THE AMAZING RACE VII --TAR7-- Official Show Thread & photo preview

CBS ^ | Feb 24, 2005 | Veto! with a little help from CBS.com

[Veto!]

Begins March 1 on CBS, 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific

Here we go again, race fans, for the Seventh Season of The Amazing Race (TAR7). We'll vicariously travel with eleven teams as they fly, drive, climb, crawl, leap, slide, and boogie around the world to compete for one million dollars. They'll never know where they're going next or what they'll have to do once there. The last team to arrive at the "designated pit stop" at the end of each week's episode will be eliminated from the race -- unless it is not. So pull up your favorite armchair and travel along with the Freeper Amazing Race contingent every Tuesday night for the next few months as we root for favorites, throw tomatoes at the others, and wish we were the ones living dangerously. BON VOYAGE!

A Thumbnail Photo Guide To This Season's Possibly Amazing Racers

Brian, 27 & Greg, 24 are brothers from Santa Monica, California. Brian is an actor/bartender and Greg is a bouncer. Their primary motivation for participating in the Race is to travel the world with each other and meet new people. Veto!s opinion: Team Bro wants face time on tv. They are big, strong, in shape, and they think they're action stars. But are they wily? Could be they'll be eating other teams' dust.

Debbie & Bianca are best friends from Los Angeles, California and Woodbridge, Virginia, respectively. Bianca is a high school teacher and Debbie works as a photographer. Both are highly educated, experienced travelers, and have lived abroad. Veto!s opinion: Keep an eye on these two. Unless they scratch each other’s eyes out, they’ll probably do just fine.

Lynn & Alex are (would you believe?) a gay couple from West Hollywood, California. They both work as executive assistants. With their four-year anniversary on the horizon, they possibly hope to get married in Amsterdam—if indeed they race through Amsterdam. Veto!s opinion: Need I say?

Megan & Heidi, a make-up artist and fashion designer, are roommates from Oak Park, California. Both are allegedly extremely competitive and not afraid to take risks. They decided to sign up for the Race “just for the challenge and competition.” Veto!s opinion:. Can the Hair Queens keep up the pace when their tresses get tangled? I see hissy fits on the horizon.

Meredith, 69, & Gretchen, 66, are a husband/wife team from Easton, Maryland. Meredith is a retired executive and Gretchen is a retired nurse/flight attendant. He holds seven National Masters Swimming Championship titles, she admits to being quite loud, particularly when upset. . Veto!s opinion: If Gretch doesn’t turn into Nurse Ratched, they may go far and win Freeper kudos for their efforts.

Ray, 44, & Deana, 27, are a dating-on-and-off team from Canfield, Ohio and Youngstown, Ohio respectively. Ray, a former semi-pro football player, is a stockbroker and Deana is a marketing and promotions executive. Both enjoy weight lifting and karate. Veto!s opinion:This season’s “will their relationship last?” team. Ray will overdo it trying to beat younger guys. Ho-hum.

Rob, 29, & Amber, 26, AKA Boston Rob and Ambuh, are an engaged couple from Canton, Massachusetts and Beaver, Pennsylvania, respectively. They formed an alliance and fell in love when they competed with each other on “Survivor: All Stars.” Amber won the one million dollar prize. Rob finished as the $100k runner-up, but proposed to Amber before they knew which had won the big bucks. Veto!s opinion: Two Thumbs Up! Highly athletic and competitive, these two know how to work together. But will their “take-over-the-‘hood” skills that won them Survivor translate to racing’s Hall of Fame? Why, indeed, not?

Ron, 28, & Kelly, 26, are a dating Team from Villa Rica, Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina, respectively. Ron is a former Iraq War POW who is currently a student at the University of Georgia and works as a motivational speaker. Kelly was crowned Miss South Carolina in 2002 and works as a Legislative Correspondent…(for whom?) Ron was an Apache helicopter pilot in Iraq. When shot down, he was captured, interrogated, held captive and later rescued by the United States Marines. Following his rescue, Ron returned home and was introduced to the reigning Miss South Carolina. The two have been an item ever since. Ron is very competitive and admits he’s a thrill seeker. . Veto!s opinion: Two more thumbs 'way up. They’ll be Freepers’ favorites, and they have what it takes to win.

Ryan, 31, & Chuck, 32, are lifelong friends from Landrum, South Carolina and Inman, South Carolina, respectively. Ryan is a general contractor, and Chuck works in boiler tube replacement sales. Both are motorcycle nuts and very religious. . Veto!s opinion: Definitely wily Southern boys. Up against tough competition, but I hope they make a good showing.

Uchenna, 40, & Joyce, 44, a childless married couple from Houston. Uchenna worked for Enron as an energy trader and Joyce worked in sales for WorldCom, have different jobs since their companies went bankrupt. If they win, they say they’ll use the money for in-vitro fertilization. Veto!s opinion:A tough, scrappy pair, but too much tension here, methinks, for them to get much traction. They’re hardly Kim and Chip, the wonderful black couple who won Amazing Race two seasons back.

Susan, 54, & Patrick, 26, are mother and gay son. She is the Director for Judicial Affairs for Miami University in Ohio and Patrick is a writer now living in Hollywood. Susan, married to Patrick’s father for 34 years, earned her college degree as a “non-traditional” student. Patrick says his family has always been very supportive of him,even —surprise, surprise-- when he told them he was gay. Veto!s opinion: They’re looking for love in all the wrong places; hopefully, their elimination from the show will be swift and merciful.

That’s it for the Preview.

[kingu]

If I'm going to get stripped of my possessions and my money, Turkey would be one of the better places to do so, rather than Africa, and the Four Seasons is the best place of all. If Ron and Kelly need anything from the old folks, they likely shouldn't even bother finishing the race... As Ron might remark, it should be a target rich environment.

Heck, just calling down to the front desk should get them everything they need aside from taxi/train cash.

I also almost wish that they weren't going down to three teams in the final episode. I like the first hour with four, then three for the second hour; just personal preference.

And also, thanks for the recaps - you catch things I miss from watching it (and I find myself looking over my recording each time, unbelieving I missed that.)

[kingu]

Durn it - I liked Meredith and Gretchen - I had hoped they would have made it to the final three. Not really sure who I want to win; I believe that Boston Rob and Amber will be winning next week. They played the game the best, but I'm not so sure I'd be satisfied with the results.

Wow, that double decker bus road block was really quite time intensive. I'm sure I would have tried to run over the whistle blower before it was all over with.

I like Ron quite a bit, but Kelly -- if it wasn't for her, I'd be rooting for that team. The black couple -- their names escape me -- once again prove that nice people can indeed make the final three. I figure that it is really between them and Romber which ones win; I completely expect Ron and Kelly to self destruct or fall prey to Romber's designs.

A bit of a twist heading back eastward from London; flight choice will really play a heavy role in how well the teams do. Whereas from Hawaii the number of flights is quite a bit smaller, the runs from London to the United States offers near round the clock service and could easily end up with all three teams on three different flights.

Anyway, catch you next week for the final.

[hattend]

Yep, it looks like Romber has a huge time lead over Juchenna and Relly. But then again, in the preview for next week you see all three teams running together so they are going to be bunched again, one last time.

I predict Romber first, Juchenna second (looks like they miss a plane in the previews) and Relly last (Kelly finally breaks down emotionally...I predict because they know Romber can't lose!).

Two hour season finale next week, reset your VCR/DVRs!

[Josh in PA]

I actually hope Rob and Amber win.

Coming out of Survivor, people thought Rob was a lucky dopey guy from Boston.

The Amazing Race has proved him to be a street smart genius. This contest was made for him!

I wonder if CBS is planning an "Amazing Race All-Stars".. Bring back the the top 2 finishers from every show.

[Josh in PA]

It always looks like someone misses the plane in previews and right before commercials. :).

Then the producers pull a "TAR Miracle" and the airlines find seats for them.

[Veto!]

Wonderful race last night! But where did they get the dervishes? When I was in Istanbul 10 years ago, you couldn't find a dervish unless you knew one because they were outlawed...It was sort of like looking for a speakeasy.

What do yyou think of this theory? The starting times out of Istanbul revealed that Juchenna came in last week about an hour ahead of Metch, not hours and hours, as it appeared. Romber arrived at the Istanbul Pit Stop 40 minutes after Metch, and Relly came in 20 minutes later, making the difference between the first and last teams two hours, the time difference between flights. Discounting the flights and counting just their racing time, Juchenna and Romber's actual racing time was very close, with Romber effectively beating Juchenna and with Relly coming in third. Advantage, Romber. (But of course, you cannot discount the flight times. )

This week, Romber was clearly back in their groove, digging until they found the best flight and signing up a willing accomplice to speed them through the magical mystery tour of London. Stuart was having the time of his life with Romber, but apparently didn't recognize them from Survivor.

The preview of next week's show showed Amber falling and Rob carrying her on his back as he ran along a riverbank. Provocative to say the least. If that was the home stretch, Romber might be beaten by faster runners. Relly has always been the fastest running team if I'm not mistaken. If Kelly has to stop and apply lipstick, however, they would fall behind.

[hattend]

If Kelly has to stop and apply lipstick, however, they would fall behind.

Speaking of that...women on this thread - help me out.

Would you give a perfect stranger your lipstick and then take it back after she used it? I know I wouldn't. But then again the closest thing to lipstick that I use is Chapstick.

My take on the situation? "Keep it, I'll buy another!"

I think Romber is in good shape.

BTTT

[Josh in PA]

I have a theory that the producers are dropping in "helpers" to guide Rob and Amber and ensure they make it all the way to the final, pulling in big ratings.

[Veto!]

The lipstick thing was disgusting. Maybe during Kelly's pageant days the girls traded cosmetics without a second thought, but sharing with a stranger is too gross. "Keep it" would have been the best answer. Obviously, Kelly needed it worse than the ticket agent did.

[hattend]

I would have to disagree. I think Rob is just not bashful about asking for, or paying somebody to, help. He's playing the game as I would. Why stumble through an unknown town when you can get a local yokel to help you out if you just ask?

If the TAR racers came through my hometown and one of them explained what was going on and asked for help I would do it if I didn't have anything else going on (late for work, dinner with the wife, etc). Plus, I could invite all my friends over for drinks as I make my national TV debut. :-)

[hattend]

I have a theory for Kelly's mood swings, too (And I'll probably lose my head for this):

How long have they been racing in realtime, not TV time...maybe 20-25 days? Could it be, as Raymond puts it, her "ladies' days"?

Her skin is breaking out, she's moody...oh well, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

[now running and hiding]

[Veto!]

I thought the first helper in Peru was suspicious, but not the rest. Romber is famous around the world, as Survivor airs all over. Plus, their photos were plastered all over magazines and newspapers too. They look great and also have that romance thing going for them, which gave them even more press and additional fans.

On Survivor All-Stars, Rob exhibited an uncanny knack for getting people aligned with him even if they hated or distrusted him. His background in the construction biz also gave him experience organizing crews and getting people to work for him. It's a charisma thing. Some guys are just natural bosses and if they are also pleasant and funny, as Rob is, people practically line up to work for them. Racers in subsequent Amazing Race shows may learn from watching "the Robfather."

I find him fascinating to watch. Amber too. They are a well-matched pair, a press agent's dream, and their audience-appeal has raised the ratings of Amazing Race, a good thing for those of us who want the show to go on and on and on.

[Veto!]

LOL. you still hiding? No need. I think Kelly has exhibited mood swings all along, but the zits are sort of a giveaway.

Thought Relly would leave their lavish digs in Istanbul in a sublime mood, but Ron was kvetching that Kelly was getting "nastier" No love lost between these two, and I hope they do not win. Guess I'm just a romantic at heart, but I'd be happy to see one of the loving couples awarded the loving cup full of bucks. I've always been turned off by couples that fight, shout, and argue on TAR and irl. To their credit, few discouraging words have come out of the mouths of Romber or Juchenna.

[hattend]

Totally agree. Romber or Juchenna. Relly doesn't measure up.

[back to the hidey hole] :-)

[LizJ]

I am still rooting for Ron and Kelly, even though they frustrate me. Seriously, if they were in a good relationship, I believe they would be the best team. Some people think they were just tagging along with Rob/Amber, but they ended up doing the same flight on their own. They don't make a lot of mistakes (going up the tower last week and taking a cab this week are the only real mistakes they have made.) If the 2 of them didn't waste time arguing, they would be in first place, I think. :-)

I feel very sorry for Kelly. She certainly can be pouty and has said some dumb things, but I still feel she is likely a nice and decent person who is struggling because she knows she and Ron are on different paths. That is a hard thing when you think you love the other person. I don't really want to see their big discussion next week - that is too personal, and I think it is a shame that it will be on TV.

I won't mind if Uchenna and Joyce win though. I do think Rob and Amber are good racers, but I do feel they have an unfair advantage with their fame. I think they are so cocky, and a little too full of themselves and I hope they don't win. I actually think they made a mistake not yielding U/J. If they had yielded them instead, M/G might still be in the race, and it would be an easier final 3.

[LizJ]

I thought since I spend the time actually watching the Insider Videos, I would share what they have to say, since I know not all want to spend the time. (I guess it takes me about 30 minutes). I'm typing while I watch. There are usually some interesting tidbits in them.

Insider Video Recaps:

~ I didn't watch any of M/G, because I'm guessing they are just about how much they enjoyed the race, and how proud they are for getting so far. I did watch one, actually, where they talked about how they helped Ron and Kelly because R/K had been very good to them when they lost all their stuff. Nice.

~ R/A Mat Chat - very, very cocky about how they are going to win. Turned me off. They are always so out of breath when they get to the mat! If they are in a footrace at the end, they might lose.

~ R/K Mat Chat - not too exciting, just talking about how R/A are their biggest competition. Ron mentioned the lipstick thing to Phil.

~ U/J Mat Chat - talking about M/G and trying to help them. They are planning on going to visit them after the race. U/J are very nice people, obviously!

~ Just Passing Through (R/A) - Rob and Amber disagree about how much of the world they are getting to see. Amber thinks they are seeing a lot. Rob thinks they are not getting to enjoy the ride enough.

~ Good Luck (R/A) - The other teams are jealous of all the prizes they are winning, because they always get a prize when they get 1st. They are going to lie about the latest prize. Rob will trade all the prizes back in for the million $.

~ Back Seat Driver (Joyce) - Complaining about Uchenna trying to help her while she was driving. She says she did better once U shut up. :-)

~ Think About It (R/A) - Rob and Amber discuss who to yield. They argue between R/K and U/J. Their logic seems lacking to me in this one. (Because they should have known R/K would still have a 90 minute lead on other teams and would still not come in last.) They chose R/K because they are the strongest team (true, but still illogical, IMO).

~ Dreams (U/J) - talking about hoping to be parents some day, and why they want to be parents. They will be good parents, and I hope they can make it happen!

~ Who Care (R/K) - while being yeilded, R/K wonder why Rob always lies. He lied to them about a few things which didn't make a difference in the race, and they are wondering why he does it.

~ Lipistick Lover (R/K) - Interestingly, this was after their fight in the cab on the way to the Pit Stop. They seem to be laughing about their fight now. Kelly says she will be less moody when she gets some lipstick. Ron laughs about how she had to borrow some lipstick from a stranger and comments how the lady might have had a disease. (Guess he thought it was gross too!)

~ Memory (R/K) - Kelly is sad to not have her bible with her, but she talks about some scripture she remembers and which is helping her.

~ The Luxe Life (R/K) - talk about staying in the nice hotel. Ron jokes about how it was a prison before, and he has done that already.

~ Proud American (R/K) - talk about how hard it was to beg before getting their first cab until they found a bar owner who was a Kurd. He was happy to give some Americans some money. Cool!!

[hattend]

Thanks for the behind the scenes commentary. The only reason I don't use them is they have them ready for RealPlayer which I no longer wish to use.

Would it kill CBS to offer more choices? Windows Media files? Quicktime? :-(

[Dianna]

Would you give a perfect stranger your lipstick and then take it back after she used it? I know I wouldn't. But then again the closest thing to lipstick that I use is Chapstick.

No, I thought it was quite gross, actually. I stay away from deparment store samples too.

[Dianna]

Her skin is breaking out, she's moody...oh well, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

Not necessarily! That is the first time we've seen her without make-up. Her complexion may not be great in general, but we just don't see it.

No, I think she's just a nasty person.

[Dianna]

His background in the construction biz also gave him experience organizing crews and getting people to work for him. It's a charisma thing. Some guys are just natural bosses and if they are also pleasant and funny, as Rob is, people practically line up to work for them.

If you read Rob's bio, you'll see that he has a Bachelor degree in psychology. Interesting...