The Amazing Race- Returns November 4th

[Ian]

It seems like the only time Jen was happy was when something bad was happening to another team. I realize it’s a race and it’s good to have something bad happen to your competitors, but she got personal and it seems like Nate was just following right along with her negativity.

Okay, but Jen just wished for something bad to happen to her competitors. Christina actually went out of her way to try and cause something bad to happen to her competitors. Why don't people have an issue with that?

Personally, I just think Jen is a heated competitor. She doesn't like to lose. Is she always upbeat and positive? No. Does she handle stress and adversity well? No.

But I still don't get all the venom for her. It's not like she was actively evil towards the people she ran the race with or cheated or anything (something plenty of others have done). She was just nasty (at times) to Nathan and I guess my thing is ... I think most of the time he deserved it.

Anyway ... no more defending Jen, I promise. I mean mostly I agree she was whiny and annoying ... I just can't manage to muster up the same kind of hatred for her that others seem to be able to.

[NotaGeek]

Okay, but Jen just wished for something bad to happen to her competitors. Christina actually went out of her way to try and cause something bad to happen to her competitors. Why don't people have an issue with that?

Personally, I just think Jen is a heated competitor. She doesn't like to lose. Is she always upbeat and positive? No. Does she handle stress and adversity well? No.

But I still don't get all the venom for her. It's not like she was actively evil towards the people she ran the race with or cheated or anything (something plenty of others have done). She was just nasty (at times) to Nathan and I guess my thing is ... I think most of the time he deserved it.

Anyway ... no more defending Jen, I promise. I mean mostly I agree she was whiny and annoying ... I just can't manage to muster up the same kind of hatred for her that others seem to be able to.

So maybe you just think she's cute?

Jen definitely seems to be the type of woman that has gotten by on that the fact that people think she is cute before ... from the first episode she whined, complained and yelled. She and Nate treated each other with contempt and Jen in particularly seemed to be a really bad TEAM MATE, much less girlfriend. Maybe it was all editing and Jen was a wonderful, sweet, cute person and we are all judging her harshly, and it really was unfair that Nate made her fight on her birthday. MADE her fight ... oh yeah, and it WAS her idea to take the subway. It was on tape, and i have a feeling that was their ultimate demise.

Christina did tell the airline agent to keep them off the flight, maybe that's the reason, maybe not, but I would have done the same thing. I never understand why anyone WOULDN'T do anything in their power to win $1,000,000.00. I mean, it seemed to me that Christina had a rapport with the airline agent, as she has with SO many people on the race, so if that worked in her advantage, so be it.

Being nice to locals usually helps out, being nice to Airline personnel is a MUST.

[offwego]

I didn't get the feeling that there were a lot of seats on that flight..or that Christina saying it made a difference. (or at least I don't think so personaly)

I will say it's hard to feel bad for someone who comes off that negative (and it's a lot easier to over look it in someone who's making such an effort with locals/airlines and languages).

No one ever looks good on these things for the whole thing do they?

[Momof2boys]

I knew it was too good to be true - I was hoping Jen & Nate would finally come in #1 when it counted - at the finale

I don't think this season has been as physical as prior ones. And that Christina has been able to communicate with so many people in their language has given them a huge advantage. Plus it just doesn't feel like they've travelled as far & wide as other seasons.

And the so-called 'Speed Bump' that TK & Rachel had to do was really lame - too close and too fast to be of any significance. I guess I'll have to root for them as I don't want the other Ron & Chris or Don & Nick to win.

[Ian]

oh yeah, and it WAS her idea to take the subway. It was on tape, and i have a feeling that was their ultimate demise.

I agree 100%. It was definitely her idea, but I have a major problem with people who refuse to make decisions on their own (*cough* NATHAN *cough*), but then revel in throwing it up in other people's faces when their decisions turn out to be bad ones.

When you're on a team and it's decision time you have two choices ... go along or step up and make your own decision. Nathan wanted the best of both worlds ... if Jen's decisions turned out to be right then he benefitted. If she was wrong, then he could lay all the blame on her.

I think he was just as bad a teammate as she was, that's all I'm saying.

And maybe I am defending her a little because she's cute, but that could also be the same reason so many people are quick to skewer her. It goes both ways.

[bleukarma]

Okay, but Jen just wished for something bad to happen to her competitors. Christina actually went out of her way to try and cause something bad to happen to her competitors. Why don't people have an issue with that?

True. I didn't care for what Christina did, and I didn't mention it in my original post. It was very un-Christina like. Had Christina pulled those type of stunts the entire time then I doubt I would like her, in fact I probably would've like Jen over Christina because I would much rather see someone take the $$ that just complained the entire time over someone that played dirty the entire time.

I have noticed that it seems like it's been less challanging this season. In the past they would have to climb mountains and jump off buildings. These road blocks and detours seem to be less hard-core.

[MNNHFLTX]

And that Christina has been able to communicate with so many people in their language has given them a huge advantage. Plus it just doesn't feel like they've travelled as far & wide as other seasons.

I agree that Christina's language skills helped them advance, particularily this episode. Very cool to watch! As far as their travels, it actually seemed pretty impressive to me--Ireland, the Netherlands, West Africa, Lithunia, Croatia, Italy, India, Japan and Taiwan. But I'm still relatively new to watching TAR (this is my third season), so maybe in past seasons teams traveled even more extensively.

[MNNHFLTX]

And maybe I am defending her a little because she's cute, but that could also be the same reason so many people are quick to skewer her. It goes both ways.

I can't speak for anyone else, but that's not true for me at all. When the race started I had no opinion one way or the other. But in the first episode, when she was screaming at that donkey, that's when I started thinking that how she is on the inside was not very pretty, never mind how she is on the outside.

Anyway, I've chatted about this episode enough, I guess. I was just really happy to see Nate and Jen gone.

[Ian]

I have noticed that it seems like it's been less challanging this season. In the past they would have to climb mountains and jump off buildings. These road blocks and detours seem to be less hard-core.

I agree ... I mean last night's was just stupid. All they had to do was sit there!!? How challenging is that??

And anyway ... my last word's on Nate and Jen ... I'm happy that they're gone, too. Of the four teams that were left, I would have been okay to see either Ron or Christina or Nate and Jen go.

And as long as Ron and Christina don't win, I'll be okay with the outcome. I don't care if Ron has "grown" or he's getting praise for how much he's improved ... treating your daughter with respect and dignity is something you should do all the time. You shouldn't have to learn it.

[NotaGeek]

I can't speak for anyone else, but that's not true for me at all. When the race started I had no opinion one way or the other. But in the first episode, when she was screaming at that donkey, that's when I started thinking that how she is on the inside was not very pretty, never mind how she is on the outside.

Anyway, I've chatted about this episode enough, I guess. I was just really happy to see Nate and Jen gone.

OMG the donkey incident! I totally forgot that I really started disliking her because of that darn donkey incident.

Coincedentally, I think that Nathan is HOT, but I don't like him or excuse his attitude because of it. I think Jen's attitude is inexcusable, regardless of her looks.

[2Epcot]

I am really glad with the last final 3, and I was REALLY impressed with Christina and Ron ... last week it she was speaking Japanese, this week Fluent Chinese (reading AND speaking!)

I'm also happy with the final 3. While I was ready to see Jen and Nate go, watching this last episode I did feel Jen made the show interesting. I also noticed Christina's language skills ... that has certainly helped them. The previews for the finale look pretty good.

[pixiesmimi]

I have been impressed all through the show with Christina and Ron's language skills. She seemed to be able to speak the language no matter where they went. He spoke most of them but she more than he. This helped them tremendously these last two legs of the race and I think that is how they got so far ahead. I commend her for being that prepared. I think he is just old school and that is the way some men are in their culture. Don't you know it was fun growing up in her family. She has finally taught him what it is to be a "kinder and gentler man".

What got me about Jen and Nate was the way they would just tear each other down ruthlessly and say how much they hated the other and the next minute act like nothing happened and they were happy with each other. She was so vindictive towards anyone that got ahead of them. I blame them both but her constant whining got on my nerves.

I'm not sure I could have made it all the way through one of these races and really commend Gramps for doing as well as he had at his age. I think if they lose it, it will be because he can't run and keep up with the rest at the end.

Have you noticed on some of the new commercials people from past "Races" and other reality shows and even from Dr. Phil's show? Looks like even if they don't win, some come out with careers in TV anyway. I saw the girl that has an artificial leg the other day on a commercial. I think she was in the "Race" last year.

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

I'm also happy with the final 3. While I was ready to see Jen and Nate go, watching this last episode I did feel Jen made the show interesting. I also noticed Christina's language skills ... that has certainly helped them. The previews for the finale look pretty good.

Me too...I'm glad for the final 3....

[KarenP]

My problem with Jen was not how competitive she was or the things she said but the fact that she was always screaming. I couldn't stand to listen to her any more.

As long as Christina and her dad don't win I will be happy. I like TK and Rachel and Nick and Don.

[pixiesmimi]

Well, I was pulling for Christina and her Dad but I'm happy about T.K. and Rachel. I don't think we could have gone wrong with any of those three couples. It was exciting to see the race for the finish and hoping.

So, when does the next one start.

[Mousefever]

Hurray! I'm very happy for TK and Rachel! I always end up cheering for teams who treat each other nicely. It was a close race tonight, which makes it more fun to watch. I'm very satisfied with the outcome.

Amy

[NotaGeek]

I like how TK said that he was proud that he and Rachel never compromised the integrity of their relationship during the race, and it brought the closer to be able to work together. It seems this was the closest pack to the finish in a few seasons!

[dw2649]

To tell you the truth I actually wanted Nick and Don to win. I am so sad that they did not.

[ChipnDaleGal]

It is really nice to see a "nice" team finish first and still liking each other. Bodes well for their relationship that they could stand up to all that stress. Hopefully the money won't throw them off either. What a big mush I was watching Christine and her dad talk about each other at the end. That seemed very genuine. All three teams finished classy.

[Ian]

I was VERY happy with the outcome ... I was pulling for TK and Rachel for the last half of the race and I'm just thrilled that they pulled it off.

You know it's interesting how much TK and Rachel reminded me of the hippies from a season or two ago. I don't think it's any coincidence that teams that seem to keep the peace well and get along without arguing have a strong tendancy to finish well at TAR.

And on a side note, boy was I jealous of that Alaska segment!! I would have killed just for that boat ride alone!