The Amazing Race 4: America’s New Sweetheart

There are a lot of teams this go round that we can love. Many others are growing on me. My feelings toward them could be described as a “half-love.” And, of course, there are the teams we despise. I’ve found new teams in each category. Besides finding out why I love them (or hate them as the case may be), I’ll give my ideas to make them more appealing to the fans.

It’s true. I have to admit it. I can’t hide my feelings any longer. I am in love with Kelly. Maybe it’s her bright smile that lights up my screen. Maybe it’s her quirky sense of humor that gets me every time. Maybe it’s her genuine excitement and love for the race. Whatever the case, I’m head over heels. I’m predicting this girl to be America’s next sweetheart.

But what about Jon, you may be asking. Well, this is where it gets tricky. I like Jon, I do. And if he’s good enough for Kelly, he’s good enough for me. But sometimes he gets a little controlling. Most of the time though, he seems like a good enough guy. The trip down the hill without the raft proved he can be spontaneous and fun.

And how funny were Steve and Dave? They’ve really gained on me. One of the other writers here at RNO suggested they are the male version of the Gutsy Grannies. I can totally see that. They’re fun loving, funny guys. They are thinking smart (a la their Fast Forward). And most importantly, they’re laughing the whole time.

Millie and Chuck is another couple that’s grown on me. Back in episode one, they came across to me as fun and innocent. While that innocence can border on naiveté at times, they can’t help but be cute. They love the excitement, and also each other. That’s great to see in a team. Plus, I feel they’re really smart and utilizing their options. I’d say watch out for this duo.

My final pick for a team I love has to be Jon and Al. Yes, these boys can come off as cheesy at times, but they’re trying to keep spirits up and that’s worth mentioning. Another reason they make my esteemed list is their popularity rating on the CBS website. America has voted these loony guys at their favorite team.

This category is always the most difficult to put into words, probably because so many things can get a team into this category. Fighting incessantly is never a good thing and can get you on the list. Having one member who we like and another we despise can earn you a spot as well. Each team here falls into such a case.

Amanda and Chris. While they’re gone, I still have to give them props. Amanda proved that she could be an unconventional sentimental favorite. She was cute, even with a foul mouth. She enjoyed the race and the places they’d been and that’s always good to see. Chris, on the other hand, came across as a total jerk. I’m sorry but I think Amanda can do better.

Russell and Cindy also fall into this category. Their bad decisions and constant fighting don’t make them quite as appealing to the viewers. Am I the only one who thinks Russell is a lot like Roddy from BB3? Smart and charming, but can be arrogant. Cindy’s quest for Russell on the other hand just comes off as pathetic.

David and Jeff. Let’s see what can I say of these two? To be honest, not much. They’re SO boring. They are way too overestimated in my opinion, because they make bad decisions left and right. I don’t think anybody but their mommies will care too much when these boys go packing.

And then we have Tian and Jaree. I know I’m kind of eating my words when I’m saying this, but they’re growing on me too. I know I said they were the scum of the earth and would never get anything but bad reports from me, but they endeared themselves to us this week. Let’s just call last week an off week. They were working harder, and playing the game. They were bickering still, which was not a good thing, but they were having fun and that’s just fantastic.

Last but not least is Reichen and Chip. They seem like good guys, honestly. The problem lies in the fact that they are smart and strategic. This is a good thing for the race, but makes them out as cold to everyone else. Yes, the door thing was a little childish, as admitted by Reichen, but that’s not the only reason they’re here. If only they’d open up to the viewers, they’d be in a much better spot.

That’s right, I spent my evening loathing Josh and Steve. Josh is a little brat who is trying to backstab everyone for personal gain. Steve is a grown man acting like a 12-year-old and being a smartass in the process. This team needs to worry about themselves. We’ve seen in the past that targeting another team won’t help you win (Aaron and Arianne, can you hear me?) So unless they have a reversal from their egotistical jerk like status, they will be here for a long time.

But Tian and Jaree made such a revesal so you never know. All we can do is tune in next week to see which teams endear themselves to us, which teams screw up royally, and which teams will ride the line between love and hate.

Brad Stevens is an aspiring actor in Edwards, CA. He loves to hear from you, so email him with your thoughts. He can be reached at bradstevens_22@hotmail.com.

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