This has been a good season of the race thus far, and this evening's episode did not disappoint. Notes for the night:
- This year (or at least this episode) there is a rule that you cannot beg or sell something if you run out of money. I like this rule. Past seasons when folks have run out of money, or started a leg without money, they have simply begged their way to liquidity. It takes a bit of time, but often allows that team to pull ahead of other teams financially. Therefore, there was little drama involved if teams did not have any money. Not so this time.
- Locals are not guaranteed to help you. When selecting a local to join you for the cab ride to the next clue, make sure the local understands that you are on a race and time is of the essence. When the local says, "Wait here for a minute, I'll be right back," they are NOT the local for you. Just get into the cab and go. Because that person that makes you wait might also just be looking to share a cab to get to her brother's place.
- Whatever you do, follow the rules. If the rules forbid you from getting on a motorcycle in Vietnam, walk the dang kilometer to the next challenge. Or you'll drop from second to last place.
- When the challenge involves selling something in an Asian or African country the pretty blond girl should be the one to do the challenge. I don't care if she will have challenges moving around with the flowers to be sold. I don't care if her partner is the most successful American salesman ever. The pretty blond girl gets the sales.
- Sometimes, even though you are in a race, it is appropriate to take a moment out of respect to the environment. Tonight teams had a challenge at the Hanoi Hilton which required them to find John McCain's flight suit that is on display there. Tom and Terry arrived first, and took a moment of silence before they took the clue. The rest of the teams arrived simultaneously, but once the melee cleared Erwin and Godwin took a moment as well, knowing this put them in last place.
The karma paid off for them later, and Erwin and Godwin are in first place right now. And, if I were allowed to make my picks for the race now, these might be the guys I pick. They've got brains, brawn, and their priorities straight. Peter and Sarah have some issues with their relationship and, more important, Sarah has a shot knee, which means they're dead in a foot race. Unless it's a race with David and Mary, because Mary has a shot ankle.
Will next week continue the season of injuries? Only one way to find out.
Thanks for the update. I totaly missed it last night. Who went home?
Posted by: Jennifer Coomer | 02 October 2006 at 08:21 AM