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'Amazing Race' delivers that real truth flavor
At the start of Sunday (Nov. 11) night's episode, either Kate or Pat declared, "We have no illusion that God cares if we win The Amazing Race." Good to know.
[If you haven't seen the episode, this recap'll mess with your mind like the image of a muddy grandpa in a banana-hammock.]
Kudos to whichever of the lesbian Episcopal clergy uttered those words. Anybody can be as invested in their faith as they choose, but no single trait in a reality competitor annoys me more than the conviction that God or Jesus or Ganesha or Chuck Norris -- pick your deity of choice -- gives a hang about how you do on one of these show. That being said, maybe Kate and Pat shouldn't have flaunted God's disregard so proudly. Perhaps God doesn't like to be used as a crutch, but he or she may not like to be told what not to care about. Thus far, none of the other contestants have mentioned God or Jesus, have they? Maybe in that vacuum, the Almighty was ready to throw his or her support behind Kate and Pat, heard their words and was all "Well I know where I'm not wanted."
But probably not.
Pat and Kate were, finally, just slow. They arrived in Amsterdam on the late flight, but they were still basically tied with Julia and Marianna and Ronald and Christina, but they didn't execute any of the tasks quickly enough to stay in the race. The results on The Amazing Race are always more dramatic when elimination hinges on something specific -- a horrible blunder, a mind-boggling bit of bad luck, a poor challenge choice or even a bit of bad sportsmanship inviting bad karma. Nope. Kate and Pat just weren't fast enough.
While the episode's elimination wasn't very interesting, there was plenty of entertainment, mostly courtesy of Ronald and Christina.
The father-daughter team presents one of those awful Amazing Race choices. Ronald is so objectionable and obnoxious that I really don't want him to succeed, since I don't know if he's really going to learn the right lessons from this experience. But rooting against Ronald means rooting against Christina and I can't bring myself to do that.
Ronald and Christina have a generational and culturally specific relationship. She's his baby and he has difficulties respecting her both because of her age and, almost certainly, because of her gender. Ronald's behavior during the Amsterdam Detour was horrible, all pessimism and undermining. Christina was uncertain about whether to Hoist It or Hunt It and he fed off of her uncertainty and lectured her about how wrong she was at every point. Then, even after their found their bicycles at the massive garage, he still wanted to tell her how wrong she'd been.
"I'm optimistic with the real truth flavor," he explained, adding, "I'm trying to give you the real truth. Other people won't tell you if you have boogers in your nose."
The real truth flavor was even worse at the Ditch Vaulting Roadblock, where his back-seat vaulting when she was on the verge of a jump messed her up several times. Then, even when Christina made it across, he muttered, "I think I could have done it better."
I guess it isn't just Christina he treats this way, though. Note his lecturing Nick on proper manners at the Dublin airport, even though both of their brash attitudes had been nearly identical. If you believe the Karma Theory, the fact that Nick and Donald made it on the standby flight and Christina and Ronald were denied probably shows who was in the right.
So do we root for Ronald's elimination? Or for them to stay in the game long enough for him to have his obligatory tear-filled moment of pride about Christina? Probably the latter.
Myriad other thoughts on the episode:
What'd you think of the episode? Who'd you like? Who do you hate?
You are so right about Ronald and Christina. All during the episode, I was so pissed at Ronald and kind of hoped he came in last, but Christina is so nice that I really want them to succeed. I'm so torn.
I also loathe the "baby" couples, but I dislike Lorena and Jason even more solely because they're a baby couple, plus I'm seeing shades of Flo in her. NOT a good thing.
I'm sad to see Kate and Pat go, but I really didn't want to see any of those bottom three teams go, so I prepared myself for the inevitable. It's just so darn funny when Phil says Marianna and Julia with the spanish flourish.
Nate | Nov 11, 2007 8:06:50 PM | #I literally had to hit the mute button just to drown out Ronald's droning. I can't stand listening to him and I can't stand talking about how irritating he is because it just makes me realize how ridiculous and obnoxious he is. They're not going to win but right now I hope the "Grands" make it far along. And I hate the baby couples too but I don't really remember them saying that a lot tonight. Kynt and Vyxsen or however you spell it are funny and are doing pretty well. And did you notice that one brother called his sister babe? Creepiness...
Melody | Nov 11, 2007 10:18:31 PM | #God was NEVER on the side of the dykes and would never have his support
Jake | Nov 12, 2007 6:42:40 AM | # First, the above comment from Jake is really despicable - someone should consider deleting it.
Second, having a father like Ronald makes it impossible to watch him denigrate and verbally abuse his daughter in the show. I hope they are eliminated soon so I can continue to watch the remainder of this season.
There's nothing interesting or amusing about watching a parent behave the way that he does toward his child. Yech.
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it an offensive comment - was just stating the obvious. I can't believe Ronald can't see how condescending he is to his daughter.
Jake | Nov 12, 2007 7:50:39 AM | #Yeah Jake needs to be banned from posting. God doesn't like ugly, Jake, go look in the mirror and get your offensive self out of here.
| Nov 12, 2007 9:06:48 AM | #Really, what passage is that, no name? What did I say that was offensive? Have you not read the bible???
Jake | Nov 12, 2007 9:17:34 AM | #As despicable as Ronald is, (and Nathan, et al) he definitely provides entertainment for the series. It was painful to listen to him natter, but boy, was my blood pumping while I was watching what turned out to be just a so-so episode challenge- and elimination-wise. So, I'm willing to stick it out with Ronald/Christina. Also, it would be a good wake-up call to see just how obnoxious he is when he watches the show.
I have less tolerance for Azaria and his optimistic, yet condescending treatment of his sister Hendekea. Calling her "baby girl" was just annoying, as well as gross.
The Goths are just little kids with really peppy attitudes. Who would have thunk?
I don't have a favorite yet, but I think Nicolas and his gramps have some great entertainment potential.
@ Jake,
I'm so sure you didn't mean to be offensive when you decided to use the derogatory term "dykes." Just remember, God don't like ugly either.
Hanh | Nov 12, 2007 9:20:09 AM | #from urban dictionary: Dyke -it is now often used with pride by lesbians themselves, especially the younger and hipper lesbian crowd. Some older or super-sensitive ones still object to the term, but it is becoming increasingly common and mainsteam with events such as "Dyke Nights" or "Dyke Marches" being held around the country. In fact some dykes resent being called a lesbian, as they feel it is much less cool than being called a dyke.
Mark- Unless Jake is a lesbian, your definition from the urban dictionary is pretty irrelevant to this particular situation. Unless your point is that since lesbians can use "dyke" as a term of self-identification, it's totally OK for Jake to use "dyke" as a term of obvious contempt.
Jake - The Old Testament scripture that bigots usually use to condemn homosexuality is Leviticus Chapter 18, a chapter that makes NO mention of God having any problems with lesbian behavior.
I'm just sayin'...
-Gavin
Gavin | Nov 12, 2007 10:17:47 AM | #Ronald is one of the most obnoxious contestants ever, right up there with Mirna & Schmirna and blue-hair Jonathan. Yet he entertains, but it's definitely a laugh at him, not with him kind of thing. His attempts at humor are poor.
Thought the vaulting challenge was HILARIOUS btw.
Jason | Nov 12, 2007 10:34:18 AM | #Did anyone notice when the blondes were driving (can't think of their names at the moment) the one at the wheel said the high beams were broken so she had to hold the lever in, LOL. I am assuming she didn't think to push the lever out, where it would stay in high beam mode.
Dave | Nov 12, 2007 11:14:15 AM | #Agree about Ronald and Christina ... I want to slap him and give her a little hug.
I wasn't bothered by the "Baby Girl" appellation. I don't think it's that unusual in some families.
The brother and sister and the goths are my favorites, so far. I was set to really not like the blondes, but had to give the one big props for her performance in the hoisting challenge.
I didn't care much for the ministers' comments about God and The Race, since I think God cares as much about competitive sports and The Amazing Race as Cher does about decent-looking hair and sane wardrobe choices. Other than that, I didn't really give either of them a second glance, merely because they were so amazing-ly boring. They almost seemed sorry they signed up, for as much enthusiasm as they ever showed. Not sorry to see them gone, but not for reasons aforementioned in other posts. I'm beginning to wonder, though, if the producers/creators of AR don't intentionally skew the games and such so that the older contestants automatically have a distinct disadvantage. Let's face it, at 38, I can't do near as many things as I did when I was 18, and some of the bizarre feats AR expects the competitors to accomplish are laughable when it comes to people past a certain age. I have no idea if the producers/creators would prefer older folks just not show up at all, or if they figure older contestants don't need the million dollars as much as their younger counterparts. Either way, there is just a hint of ageism in some aspects of The Amazing Race. Given that and all, I'm still pleasantly surprised whenever a younger competitor tries to give encouragement to an older one. This happens quite a bit on this show, even if I've not seen it too much thus far this season. "Baby Girl" is just one of many seemingly-inappropriate names older relatives give young girls/teenagers/young women. Usually, nothing is meant by it other than affection, but I agree it sometimes can seem a little odd to those not used to certain cultural traits. In the southern US, lots of brothers and sisters call each other babe...my sister does it just because she knows it annoys the hell out of me, but she's not being weird when she says it. I'm not a huge fan of numerous nicknames myself, if only because if I've named my daughter something pretty like Cassandra Elizabeth or whatever, I'm not going to suddenly throw that out and call her "Pups" or something worse (one of my cousins has that unfortunate moniker, and she hates family reunions now because of it...and we're from New England, where such nicknames are legion). Now, as for the episode itself, is it just me, or are the writers running out of fun and cool things to do? I've been less than enthused about anything that's gone on so far, and I'm hoping it's just initial episode malaise. Still, AR has been on a goodly number of years now, and it might be starting to show its age. I'll still watch, though, because I'll take multiple runs of this show over equal numbers of The Bachelor or other dreck the networks will dream up to fill in time during the writers strike.
Dark Disciple | Nov 12, 2007 12:02:41 PM | #when the ministers made the comment about God not caring if they won the amazing race, i liked them a bit more. i hate when reality competitors say they deserve to win more than others because they have God on their side. whatever.
i was frustrated with this episode from the beginning because of the airport scene. they walk in and just line up at the same airline and assume that the only way to get to amsterdam is via dublin. i think i would have tried something through london before i would have accepted being on a later dublin flight. but that is just me.
i really like the goths. they are upbeat and work together well.
it will take awhile to get the image of grampa in is muddy speedo out of my brain...ick.
saney | Nov 12, 2007 12:26:19 PM | #I've got to say it, although it means mentioning those who forever more should not again be named:
Kate and Pat are the anti-Weavers!
forgive me | Nov 12, 2007 1:04:51 PM | #Dark Disciple, your post is unreadable. Paragraphs are your friend!
Grammer Police | Nov 13, 2007 3:55:17 AM | # Saying something from the Bible is "fact" is just plain odd.
I think it would be great if Ronald's daughter really outshines everyone in this race - including her horrid father - wins the race and let's her dad know what unsupportive, cruel father he is - on national television.
Still digesting EP 2 of AR 12 (?). I agree with some of the above posters: the ministers were just slow. Smart will only get you so far...sometimes you just have to haul a$$.
Felt bad for Christina...reminded me of Jonathan and Victoria in a previous race. Although, Christina has a leg up: she is not married to her obnoxious partner!
You know you are in trouble when random racer #4 (can"t remember her name) screams "Don't compare me to other girls!!" and its only episode #1! Gonna be a lonnnnnng race for someone!
Love love love the Goths. By FAR my favorite team on the race, so far. Although gotta love the blondes: at least ONE of them seems like she is in on the joke.
Long live the Bowling Moms, Linda and Karen!!
Does anyone know where to find full episodes online? I mean I can find everyting else except for Amazing Race.
Keith | Nov 15, 2007 6:58:41 PM | #I've been enjoying this season immensely. The Goths are fun to watch and they may just blow away the stereotype of dark, depressed Goth forever.
And then there's Ronald. He is a despicable parent. His demeaning verbal abuse of his child is disturbing. I cannot hope that he would win, even though it means poor Christina has to go.
As for ageism on AR: I have to disagree. Amazing Race is one of the few shows on tv that shows older folks really competing and I, for one, have been amazed at how well some of the teams in their 50s and 60s have done. AR is refreshing in its diversity across age, race and lifestyle.
Jake - your bigotry is offensive. Not because you called Pat & Kate "dykes," but because you claim to be the spokesperson for God in condemning them. Shame on you.
spuffy | Nov 17, 2007 7:31:55 AM | #
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