205 replies to this topic

[TWoP Roxy]

From zap2it.com:

As the contestants face a double U-turn in Hanoi, Vietnam, one team receives crushing news.

[skeb]

"Socialism is beautiful!" - Up With Communists

[ReadIshmael]

I don't understand what the country singers were so confused about at the Detour. That task seemed weridly easy to me, honestly; I think they probably could have done the whole board in less time that it took to do the other side of the Detour.

Nice to see Pam and Winnie win one, but I like them less now that they think Max and Katie are cool.

Chuck and Wynona are really bad racers. Just no attention to detail at all.

[twinmom]

Why U-turn Chuck & Wynonna and not a stronger team? Chuck and Wynonna are going to burn out soon since Wynonna is going to have to start doing Roadblocks soon!

[TheRabbi]

Other than the obnoxious U-Turn drama, I thought this was a great episode. The tasks were all pretty great. The roadblock was at least interesting reminding us of other political views, and the song was catchy. And the detour was pretty difficult and allowed for much shuffling.

However, I've never liked the damn u-turn, and the whole first 20 minutes being devoted to discussing who would use it on who was tiresome. And Joey and Megan are back up to 11 on the annoyance scale, and my least favorite team remaining.

Sad to see Dave and Connor go, as they seemed like genuinely good guys. Glad they stuck it out as long as they could. And props to them for winning 2 legs in a row while being handicapped.

I'm starting to really like Max and Katie, and I still like Chuck and Wynona, though they're heading downhill ever so slightly. Also like the hockey brothers, and really don't mind any of the 3 girl teams. So I guess I like everyone except the obnoxious Youtube team. Heh.

[Rusun]

After last week, talk about a one-two hit!

Now that D/C have gracefully bowed out, this has to be one of the top F7s in all TAR.

Add to that the color, drama, redemption...it's not just the best Vietnam leg ever, but one of the greatest Asian legs since S5's Philippines I and S12's Taiwan.

[mojoween]

I hate to be completely shallow but the first judge they showed at the singing competition was way hot.

Interesting that the amount of time for the legs that were run since Dave hurt his ankle was a week. He said that his orthopedist said he could go a week without surgery, so they must have allowed him the opportunity to call home?

Joey and Meghan's head-turn at the mat made me want to punch them SO HARD.

Edited by mojoween, Mar 17, 2013 @ 8:07 PM.

[merylinkid]

Now that was a nice use of strategy by Pam and Winnie not telling the other teams that Connor and Dave were taking themseles out. It would keep teams wondering. It would have been even better if someone had U-turned them.

The socialism is wonderful brainwashing was frightening.

THe blondes were stupid about the chess thing. Read. The. Clue. It was clear what you had to do.

[Haleth]

My gosh, has anyone had less enjoyment of the race than Wynona? Phil wasn't kidding about them acting as though he was punishing them.

[enlightenedbum]

Thoughts, in list form because I like lists:

1) It's weird seeing a Vietnamese Communist Party propaganda song on an American broadcast network.
2) Max and Katie are much less annoying now that they've forgotten to play the villain role they assigned themselves.
3) Joey will never forget to mug.
4) Kudos to Pam and Winnie, that was a strong leg.
5) The chess detour seemed like a huge advantage, so bad job by race planning.
6) Anthony and Bates must have gotten a really bad cab ride between the B52 memorial and the pit stop, considering they lost two places and looked stunned to still be in fourth.
7) I won't miss Team Health Problems.
8) Lastly, and most importantly, Wynona is one of my least favorite style of racer: the racer with no confidence who does nothing but insists their partner is awful and ignoring them and doing the task wrong all the time.

Do a fucking roadblock, Wynona. Won't miss them either, when they're inevitably eliminated.

best Vietnam leg ever

Not the one where Derek and Drew were eliminated in S3? That leg is awesome, even if the ending is kind of heartbreaking.

[Shocker]

I feel sorry for Dave and Connor. Teams who are excited to race, aren't obnoxious, and READ the entire clues are the ones I like to watch. I hope they can come back on another season to complete their race.

Why U-turn Chuck & Wynonna and not a stronger team?

The YouTubers didn't know who was ahead of them, but they knew Chuck and Wynona were behind them. It was a smart move because slowing Chuck and Wy down almost assured the YouTubers that they wouldn't be eliminated. Chuck and Wynona are lucky and should write Dave and Connor a thank you note.

Edited by Shocker, Mar 17, 2013 @ 8:42 PM.

[Lantern7]

For the hundredth time (give or take): If a team is U-Turned, that team must perform the second Detour task, go back to the Route Marker, and only then they can U-Turn someone else. It would be so logical.

Thanks to Dave & Conner, though, it's all moot. Joey & Meghan live to annoy another day, and Chuck & Wynona live to underachieve another day. And both are drags on the show . . . the YouTubers try too hard, and Wynonna isn't pulling her weight. At least she's not a castrating nag like Mary was. She did bark at Chuck . . . but in her defense, he seems to be the sort of guy who goes shopping when she's sick, and he comes back with a keg of beer, whipped cream and air fresheners. They strike me as good people, but the only reason for them to go far is if there's a head-shaving Fast Forward in store for them. The fun there would be centered on ridding Chuck of his mullet, as opposed to making Wynonna cry.

Would it be bad to get a new national anthem that's peppy as the song-and-dance number seen tonight? Damn. It's a shame there wasn't an American veteran racing with a familiarity of the language, who could've jeered the singers. Of course, I'm thinking of Ian. And his stupid hat. Personally, I'm amazed Chuck got it second.

Meh episode after last week's epic leg. Way better than Survivor, that's for damn sure. Sorry to see Dave & Conner out, and I never minded Dave going Dick Vermiel in front of Phil. I'm guessing they've clinched a berth in the next "all-stars" season . . . and they deserve it.

Edited by Lantern7, Mar 17, 2013 @ 9:26 PM.

[jeromycraig]

I've spent so many episodes disliking Max and Katie, but then tonight Joey and Meghan announced they dislike them, so now Max and Katie are my New Favorite Thing.

It's a shame there wasn't an American veteran racing with a familiarity of the language, who could've jeered the singers.

I prefer Races where the Racers don't behave like rude jackasses to their foreign hosts and confirm all the Ugly American stereotypes.

Edited by jeromycraig, Mar 17, 2013 @ 8:16 PM.

[sinycalone]

My biggest question: Why didn't Wynona do the song challenge? There was obviously nothing physical involved. SMH.

The chess challenge sounded a lot harder when Phil explained it than it was in reality. On the other hand, the food challenge was even more difficult than it seemed from Phil's reading the description. Very clever, TAR.

The U-Turn machinations were boring...and pointless. Of course, most of the teams didn't know that.

Father/Son were right to resign when they did. Why risk an even more serious injury?

[oakville1969]

"Socialism is beautiful!" - Up With Communists

I think that the Vietnamese Propaganda dance with the pro communist slogans & One Directionesque boy band was in poor taste.

It was hilarious that none of the racers understood the lyrics to the song.

Did the Vietnamese government demand that Communist song & dance songs be played in exchange for allowing filming in Vietnam?

Sad to see Dave & Connor withdraw.

Chuck's Mullett deserves to be in the HOF of Amazing Race bad hairstyles.

[Candy Moocher]

Wynonna STILL hasn't done a roadblock (since the sand castles in Ep. 1 when she had no choice). Today's was one that she could have handled. Wow. They surely must be at the point, or nearing it, when she's going to have to do all of them.

[jeromycraig]

My biggest question: Why didn't Wynona do the song challenge? There was obviously nothing physical involved. SMH.

As soon as they read the clue, Wynonna blurted out, "I CAN'T RUN!" and made Chuck do it. He was Not Pleased.

I think that the Vietnamese Propaganda dance with the pro communist slogans & One Directionesque boy band was in poor taste.

It's in no more poor taste than an American flag ceremony in the US or the Changing of the Royal Guard in the UK.

[skeb]

Did the Vietnamese government demand that Communist song & dance songs be played in exchange for allowing filming in Vietnam?

Good point. I could see that possibility.

4) Kudos to Pam and Winnie, that was a strong leg.

Yes! So glad they won, and great strategery in keeping Dave and Connor's exit a secret.

[mauras]

My biggest question: Why didn't Wynona do the song challenge? There was obviously nothing physical involved. SMH.

I've started to think Wynona is hoping they'll be eliminated before she has to do another Roadblock.

I've spent so many episodes disliking Max and Katie, but then tonight Joey and Meghan announced they dislike them, so now Max and Katie are my New Favorite Thing.

Yes. And Pam and Winnie, who are pretty much my favorite team, like them, which also counts in their favor. I still don't trust Max and Katie, but since they've stopped trying to be the villains, they've been much easier to take. They've started to race better too.

I hate U-turns, and was glad they didn't end up having much of an impact on what was otherwise a pretty great episode.

[fredfunk]

I didn't mind the song and dance, but I thought the shot-down B-52 memorial was disrespectful to all the airmen that were shot-down.

[stekpgh]

Why U-turn Chuck & Wynonna and not a stronger team? Chuck and Wynonna are going to burn out soon since Wynonna is going to have to start doing Roadblocks soon!

I have a feeling team mullet would have come in last even without the U-Turn. The You-Tubers may be annoying as fuck, but they are pretty damn competent racers - they just plow on. Plus, I'll take silly posturing over bickering, whining and scheming any day. On top of it all - Chuck has to be getting close to exhausting his Roadblock allotment. It would be a shame for any of the remaining teams to exit before that happens.

[Pache]

Interesting that the amount of time for the legs that were run since Dave hurt his ankle was a week. He said that his orthopedist said he could go a week without surgery, so they must have allowed him the opportunity to call home?

I'm sure they did allow him to call home. The let the one Rocker talk to his family about his father with cancer last season, so letting Dave call his doctor makes sense. I'm sure the contestants wave liability, but if they are forbidden from getting reliable medical advice, the show could still be in big trouble. I'm guessing that the original doctors told them they could run in a cast, and then sent the pictures to Dave's doctor who looked at the tear and told him to come and get surgery NOW. If Dave recovers fully I hope he and Connor get on a redemption round.

With Chuck doing song portion of the Roadblock, I'm betting Wynona said, I'll go with you, I'll run with you, I'll do any challenges that have to be done together, but I am NOT doing any Roadblocks period. She's giving him his dream and that's it.

[Shocker]

Chuck's Mullett deserves to be in the HOF of Amazing Race bad hairstyles.

I don't think Chuck will be around long enough to experience a possible "shave your head" task. It would backfire anyway. Wynona would read the clue and tell Chuck that he has to shave his mullet off. Then she'll be told that Chuck can no longer complete EVERY road block and detour, and SHE must shave her head. LOL

[enlightenedbum]

Did the Vietnamese government demand that Communist song & dance songs be played in exchange for allowing filming in Vietnam?

Doubt it, the race has been to Vietnam pretty frequently before, with good results usually.

[yruneh]

Why U-turn Chuck & Wynonna and not a stronger team?

The most important rule in every leg except the final leg is don't come in last. It was smart to U-Turn a team they thought would then finish behind them. If they had U-Turned Bates and Anthony, for example, there's a good chance the hockey guys would still pass them and YouTube would be last.

The song was weird, but I do like the idea of the Race portraying the world as it is, and let people make their own judgments. That's what freedom is about. We aren't coerced. I found the song to be silly, but I don't think it's insulting to the U.S. The B-52 memorial was a bit in your face, but I imagine in Vietnam a lot of people think of as a triumph of the underdog. There was one interesting detail in the politics of the leg - a cab driver had an American flag head rest.

I hate to be completely shallow but the first judge they showed at the singing competition was way hot.

While we're being completely shallow, I have to declare that Caroline's tank top was the highlight of this leg.

We're only five legs in and only two teams that have won a leg remain: Pam & Winnie and Bates & Anthony.

Dave and Connor went out with class, despite crying for the 20th time. It was really heartfelt.

Edited by yruneh, Mar 17, 2013 @ 8:32 PM.

[JodithGrace]

Maybe Chuck and Winona didn't read the rules that say that they have to split the roadblocks, because I can't imagine why else she didn't do it. Why does she think she is so incompetent? I mean I don't hear HIM say she is incompetent or weak..SHE says it about herself.

Chuck and Winona also seemed to think that Team You tube were the ones that gave them the U-Turn because their photos were on the board. They don't seem to understand how things work, which will be a big problem down the road..if they last that long.

I found the chess detour to be very confusing to watch, but it seemed easy enough when you were actually there, so I didn't see why the country singers had so much trouble. I'm sure the rules were spelled out in the clue.

I remember being in Italy in the 1960's, right in the middle of the Cold war, and being shocked to see Communist party campaign posters. It still seems shocking to me to see happy Communist songs on American TV. It was certainly catchy. But thanks for reminding us that we lost that war.

It was a fun episode, but Chuck and Winona were very lucky.

Edited by JodithGrace, Mar 17, 2013 @ 8:40 PM.

[Quilt Fairy]

I think that the Vietnamese Propaganda dance with the pro communist slogans & One Directionesque boy band was in poor taste.

ITA. Vietnam is a beautiful country, and I have no problem with the race going there, but the way TAR has continually disrespected the Vietnam War is very offensive to me. And I certainly didn't appreciate a propaganda commercial for the Vietnamese Communist Party on American broadcast television. YMMV

I thought this was the worst edited episode of TAR I've ever seen, probably not helped by Dave and Connor DQing at the beginnning of the leg. (What was with that? They couldn't have won the last leg and DQed then?) Almost half an hour into the episode and absolutely nothing had happened. No real racing, at any rate.

Has anyone else noticed that this season the Amazing Yellow Line has turned into the Amazing Blue Line and sometimes also the Amazing Red Line?

[Lantern7]

jeromycraig . . . I wasn't that serious. The vision in my head was somebody shouting, "Get over yourselves! It was a tie! A TIE!" And Ian was my go-to figure for that half-baked fantasy.

Chuck's Mullett deserves to be in the HOF of Amazing Race bad hairstyles.

oakville1969 . . . do an image search for "The Amazing Race 6, Adam." Believe me, a mullet isn't that bad by comparison.

Count me in on how dumb it was for the YouTubers to U-Turn a weak team like McMullet & Wife. If that was an elimination leg* and the Brothers got booted, that would've been the third alpha team to go out, and the game would've been even more wide open.

*Yes, I know, it was an elimination leg, with Dave & Conner voluntarily taking last place . . . but y'all know what I mean, right?

but I thought the shot-down B-52 memorial was disrespectful to all the airmen that were shot-down.

Is it wrong that I knew what a B-52 was, yet still kept thinking of Fred Schneider and "Love Shack"?

Another question: Who had the title quote? Also, I was a bit disappointed "Oy vey" didn't make the cold open. I guess it'll be included in the montage going into the finale.

[mojoween]

I'm confused why Dave and Connor didn't just head home instead of flying to Vietnam. And how did they know where the Pit Stop was?

[enlightenedbum]

Who had the title quote?

I THINK it was Winnie, in voice over, taking back all the mean things they had said about Max/Katie in previous talking heads. Might have been Pam. But I think it was Winnie.