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Reality Recap: DWTS, Iron Chef, TAR
Last night, mom and I got caught up on some of the Sunday shows we'd missed along with watching Dancing with the Stars. The schedule for the night was The Amazing Race, Next Iron Chef (finale), and then Dancing with the Stars (taped with no commercials!!). We voted for Helio and Julianne before we started watching TAR.
The Amazing Race
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but I am so glad this show is back and I'm glad that it's back to the fine form that makes it one of my absolute favorite shows ever. I live vicariously through this show and love to convince myself that I have what it takes to go on the adventure (but since I freak out when my feet get wet and can't sleep without a fan blowing on my face, I think I'm actually doomed to be forever an armchair traveler).
This week's episode was classic TAR. Unique challenges, breakdowns, exhibitions of strength (both physical and of character), and all around fun. I have a habit of tracking the start times of each couple and this week it ended up that the first couple left a full three hours before the last couple, but by the time the airport lines opened up, they were almost all together. That's a bummer!
The flight issues were pretty standard, though I really laughed at Ron when he started berating Nicholas for being rude to the airline clerk. It seemed to me that Ron was being as rude as what Nicholas had been. Of course, Ron's rant was just the tip of the iceberg of what he had to offer this week!
I loved how Azaria and Hendekea just got on the train and bought tickets on board. That's what happened isn't it? They ended up getting the first train to themselves and there was never anything said about that not working out for them. I thought that was savvy.
The first challenge was a hoot to me. I found it interesting that every man who did that challenge, except for Jason, could NOT figure out the knots. So then, all these teeny tiny girls (like Rachel and Shana [or Jennifer -- not sure which did this]) ended up having to pull up all that heavy furniture and did it! Awesome. I also found that Vixen was very directive throughout this episode, which I think was good, but could possibly erode into bossiness.
I thought the people who chose to do the bikes were crazy! I hate those kinds of challenges. I just remember that poor mom on the family edition sifting through that humongous pile looking for the one colored ... something (marble??) and being kicked off. How many times have we seen people implode as they try to get a key to work in one of 1000 locks, or find the right sheet of music, or whatever. I'd either avoid those challenges like the plague or take a few minutes to get into some sort of peaceful zen state because what it takes is calm and focus. Just another aside about this choice, you had to ride 5 miles after getting your bike. I'm sorry Phil, I think that is physically challenging!
Then of course we come to the great mud pole vaulting competition. Ha Ha Ha. I loved how Jason just flew over that thing. He's really starting to be seen as quite the competitor, if he can just keep Lorena from freaking out, they might be strong contenders for the title (although next week's previews show Lorena having what seems like a meltdown more appropriate for week 10 instead of week 3).
When Jen (Nathan's partner) flew over that pit and smacked down on her back, I cringed. This girl has a short fuse, and I think that ignited it. But "grandpa" (Donald) was the best show by far! OMG. He stripped down to his underwear which were black bikinis. Auuuhhh!!! And then they looked like they were full of mud and black bikinis full of mud is just never a good look. I thought Nicholas was more patient than would have been expected. The whole challenge looked disgusting and I laughed when someone said "you smell like poop" (sounds like something Nathan would have said, but I can't remember).
I'm still waiting to go off on old papa Ron, so let's finish out the race. I just about peed my pants when that team road right by Phil and the pit stop. I've never ever seen anything like it. I've seen people ride by flags and clue boxes, but Phil standing there to check you in! That was hysterical. That's a sign that you need to slow down and relax (which I think is one of the most important key to being successful in the race).
I'm sorry to see Kate and Pat go. I think that their views on the experience would have really added something nice to the whole race but many a deserving team have fallen early in the race. If they ever do another theme race again (which I'm not sure I'd advocate), I'd love to see one that brought together some of the strongest or most interesting teams that got kicked off early -- like the lumberjacks, and the muslim men, etc.
So now, let's close this TAR review with a little discussion about papa Ron and his daughter Christina. Wow, Wow, Wow. I hope they stay on long enough to maybe really figure some stuff out, but papa Ron, get a grip. You are bossy and controlling. But what I really liked about this was that Christina, although greatly impacted by what her father says, also seems to know what she wants and is really trying to communicate clearly and honestly with him. I just wanted to throttle him a couple of times. After the whole bike thing he treated her like she had done something wrong, even though he had been the one to choose the challenge and who had walked around yammering the whole time confused and unfocused. Wowzer! Come on Ron, take some responsibility and stop blaming your daughter!
OK. That's all I have to say on that for now. Loving the TAR!!
The Next Iron Chef
Shock -- Michael Symon won! I thought John Besh was a shoe-in. I do have to say that I had seen more of Besh before the competition began and by the end I thought he and Symon were neck and neck. In the long run, surprisingly it was Symon who showed more personality (which Besh is in no short supply of) and more culinary creativity. I'm actually looking forward to watching Iron Chef America more now. I've never been a big fan, but the more I've heard chefs (such as Bobby Flay) talk about how challenging it is and hear the respect they have for the endeavor, I've become more intrigued. I'm also an Alton Brown fan, so that's an added cherry.
The only thing I want to add, was that I was impressed by Morimoto. Those drawings of his were impressive and he actually has a great sense of humor. I just wish that his english was stronger because I don't think folks understand him very much as he is speaking (Besh and Symon seemed a bit clueless, though Alton seemed to get him more easily -- probably a sign of having worked together more).
All in all, this show ended up being a really interesting experience and I'm glad I watched.
Dancing with the Stars
I really felt like this week I could see a clear delineation between the Helio and Mel B. and the rest of the crew. While I'm a big fan of Jennie's I won't be surprised or bothered if she or Cameron goes home this week. Although I'd prefer it to be Cameron. I thought Jennie's technique was not great but her performance was stronger and the exact opposite was true for Cameron. Regarding Marie, I think it's crazy to think she'll get kicked off this week. While I was really impressed by how well she "performed" this week given everything that went on, I'm getting tired of the lack of content in her dances. I was thrilled to see Helio back to fine form and improving and continue to grow in my like of Mel B.
The last thing I want to say is that I think the unsung hero of DWTS is Tom Bergeron. That guy is so darn funny. He is so quick. The show would be completely different if he wasn't the host. Tom's becoming to me very "Regis" like -- an American icon. He's just a wonderful way about him. Kudos Tom.
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Nov 13, 2007 10:46 AM
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Hi there, I love Tom Bergeron. He is doing a fantastic job. He always has, but this season's been a challenge and he has risen to the occasion. I agree that Cameron and Jennie aren't in the same league with Helio and Mel B and I would like to see Marie go home tonight but I'm wondering about that sympathy vote.
I am so excited the Race is back on! Watching the one team ride their bike past Phil Keoghan and the pit stop while he watched was one of the funniest things I've ever seen!
Great blog!
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Nov 13, 2007 11:11 AM
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