I thought the show was sooo good last night!!
I think my favorites are Christy and Colin(the sweet dating couple--not the dating with God couple) and the bowling moms. I like Charla and Mirna but they were getting a little annoying at the end!
I don't like Alison and Donny or the pizza brothers!

This is going to be such an awesome season! But why is it on so late?? 10pm can be past my bedtime!

The pizza brothers just urk me for some reason. I cant put my finger on why yet, but Im sure Ill know after more shows lol.

As for Mirna and Charla, I am not against little people at all, but those two are just annoying in general. I about died when they left the side of beef laying on the ground for the longest time. I really hope they clean that before sending it places cause that was sooooooooo gross.... I did also find it amusing how they said they were here to show everyone and then Charla is always yelling come on come on. Im annoyed by them so Im hoping they dont stay too long or they change cause I cant take Charla.

Military dad and daughter my faves then Donny and Allison.

Im not too sure if I like the twins or not. I thought for sure they would be the ones going home.

I officially got my roomate hooked last night on this show. She had never watched it and swore she was going to bed early bc she had a big practical today, but she was up 'till it was over!
I was surprised that Dennis & Erika got eliminated, but I thought it was really sweet for her to be like "I'd rather be with a nice guy then a jerk".
I really did not care for the pizza bros or Allison & Donny- all they did was bi*ch at each other the entire time. And I like Mirna, but Charla has got to go! I love how she was trying to flirt with the host when they got to the end of the leg.
And the very christian couple needs a reality check.

Comments about the racers first, then about the mechanics of the show this season...

I think the dad and daughter lept to the top of my favorites list when they landed in 10th place at the very end. That man *did not quit*. There were so many close calls with them from the nearly-missing-the-tendon to the nearly-missing-the-flight to the nearly-missing-the-last-place that my husband and I were totally on the edge of our seats by the end of the episode. I totally remembered how much I loved and missed this show just watching these two racers go for it. I hope they at least make it to the top five, if not the top three. Given the condition of his knee, they may not last as long as they might otherwise.

Didja notice that when the cousins went back with the meat, the guy who was helping carry Mirna and Charla's bags had a hand on the bone just behind Charla's head? I wonder if they got an unseen time penalty for that, or if the producers just missed it or discounted it since they'd already gone four blocks past the butcher shop.

I like the moms, the cousins, the parents, the seniors, and the brothers simply because it's easy to tell them apart! Half of the other teams just seem too much alike-- if you only see the girl, it's hard to tell who's who during the first ep! I was wondering why the moms didn't get down the second zipline first, since they were first to get across, but my husband thought maybe they were a little more freaked by the distance down and let some other team go first. I know I would've wanted to see someone else go first to see how they landed before zipping down sixteen stories on my own!

Ditto what y'all said about the Christian couple-- I think the Lord is giving her the better suggestions right now! :p

I'm reserving further "fave" picks until the end of the next episode. There's still too many racers for me to have them all pegged yet.

Potentially off-color curiosity-- is this the first season that they haven't had a gay couple? They usually go for one older couple, one African-American pair, one set of siblings, one couple that's on the verge of breaking up, and a few from the stock soccer moms / friends / parents / parent-child categories.

Now for our observations on the mechanics of the show:

* The new "Yield" option is interesting. My husband and I bet it replaces the fast forward (you can only use Yield once in the game) as something more predictable. No more going to India and leaping ahead, or getting the fast forward where your bus breaks down and gets you to arrive in next-to-last place. It's fairer that everyone knows who can still use it (I think they had team name stickers to show who could take advantage of it pasted next to the actual ticket and timer), and that there's a preset time for how long the next team has to wait. But there's a nasty twist, too-- you have to use it on a specific team behind you. That can cost you potential alliances and make you a target for that team's yield later on. It'll be interesting to see if people use it.

* It seemed that while there wasn't a roadblock (one team member must accept and do the task without really knowing what it'll be), there seemed to be a lot more for the racers to do during this leg. An overnight flight, an overnight stay in a tent, etc. It seemed that they were really seasoning them and giving even the losing team enough of an experience to feel like they really did something and had a challenge from the race.

* On a similar note, we thought that the producers were being intentionally devious in two of the game elements, with the goal of teaching the racers the evil bits of strategy and transportation hell. The flights had different departure times with backwards arrival times, meaning that racers learned that they need to check those times before buying nonrefundable tickets. The clue box with the last route marker was set away from the hotel, with the challenge flag set where teams could easily find it. Thus, the route marker was missed by two teams who went to play roulette, and their penalty was to have to go back and find the route marker and hope they returned before the last team did. The trip was long enough to be a nuisance, but it wasn't a route marker before a long flight or overnight bus ride. The racers thus learned that they'd better make sure they have all of their route markers before starting any challenges. Much better to learn those two bits of strategy (and potential race-losing pitfalls) before moving on to the more challenging legs of the race.

Kevin & Drew
 

BTW, for those who remember fraternity boys Kevin & Drew from (geez, were they season 1?) an earlier season of TAR-- They're on a new show on Discovery Channel starting Thursday July 8th. Basically, think TAR crossed with Simple Life. Kevin and Drew travel the rural areas of the US in a winnebago-like vehicle and try all sorts of blue-collar jobs, like sorting cranberries at a factory.

I have no idea how long of a series it's supposed to be, but I'll definitely be watching it!

oh ok

I really like Jim and Marsha, and I like Charla a lot too. (Mirna gets on my nerves, though!) Alison and Donny weren't as annoying as I thought they were going to be. I don't like Brandon at all. (Nicole I don't have much of an opinion about.)

It was a really good first episode. Lots of action, which is what I like about the show.

I really love the team nicknames in this article from RealityTV.com:

Amazing Race 5 Team Dynamics: Tuesday, Bloody Tuesday.

Now, having watched the first episode, I feel like I'm *qualified* to post my opinions.... :D

It was really interesting to see how much was thrown at the teams on the first day. Maybe because the premiere was 90 minutes long (have they ever had one for 90 minutes previously???), they threw more stuff at the teams, and the upcoming episodes will settle down into more *normal* pace and amount of tasks.

I could not believe Chip & Kim and Kami & Karli missing the clue across the street from the hotel (nor could I believe K&K walking right past the clue box after getting off of the ferry. It does seem like the teams do need to be A LOT more observant this season than in prior seasons (although teams in those seasons had to search for the route markers, too).

Now, the teams I'm actually enjoying watching:
Jim & Marsha
Linda & Karen
Mirna & Charla (I know I'm in the minority here)
K&K (even though they've been really dumb!)
Dennis and Erica (I wish they were still in the race :( )

The teams I tolerate:
Alison & Donny (although I laughed when Alison went down the zip and hit the water pretty hard)
Brandon & Nicole
Colin & Christie
Chip & Kim

The teams I dislike:
Marshall & Lance
Bob & Joyce


Now, on to waiting for next week's entertainment :D

yes. it was 90 min. long last year

See, I don't think I got to see the premiere last year....that was right around the time I was in the hospital having surgery, so maybe that's why I forgot. Thanks sweetie! :)

WHAT HAPPENED?!?
 

We were having storm trouble here in TN and the weather people kept coming in and out and finally blocked the last 5 minutes of the show

WHAT HAPPENED....

Alison and Donnie were eliminated. Donnie now must re-evaluate his love for Alison - lol.

Thank goodness! :)

So Allison and Donny got booted.
I really liked them but they were arguing seriously tonight. I think it was their time cause they were both bitchy. I did think it stunk though cause I didnt think they come in last since they were in front of the moms. They should have taken a cab like they did and they would have made it just fine.

Anyone notice how Mirna and Charla look at the host like hes the greatest thing alive. I crack up how much they stare and smile at him lol.

I am definately all for the military dad and daughter now they are seriously picking it up.

Thanks a million!!

Okay, my favorites are now Chip & Kim, Jim & Marsha and Bob & Joyce. Charla & Mirna are okay -- I almost died when what's her name started talking with the fake accent and acting out swimming while saying "We...need...ferry...agua!" and then later said she didn't want to put her hand up a cow's ass, or whatever that was. WTF? :confused:

I liked the bowling moms at first, but they need to be taken down after messing with military dad, those two-bit, fluffy suburban hoes.

They are from my hometown, Corpus Christi, TX. Colin owns a cell phone store out here and he and Christy come out in a cute commercial to promote his store -- you see them running down an escalator, then at the bottom he says his little "come by my store" bit, and they find a clue or something and take off running. I like it. anyway....

Thank the lord Allison and Donnie got out quickly. The show should run smoother now.

I'm pissed that Allison and Donny lost last night. They were a strong team but that bus screwed them over and they knew it. I don't like Chip and Kim and Charla and Mirna get on my nerves. I'm still rooting for the military dad and daughter.

which one is the christian couple? were they the ones that came in first last night? and is she the one that won the texas pageant? :confused:

Random thoughts and snarks--

* Detour and roadblock, but no fast forward or yield. Apparently there are only two fast fowards on the entire contest, and the yield can only be used by the first team that passes it.

* The Christian couple is the one where the guy has the really fluffly blonde hair.

* It would have been so funny if Charla had psyched them out because Mirna was too afraid to put her hand up a cow's ass.

* Bowling moms aren't hoes, but they were evil if they told dad/daughter to exchange money.

* Nice to see the older couple come solidly in the middle of the pack.

* SO glad that that Alison chick is gone. "I need to re-evaluate my love for Alison." Feh. The bus didn't screw them-- their inability to do much other than yell at and blam each other was what did them in.

* I blinked at the beginning-- did Kami and Karli deliberately pull ahead of Chip and Kim? Or was it more of a misunderstanding?

* Quote of the night: "You gots to go to _Uruguay_ to go to a _foam_ club." The dad's grinning wonderment at it and his intonation with his accent is still cracking me up.

* Sight of the night: wondering if Charla was going to be able to make it through the foam (it came up to her shoulders).

* Skeeve of the night: the gross guys at the foam club that were trying to be a little too friendly with some of the girls.

Okay, I am so glad someone else was dying laughing at Charla almost not making it through the foam!! I thought that was hysterical. And also when Donny and Allison were walking the dogs and Allison screams "my dogs won't stop having sex".
My favorites are the the father and daughter, Colin and Christie(again, the dating WITHOUT god couple) and Bob and Joyce.
I can't stand the pizza brothers and I am not a huge fan of Kami and Karla. And I totally think that Charla and Mirna should not be able to use the "I am a small person--please make the ferry wait for me" card. But the two of them making eyes and trying to hug Phil is WONDERFUL!!
Can't wait for next week!

Yes to both.

Yeah I def cant stand the old routine Im small help me. Get over it. Yeah you cna use it to your advantage but if you want everyone to see you as being good, act it.

Bowling moms made me mad when they did that to the team I like and made them exchange money.

I laughed when Allison said that about her dogs too. It cracked me up cause they zoomed in on the dogs lol.

I dont care for the twin either. I think they are going to get evil.....

So who got the boot last night? I got too caught up in watching RR "The Sh*t they should have shown".

Donny and Alison.

Random:

- I'm going to miss Donny and Alison. I think Donny lost it for them when he insisted they take the bus. To be honest, I think Donny is too dumb to be with Ali so I hope she wised up and dumped his low rent a$$

- This is so rude, but it makes me laugh whenever I see Charla/Mirna running. (whichever cousin is the little person). I honestly feel terrible for laughing, but I can't help it.

- That Godfearing model. What's his name? With the floppy, blonde hair. He annoys me because he looks like a muppet.

- The bowling moms. I guess I kind of like them. Just about every move I've ever made in my adult life has been aimed at avoiding turning into what they are, but that doesn't mean I can't root for them.

I'm so glad Donny & Allison are gone. Too much needless bickering. I hope the Twins are the next to go. I'm glad Chip wouldn't give up that taxi without a fight. Who knew the Bowling Moms could be so conniving?

props for charla...she's already shown a tone of heart while her cousin is a whiner.
bowling moms are tough ladies. sorry the military dad and daughter got stung. hopefully they will be a bit more aware in the future.
it all makes real good television.

Interesting post-race interview with Alison and Donny here. Wow, bitter much?

so sad that the father/daughter (my jacksonville team) got eliminated. i was hoping the brothers would get the boot. i cannot stand them

It was sad to see the dad & daughter go. I liked them, they just were genuine people who got tricked one to many times by the other teams.

So i am starting to get a little tired of charla & mirna. Granted, they are doing much better than I thought they would, they just are a bit annoying and I don't think it's right that they get special treatment or can use mirna's disability as a way to get ahead. But I think they will last at least another leg of the race.

My guess as to the next to be eliminated will be Dating/Models. They have wayyy to much bad karma going on. Or the brothers- they just behave badly.

I'm pissed that the father/daughter team lost this week! :mad:

I would like to see Kami and Karli go next week and then Charla and Mirna and then Chip & Kim.
Kami & Karli are total bitches and Charla & Mirna need to stop with the "I'm a little person so you have to help me" bull sh!t. As for Chip & Kim, they just get on my damn nerves.

Now that my 2 teams have been eliminated, I don't know who I want to win. :(

:( :( :( :( :( aww....my favorite team (military man and his daughter) got eliminated!

charla and mirna are genuinely nice people. they try and help out other teams, but in the end the other teams screw them over.

Okay, I was so almost crying when the military dad choked up when talking about his daughter. They were so sweet and I really wish they would have gone further!
Funniest part of the night---Did anyone else notice that the chocolate guy was also a "little person". I so wanted he and Charla to have some little person love going on!!
And I agree that Charla and Mirna are using her "I am short" thing a little to much. But Charla trying to pantomine the airplane was way to funny. And the two of them trying to get on Phil is worth waiting till the end for : )
I still like Joyce and Bob, Colin and Christie, and the bowling moms. I HATE the Pizza Brothers and I am a little sick of Kami amd Karli, but them swimming to the island was great!
Can't wait for next week!

i was thinking about something last night. each team gets a camera man right? if they are buying plan tickets and there are only 2 seats open, how does the camera dude get on? then, i was thinking, maybe they purchase ahead before the game started. but, if their team gets bumped onto the last flight due to direction errors or misses a flight, they would have to give up the earlier seat and fly stand-by? :confused:

that little so and so is going to have to fight me for Phil. he is a hottie!:) he has such a great voice. i love hearing him talk about the race. i want to hear that voice say, 'i love you smiley':p

Mirna has such a thing for Phil and it cracks me up. When they were driving to the pit stop she was saying "I can't believe we always look disgusting when we see Phil."

I am bummed that Jim and Marsha got eliminated. I really liked them. I hope Brandon and Nicole go soon. I can't stand Brandon.

I'm bummed, too, that Marsha and her dad were eliminated. It just goes to show that people from Jacksonville never do well on reality tv shows because they are just too nice.