Just thank god that all the teams had someone in decent shape to strip down and run.
I continue to be unimpressed by the selection of tasks and lack of inventiveness on the part of the race producers. None of the tasks in this episode provided any particular challenge to the racers, apart from just being able to find things when driving around.
While I certainly enjoyed watching racers run around in their underwear, part of me felt that perhaps the producers were simply running out of ideas, and that “let’s have them run around in their underwear” was something that finally put an end to a long and unproductive day in the idea room. It’s not exactly the Fonz, a speedboat, skis and a shark, but I’m afraid it might be a move from Milwaukee to California.
I missed at least one episode for various reasons, which says something about my level of enthrallment. But I watched yesterday’s episode. Unfortunately, all I remember is take the train and run around in your underwear. Which did not impress me. Of course, now that I say that I remember snowplows and brides and pretty churches.
But on the whole, I fear I paid more attention to my needlepoint, which progressed nicely as a result.
Just wait until they bring on the robotic camel jockeys.
StG
I was a little surprised by the lack of excitement at the first part of the leg- sit in a Russian train station for 10 hours with the other teams. Then, board the train with all the other teams. Then, ride the train all night with all the other teams. Sleep. Wake up with all the other teams. Then, drive- get this- a MANUAL TRANSMISSION car! Yes, I said it- a stick shift! Can you believe it? Then- wait for it- drive it again!
I mean, I know there are nights in hotels and sleeping and general downtime for the racers, but to make it part of the leg seemed like they were running out of things to do.
Well, it is Siberia and American television. But I would have loved to see “run a trapline and collect 4 sable skins” as a Roadblock.
I’d pay to see whatsisname from last season (Sarah’s sobby douche of a boyfriend who couldn’t eat the sheep soup) end up deciding to do that Roadblock before he read about the traps and animals.
Actually, this would be even better as a Detour.
Sables or Fables
In Sables, teams have to perform a task that was common in Siberia in the past: fur trapping. Teams must find this grizzled trapper, who will give them coordinates for the lead end of his trapline. Using the provided compass and map, the racers must find this lead and follow along, gathering five sable as they go. They then must find their way back to the trapper, who will give them their next clue. The task isn’t physically difficult, but it may take some time.
In Fables, teams must learn and perform a traditional Siberian shamanic dance in traditional Siberian shamanic regalia. The dance is physically draining, but if their coordination and ability to follow instructions are good, they may finish quickly.
Shamanic dances could be interesting. As long as they don’t throw in a " will they drink this" challenge.
("The mushroom’s active ingredient has been concentrated using the traditional method… ")
This episode was a little boring, but in the next leg they are going to
India AND dealing with camels
That is ALWAYS good television.
Meanie! I had completely erased that image from my brain, or so I thought.
Actually, they were boyshorts. No young, attractive female would be caught dead ( or on tv) wearing briefs a.k.a. granny panties. 
I know what’s missing this season - Assholes. Everyone is so nice to eachother.
I don’t know. I think we probably would have seen the one cheerleader’s if they hadn’t pixelated…
I wonder if Russians had ever seen a thong before or even knew that such a thing existed.
Russia may never be the same again.
I was surprised and delighted that the member of each team I most wanted to see out running in their skivvies was the one who did so. When Tammy and Victor were deliberating, I had my fingers crossed and was whispering, “Tammy! Tammy! Tammy!” …and it was Tammy!
And it went on: Mike, not Mel. Jen, not Kisha. Luke, not Margie. Mark…well, I guess there wouldn’t have been much difference either way in their case. Nor with the blondes or the redheads.
Anyway, good times.
I agree; this season is mostly meh. The best parts have been sympathizing with locals who get drunk and laugh at the Racers. Or, in this episode, some get drunk and others laugh at the Racers. The only other highlight this season was Frozen Nekkid Eye Kandy.
We’ve had slobs before. And even worse: It might have been the uncoordinated part of Dandrew!
Yeah, not really pulling for any one team in particular; I suppose if I were pushed, I hope that the 2 flight attendants could pull it off…
I like the attitude of “everthing is going wrong, so whats the point of freaking out, getting in a fight, and being pissed off? Lets just drive without argueing, and hope for the best”
This season does need a bit of spicing up. I think it comes down to there not being a lot of drama in the legs themselves. People seem to be mainly doing okay with the standard mix of not being able to navigate and zipping along. We don’t have disastrously bad teams like we did last season, we just have your usual mediocre drop outs. Even the good teams aren’t that interesting since all they’ve given us in the front runners is “He’s deaf.” That’s a physical attribute, not a characteristic you can use to set up an interesting team.
I’m not dropping out but I want some chaos!
I’d rather have racers like these than watch another Flo whine her way to the top. Have people already forgotten runaway wheels of cheese? What about Victor’s epic meltdown? And in this episode, racers (and Phil!) in their skivvies. Even Season 5 took a while to get to the point of “My ox is broken!”
Very good point, Terminus Est. This season has had drama and fun if you know where to find it. Plus, we’re only five eps in. Most meltdowns are further down the road each season, such as the Alabama sisters’ war with the blonde beauty queens and the angry husband who verbally and physically abused his wife.