Nope. It was a non-elim leg. Aaron & Hayden (I keep wanting to spell that Haydn, but that would turn her into an Austrian composer, and that would just be weird*) will have to start off the next leg with no money.
*Although if she’d do a rendition of Haydn’s “Farewell Symphony” I’d appreciate it.
Adam & Rebecca won a trip to the Caribbean…
together…
that’s special.
Baby, let me tell you, baby, that this, baby, had to have the highest “baby” quotient of any show ever, baby. Baby, some earlier episodes, baby, have had a lot of “babies” but, baby, this was ridiculous, baby. Baby, I was concerned that I was the only one, baby, but I’m glad to see baby’s driving everyone else baby… er… nuts, baby.
Baby
I’ve always had an impression that Victoria wasn’t exactly a shining example of humanity but you place her next to Jonathan and anyone compares favorably.
There is only one excuse for contestants in this race not being able to drive stick, and that’s if they’re the world’s best navigator. Hayden’s inability to read a map or drive stick, and then get all bitchy as if that’s somehow Aaron’s fault, is simply inexcusable. I was still pulling for them to somehow pull ahead of * as he was limping along the path barefoot though. Mind you, since it turned out to be non-elim and they really do seem to thrive on all the meltdowns, it’s probably just as well they wound up fifth. Between all the stress from having no money and them having the luck of the evil, it would probably propel them all the way to that elusive first place * so desperately wants.
I was inadvertantly subjected to this episode (or at least I think it was this episode, I remember seeing them stomp on grapes) tonight and briefly saw them on some type of really cool-looking raft being towed by a boat. It said “Flyfish” on it and had an URL, but it didn’t show it clear enough for me to see it. Did anyone catch that URL?
Cisco: I believe this it what you seek.
Can’t wait to see Victoria’s “injury” next week. Who was that yelling at * to go help her? It’ll probably turn out to be a hangnail or something.
Best shot tonight? The dog whimpering and running away while we hear, again, “VICTORIAAAAAA!”
It looked to me that Adam got a bit of the shaft. I wonder if they purposely filled his suit with too much air. He couldn’t move his arms much while Rebecca got right in the water. The next time he got right in no problem and looked a bit thinner.
This episode was a bit boring, I didn’t see anything all the interesting. I didn’t think using an asender was all that hard though, and most seemed to have a hard time with it. The rappelling though I’m suprised they didn’t give them gloves. That would have let them come down a lot faster, or at least someone who’s done it anyway.
Hopefully the next few episodes will be a lot more exciting.
A non-elim, damn. Still six teams in it. Without further ado, it’s time for this week’s
Taxi Assessment
Stuck in the Desert and Officially Detained - or, Philiminated with extreme prejudice.
Avi/Joe - The only all-guy team.
Meredith/Maria - The first all-girl team to go…
Lena/Kristy - And the last all-girl team to go.
Don/MJ - The obligatory old folks.
Gus/Hera - And the obligatory slow folks.
Flat Tire - or, not likely to get anywhere soon.
Empty this week, but ready to accept the next team to fall from grace.
Stopping for Gas - or, not broken-down, exactly, but not a good sign.
Hayden/Aaron (downgraded from In the Passing Lane) - Oooh, ouch, a precipitous fall. A complete flop at one of the most basic TAR tasks: driving from point A to point B. This fact hadn’t sunk in before, but… Hayden’s pretty useless, isn’t she? Can’t drive, can’t navigate, can’t stop whining at Aaron. Makes a good bitchface, though. This team almost redeemed itself at the end with Aaron’s shortcut (apparently) making up the time difference with the next team (note to self: check starting times next week), but too little too late. How this team performs next week is, I think, up to Hayden.
Go go go! Please? - or, making meaningless ineffectual comments from the back seat, but in no immediate danger.
Lori/Bolo (upgraded from Stopping for Gas) - A strong showing this week from Lori and Bolo, probably their best leg yet. A full night’s sleep at the Pit Stop certainly made a difference in their fatigue level. You’ve gotta love the snark from the amazing editors, showing other teams commenting on the wrestlers’s lack in the smarts department – and then cutting directly to Bolo easily (and correctly) navigating to the Detour. Unfortunately for this team, those comments about their lack of smarts are mostly on the mark, so a crash and burn next week is not out of the question.
Freddy/Kendra (upgraded from Stopping for Gas…) - OK, definately a stronger showing from these two, and Kendra looks to have staved off her case of Killer Fatigue (which, combined with Lori’s perkiness this ep, makes me suspect that the last Pit Stop may have been a 36-hour layover rather than the standard 12). This shows what they’re capable of, but I’m not totally convinced that they can keep it up over the course of the race.
Adam/Rebecca (holding steady) - Smart choice to go for the fast forward here. This is the last fast forward, they were clearly in front of the other eligible teams, and taking the FF gives them a little respite from the stress of the race. And also allows Adam to bob around on the surface of the ocean like a bloated carcass, all to the accompanyment of clown music – but I guess that’s an advantage for the rest of us, and not so much for Adam. In light of the previews for next week, I repeat my observation that this team seems to do better with the actual racing tasks than with the whole relationship thing that happens, y’know, the rest of their lives. Still, they haven’t let their completely dysfunctional non-relationship built of mud and straw interfere (much) with their racing, so here they stay in the middle.
Johnathon/Victoria (downgraded from In the Passing Lane) - Speaking of a completely dysfunctional non-relationship built of mud and straw, here we have Johnathon and Victoria. Unfortunately, this team still looks like a good bet for the final three. However, a couple glimmers of hope arise this week, causing me to downgrade them. First of all, Johnathon chooses the wrong Detour option, because he “can’t do” the rope work. Lucky for them the time difference wasn’t severe – I was so hoping they would pull a Lena and Kristi and stay out in the boat until after dark – but shows that Johnathon is more worried about appearing incapable than actually winning the race. Second, Johnathon’s spastic antics backfire on the grape pressing task, and he blocks up the spout; subsequent screaming doesn’t seem to unplug the blockage. I still hold out hope for a Broken-Ox leg from this team.
In the Passing Lane - or, not too bad, just not top-speed.
Oooh, everyone’s been bunched out of this category this week.
Cruisin’ with Earl - or, drivin’ on the shoulder, takin’ shortcuts, and generally kickin’ butt.
Kris/Jon (holding steady) - Not much to say about Kris and Jon – proportionally, this is actually their worst finish ever, but that’s due in part to Adam and Rebecca’s fast forward, and uncharacteristically solid legs from the wrestlers and Freddy/Kendra. The other teams don’t have the consistancy that Kris and Jon do, so I’m betting this team finishes better next leg as the competition fades. We’ll find out next week.
[sub]Props to Mullinator and his Raj Ratings.[/sub]
what’s with those two little antenae hair-things on Adam? I think I’d sneak over and cut them off when he’s sleeping. As if he’s not weird enough. I hope they have a lovely time in the Carribean. In all fairness, if he couldn’t hit it with his head, it wasn’t his fault.
I know Victoria’s a treat, but what did she say so bad last night? I must have missed that. I just remember the meltdown on the boat-"I can’t find it-we’re in last place’. I did like her sarcastic comment about the “model alliance must have broke up.”
I thought there were only 2 fast-forwards a season. L&Bolo got one, then last night there were 2 offered and Vict&Jon turned it down? Isn’t that 3, what am I missing?
This is my first season of the show, but I think I understand the Fast Forward. When ol’ Phil says there are only two this year, he means there are only two legs of the race that offer fast forwards. Since they are open to everyone, each clue on that leg will have details on the FF. They’re all allowed to go for it. However, only one team is allowed to complete the task and skip to the end. If T&A (Victoria and Jonathon*) would have stuck around and Adam hadn’t found the power of him mommy within him and bailed, T&A could have completed the task and skipped to the end.
Last time everyone could have gone for it, and whoever downed the blood the fastest would have won. The remaining teams would have had to rush back and complete the normal tasks.
Hope that makes sense. 
I thought this was an OK episode. The grape stomping was an odd task, and seemed more difficult than I would have assumed.
Kris and Jon obviously haven’t flown with Northwest before. Until you have that paper ticket in your hand, don’t get too comfy, cause who the hell knows what will happen. Still love 'em though. 
This was probably mentioned (skimming cause I’m at work), but why bother with the whole “the first team leaves at 12:02.53 A.M.” shtick when they’re driving ten feet to a place that’s not open until morning. Seems like they could have let them stayed in the hotel (or whatever that was).
Aaron and Hayden remain my number 2. I think Hayden is obviously a little short fused, but she strikes me as more human than any of the other women (except Kris). It sounded like she had a moment of reflection toward the end of this leg, so hopefully she’ll calm down and enjoy herself a little more.
Can’t wait for next week. 
*T&A? Well, she’s a nudie model and he’s an ass.
I also thought the bunching is getting a bit out of hand. With this much bunching, it takes it from being a “race” that can involve skills of navigation, to more of a “Who’s faster physically”. In the last couple of legs, it’s almost always come down to who can do the physical challenge the fastest. Gus and Hera had a hell of a lead, until they got to the internet place…and the next task allowed Lori and Bolo to catch up. Stuff like that just ticks me off. I don’t mind some bunching…but unless they change it back to the format that it used to be, I won’t be watching the next season.
I think Adam’s problem (one of many) is that he fell off the ladder instead of sinking down…so once he was on his back, it was much more difficult for him to try and reach the valve.
I agree with the poster that said Jonathan doesn’t want to do anything where he can look bad. He didn’t want to climb the rope because he thought he’d look stupid if he couldn’t do it, and when the did the boat, he choose the part that would allow him to place the blame on Victoria if anything went wrong. All he had to do was dive off and look at the clue…if they didn’t find the bouy’s fast enough, it was all Victoria’s fault.
I just wanted to slap Adam. Repeatedly. Until he cried, and then some.
I’d been thinking Kris and Jon couldn’t get any more adorable, and then Kris made that Lucy-face!
And I’m glad we didn’t lose Hayden and Aaron this time. I don’t like them, but Hayden is so nice to look at. I’m not proud of it, but there it is.
I’m really tired of all the faux crises this season! (Examples: Lori & Bolo stuck at the train station because there are no trains until morning. A week passes in viewer time. Oh, wrong. Here comes a train now. Kris and John make plane reservations. They arrive at the counter to pick up tickets. Worker Bee tells them they are to late. There’s nothing he can do. A commercial break passes in viewer time. Worker Bee says: Well, I can’t give you e-tickets, but here’s some paper tickets. WTF???)
And I HATE non-elimination rounds. I know they make the race last a full 13-week tv season, but they’re just so anti-climactic, especially when a vile team should be waving bye-bye. And I DO classify Hayden and Aaron in the Vile category!
All in all, I thought last night’s episode was pretty boring. But Hellboy in the inflated diving suit was a highlight!
WELCOME TO watsonwil’s POST, CAFE SOCIETY! (I miss the greeter from last episode!)
I am getting frustrated with the bottlenecking. AT LEAST reward those who got their first with SOME delayed entrance schedule! It’s pretty much who can navigate the city that decides the winners and loser.
A few random thoughts:
Hayden can’t drive. Can’t navigate. Isn’t terribly strong. Yet, she claims that they only do well when she pushes them. So, basically, her only contribution is that she’s a bitch. But in fairness, I thought she DID have a moment of reflections and I thought Aaron handled it poorly.
Does Ass have a physical condition of some kind? He seems very weak to look so fit. Not taking a shot at the guy. Just wondering.
Is anyone detecting a greater “producer’s suggestions” to the participants in this show than in other reality shows? It seems somewhat heavy handed. Of course, I think I am influenced by that (probably bogus) copy of the clue card that someone posted here a few weeks ago (from Tarfiles).
The model “alliance” (Hayden doesn’t really qualify and I can’t tell about Aaron) is kind of lame. What has it done besides slowed down Freddie and Kendra? The advantages are rather limited and all it does is build resentment in the other teams. I wonder how much F&K will help H&A next leg with cash.
I must have missed that. What was it?
I can’t be the only one who was singing “Oompa-Loompa doompa-dee-doo/I’ve got another puzzle for you” when Adam swelled up like a blueberry!
As much as I hate * and Victoria, I’ve come to the conclusion if it came down to * and Adam in the final leg that I’d almost rather have * win than Adam. At least * wants to win…a psychotic, deranged want, certainly, but dammit, Adam’s not even trying. OTOH, watching *'s head explode when Adam won would be amusing. I suppose if it came down to that, I’d rather have them both hit by a bus so Kris and Jon could win. (However, completely contradictory to that, I’d MUCH rather have * kicked out than Adam.)
Adam is a A) momma’s boy (I’m getting sick of hearing him crying for his mommy every time he does something remotely tough–I’m gonna start calling him Oedipus) and B) a pussy. Seriously. He’s right up there with…erm…Mirna or Charla–the non-little person.
I was pretty impressed with KKKendra and Freddy’s performance tonight–who knew they could race well?. I suspect she’ll melt down again when she has to go back to an icky third-world country next episode.
I liked Hayden at first–but the last couple of legs, she’s morphed into a total psycho-bitch. Kudos to those who spotted it much earlier than I did. I was interested to hear Hayden admitting that all the problems were her fault in the post-race interview. Maybe she’ll shape up? (and maybe learn to read a map)
I’ve decided (subject to change without notice) that when Kris and Jon get elminated, I’m not gonna watch any more (I may change my mind). I mean, there’s teams I despise (* and Victoria, Oedipus and Rebbeca), teams I don’t like (Bolo & Lori, KKKendra & Freddy, Aaron and Hayden) and only one team I like (even if they’re kinda bland) Kris and Jon. I don’t wanna watch TAR to root for the team I hate the least.
Too fucking many bunch-points again. They had…um…three? four? That’s insane. ONE per leg, max.
The editing didn’t seem as fucked up as it has the last few times. I was bitching that it looked like they’d cheated by showing whoever got up the tower second to last going down just as Aaron and Hayden arrived—but given that they came in only moments behind * and Victoria makes that look plausible.
Fenris
I was really proud of Adam this episode. He tried so hard! Rebecca just treats him like shit. As I see it, usually when there is an older more experienced/younger less experienced relationship it’s usually the man who is older and more experienced. Men instinctively know to treat the younger less experienced (usually female one) with respect. Heck, even when an older guy mentors a younger guy, they treat them with some patience and respect.
Rebecca, finding herself as the older more experienced person, just treats Adam like shit. “Oh, you suck. You’re so childish. I hate you. I want a real man.” How messed up is that? If Rebecca were an older man, and Adam were a younger women, we would all be calling Rebecca a total *.
But this episode, I saw Rebecca finally treating Adam with a little compassion, respect & patience. I saw Adam responding and “becoming a man.” He really tried his heart out. It wasn’t that he was afraid to go under water in that strange contraption, well, maybe he was, but his problem wasn’t being scared and not wanting to do it, he just didn’t know what the hell was going on, and was mostly concerned that Rebecca was going to be disappointed with him. He was so happy and proud of himself when he did it and Rebecca didn’t yell at him.
Unfortunately, it looks like next week Rebecca is going to be back to running him down.
[QUOTE=lorene]
Adam looked like the Michelin tire man in that diving suit. (Better than what my husband said, which is that he looked like a sex doll!) I thought I was going to die laughing when they kept rolling him around on the dock.[\QUOTE]
He reminded me of the little brother in the snowsuit in A Christmas Story. (whine)I can’t get uuuuup…
Rebecca is indeed a bitch, but that doesn’t change the fact that Adam is a whiney pussy-boy. If he was gamely trying and failing, no problem, but EVERY TIME something tough happens he cries, sucks his thumb, calls for his mommy and whines about how he’s scared. I don’t fault anyone for being scared of a given task or two (if I had to bungee jump, I’d have to get new pants afterwards) but he’s that way all the time.
I wonder if she’d be such a bitch if he’d actually try the damned task without having a tantrum first.