156 replies to this topic

[legaleagle44]

Well, Allan Wu has been a busy little beaver in 2010. In addition to hosting the upcoming season of The Amazing Race: Asia, he is also the host of this version of TAR, which features ten diverse teams from around the world (including a couple of reality TV stars from Croatia, a couple of American ex-pat wives who are this version's answer to TAR's Bowling Moms, and a couple of Maasai warriors from Kenya) running a race across China for a grand prize of a trip around the world. The show began airing in China about a month ago.

I just watched the first episode (courtesy of a certain website), and I like this version. It's got the production values of the US version of TAR, along with that version's casting process, more or less (there's not a single mactor team in the bunch -- one look at the "reality-TV stars" from Croatia and you'll see why I don't count them as mactors), and NO annoying product placement.

Allan is definitely improving as host. He's never going to be Phil Keoghan (and really, that's not such a bad thing, since there's really only one Phil), but his low-key style has really grown on me. And the tasks are interesting and fast-paced (warning: the Road Block in the first leg is defintely NOT for the squeamish!)

I'm looking forward to catching up on this version this weekend while waiting for TAR and TARA to kick off. TWOPers, China is waiting; travel safe, have fun, get ready, get set, and GO!! :)

Edited by legaleagle44, Oct 27, 2010 @ 12:33 AM.

[TheGrimRecapper]

Is it horrible that my first thought was "It's nice the Chinese government finally ponied up the money for a full season instead of hijacking a few episodes every time the US version films?"

Actually, it will be interesting to see how varied a batch of tasks they can come up with for a country that's often seen as "Beijing, Shanghai, and a couple of other places". And whether the end result will surpass Family Edition, which also had a decent start before collapsing into a clusterfuck of boneheadedness somewhere around Arizona?

Edited by TheGrimRecapper, Sep 13, 2010 @ 1:49 AM.

[legaleagle44]

TheGrimRecapper, that was also my thought (having also stomached the hot mess that was TAR: Brazil, which made TAR: FE look like classic TAR), but I've now caught up on all the episodes (except the most recent one, which hasn't been posted on that certain website yet), and I can safely say that any resemblance to TAR: FE is purely coincidental. True, the airport drama is lacking (since nobody has had to fly anywhere yet), but the intensity of the tasks and the killer fatigue which is already setting in are more than making up for the lack of airport drama.

Right now, my favorite team is Team Ex-Pat (Bonnie and Mel.) They are definitely this show's answer to the bowling moms, and I love watching them plow through the tasks. I also like the two Aussie lads; they're nowhere nearly as annoying as I expected them to be, based on their audition video, and I actually cheered when they came in first on one of the legs.

By the way, be sure to check out Behind the Rush, which is a behind-the-scenes companion show that airs 15 minutes before each episode of TAR: CR. It gives a quick recap of the previous week's episode, along with some rather eye-opening behind-the-scenes information regarding the Pitstops that I'm going to start thinking also applies to TAR and TARA.

OK, I just finished watching Episode 5 (last night's episode), and all I am going to say about it for now is: Beijing! Peking Duck! Bird's Nest! Team-Building Communication Exercise (HAH!) Pitstop at the Great Wall! The most annoying "newly dating" couple since Flo and Zach (let's just say that Amy is somewhere between Flo and TARA2's Terri in terms of women I'd like to smack into next week!)

Oh, one more thing: You can also vote for your favorite team at the show's official website, even if you don't happen to live in China. Go Best Mates!

Edited by legaleagle44, Sep 13, 2010 @ 4:00 PM.

[Neeney]

Is there some place online to see episodes of this? I'm all for anything TAR and I love Allan Wu almost as much as Phil. lol (And maybe this makes me awful, but I didn't mind the FE version of the original TAR)

[legaleagle44]

Start here, Neeney. That's where I found the show (I had been looking for it, because I already knew about it thanks to Allan's own blog on his website), and I've been watching it there ever since. All five episodes are up (just subscribe to that particular user), including the companion show, Behind the Rush, which airs 15 minutes prior to each episode and which provides a fast recap of the previous week's episode, as well as some fascinating behind-the-scenes information. Enjoy! :)

Edited by legaleagle44, Sep 13, 2010 @ 6:38 PM.

[TheGrimRecapper]

the companion show, Behind the Rush, which airs 15 minutes prior to each episode and which provides a fast recap of the previous week's episode, as well as some fascinating behind-the-scenes information.

Oy, the guy who hosts that show is so irritating. (I love how in the one for the first episode, they were talking about how this is going to show people how great China is and how varied the cities are, given that (1) the show isn't aired outside of the country, and (2) the contestants already all live in China, as the intro footage was keen to point out. Does Shanghai even have cricket fields?)

[legaleagle44]

I know what you mean about the host of BTR. There's something about him that puts me off as well; I think it's his way-too-casual (not to mention downright ugly) wardrobe. I'm not saying that he should dress in a three-piece suit to do the show, but something that doesn't look as though he had just raided his kid brother's college-dorm closet might make me appreciate him as a professional even more.

What's even more surprising, if indeed neither TARCR nor BTR actually airs outside of China, is that both shows are done in English, with Chinese subtitles. I get the feeling that the shows were, in fact, designed for Internet broadcast as well (although episodes have yet to actually find their way onto the show's official website), and TPTB were actually banking on the idea that someone would post both on YouTube as a way of giving foreigners access to them. Hey, if that's their master plan, it works for me! :)

Edited by legaleagle44, Sep 14, 2010 @ 9:26 AM.

[Neeney]

Start here, Neeney.

Thank you so much! Should be interesting!!!

[Fukui San]

Thanks for the link. I'm watching the second episode now. Very good rendition, probably better than Amazing Race: Asia.

I kind of like the idea of mostly foreigners let loose to roam around a large country. That would have been a better change of pace for Amazing Race: US than the Family Edition. It is a bit odd that there are so few Chinese people in this edition, but I suppose it's so that no one team has a huge advantage.

[Neeney]

I'm really liking this already. For me it has the "excitement" of TAR back in it's earlier seasons that isn't there now.

Edited by Neeney, Sep 14, 2010 @ 5:47 PM.

[legaleagle44]

I kind of like the idea of mostly foreigners let loose to roam around a large country. That would have been a better change of pace for Amazing Race: US than the Family Edition. It is a bit odd that there are so few Chinese people in this edition, but I suppose it's so that no one team has a huge advantage.

Well, that's true, but remember that all of the teams have already been living in China for some time -- some, for years, in fact -- and therefore already speak the language to a rather impressive degree. Therefore, they aren't going to have the disadvantages that the teams who visit China on TAR or TARA would normally have, nor are we going to see a Tammy/Victor "home field" advantage, because China IS the "home field" for all the teams.

By the way, be warned that the show has picked up TARA's bad habit of demonstrating how tough the bulk eating challenges are by showing racers vomiting every five seconds -- in graphic detail. You'll see that when you get up to Episode 4 (the Roadblock is a challenge requiring one person from each team to eat 1 1/2 kilos of fried rice, and it's really gross to watch and listen to.) OK, TAR franchise, let's declare a moratorium on this revolting practice, especially when I'm trying to eat lunch while watching it, shall we?

So, what teams does everyone like so far? I'm still rooting for Bonnie and Mel (Team Ex-Pat.)

Edited by legaleagle44, Sep 15, 2010 @ 8:42 AM.

[Neeney]

I'm liking Bonnie and Mel, too. I think they're funny and very good natured. I also like Paul and Francis, but I have the feeling they don't last too much longer (I'm half way through episode two). They haven't lived in China like the others though have they? I couldn't tell from their intro, just that they were Maasi. Speaking of which, I love the "titles" they give the teams. Most of them are a riot!

[Quoll]

You'll see that when you get up to Episode 4 (the Roadblock is a challenge requiring one person from each team to eat 1 1/2 kilos of fried rice, and it's really gross to watch and listen to.)

That was horrible to watch and must have been more horrible for all involved to sit through. The toughest part of that challenge(and working there that day) had to have been the smell in that room. I felt sorry for the restaurant workers.

[Fukui San]

I just saw episode 5, and the design of leg 5 was amazing! A great skill task in carving the Peking ducks (what a waste of great duck), then the wonderful communication drawing task! I want that every season. I want to see Colin and Christie do that, or Charla and Mirna, or some other combustible teams of years past. It was great watching that shrew berate her partner over and over for something that was at least 50% her fault. It was even better when the judge told her that the problem was her. And then the detour was good too, though more teams should have tried soccer. All you need is one who can kick. The Indian boys probably could have done it.

I liked the ex-pats, but if it was OK in their minds to come in last, it was there time to go.

[Mike Paz]

Quick question to actual non-youtube viewers: Is China Rush filmed in HD/Widescreen or was it edited before it got to YouTube? Because this show continues the argument that an Amazing Race season can be in HD without any issues.

Also, does anyone realize the irony of going out of the commercials, the show uses the zoom into New York City?

[legaleagle44]

Episode 6 is up, and this wasn't a leg; it was a grueling marathon!

Right from the get-go, where the Roadblock was to climb a dam, I could see that this is what the producers mean when they say that the race will be brutal and will be a real test of the teams' physical endurance. Watching these young, in-shape teams having to climb pretty much everywhere during the leg (and having to carry heavy objects with them during of two of those steep climbs) had me wheezing and gasping for air just watching them. If Mel and Bonnie hadn't been eliminated last episode, this leg wouldn't have just eliminated them -- it would have killed them!

Oh, and remember the Keys Roadblock from TAR a few years back that frustrated a few teams (and not a few viewers)? It's back, although this time as one of the Detour choices (the other being "Trees," where yes, you actually had to carry a tree up a steep stair path and plant it.) Not surprisingly, only one team went for this one; the rest all decided to plant trees.

Sean and Amy, I'm glad to see that you at least went out on a high note, rather than as the bickering Bickersons. Good on Amy for actually behaving like a human being for this episode, instead of the Terri-in-training that she was during the previous episodes.

And Rick and Josh (the Aussie Best Mates) are still in the race! Yes!!!

Edited by legaleagle44, Sep 21, 2010 @ 11:25 AM.

[Fukui San]

I love that a late bunch and an apparent laziness trap (you can leave your bags there if you want. We won't mention that it will add another 40-60 minutes to your leg) took out the most annoying team. Of course, it could have taken out a team I liked, too.

[legaleagle44]

In this week's leg, the part of the annoying bickering couple will be played by Rachel and Charlie.

Seriously; how many times do these dating couples have to be told that the Race is NOT the best venue for testing the boundaries of your relationship? I'm honestly surprised that they still weren't fighting on the beach at the end of the leg, with Allan having to shut them up long enough to give them a Guido-style elimination: "Charlie and Rachel, because you spent the entire day bickering instead of doing the Detour, everyone else was able to check in hours ago. I'm sorry to tell you that you have been eliminated from the race -- and good riddance!" (Yeah, I know, this was a non-elimination leg, so we'd be stuck with them anyway, but still ... .)

Oh, and that also goes for Molly and Sarah. Listen, Molly, when your partner has made it clear that she is physically incapable of hauling those beer kegs because she just doesn't have the upper-body strength that Rick and Josh (who looked damn HOT hauling those kegs in his muscle shirt, by the way!) have, maybe you should listen to her instead of constantly yelling at her to suck it up and haul the keg anyway.

Actually, I loved all the Bald Snarking that was going on during the Detour. I probably would have picked Buried Metal and just stuck with it; like Sarah, there is no way I could have lugged three of those heavy beer kegs to their destination, let alone one!

The aquarium looked like a really cool place to visit. While I'll wager that the teams took quite a while to get rid of the fish smell (and why were they told to prepare 20 kilos of fish, when they really only needed one in order to feed the "dales"?), that scuba Roadblock looked like a lot of fun, although I'm not sure that I would have immediately picked up on "ABALONE" as the mystery word, either.

Finally, YAY for Rick and Josh! They are my favorite team now, and I'm really pulling for them to win it all.

[vonlicorice]

Okay, I guess I'm officially following three versions of TAR at once. Ridiculous. I tore through all eight episodes of this in about two days after seeing legaleagle44's post over on the TARA board. (Thanks for the info!) So far I am very pleased. This version has that fresh feeling that I like about TARA but without all the stunt casting. I've also been impressed with the leg planning, which has provided adequate bunching despite the lack of air travel and has done so in a way that doesn't feel over-manipulated. I agree with everyone who said leg five in Beijing was amazing. I've loved the number of intellectual and skill tasks throughout the whole season (the puzzle, archery, the duck carving, the communication exercise, the scuba anagram...), and I think the emphasis on tasks like these has resulted in some of the more intelligent and interesting teams getting far in the competition, instead of athletic or lucky ones.

I loved the spirit of the Expat Wives and their competence in even very physical tasks. I agree that they would have been doomed if they had made it to Shandong; that was a brutal leg. I was a little sad to see Amy go as I was really enjoying hating her. I particularly loved her altercation with the communication expert and her snit of: "this isn't a personality test, just give us the clue!" She was so unrelentingly awful to everyone (her partner, other teams, taxi drivers, helpful strangers) that I came to look forward to seeing what horrific thing she would say next. I also have to admit I was impressed by her apparent fluency (loosely speaking) in Mandarin. Same goes for several of the other foreign-born contestants.

Of the teams left, I guess I'm rooting for Molly and Sarah. I like how their confidence has been growing and they have come to see themselves as true contenders. Also, Molly kind of looks like Amanda Seyfried, whom I adore. The Australians seem like cool guys and are certainly easy on the eyes, but I have a tough time getting behind teams of bros, or mates in this case, which I realize is a totally unfair bias. I like one of the Momshells but not the other, the blond who seems like a germaphobe and a princess. And the Flirtatious Friends (what a bizarre moniker) have really started to grate on me in the last few episodes.

Finally, China is extraordinarily beautiful and diverse. Full stop.

[Fukui San]

I can't believe that every team chose to subject themselves to the spicy hot pot instead of the tea pouring when they all seemed to know exactly how notoriously spicy and oily those things were.

I'm enjoying the casting and the design of this race. Probably the best designed edition of any race in many seasons.

[TheGrimRecapper]

Okay, I guess I'm officially following three versions of TAR at once. Ridiculous.

Don't worry, I'm following four. Aside from TAR US, TARA, and TAR:CR, the Latin American version's also just started its second season.

This version has that fresh feeling that I like about TARA but without all the stunt casting. I've also been impressed with the leg planning, which has provided adequate bunching despite the lack of air travel and has done so in a way that doesn't feel over-manipulated. I agree with everyone who said leg five in Beijing was amazing. I've loved the number of intellectual and skill tasks throughout the whole season (the puzzle, archery, the duck carving, the communication exercise, the scuba anagram...), and I think the emphasis on tasks like these has resulted in some of the more intelligent and interesting teams getting far in the competition, instead of athletic or lucky ones.

I agree. The combination of decent mental tasks and bunching (which gives things like Nick/Starr's domination and the Louie/Michael hattrick in Europe) has really helped to mix things up.

[legaleagle44]

I think the reason that the teams all opted for Hot Pot was that they figured it would just be easier and faster than Teapot. I probably would have chosen it as well, but I have to admit that I was getting heartburn just watching them eat that spicy stuff.

I was a little surprised that we had back-to-back NELs. The season finale is on October 24, and we're still at the Final Five (incidentally, we have two very strong all-female teams left in the race; we could very well see either the Momshells or the Ultra-Marathoners take it, if the Best Mates don't -- I just don't think that Team Cricket really has much of a shot at winning, and Rachel and Charlie can leave my YouTube any time now.)

And next week, we finally get to see pandas. I was wondering when one of China's most iconic symbols would finally make its appearance!

Edited by legaleagle44, Oct 6, 2010 @ 12:25 AM.

[Quoll]

I was also surprised by the back to back NELs. Guess we'll see if the Indians(since I can't remember their team name...hell I usually forget they're even playing) will live up to all their talk about fair play, should they get a lead anyway.

I would've gone for the Tea challenge. My stomach wouldn't have lasted long enough for me to get outside if I had to eat all those peppers. Speaking of which I wonder how high those peppers rank on the Scoville meter. I've seen people eat burgers that use the same peppers as Pepper Spray with far less discomfort than I saw this past ep.

[vonlicorice]

Don't worry, I'm following four. Aside from TAR US, TARA, and TAR:CR, the Latin American version's also just started its second season.

There goes whatever slim hope of productivity I had for this evening. I watched about half of TAR en Discovery (such an awkward title) a while back but now that I know there's a second season I'll probably power through the rest of it in a sitting or two. There isn't a forum for that version, is there? Also, in the new season are they still having the teams sign in before each plane ride and leave the airport at the next destination according to that order and spacing? I never liked how that seemed to cut down on the shuffling.

Speaking of which I wonder how high those peppers rank on the Scoville meter. I've seen people eat burgers that use the same peppers as Pepper Spray with far less discomfort than I saw this past ep.

As much as I hate to agree with Blonde Momshell, I think the oil was a major part of it. I got absurdly ill off a dish in Brazil made with really strong (they call it "hot," but not because it is spicy) dendê oil, which is made from palm. Something about the concentration or saturation of the oil makes it hard on stomachs that aren't used to it. I was bed-ridden for two days.

It's news to me that the Cricket Fanatics are still in the race. I just assumed they wouldn't have another NEL so I skipped the end of the episode where Allan broke the news. What a boring team to have saved like that. I don't think they are real contenders and I would be bummed if they survived over any of the other remaining teams (even the Flirtatious Friends who, despite being annoying, are deserving racers in my opinion.)

[TheGrimRecapper]

And next week, we finally get to see pandas. I was wondering when one China's most iconic symbols would finally make its appearance!

What, the Greeter Hat Of The Week wasn't enough? :P

There isn't a forum for that version, is there?

There is now.

Edited by TheGrimRecapper, Oct 6, 2010 @ 12:14 AM.

[The Australian]

I find it oddly hilarious that, despite nominally being a "cheaper" franchise, China Rush actually has some of the highest production values of any TAR including the original!

I think it's done a fine job of showing off the many faces of China admirably, in much the same way that TAR Brazil did with an equally variable host nation. Admittedly we haven't got too far into the countryside, but as someone who loves city-based legs there's been much to enjoy so far.

Although the tasks have generally been quite mundane for my taste, the producers have managed to include some ripsnorters in there too. None better than the "communication test" in Beijing, which I think is one of the most unique challenges ever seen on the show and certainly one of the funniest.

If I have a big problem with this variant, it's probably the casting. Not for nothing did we have a string of teams whose hook seemed to be that they were "foreigners" seemingly drafted in - and unsurprisingly they all went first in a rush. (Props to the Latvians for working in a brief Eurovision crossover, though!). And as much as I was glad to see Sean & Amy bite the dust, the loss of the delightful Bonnie & Mel did rob us of a point of difference...I really don't see too much distinction between who we have left despite the gender differences.

That said, I am pulling for Sarah & Molly to win (despite Molly's unusual reverse beration of Sarah a couple of episodes ago). Charlie & Rachel have become incredibly grating, Rick & Josh are just an anonymously competent alpha male team, the two Indians have already conked out, and Karen is just too much a princess for me to root for her and Lisa.

Oh, and Allan Wu is slowly getting there as a host. He's still a little too plastic for his own good, but he is certainly thawing out the more times he does this.

[TheGrimRecapper]

I think it's done a fine job of showing off the many faces of China admirably, in much the same way that TAR Brazil did with an equally variable host nation. Admittedly we haven't got too far into the countryside, but as someone who loves city-based legs there's been much to enjoy so far.

Agreed. I'd like it if they'd had one or two countryside legs, just to break it up a bit, but the legs have been good enough individually it doesn't really feel like we're getting the same environent every week.

Oh, and Allan Wu is slowly getting there as a host. He's still a little too plastic for his own good, but he is certainly thawing out the more times he does this.

Which begs the question, spoilerwhores: did he film this season before or after TAR Asia 4?

[legaleagle44]

I just watched Episode 9, and for now, I just have the following to say about it:

WTF? THREE NELs in a row, and my most hated team is still in this as a result? GAH! Show, what are you trying to do to me???

Edited by legaleagle44, Oct 12, 2010 @ 11:17 AM.

[Fukui San]

Wow, that was a lot of Chinese that they had to write in "detention".

Fairly bland episode. Schoolkids were cute.

[vonlicorice]

Hooray Sarah & Molly! They firmed up their place as my favorites this leg with their solid performance and great attitude. I loved how Molly complimented Sarah's javelin technique with the bamboo and Sarah, in turn, praised Molly's navigation and communication. It was a nice contrast to Charlie & Rachel's bickerathon, which led to their impressive slide from first to last in a leg with no real bunching. The Australians were all sorts of adorable with the schoolchildren.

I agree that it was a boring episode. The most exciting part for me were the scenes from the next episode. I was psyched to see some plowing in the teams' future and hopefully it will lead to the final Charlie & Rachel fightsplosion. I am also very curious about what will lead Lisa to scream at the Indians: "Hey, you guys almost killed us! We both have children! We have children!" Mostly, though, I can't wait for a goddamn elimination leg. Three in a row is just ridiculous.

Edited by vonlicorice, Oct 12, 2010 @ 1:41 PM.