# Amazing Race 7: Starts 3/1! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 28, 2005, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348 "2005-02-28T22:03:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Draelin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@Draelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draelin)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/21 "2005-03-01T20:12:49Z")
> [@Mullinator](#): > > Clearly I sit in the minority of those who actually look forward to Rob and Amber (though mainly the Rob half of the equation) on this show. I think they will be quite fun to watch. I won’t deny that Rob can be funny, especially when he’s being ultra-cocky. But I still think Amber’s a waste of air someone else could be breathing, and I can’t wait to see what happens when she realizes that on _this_ show, she can’t grab hold of the back of Rob’s pants and hang on for the ride. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lady\_Venom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@Lady\_Venom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lady_Venom)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/22 "2005-03-01T20:34:53Z")
> [@Mullinator](#): > > Clearly I sit in the minority of those who actually look forward to Rob and Amber (though mainly the Rob half of the equation) on this show. I think they will be quite fun to watch. You’re not alone! I am looking forward to them too. I think they work well together, and the comic relief that Rob provides is just what the show needs at times. Like the preview with Rob going down the Flying Fox yelling “Holy Cannoli” A small hijack…did anyone see Reichen from TAR4 on Fear Factor: Reality TV Stars last night? ---
**Author:** ![FlightlessBird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/cdc98d/32.png) [@FlightlessBird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlightlessBird)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/23 "2005-03-01T22:14:05Z")
I’m also not on the RAmber Hate Wagon. I’m not looking forward to them either. It will be interesting to watch them compete at something new. When the pressure gets turned up, will they Colin & Christie each other, or will they Kris & Jon? Sorry if the references are too new-school for some, I missed the earliest seasons of TAR. Go good people! ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/24 "2005-03-01T22:28:58Z")
> [@Judith Prietht](#): > > I hope the mother-and-son team is cool. I think I heard that the son is gay, and that they snark on the gay couple quite a bit. Did I read that here? ---
**Author:** ![RitzyRae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aca169/32.png) [@RitzyRae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitzyRae)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/25 "2005-03-01T22:31:34Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > I think I heard that the son is gay, and that they snark on the gay couple quite a bit. Did I read that here? Yes. 😃 That’s funny. ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/26 "2005-03-02T00:52:05Z")
Once again, it’s time for my statistical analysis based on relationship, age, and gender. Here are the stats for the last 6 races, plus the trend since TAR6: Male/Male = 5.11 (down) Male/Female = 6.00 (up) Female/Female = 7.87 (slightly down) Friends = 6.22 (down) Dating = 5.76 (WAY up…dating couples in TAR6 placed 1-4!) Married = 6.00 (slightly up) Siblings/Cousins = 6.25 (down…stupid hay bales…) Parent/Kid = 8.50 (up) 20s = 6.20 (slightly down) 30s = 5.60 (slightly up) 40s = 6.40 (steady) 50s = 7.25 (slightly up) 60s = 8.33 (slightly up) Note: I got rid of the “separated” category since it was totally skewing the ratings, especially with Adam/Rebecca placing 3rd last month! Also, age categories do not include TAR1, since that information is not available. Anyhoo, here are how tonight’s contenders stack up: 1. **Lynn & Alex** (M/M, dating, 30s): 5.49 2. **Ryan & Chuck** (M/M, friends, 30s): 5.64 3. **Brian & Greg** (M/M, brothers, 20s): 5.85 4. **Rob & Amber** (M/F, dating, 20s): 5.99 5. **Ron & Kelly** (M/F, dating, 20s): 5.99 6. **Ray & Deana** (M/F, dating, 40s): 6.05 7. **Uchenna & Joyce** (M/F, married, 40s): 6.13 8. **Megan & Heidi** (F/F, friends, 30s): 6.51 9. **Debbie & Bianca** (F/F, friends, 20s): 6.76 10. **Meredith & Gretchen** (M/F, married, 60s): 6.78 11. **Susan & Patrick** (M/F, parent/child, 50s): 7.25 BTW, in my analysis for TAR6, I got two teams right: Lena & Kristy (#9) and Jonathan & Victoria (tied for #6 with Hayden & Aaron). Hmm, about the same chance as tossing darts at a wall blindfolded… ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/27 "2005-03-02T01:11:58Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > I’m hoping they either just don’t give them new money for the leg, but let them keep whatever cash they’ve saved I like this idea the best, it might end up with people begging still (if, or when, they run out of money) but it would be fun to watch them panic a bit… ---
**Author:** ![Amazingrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8edcca/32.png) [@Amazingrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazingrace)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/28 "2005-03-02T01:56:23Z")
Doesn anyone see \* and Victima part deux coming up with the martial arts couple? I have a sneaking suspicion… ---
**Author:** ![Amazingrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8edcca/32.png) [@Amazingrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazingrace)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/29 "2005-03-02T01:56:32Z")
Does anyone see \* and Victima part deux coming up with the martial arts couple? I have a sneaking suspicion… ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/30 "2005-03-02T02:24:03Z")
I just don’t understand all the hatred towards Rob and Amber. I don’t think they’ll win but I will definately be rooting for them. So far it looks like they are going to do nothing but enjoy themselves. I think that’s pretty cool. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/31 "2005-03-02T02:52:06Z")
Whenever I see Rob and Amber together, I get the feeling she’s not as into him as he’s into her. Just a gut feeling. I _swear_ one of the L.A. brothers was on Fear Factor once. IIRC, he acted like an ass. ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/32 "2005-03-02T02:59:31Z")
“When in Incaville do as the incas right?” How do you not love that? But yeah, **trublmakr** I do get that feeling. But you never know. Different strokes… There seems to be a few teams that put all of their focus towards where Rob and Amber are. I’m not sure that’s a great strategy. Hell, I don’t even think Rob and Amber are that good of a team, I just think their fun. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/33 "2005-03-02T03:56:30Z")
Let me preface by noting that I, myself, am gay (_shock_, I’m sure), but I’m not sure if I can stand another 15 episodes of Starina Jr. I’m not the epitome of macho myself, here, but please… On the other hand, I kind of like Patrick. He seems very self-possessed. On the OTHER hand, I’m just not feeling the love for grandma & grandpa. They just make me miss Don and Mary Jean. And how can anyone NOT love Rob’s sense of humor? Even in the middle of carrying 35 pounds of alfalfa around at the top of the Andes, with thin air and everything, he can crack jokes. I love teams that have a good time more than anything. ---
**Author:** ![CROdell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ea924/32.png) [@CROdell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CROdell)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/34 "2005-03-02T03:58:42Z")
> [@drm](#): > > I just don’t understand all the hatred towards Rob and Amber. I don’t think they’ll win but I will definately be rooting for them. So far it looks like they are going to do nothing but enjoy themselves. I think that’s pretty cool. Rob is rather cocky and obnoxious. But, unlike Jonathan who was just a pure cauldron of instant hate, he’s at least entertainingly obnoxious and treats his partner well. [Of course, she’s got all the money. 😉] I don’t particularly want Romber to win The Amazing Race, but I won’t gnash my teeth and tear my clothes if they do. Good first episode. With the possible exception of Ray – who’s got a bit of that too-intense-for-his-own-good Colin thing going – I don’t have a strong dislike for any of the contestants so far. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/35 "2005-03-02T04:10:32Z")
Count me as a Rob and Amber fan. Rob was the best thing about Survivor: Allstars. I think Amber gets a bad rap for being nothing but a coattail rider, but I think she just wasn’t as outspoken about her Survivor scheming as Rob was about his. Editing, you know. Anyway, they are fun to watch. I hope they go all the way and then lose the final leg. Re: the women who won first place. Is “lifelong friends” code for “lovers?” They seemed quite snuggly with each other. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. 🙂 Just curious. They look like they’re going to be really strong racers, but they also are pretty high-strung. They were getting quite bitchy with each other during the detour (the llamas) and it’s only the first leg. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/36 "2005-03-02T04:16:59Z")
When did Amber buy a chin? Doesn’t she look like she’s had some major work done with her million from Survivor? Or is it just me being petty? OK OK Romber wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought they’d be. And the snuggly girls did seem to be more than friends. but I hate that Rick and bubba were the first ones out. I liked them. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/37 "2005-03-02T04:19:12Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > Re: the women who won first place. Is “lifelong friends” code for “lovers?” They seemed quite snuggly with each other. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. 🙂 Just curious. They look like they’re going to be really strong racers, but they also are pretty high-strung. They were getting quite bitchy with each other during the detour (the llamas) and it’s only the first leg. That was my immediate reaction as well. But then, my gaydar is notoriously inaccurate when dealing with lesbians. Especially crypto-lesbians. ---
**Author:** ![MaceMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@MaceMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaceMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/38 "2005-03-02T04:21:13Z")
This was a good episode. I was rooting for Susan and Patrick after seeing their interview on the CBS website, and was happy to see them do so well. I was surprised they came in second–did they show us how the girls were able to pass them and the “Survivors”? I was also surprised that Meredith and Gretchen were able to catch up. (And I never knew Meredith could be a man’s name, either.) I never would have guessed that the hillbillies would have been first to be eliminated. I like most of the teams so far. It will be interesting to see if the guy who kept telling his wife (?) to “suck it up” when she couldn’t breathe turns out to be a jerk. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/39 "2005-03-02T04:25:58Z")
> [@MaceMan](#): > > It will be interesting to see if the guy who kept telling his wife (?) to “suck it up” when she couldn’t breathe turns out to be a jerk. They’re “dating on and off”. These two strike me as the hideous love children of \* and Victimia, Lori and Bolo, and Adam and Rebecca. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348/40 "2005-03-02T04:27:56Z")
**The Amazing Race** is not _Survivor_. Alliances are useless. There will be no voting off the least popular member of the tribe. In fact, there are no tribes. It’s a race, dammit. You don’t even have to come in first. Just don’t come in last and you’re good to go until the next bunching point. That is all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-7-starts-3-1/292348.md?page=3)