Tuscanlifeedit. where are you going in AZ?

Ncgrrl, there won't be a baloon race. the preview was just showing a scene from last night's show. I think it was the Godlewski's that saw the baloons on the way to the GC.

I think you are right, Cassandra, that they didn't have any tasks at the GC because it could really be dangerous and was nixed by the Park Service.. Notice how they had a park ranger "guiding" them away from the edge when they went to get the clue.

Brenandg, I think they may be going to Utah next week. They showed a ski jump into water that I believe may be near Park City. I went there about a year before the winter Olympics, and I believe that is a ski jump training area.

Other than the screaming, I like the Godlewski sisters. They are keeping up with the Linzes even doing some very physical tasks. I also like the Linzes -- hope it comes down to a race between those two teams.

PLEASE, PLEASE Weaver mom take a Geography class...didn't she ask if Pennslyvania was a state...then last night after arriving in Phoenix she asked "what state are we in again"...she is lucky they are staying in North America, "heaven" help her if they actually "traveled" somewhere! Anyway, I have to say that I would have preferred to see the Weavers leave over the Paolo family (never seen a family fight so well together). I have to give it to the Paolo's, they never took the easy route on anything, they have attempted all the phsyical challenges. I don't understand why the Weavers think they are so good and team spirited when they tried to have the guard at the gate at GC stall them, then oh boo hoo if someone tries the same tactics on them. Hopefully they are watching these tapes and realizing just how silly they look.
As for my favorite to win, the dad and the daughters. Could you imagine being stuck in a car for hours on end with the Desperate Housewives? Poor camera guy!!

Are there any more Fast Forwards? I Keep hoping for one that they have to shave their head (ala Joyce from last season) and all 4 of the Weavers have to participate. Such hypocrites, complaining no one likes them and calling the other teams idiots in the same breath. I can't wait for AR to return to their original format.

The Weavers just get worse every week, don't they? I think it's their smug superiority ("we're the only ones trying to live a Christian life") that is most offensive to me. And when the daughter was so nasty to the Goodlookski who tried to be kind to her at the race track? If I could have reached into the tv and smacked her across the face I surely would have.

ncgrrl, isn't the Bright Angel Trail like 14 miles each way? I hiked it about a million years ago, but we took 2 days each way.

Re: widow and orphans. I think both parents have to be dead to be an orphan. Is that a spoiler? Do you know something about the conclusion of this series? :-D

"The boy doesn't seem as bad as the girls." Has that kid said one word since the race began? We think he's going to end up in a bell tower with a gun someday.

"if you had a drink everytime mother weaver asked god for help, you would be so loaded, you'd never see the end of the show." That's the point.

Marilyn, I hiked about 200 feet down the Bright Angel trail. Too much mule poop for me. It was nice to see the canyon from 'below' (ha ha).

Then, I got to thinking, how about TAR does National Lampoon Vacation? Ask for directions in St. Louis, spent 10 seconds at The Grand Caynon (can check that one off), break into Wally World and ride a roller coaster.

Darn, no balloon races. But they show ballons on the opening credits. Can't you just hear the Weavers scream "Lord, make my balloon fly faster than the others."

I think one fast forward and one yield is left. I'm not sure the fast forward is really that much faster. The Paolos were only a few minutes ahead of the second team.

>Has that kid said one word since the race began?<

Marilyn-

While the son doesn't seem to be *quite* as obnoxious as his sisters, he was the one pointing to the picture of the Paolos, calling them "retards" when they were yielded.

All in all, he's still pretty obnoxious.

Did anyone catch the Pauolo mom telling the son that she wishes he never marries? Did I hear right?

As someone said here or on another thread, who in their right mind would marry that boy after seeing the way he treats his mother?

It isn't on next week... Anyone know why?

I kept thinking the same thing last night...that boy never speaks, and the Weaver girls need to buy some clothes that actually fit them. My mother would never have let us out of the house with shorts like that, I pray they go next!

i couldn't agree more about the Weavers, especially the girl's shorts length. When watching last night with me, my husband, who never notices clothing choices, was like "why is that girl's shorts so short?"

I agree that the Desperate Housewives are pretty loud, but at least they aren't as mean as the Weavers. Talking about leading a Christian life can only get you so far if you don't practice what you preach. The thing that is troubling about the family is that mom never sets a good example and actually instigates the nastiness.

I'm routing for the dad and 3 daughters but it's a miracle they're still in the race. After that, I guess the Godlewskis because they've been able to handle everything that's been thrown at them and beaten the guys even on some of the physical challenges. I wonder how the Weavers know that they're the only Christian family in the race. Maybe they're just the only ones making a big deal about it. I find it hard to believe that all the other teams are non-Christians.

marilyn, LMAO about the comment about the kid later being in a bell tower with a gun, but guess that is my warped sense of humor for ya.

I"m slightly confused. I was thinking that the "desperate housewives" were the Goodlookski's, but someone mentioned about the camera guy being in the vehicle with the dad and daughters and them being the "desperate housewives". Not that it matters a whole lot, but which is it?

The Weaver girls clothes are ridiculous. I suppose they think they are "hot". Try a size or two bigger. The mom looks like as we say in the ER, like she was "rode hard and put away wet". Just rough looking.

I can't wait for the next installment. Not that the USA isn't nice, but I really miss the exotic locales, the language barriers and trying to communicate, and some of the interesting public transportation. Loved the trains in India and the weird cars in Sri Lanka. I also liked some of the footage that they used to show of the teams at the pit stops.

BTW, did anyone notice what looked liked a nicotine patch on the Branson Dad's chest when he had his shirt off? Maybe that is why he has trouble keeping up.

Oh those hypocritical Weavers. My complaint about a lot of Christian stuff I hear these days is that it comes from the most un-Christlike people.

Mh DH and I are sure that the Weaver girls are growing while their clothes are shrinking. The mom is certainly rough looking; perhaps they exist on a diet of Twinkies, and are getting fatter as the race goes on.

MikePinTucson

We are going to Phoenix for 4 nights, including a Nascar race and a trip around my husband's old haunts from when he was in the AF in Phoenix. Then the GC, then Sedona.

"rode hard and put away wet"...couldn't agree more.

Wish I had known it was a 2 hour episode. I was out for the evening and recording the show. Came home part way through the unexpected second hour. Missed the airplanes and however the Bransons raised money at the begining of the second leg.

It was cool the way the Paolos told the Bransons to go put on all their clothes before getting on the mat.

With the exception of the fake Christians, it has been great seeing the teams getting along so well.

The other teams have all stayed close since the end of the race. When the losing teams go to New York on Tuesdays to be interviewed the next morning after their loss, they always watch the episode with the Paolos.

Really beautiful scenery last night!

Keith

i didn't realize the teams watch the shows with the italian team. i think that's great.

i didn't watch two of the episodes and didn't catch the reason the Weavers started hating the "unchristian" other teams. did anyone catch the specific reason, though I'm sure it wasn't a very good reason?

I believe it's the Goodlookskis who are the Desperate Housewives.

mah, I think the other teams developed a growing dislike for the Weavers. In response to this growing unpopularity, the Weavers got even more holier-than-thou and unpleasant.

brenandg,
you got it right the desperate housewives ARE the Godlewski sisters, I think it was my post you were referring to, it said "As for my favorite to win, the dad and the daughters. Could you imagine being stuck in a car for hours on end with the Desperate Housewives? Poor camera guy!!" I was just saying my fav to win is Wally and the girls...then on to another subject, ie., the poor camera guy with the desp. housewives. Sorry if I confused you with my rant. :)

vegasnative, the camera crews rotate between the teams, so no one crew has to put up with any team for the whole race. I wonder who the crews consider to be the "short straw"?

Frankly, I think the camera crew with Anthony Bourdain has it far worse than anyone with AR.

Didn't I see (hear?) the Linzes passing gas in the car? IS there a long straw?