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rayvyn2kSo, the previouslies yet again subject us to the "Luke & Margie exceeds expectations by winning the first leg" crap. Oh, and they have an alliance with the cheerleaders. GAH. We're on leg 3 now! And is it wrong of me to be thinking that this is the closest that Luke will ever come to actual cheerleaders? Yes? Okay, then. Next we see another recap of Mel's injury from episode 1-I think it's just an excuse to show the flying cheese wheels again-snerk. Christie & Jodi avoiding elimination twice.
I do like the new opening credits. Especially that they did away with that cheesy turn they used to make the teams do. Oh, and I'm glad they kept the (BOMP) at the end of the music.
Finally, here we are in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart. And I have to take a moment to just appreciate Phil in leather. Mmmmm, Phil.
The lawyer sibs are the first to depart at 10:13AM, going to Bucharest, Romania. And Tammy interviews that Victor is smart and thinks of things and is able to analyze things quicker and better than other people. --Uh oh. This type of statement is usually a harbringer of doom for a team. And since, thanks to the previouslies, we've seen a preview of the sibs lost and arguing in the woods--well, I think you can see how I might be a bit skeptical.
Holy cow, Mel & Mike depart two hours later. Mel interviews that Mike's work in Hollywood hasn't gone to his head--and you can just see Mike thinking "Aw, c'mon, Dad." Hee.
12 minutes after Mike & Mel, Amanda & Kris leave third. Twelve minutes later, it's Luke & Marcie's turn. Luke says he doesn't want to depend on his mom for all the communication and wishes he knew what the other teams were talking about-well, I guess that whole lip-reading thing you refused to learn might have come in handy now--wouldn't it?
Tammy & Victor luck out and get the early flight to Romania at 3:20.
Victoria & Brad depart at 12:53--wow, 2nd-5th were pretty bunched up there. The cheerleaders leave at 1:17.
Amanda & Kris and Victoria & Brad get help from folks on the train booking flights. Amanda & Kris reserve at 4:45-Victoria & Brad want to book that flight too. Both teams are told by their helpers that they won't have time to get to the airport from the train station before the flight leaves. Amanda & Kris are confident and tell their helper to book it-Victoria & Brad take the advice and book a later flight-intending to work the airport once they get there.
Kisha & Jen depart at 1:51. Jen thinks they can go tot he end if her sister stops being so damned bossy.
Mark & Michael leave at 2 and Christie & Jodi at 2:42. The women helpfully inform us that the teams received 332.00 for this leg of the race.
Tammy & Victor board the plane.
Now we're at the airport (there has been a blessed lack of airport scenes this season-on purpose according to the producers-which has been nice) and we see that Amanda & Kris were not kidding and made it in time to catch the 4:45 flight along with Mel & Mike and Luke & Margie.
Welllll...Tammy & Victor's plane has "technical" issues and the plane is turned back to Munich. I'm sort of glad because I was not looking forward to a team being so far ahead.
Victoria & Brad working the flight options, decide to book a flight to Romania via Amsterdam which leaves Munich at 7:30. I am never a fan of trying to make a connecting flight-having nearly missed more than my share-so I am mildly concerned about this choice.
Tammy & Victor return to the Munich airport waiting area, much to the glee of Kisha & Jen, Cara & Jamie, Mark & Michael and Christie & Jodi who are all booked on the 9:30 flight. The bitch-face that Victor pulls is epic.
Aannnd, surprise, surprise--Victoria & Brad miss their connecting flight in Amsterdam and there is not another flight out because of fog. Can I just say here how refreshing it is that the teams this year have been so polite? Brad & Victoria had to be angry and upset about this turn of events but they did not take it out on either the airport representative or each other.
The first flight arrives in Bucharest, and everyone bolts for the taxis.
Phil tells us that this week's Roadblock is to engage in an activity that made Romania famous: Gymnastics. Then a pixie gymnast pops up. Aww. (If you check out Phil's Diary on CBS's website or YouTube, he tries a couple of things-including balance beam.)
The teams go to Lia Manoliu Sports Complex where Nadia Comaneci trained. They have to learn and execute moves on three apparatus: balance beam, parallel bars and floor.
Amanda and Margie go first--and why am I not surprised that Luke is the one to win the title quote award this week? He's too manly to wear a leotard. Sheesh.
Wow, Amanda rocked the balance beam on her first try. Margie fell off and Luke is all drama-queenie.
Amanda breezes through the parallel bars and floor like a pro. They get the clue and they will travel by train to Brasov, near Transylvania and find the Biserica Neagra where they'll get their next clue. They take off for the train station.
Mel & Mike arrive and Mike takes the Roadblock-and I must say he looks fetching in the leotard. But I have loads more respect for him than Luke, since he had the guts to do it.
Margie finishes all the elements and wow-that white leotard shows off her black thong undies really well.
Mike does well on the beam and the parallel bars and low-fives a young gymnast.
Amanda & Kris and Luke & Margie get to the train station and are told they can't get tickets until the next morning--so we have our designated bunch area of this leg of the race.
After Mike finishes the floor exercise he declares that he wants his medal. Hee.
The second flight arrives. All the teams inform their cab drivers that they are in a damned hurry, damn it.
Foreshadowing the torture to come, Victor & Tammy are let off on a random street corner and she immediately says "I don't think this is right." Remember this as it will become the theme of this episode. The Amazing Editors emphasize Tammy's point by showing Kisha & Jen arriving at the correct entrance, all smiles.
There are shots of Tammy & Victor running interspersed with Michael & Mark, Jamie & Cara and Christie & Jodi all arriving at the center. Kisha, Mark, Jamie and Christie all don the leotard for their teams. And at last, Tammy & Victor find the entrance and Tammy joins the leotard guild.
Kisha, Christie and Jamie all do well on the beam. Mark falls once then does it okay the second time. Jamie hesitates before the bars saying she has no upper body strength then proves it by falling off halfway across. Kisha says she'll stick to b-ball. Hee.
Tammy's troubles continue as she is not thinking about the task at hand and keeps messing up on the beam and falling off...Mark humps his way across the parallel bars-is that the correct form?-Christie finishes and gets the clue with Mark right behind her...Kisha and Jamie finish the bars...Tammy finally finishes the beam to the satisfaction of the trainer-in spite of Victor's "help". For the first time tonight I say "Shut up, Victor"--it won't be the last.
Jamie & Kisha finish the floor. (Jen-"good job"--now that's what I call positive communication.) Tammy finishes the bars and moves to the floor...where she cannot do a cartwheel.
Now, I am not able to do a cartwheel myself these days. Mostly because of the whole center of gravity and weight ratio thing. But when I was a kid, I could cartwheel all over our front yard. I even got so far as to do a back flip a couple of times...so I wonder about Tammy's gym classes and why did she never learn how...?
Victor: Kick higher--thought balloon: I knew I should have done this myself. Then he instructs her to put her head down to do a forward roll/somersault. I say "shut up, Victor" for the second time, because anyone who took middle school gym knows you do not put your head on the ground when you do a forward roll. You tuck your head under and roll over onto your shoulders. His big brain must have made tumbling too difficult.
A quick shot of the other teams arriving at the train station for the mega-bunch. Kisha & Jen inform the other teams of Victor and Tammy's bad luck. (And there is much rejoicing.)
Tammy finally does the roll. Then Victor tells her to put her right leg forward -she very sensibly ignores him and extends it out behind her as she was shown. Tammy keeps the leotard, they get their clue and take off.
In the cab, Tammy apologizes for taking so long and Victor magnanimously tells her that it's okay because her brain just froze. Tammy gives him the bitchiest bitch face of the race so far.
Victor: You need to relax and just think. Thought balloon: Listen to me and my big brain.
Tammy: Let's not talk about it. Thought balloon: Shut the fuck up.
Victor: Okay, that's fine. Thought balloon: I may not be talking about this now, but I will be as soon as the cameras are shut off.
At the train station, a tearful Tammy interviews that when they're racing she thinks she has some good ideas but Victor won't listen and that's frustrating. Well I think we can all understand that--because his huge brain is blocking his ears. I think Victor should ask Margie to translate for him. Tammy continues that Victor thinks she's weak and gets paralyzed and that he's accommodating her a lot and she's not sure how to deal with that. My thought is to tell him to knock that shit off, preferably followed by a smack up the side of his big head, but that's just me.
Wow, we are 29 minutes into the show and we haven't seen Brad & Victoria for the last fifteen. Uh oh. That's not good.
The next day, all the teams get on the Transylvania Choo Choo and the cheerleaders cheerlead for Luke. Again. Have I mentioned how tiresome this has become?
Now we are at Amsterdam airport and Brad & Victoria talk about racing hard and hoping another team is as "screwed up as (they) are". I think I can speak for everyone when I say I agree.
Back in Brasov, the train arrives. Everyone grabs cabs-Victor is so happy to get his first.
Here comes Phil to introduce the Detour...wow he looks awesome in that coat.
The Detour is Gypsy Moves or Vampire Remains. In Gypsy Moves, the teams must load a cart with a gypsy family's "possessions". Then they must drive the cart to another location and unload it. But the carts are pulled by teams of horses, so I doubt if there will be any animal mishaps like there have been before with donkeys and camels.
In Vampire Remains, teams must find a marked path to a bunch of coffins then drag one down the hill, unlock the chains and impale the wooden frames that are inside on a stake until they find a flag.
Usually there's a clear "best" choice, but I am not sure which one that would be this time. First thought-Gypsy Moves. Here's what the teams chose:
Amanda & Kris, Kisha & Jen, Mike & Mel and Mark & Michael take Gypsy Moves.
Christie & Jodi, Tammy & Victor, Jamie & Cara and Luke & Margie do Vampire Remains.
We get another peek at Brad & Victoria getting off the plane. I think it's pretty hopeless, but we'll see.
The cheerleaders are getting frustrated with their cab driver-wondering why he would say he knew where the location was when he didn't--I think it's for their American dollars, but I could be wrong.
Gypsy camp-Amanda & Kris and Mel & Mike get there at the same time. I think it's really sweet that the gypsies all put on their best clothes for the event.
Both teams get help from the gypsies to load the cart because some of that junk is seriously heavy. I love how the locals turned this whole thing into a joyous celebration.
Back in the cab of the lost--polite frustration. In my opinion, they should bail on this cab and find themselves another. I'm gratified to see that even though the team is very unhappy, they are not yelling at their cab driver.
Kris has some serious muscles-wow. He and Amanda get their cart loaded first and when it takes off, stuff starts falling off the back, much to the amusement of the locals, who cheer when Kris puts it all back.
Victor & Tammy and Christie & Jodi arrive at the Vampire Remains location and must follow a "marked path to the coffins". Please remember this, because there are marked paths and then there are "marked" paths.
Victor sees a tree with a red and white striped mark painted on the trunk and exclaims that he's found the path. Tammy points out, quite correctly, that the mark is not yellow and red. Victor snaps "This is a marked path" and continues on his way. In spite of her misgivings, Tammy follows.
And the editors prove once again just how Amazing they are by showing Christie & Jodi finding and following the correct marked path-with a close-up of a yellow and red arrow Victor.
When Victor finds another red and white striped tree mark, it justifies his decision but he wonders why the path is straight up. Tammy again points out that the Race markers are usually red and yellow arrows. And not painted on a tree.
It's like the editors are rubbing it in Victor's face because the next thing we see is Christie & Jodi jogging along a not-steep, red and yellow arrow marked path. They are wondering where Tammy and Victor are. And look, a helpful sign pointing the way to both the coffins and the clearing. Thanks, Helpful Race planners!
Tammy points out again "This is not right-those are not 'our' markers". Victor says "We don't know that yet." Speak for yourself, dumb ass. I wonder if Tammy will lecture him about his brain freezing?
Back at the gypsy camp Mark & Michael arrive--hey, when did Kisha & Jen get there? That is one crazy three wheeled bike that guy is riding.
Jamie & Cara are still having cab trouble and because they followed, so are Luke & Margie.
Here's another shot of Brad & Victoria-the editors are trying to make us think they have a hope of catching up, but there is no way to overcome being that far behind.
When Kris & Amanda start unloading, he mentions he doesn't have his Amazing Fanny Pack. She shrugs it off and says let's unload and look for it later.
Back to the Very Special Episode of Brother and Sister: Tammy informs Victor that she doesn't see anyone coming their way. He replies that he "still thinks (this is) the right way" -wait-WHAT? He also thinks "going back would be a big mistake." Bigger than the one he's making now? Is he THAT afraid of being wrong?
Jodi & Cara and Luke & Margie's cab drivers finally drop them off at the right place and they have no trouble finding the correct marked path.
Victor is enjoying the view and ever so happy to find another red and white marker. Tammy mutters "this sucks".
Amanda & Kris finish unloading their cart and rip the clue which directs them to find the Pit Stop at the Vila Panoramic. They still have to find their fanny pack before they can leave. Mel & Mike finish, get their Pit Stop clue and take off.
We see Cara & Jamie and Luke & Margie pushing and shoving their coffins down the hill. Christie & Jodi are already unlocking chains when the other teams arrive and begin the same task.
Back to Victor, the world's most stubborn man, who chirps "I think we go this way". His buzz is killed when Tammy points out there's no one else there. He states flatly that they are not going back down. Then he puts his fingers in his ears and sings "la-la-la-la". As longtime fans of the Race know, if you haven't seen another team recently-especially when you arrived at the Detour with one-then you are probably LOST. Victor's ego won't let him admit he made a mistake.
Victoria is doing the gymnastics. I'm not sure of the actual time line, but the editors are trying to make us believe they have a snowball's chance in Hell of catching up with the other teams.
Kris & Amanda are searching for their fanny pack and he's freaking out a little bit thinking it has been stolen--but she stays calm and optimistic.
Luke & Margie get their coffin open before Christie & Jodi. Hee, the frames spatter "blood" when impaled.
At this point, Tammy can only shake her head at Victor. He fake apologizes for being a stubborn ass and she tells him he's right. In my dreams. Tammy finally lets Victor know she's frustrated with him.
Kris & Amanda find their fanny pack and head for the Pit Stop.
Mel & Mike arrive at the mat. Phil informs them with an epic eyebrow pop that they are Team #1 . Mel almost collapses. When he finds out they have won a trip to Costa Rica he says that is Mike's favorite place. Aww, I'm glad they came in first.
Amanda & Kris are team #2.
Back to Angst in the shadow of Castle Dracula. Victor says they should finish what "they" started. By which he means he thinks Tammy should continue to follow him on the path to nowhere in order to salve his ego. Because that's working so well for them right now. He can't even tell her whenhe is going to admit he was wrong they will turn around and go back. Because his brain is frozen on the idea that he is right-because he's the older brother, so he's always right. So, they find a sign with a double arrow and now Tammy has proof that they are on the wrong path. "They would never put an arrow going both ways" she informs him. Victor still believes they should keep climbing up. When Tammy asks if he has a logical reason for his belief he says "no" and takes off again. She shrugs all "Okay, smart boy, I can't wait to prove you wrong" and follows. See, I would have started down and not looked back. I wonder if his head will explode once he realizes how wrong he has been?
Brad & Victoria on the train.
Margie & Luke help Cara & Jamie fit the first key into the first lock then find their flag and take off. Michael & Mark finish the unloading and get their Pit Stop clue too.
When we join Tammy & Victor's Not-So-Excellent Adventure, Victor has collapsed to his knees in tears. His brain finally melted and it's coming out his eyes. He condescends to allow Tammy to make decisions too. She calls him on his bullshit of only "letting" her join the decision making after they've climbed the entire mountain. She doesn't push it further by calling him an arrogant ass-she just informs him she thinks they should turn around. He snots (literally-ew) "I agree" and they start down.
Christie & Jodi find their flag and go. Cara & Jamie think they're last, but they persevere, find the flag and bolt.
Kisha & Jen are team #3 and Luke & Margie are team #4.
Tammy & Victor arrive back at the bottom of the mountain and find, as Victor says, the "stupid arrow". Yeah, it's the red and yellow arrow that's stupid. Will he admit she was right? *starts DVR* Nope. He's only sorry they have to go up again. He's such a tool I wish Brad & Victoria were not hopelessly behind.
Mark & Michael are team #5 by a few seconds over team #6, Christie & Jodi.
Oh, man. Tammy & Victor are dragging their coffin. He's being all reckless and even more drama queenie, all "I don't care if I DIE" because a reality tv show is more important than LIFE ITSELF. Tammy's all "be careful!" since she's still letting him manipulate her emotionally. Because of his recklessness, one of the keys was dislodged. The Amazing Cameraman gets a shot of it in the grass while they search.
Brad & Victoria are on the train and I'm actively rooting for them now. Hey, miracles happen, you know.
Jamie & Cara are checked in as team #7.
Unfortunately, Victor finds the key and they get on with the Detour. They finish and run up to the mat. Phil tries to psych them out by saying "You are...the second to last team to arrive". Tammy says: Good job, Victor. Thought Balloon: You are so lucky we aren't last.
Victor breaks down and sobs. Phil says, "tough day" and asks why Victor is so upset. Victor denies it was a tough day and claims he is just glad they are done and still in the race. Whatever, douche. The interview with him is all blah, blah, blah... brother/sister dynamic doesn't work on the race and is unintentionally hurtful. Let's see whatthe enabler Tammy has to say, shall we? Hmm, she says she has to speak up more-no duh. You might also want to consider retrieving that double arrow and whipping it out whenever your brother gets all brain-freezy again. Because he will.
A beautiful sunset brings us to Brad & Victoria bravely doing the coffin Detour in the dark. They are covered with fake blood as they run up to the mat and are Philimanated. Sigh.
If you happened to watch "Elimination Station" she was still shattered about it when they arrived at the villa in Thailand.
Next week: Siberia!
I do like the new opening credits. Especially that they did away with that cheesy turn they used to make the teams do. Oh, and I'm glad they kept the (BOMP) at the end of the music.
Finally, here we are in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart. And I have to take a moment to just appreciate Phil in leather. Mmmmm, Phil.
The lawyer sibs are the first to depart at 10:13AM, going to Bucharest, Romania. And Tammy interviews that Victor is smart and thinks of things and is able to analyze things quicker and better than other people. --Uh oh. This type of statement is usually a harbringer of doom for a team. And since, thanks to the previouslies, we've seen a preview of the sibs lost and arguing in the woods--well, I think you can see how I might be a bit skeptical.
Holy cow, Mel & Mike depart two hours later. Mel interviews that Mike's work in Hollywood hasn't gone to his head--and you can just see Mike thinking "Aw, c'mon, Dad." Hee.
12 minutes after Mike & Mel, Amanda & Kris leave third. Twelve minutes later, it's Luke & Marcie's turn. Luke says he doesn't want to depend on his mom for all the communication and wishes he knew what the other teams were talking about-well, I guess that whole lip-reading thing you refused to learn might have come in handy now--wouldn't it?
Tammy & Victor luck out and get the early flight to Romania at 3:20.
Victoria & Brad depart at 12:53--wow, 2nd-5th were pretty bunched up there. The cheerleaders leave at 1:17.
Amanda & Kris and Victoria & Brad get help from folks on the train booking flights. Amanda & Kris reserve at 4:45-Victoria & Brad want to book that flight too. Both teams are told by their helpers that they won't have time to get to the airport from the train station before the flight leaves. Amanda & Kris are confident and tell their helper to book it-Victoria & Brad take the advice and book a later flight-intending to work the airport once they get there.
Kisha & Jen depart at 1:51. Jen thinks they can go tot he end if her sister stops being so damned bossy.
Mark & Michael leave at 2 and Christie & Jodi at 2:42. The women helpfully inform us that the teams received 332.00 for this leg of the race.
Tammy & Victor board the plane.
Now we're at the airport (there has been a blessed lack of airport scenes this season-on purpose according to the producers-which has been nice) and we see that Amanda & Kris were not kidding and made it in time to catch the 4:45 flight along with Mel & Mike and Luke & Margie.
Welllll...Tammy & Victor's plane has "technical" issues and the plane is turned back to Munich. I'm sort of glad because I was not looking forward to a team being so far ahead.
Victoria & Brad working the flight options, decide to book a flight to Romania via Amsterdam which leaves Munich at 7:30. I am never a fan of trying to make a connecting flight-having nearly missed more than my share-so I am mildly concerned about this choice.
Tammy & Victor return to the Munich airport waiting area, much to the glee of Kisha & Jen, Cara & Jamie, Mark & Michael and Christie & Jodi who are all booked on the 9:30 flight. The bitch-face that Victor pulls is epic.
Aannnd, surprise, surprise--Victoria & Brad miss their connecting flight in Amsterdam and there is not another flight out because of fog. Can I just say here how refreshing it is that the teams this year have been so polite? Brad & Victoria had to be angry and upset about this turn of events but they did not take it out on either the airport representative or each other.
The first flight arrives in Bucharest, and everyone bolts for the taxis.
Phil tells us that this week's Roadblock is to engage in an activity that made Romania famous: Gymnastics. Then a pixie gymnast pops up. Aww. (If you check out Phil's Diary on CBS's website or YouTube, he tries a couple of things-including balance beam.)
The teams go to Lia Manoliu Sports Complex where Nadia Comaneci trained. They have to learn and execute moves on three apparatus: balance beam, parallel bars and floor.
Amanda and Margie go first--and why am I not surprised that Luke is the one to win the title quote award this week? He's too manly to wear a leotard. Sheesh.
Wow, Amanda rocked the balance beam on her first try. Margie fell off and Luke is all drama-queenie.
Amanda breezes through the parallel bars and floor like a pro. They get the clue and they will travel by train to Brasov, near Transylvania and find the Biserica Neagra where they'll get their next clue. They take off for the train station.
Mel & Mike arrive and Mike takes the Roadblock-and I must say he looks fetching in the leotard. But I have loads more respect for him than Luke, since he had the guts to do it.
Margie finishes all the elements and wow-that white leotard shows off her black thong undies really well.
Mike does well on the beam and the parallel bars and low-fives a young gymnast.
Amanda & Kris and Luke & Margie get to the train station and are told they can't get tickets until the next morning--so we have our designated bunch area of this leg of the race.
After Mike finishes the floor exercise he declares that he wants his medal. Hee.
The second flight arrives. All the teams inform their cab drivers that they are in a damned hurry, damn it.
Foreshadowing the torture to come, Victor & Tammy are let off on a random street corner and she immediately says "I don't think this is right." Remember this as it will become the theme of this episode. The Amazing Editors emphasize Tammy's point by showing Kisha & Jen arriving at the correct entrance, all smiles.
There are shots of Tammy & Victor running interspersed with Michael & Mark, Jamie & Cara and Christie & Jodi all arriving at the center. Kisha, Mark, Jamie and Christie all don the leotard for their teams. And at last, Tammy & Victor find the entrance and Tammy joins the leotard guild.
Kisha, Christie and Jamie all do well on the beam. Mark falls once then does it okay the second time. Jamie hesitates before the bars saying she has no upper body strength then proves it by falling off halfway across. Kisha says she'll stick to b-ball. Hee.
Tammy's troubles continue as she is not thinking about the task at hand and keeps messing up on the beam and falling off...Mark humps his way across the parallel bars-is that the correct form?-Christie finishes and gets the clue with Mark right behind her...Kisha and Jamie finish the bars...Tammy finally finishes the beam to the satisfaction of the trainer-in spite of Victor's "help". For the first time tonight I say "Shut up, Victor"--it won't be the last.
Jamie & Kisha finish the floor. (Jen-"good job"--now that's what I call positive communication.) Tammy finishes the bars and moves to the floor...where she cannot do a cartwheel.
Now, I am not able to do a cartwheel myself these days. Mostly because of the whole center of gravity and weight ratio thing. But when I was a kid, I could cartwheel all over our front yard. I even got so far as to do a back flip a couple of times...so I wonder about Tammy's gym classes and why did she never learn how...?
Victor: Kick higher--thought balloon: I knew I should have done this myself. Then he instructs her to put her head down to do a forward roll/somersault. I say "shut up, Victor" for the second time, because anyone who took middle school gym knows you do not put your head on the ground when you do a forward roll. You tuck your head under and roll over onto your shoulders. His big brain must have made tumbling too difficult.
A quick shot of the other teams arriving at the train station for the mega-bunch. Kisha & Jen inform the other teams of Victor and Tammy's bad luck. (And there is much rejoicing.)
Tammy finally does the roll. Then Victor tells her to put her right leg forward -she very sensibly ignores him and extends it out behind her as she was shown. Tammy keeps the leotard, they get their clue and take off.
In the cab, Tammy apologizes for taking so long and Victor magnanimously tells her that it's okay because her brain just froze. Tammy gives him the bitchiest bitch face of the race so far.
Victor: You need to relax and just think. Thought balloon: Listen to me and my big brain.
Tammy: Let's not talk about it. Thought balloon: Shut the fuck up.
Victor: Okay, that's fine. Thought balloon: I may not be talking about this now, but I will be as soon as the cameras are shut off.
At the train station, a tearful Tammy interviews that when they're racing she thinks she has some good ideas but Victor won't listen and that's frustrating. Well I think we can all understand that--because his huge brain is blocking his ears. I think Victor should ask Margie to translate for him. Tammy continues that Victor thinks she's weak and gets paralyzed and that he's accommodating her a lot and she's not sure how to deal with that. My thought is to tell him to knock that shit off, preferably followed by a smack up the side of his big head, but that's just me.
Wow, we are 29 minutes into the show and we haven't seen Brad & Victoria for the last fifteen. Uh oh. That's not good.
The next day, all the teams get on the Transylvania Choo Choo and the cheerleaders cheerlead for Luke. Again. Have I mentioned how tiresome this has become?
Now we are at Amsterdam airport and Brad & Victoria talk about racing hard and hoping another team is as "screwed up as (they) are". I think I can speak for everyone when I say I agree.
Back in Brasov, the train arrives. Everyone grabs cabs-Victor is so happy to get his first.
Here comes Phil to introduce the Detour...wow he looks awesome in that coat.
The Detour is Gypsy Moves or Vampire Remains. In Gypsy Moves, the teams must load a cart with a gypsy family's "possessions". Then they must drive the cart to another location and unload it. But the carts are pulled by teams of horses, so I doubt if there will be any animal mishaps like there have been before with donkeys and camels.
In Vampire Remains, teams must find a marked path to a bunch of coffins then drag one down the hill, unlock the chains and impale the wooden frames that are inside on a stake until they find a flag.
Usually there's a clear "best" choice, but I am not sure which one that would be this time. First thought-Gypsy Moves. Here's what the teams chose:
Amanda & Kris, Kisha & Jen, Mike & Mel and Mark & Michael take Gypsy Moves.
Christie & Jodi, Tammy & Victor, Jamie & Cara and Luke & Margie do Vampire Remains.
We get another peek at Brad & Victoria getting off the plane. I think it's pretty hopeless, but we'll see.
The cheerleaders are getting frustrated with their cab driver-wondering why he would say he knew where the location was when he didn't--I think it's for their American dollars, but I could be wrong.
Gypsy camp-Amanda & Kris and Mel & Mike get there at the same time. I think it's really sweet that the gypsies all put on their best clothes for the event.
Both teams get help from the gypsies to load the cart because some of that junk is seriously heavy. I love how the locals turned this whole thing into a joyous celebration.
Back in the cab of the lost--polite frustration. In my opinion, they should bail on this cab and find themselves another. I'm gratified to see that even though the team is very unhappy, they are not yelling at their cab driver.
Kris has some serious muscles-wow. He and Amanda get their cart loaded first and when it takes off, stuff starts falling off the back, much to the amusement of the locals, who cheer when Kris puts it all back.
Victor & Tammy and Christie & Jodi arrive at the Vampire Remains location and must follow a "marked path to the coffins". Please remember this, because there are marked paths and then there are "marked" paths.
Victor sees a tree with a red and white striped mark painted on the trunk and exclaims that he's found the path. Tammy points out, quite correctly, that the mark is not yellow and red. Victor snaps "This is a marked path" and continues on his way. In spite of her misgivings, Tammy follows.
And the editors prove once again just how Amazing they are by showing Christie & Jodi finding and following the correct marked path-with a close-up of a yellow and red arrow Victor.
When Victor finds another red and white striped tree mark, it justifies his decision but he wonders why the path is straight up. Tammy again points out that the Race markers are usually red and yellow arrows. And not painted on a tree.
It's like the editors are rubbing it in Victor's face because the next thing we see is Christie & Jodi jogging along a not-steep, red and yellow arrow marked path. They are wondering where Tammy and Victor are. And look, a helpful sign pointing the way to both the coffins and the clearing. Thanks, Helpful Race planners!
Tammy points out again "This is not right-those are not 'our' markers". Victor says "We don't know that yet." Speak for yourself, dumb ass. I wonder if Tammy will lecture him about his brain freezing?
Back at the gypsy camp Mark & Michael arrive--hey, when did Kisha & Jen get there? That is one crazy three wheeled bike that guy is riding.
Jamie & Cara are still having cab trouble and because they followed, so are Luke & Margie.
Here's another shot of Brad & Victoria-the editors are trying to make us think they have a hope of catching up, but there is no way to overcome being that far behind.
When Kris & Amanda start unloading, he mentions he doesn't have his Amazing Fanny Pack. She shrugs it off and says let's unload and look for it later.
Back to the Very Special Episode of Brother and Sister: Tammy informs Victor that she doesn't see anyone coming their way. He replies that he "still thinks (this is) the right way" -wait-WHAT? He also thinks "going back would be a big mistake." Bigger than the one he's making now? Is he THAT afraid of being wrong?
Jodi & Cara and Luke & Margie's cab drivers finally drop them off at the right place and they have no trouble finding the correct marked path.
Victor is enjoying the view and ever so happy to find another red and white marker. Tammy mutters "this sucks".
Amanda & Kris finish unloading their cart and rip the clue which directs them to find the Pit Stop at the Vila Panoramic. They still have to find their fanny pack before they can leave. Mel & Mike finish, get their Pit Stop clue and take off.
We see Cara & Jamie and Luke & Margie pushing and shoving their coffins down the hill. Christie & Jodi are already unlocking chains when the other teams arrive and begin the same task.
Back to Victor, the world's most stubborn man, who chirps "I think we go this way". His buzz is killed when Tammy points out there's no one else there. He states flatly that they are not going back down. Then he puts his fingers in his ears and sings "la-la-la-la". As longtime fans of the Race know, if you haven't seen another team recently-especially when you arrived at the Detour with one-then you are probably LOST. Victor's ego won't let him admit he made a mistake.
Victoria is doing the gymnastics. I'm not sure of the actual time line, but the editors are trying to make us believe they have a snowball's chance in Hell of catching up with the other teams.
Kris & Amanda are searching for their fanny pack and he's freaking out a little bit thinking it has been stolen--but she stays calm and optimistic.
Luke & Margie get their coffin open before Christie & Jodi. Hee, the frames spatter "blood" when impaled.
At this point, Tammy can only shake her head at Victor. He fake apologizes for being a stubborn ass and she tells him he's right. In my dreams. Tammy finally lets Victor know she's frustrated with him.
Kris & Amanda find their fanny pack and head for the Pit Stop.
Mel & Mike arrive at the mat. Phil informs them with an epic eyebrow pop that they are Team #1 . Mel almost collapses. When he finds out they have won a trip to Costa Rica he says that is Mike's favorite place. Aww, I'm glad they came in first.
Amanda & Kris are team #2.
Back to Angst in the shadow of Castle Dracula. Victor says they should finish what "they" started. By which he means he thinks Tammy should continue to follow him on the path to nowhere in order to salve his ego. Because that's working so well for them right now. He can't even tell her when
Brad & Victoria on the train.
Margie & Luke help Cara & Jamie fit the first key into the first lock then find their flag and take off. Michael & Mark finish the unloading and get their Pit Stop clue too.
When we join Tammy & Victor's Not-So-Excellent Adventure, Victor has collapsed to his knees in tears. His brain finally melted and it's coming out his eyes. He condescends to allow Tammy to make decisions too. She calls him on his bullshit of only "letting" her join the decision making after they've climbed the entire mountain. She doesn't push it further by calling him an arrogant ass-she just informs him she thinks they should turn around. He snots (literally-ew) "I agree" and they start down.
Christie & Jodi find their flag and go. Cara & Jamie think they're last, but they persevere, find the flag and bolt.
Kisha & Jen are team #3 and Luke & Margie are team #4.
Tammy & Victor arrive back at the bottom of the mountain and find, as Victor says, the "stupid arrow". Yeah, it's the red and yellow arrow that's stupid. Will he admit she was right? *starts DVR* Nope. He's only sorry they have to go up again. He's such a tool I wish Brad & Victoria were not hopelessly behind.
Mark & Michael are team #5 by a few seconds over team #6, Christie & Jodi.
Oh, man. Tammy & Victor are dragging their coffin. He's being all reckless and even more drama queenie, all "I don't care if I DIE" because a reality tv show is more important than LIFE ITSELF. Tammy's all "be careful!" since she's still letting him manipulate her emotionally. Because of his recklessness, one of the keys was dislodged. The Amazing Cameraman gets a shot of it in the grass while they search.
Brad & Victoria are on the train and I'm actively rooting for them now. Hey, miracles happen, you know.
Jamie & Cara are checked in as team #7.
Unfortunately, Victor finds the key and they get on with the Detour. They finish and run up to the mat. Phil tries to psych them out by saying "You are...the second to last team to arrive". Tammy says: Good job, Victor. Thought Balloon: You are so lucky we aren't last.
Victor breaks down and sobs. Phil says, "tough day" and asks why Victor is so upset. Victor denies it was a tough day and claims he is just glad they are done and still in the race. Whatever, douche. The interview with him is all blah, blah, blah... brother/sister dynamic doesn't work on the race and is unintentionally hurtful. Let's see what
A beautiful sunset brings us to Brad & Victoria bravely doing the coffin Detour in the dark. They are covered with fake blood as they run up to the mat and are Philimanated. Sigh.
If you happened to watch "Elimination Station" she was still shattered about it when they arrived at the villa in Thailand.
Next week: Siberia!
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Date: 3/11/09 10:56 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 3/12/09 03:54 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 3/12/09 05:17 pm (UTC)