I'm wondering if TAR is getting shafted by CBS on promotion and on advertising revenue so they have gone "cheap". It's twice as expensive to get those 4 person teams around the Race.
I've noticed that BP seems to be the sponsor this season, American Airlines isn't mentioned hardly at all. First place prizes are cheaper too.
Travelocity sponsors too. Last season, their prizes were munificent. This year, downscale.
I don't think that airline tickets for twice as many contestants iare a major expense. Schlepping the crews and equipment costs more. They're saving by staying close to home. But considering the huge audience they reach, TAR seems rather low-budget compared with say West Wing, with huge star salaries.
Pit stops in trailer parks? Like there wasn't anything more interesting in Alabama? I felt a cynical hand at work behind the scenes. Sabotage?
Maybe Phil and other producers are taking more profits ...like profit-taking on Wall Street. But it's stupid to stiff the viewer on a show that just reached its peak and should have a few good years left in it if it's not intentionally strangled.
For my money, the season with Myrna and Charla, the midget, was the best with trips to beautiful Buenos Aires and the Pyramids all photographed in spectacular fashion from copters. I forgot who won that one and basically never do care about that. (Unless it's Romber, LOL)
Note to Phil: It's the SCENERY, Stupid.
And where in the world are Rob and Amber now?
Go Paolos!
I agree except for the "gas for life" which is 50 years of gas at $1.200 a year for a total value of $240,000 for the 4 licensed drivers won by the father and three daughters.