The thing I thought was interesting in this episode were the Detour choices. First of all, I’m suprised so many teams initially chose the bottle task instead of the dancing task. Very rarely is a luck-based task better than a skill-based task. Second of all, it’s interesting that the two tasks were physically right next to each other, so switching from one to the other had no travel time penalty, and you could observe the other task. Third, note that there’s no “time investment” in the bottle task–in other words, a team coming in off the street has the same chance of getting a clue with the next bottle as a team who’s been there an hour (unlike the dancing, where there’s a “time investment” in learning the routine).
Events this week make for some shakeup in the rankings. Let’s see whose on top and who’s on the bottom in the
Taxi Assessment
Stuck in the Desert and Officially Detained - or, Philiminated with extreme prejudice.
John & Scott and Lisa & Joni - Amongst the worst Racers EVAR.
Wanda & Desiree (Down from “Rapido!”) - Bad navigation skills did this team in. That’s too bad: the Race isn’t usually kind to two-women teams, and this one was, I thought, clearly the best of the three this season. Still, a dumb mistake and a little bad luck will kill any team, so adiós Wanda and Desiree.
Flat Tire - or, not likely to get anywhere soon.
Danielle & Dani (holding steady) - The age old question: who is stupider, she who drives around in circles, or she who follows the woman driving around in circles? Look, there’s a reason this team is forever fighting not to be last, and that reason is: they’re not very good. They’re not terrible Racers like Lisa and Joni, and this team doesn’t have a single glaring problem, but they never quite do the things they need to to get into the upper echelon.
Stopping for Gas - or, not broken-down, exactly, but not a good sign.
Fran & Barry (up from “Flat Tire”) - OK, I had pity on the old folks this week and moved them up a notch. Truly, they did pretty well: not only were they fourth overall, but they came in ahead of every other team on their plane. There’s something to be said for Barry’s statement that they were doing what they do best: driving around with a map. They also picked the right Detour right off the bat. However, attaboys aside, this is still an overall weak team, anf Fran’s constant can’t-do attitude will hurt them eventually.
"Rapido! Por Favor?" - or, making meaningless ineffectual comments from the back seat, but in no immediate danger.
Ray & Yolanda (holding steady) - Another middle-of-the-pack performance. This team doesn’t seem to do anything wrong, they just can’t quite keep up with the leading teams.
Lake & Michelle (up from “Stopping for Gas”) - I still suspect Lake’s gonna do something stupid, but, objectively, they seem to be working better together as time progresses. They caught a lucky break getting out ahead of the bulk of the teams, but that’s a function of working well the last leg. Nice work flagging down the wasted German, too.
In the Passing Lane - or, ahead of the pack, but not quite comfortably.
Joseph & Monica (holding steady) - This team has emerged as the best candidate for third team in the final three. Smart move punting on the bottle task.
David & Lori (holding steady) - Next episode teasers notwithstanding, this team seems to be holding together pretty well, and seems pretty competitive. They came in last in the first half of the TBC, but I suspect (from their attitude) they’d figured out it was a TBC. I’d give the edge to Joseph & Monica in a footrace, but David & Lori look to have a reasonable shot at final three.
Cruisin’ with Earl - or, drivin’ on the shoulder, takin’ shortcuts, and generally kickin’ butt.
Eric & Jeremy (holding steady) - Well, they kind of act like sex-crazed dimbulbs, but Eric and Jeremy have essentially made no mistakes, til now, that cost them. That makes them look pretty formidable. I wonder, a little, how they would perform if they slipped, and had to race hard to keep out of last place. However, that seems unlikely to happen, and this team looks pretty good for a final three spot.
BJ & Tyler (holding steady) - Not a lot from this team this week, but, aided by a little luck, a strong leg for them.
Next week: Ummmm…putting together statues?
[sub]Props to Mullinator and his Raj Ratings.[/sub]
