The Amazing Race 8: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, The Finale

What a strange trip this season has been. I like the Linzes comment that they basically did a big circle around North America. It’s true, of course, leading to the most obscure Finish Line location ever. In the previews, they focused on the distance and time, which, to be quite honest, were pretty weak. They should have focused on the cool things they did, like the ski jump and the mud pits, that sort of thing.

If you haven’t already, make sure you read Jenn’s tremendous recap. I’m a big fan of Jenn’s and I think she’s outdone herself with this one.

The Good:

Who Dey!: Congratulations to the Linz Family, deserving winners if ever there were. The only ones close are Chip & Kim, and I give the Linzes the edge because they were more fun.

I’ve pretty much known they would win since the beginning, not because of any prediction powers, but because of online betting. Yet again, strange betting trends revealed the winner. Online betting revealed the winners of AR7, the final two of Apprentice 2, and the winners of a few seasons of Survivor, including Pearl Islands. I’m starting to think following online betting trends are more reliable than Miss Cleo or something. Or is that crazy talk?

Anyway, I’ve been rooting for them exclusively since the Aiellos and Gaghans were eliminated, and even before then, they were still a favorite. Even though I “knew” they were going to win, I couldn’t bring myself to believe it. Ever since Vicepia and Zach & Flo, I’m no longer confident that the right person will win a reality show. You know how it is, like when you’re expecting a certain present and just KNOW you’re going to get it, but until you actually unwrap it, you’re nervous. I was like a kid on Christmas morning on Tuesday.

Everyone who has read these columns over the course of the season knows why I love the Linzes – because I think I’d fit right in with them and their goofy, borderline crude humor and abusive/supportive relationship. If they were a sitcom, I’d be the best friend who is always hitting on Megan. And no, I’m NOT old enough to be her father, just barely.

But for those of you who don’t like them, consider this. In their Early Show interview, they were asked what they were going to do with the money. They are giving half to their parents, and splitting the rest among all seven siblings. That’s right, even the ones who weren’t part of the race. As Wally Bransen, and recapper Jenn said, these kids are a testament to their parents. They’re tremendous. For Mom and Dad, indeed.

Speaking of the extended Linz family, thanks to Suzanne for sending me a link to another babealicious photo of Megan. Oh, and the rest of the family is hiding there somewhere, if you can find them. We can sure see where Megan got her looks.

I know I’m babbling, but to make a long story short, I love this team and I’m thrilled they won. Way to go, guys, and Megan, you didn’t just keep up with the guys. In many ways, because you had to work harder, you were the best member on the team. Not to mention the cutest.

What’s a Weaver Doing Here?: Rolly Weaver, though I think he is an obnoxious little snot, was, without a doubt, the MVP of the team. He never quit when everyone else was a quivering pile of jelly. He did most of the roadblocks. Really, aside from a few bratty comments, he seemed to be a good kid. Being around Bitchy Weaver, Bratty Weaver, and Queen Dumbass Weaver, you’d expect the odd smartass comment just to fit in. Mom was laughing and participating, wouldn’t the baby emulate such behavior? Whether I’m rationalizing or not, I definitely respect the kid’s spirit.

The Amazing Race 9: It starts in February!! Woo-hoo! I’d like to be the first to officially throw my undying support behind the nerd team! Nerds! Nerds! Nerds! Nerds!

The Bad:

Disappointment: It’s not that the Bransens really did anything BAD, but they lost, and I’m a little disappointed in them. Why? Because they didn’t run a bad leg, they just didn’t run a GREAT leg that you really need in order to win.

The Bransens definitely deserve a mention for being so gracious in defeat. There can only be one winner, and whining because you came in second – or worse, expecting to be treated as a winner – doesn’t do anyone any good. The Bransens lost with class, which makes them winners in my book.

Shoes? SHOES?: You’ve got the freaking Hockey Hall of Fame RIGHT THERE, and you go to a freaking SHOE MUSEUM? This is the sort of thing that killed this season.

Alex, Alex, Alex: There is no way a big guy like yourself should have taken this task. It should have gone to the lightest person, especially as she was all but jumping up and down in anticipation.

The Ugly:

Guess Who?: “I’m not less of a person because I’m giving up, it’s just that it’s stupid.” That one paraphrase better than any other sums up the whole Weaver attitude and why I hated them so much. Anything they didn’t like was stupid. The scenery was ugly. Everyone else was mean. The tasks were stupid. Remember right before the stadium, when Mom Weaver said it was the best day ever? As soon as things got difficult, it was stupid and unfair and dumb.

At least they were complimentary on the mat.

Final note:

Regular readers know that I like to recommend a certain gift for your special someone this Christmas. If you’re stuck for a great Christmas present for your beloved, consider a gold-tipped rose. I gave one to my fiancé six years ago and she still raves about it. And she’s not even into jewelry. Just click the link at the bottom of the page.

And if you feel particularly generous, your favorite RNO writer’s wish list is up on Amazon. Since I won’t talk to you again until 2006, I want to wish everyone a terrific holiday, whatever you celebrate. Take care of yourselves out there, I appreciate all of your support. I’ll be back (in a new house, no less!) for Amazing Race 9 and in a supporting role in the Beauty and the Geek 2 recaps.

Mike DeGeorge is an Accountant from St. Louis and is also Associate Editor for RealityNewsOnline. You can reach Mike at rno.mike@gmail.com.

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