The Amazing Race begins on CBS September 5. Now is your chance to get some preview information about the game, the players, and what the chances look like for each team (such as the teachers, shown to the right).
Hello, I’m Charlie and I’m the newest member of this wonderful website. I’m here today to give you a full preview of a show that I’m extremely anxious to see: The Amazing Race. I will be recapping and doing commentary on this show for RealityNewsOnline. My style of recapping might not be what you folks are accustomed to reading. From years of recapping Professional Wrestling, I’ve come to learn that most people who read recaps have already seen the show and they are reading for one of two reasons: They want a quick reminder of what happened or they are looking for someone else’s opinion of the show. Well, I try to bring a humorous slant to my recaps and I hope that everyone enjoys them. Below is a profile and analysis of the eleven teams competing in the race, along with the odds on them making it to the end and claiming the million dollars.
Amazing Race: The Rules (From CBS’s Website) On September 5, 2001, 11 Teams of two people, each with a pre-existing relationship, will set out on THE AMAZING RACE around the world. They'll never know where they're going next or what they'll have to do once there. Each pair's relationship will be forever impacted by their experience in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
At each destination, the Teams will compete in a series of tasks, some mental and some physical, before learning their next destination. Restricted plane travel and strict budgets will add to the tension, as Teams are forced to rely on wit and ingenuity, perhaps sleeping on park benches or in bus stations and traveling on buses, trains, boats, taxis, bicycles, even camels. Teams farthest behind will be eliminated as the race progresses, first Team to arrive at the final destination wins $1 million!
THE TEAMS
Team 1: The Lawyers Rob & Brennan Ages: 27 and 29 From: Los Angeles, CA Quote: Friends who like to laugh and joke, know how to have fun and be supportive of each other in any situation. Lowdown: Rob is well organized and competitive while Brennan is the adrenaline junky. Analysis: The rigors of reality TV will no doubt test these friends to the end. They have one of the best shots at winning due to their youth, and we all know how sly lawyers are. Odds on winning: 1 in 4
Team 2: The Young Married Couple Matt & Ana Ages: Both 28 From: Simsbury, CT Quote: A lifelong friendship of love and laughs. Lowdown: Matt is hyper and energetic while Ana remains calm and cool. Analysis: Ana is originally from Romania so she might be able to navigate Europe better then most players. However, fans at CBS.com don’t have faith in them, and in a poll they are currently in last place for who is most likely to win. The trials of the show will no doubt test their marriage. I, for one, think they have a good shot at taking the cash. Odds on winning: 1 in 8
Team 3: The Separated Parents Frank & Margarita Ages: 30 & 28 From: Sunnyside, NY Quote: Being best friends and respecting each other is the key to the great, loving relationship we have now. (Yu huh, then why have you been separated for a year?) Lowdown: They separated one year ago and they are using this show as a way to bring them back together. Analysis: I honestly don’t see how a reality TV show will help bring back together a couple that was no doubt bickering with each other non-stop before they separated, but they are players and I’m just a writer, so what do I know? And according to CBS.com, Frank is a corporate trainer, and we all know how well they do in these shows. Physically, they are one of the best teams, but their teamwork is in serious question. For some reason, I don’t think they will make it far. Odds on winning: 1 in 18
Team 4: The Teachers (Yeeouch! Hot!) Kim & Leslie Ages: 28 & 27 From: Baytown, TX Quote: All for one, and one for all! (how original) Lowdown: CBS says that they will make a good team because, “Leslie is left-brained and Kim is right-brained” so who can argue with that? Analysis: They are very attractive women and that has to be the reason CBS fans have voted them most likely to win. But the fact is, teachers these days are… well… dumb. Take my cousin, a Spanish teacher who barely speaks a lick of Spanish and calls it “Mexican.” But, they are very good eye candy, and compared to some of the other teams, they might make this look like a cakewalk. The question is, will they chicken out when it comes time to do something death-defying? Odds on winning: 1 in 6
Team 5: The Mother/Daughter Nancy & Emily Ages: 46 & 21 From: Waco, TX Quote: For the most part, we get along very well, but we do have our moments. Lowdown: The only parent/child team on the show. CBS says that Nancy is considerate of others and Emily is impulsive. My god, why didn’t they just say Nancy is nice and Emily is a little brat? Analysis: Well, having parents myself, I know what a bad idea it is to have do anything competitive with family, especially if you’re on the same team. And based on previews, it doesn’t look like mother & daughter will be talking much when this is over. Above all else, teamwork and unity will be important in this game. Don’t bet on seeing them last long. Odds on winning: 1 in 15
Team 6: The Engaged Couple Paul & Amie Ages: 32 & 27 From: Los Angeles, CA Quote: Two halves become whole. Lowdown: Amie is determined and Paul is street-smart. Analysis: They met in 1999, they’re set to get married, and now they’re going to test their relationship by entering a reality TV show. When will people learn? On paper, the team looks good though. Both seem athletic and fearless. Yet again, though, we must question whether or not the stress might put a rift in their unity. Odds on winning: 1 in 5
Team 7: The Grandparents David & Margaretta Ages: 64 & 59 From: Rockwell, TX Quote: In a word, we adore each other. Lowdown: He’s a veteran, she’s a newspaper reporter. Both are kids trapped in old bodies. Analysis: I always root for the old people. I don’t know why, but I just think it would be cool to see them win such physically challenging game against people half their age. They have the spirit, that’s for sure. However, some of those challenges they showed on TV look very difficult for old-timers to complete. As much as it pains me, I’m picking them to be eliminated first. Prove me wrong guys! Odds on winning: 1 in 20
Team 8: The Dating Couple Lenny & Karyn Ages: 33 & 29 From: Brooklyn, NY & East Orange, NJ Quote: An ever-changing experience. Lowdown: Karyn is aggressive and very competitive while Lenny is patient and athletic. Analysis: This team has a big question mark on it. They’ve known each other for two years and share traits which should help each other throughout the race. On the other hand, just one problem could set this team off. They should be fun to watch. With all young couples, the question of whether the smallest fight will divide the quality of teamwork comes into play, especially with the dating couple. But I would bet on them making it to the finals. Odds on winning: 1 in 3
Team 9: The Life Partners Joe & Bill Ages: 50 & 47 From: Laguna Niguel, CA Quote: Mutual trust, respect and total admiration for each other. Lowdown: Gay guys that met in Utah (!) in 1986. They lived in Paris for two years. Analysis: They’ve traveled together for many years, but both are pretty old compared to the other teams, so will they be able to keep up? Mentally, they’re set to go, but age has got to figure in. They could be the sleeper in this race. Odds on winning: 1 in 12.
Team 10: The Working Moms Pat & Brenda Ages: 42 & 41 From: Landenberg, PA & Elkton, MD Quote: Best friends forever, no matter what. Lowdown: Friends of eighteen years, Brenda is laid back where Pat is creative. Analysis: One thing I’ve learned from Reality TV: Never doubt the ability of single mothers who have a drive to win. Sure, they don’t always win, but they certainly become a major threat to others. This team could surprise you. The question has to be if they can do it physically, and I wouldn’t bet against it. Watch out for them! Odds on winning: 1 in 4
Team 11: The Fraternity Brothers Kevin & Drew Ages: 34 & 35 From: Bayonne, NJ & Staten Island, NY Quote: Like an old married couple: brief waves of calm in a sea of bickering, flooded with wiseass remarks and laughter. Lowdown: They met in 1984 in New York, they signed up because they’ve never been anywhere where you need a passport. Additionally, it would be nice to win the money. Analysis: This team will win. They are my official prediction. They’re both at the right ages to be physically able but also mentally able to survive all the challenges that they will no doubt face. Teamwork might be a problem, but I wouldn’t count on it. Place your bets on them. Odds on winning: 1 in 2
Final Thoughts This show will be very entertaining to watch, so catch it on CBS starting September 5th. Check back here at RealityNewsOnline for full coverage of The Amazing Race as it progresses.
Charlie Reneke has previously writen for the Kilt Report (wrestling news) and Wrestleview.com.
Team 1: The Lawyers
Team 2: The Young Married Couple
Team 3: The Separated Parents
Team 5: The Mother/Daughter
Team 6: The Engaged Couple
Team 7: The Grandparents
Team 8: The Dating Couple
Team 9: The Life Partners
Team 10: The Working Moms
Team 11: The Fraternity Brothers