Reality Fan Forum - The Amazing Race Spoilers - Big Brother Live Feed Updates - Survivor Spoilers - Reality TV Spoilers - Big Brother Spoilers

Archive => RFF Archived Boards => The Amazing Race 16 Spoilers/Speculation => Topic started by: DeafRacer on April 12, 2010, 08:00:11 PM

Title: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 12, 2010, 08:00:11 PM
I just had to start a thread after what happened on the show last night!!!

I adore the Season 16 cast but after so many careless mistakes and two very personal decisions about U-Turn...

Seriously...?!  

It makes me sick to my stomach that Caite is the last girl standing.

It disappoints me that Jordan (Of Jeff and Jordan) doesn't pour with her heart into the Race.

Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Jet & Cord's Speed Bump task is such a crapload.

I wish the cow didn't kick Grandma's head then Jody & Shannon could have prevented Michael & Louie from going further in the Race.

Non-Bunching in European legs sucked.

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances?

I'm sorry but this season is just a big letdown soon as Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy got eliminated.  :'(

I hope next season will cast the clones of Colin & Christie, Nick & Starr, Tammy & Victor, Margie & Luke, Jaime & Cara, Meghan & Cheyne, Eric & Jeremy, Drew & Derek, Nate & Jen, BJ & Tyler and Dustin & Kadice. Now, that will be one of hell bloody race with all strongest teams battle it out!  :lol3:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Coutzy on April 12, 2010, 09:39:38 PM
I agree. I think Jet & Cord and Dan & Jordan are the only teams that still deserve to be in the race. Louie & Mike and Brent & Caite have been showing terrible racing skills from day one.

And then they gave up a golden opportunity to remove the best performing team from the race. Idiots.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 12, 2010, 09:54:37 PM
Still, it's good entertainment :lol:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 13, 2010, 12:27:49 AM
For me this cast beats S15's. That was INCREDIBLY dull.

Coutzy, I wholeheartedly agree!

Luke, Carol/Brandy were strong but not necessarily the strongest. Plus, I feel they don't deserve to win after all the b!tching they've done throughout the whole race...the bungee jump, the WWI battlefield, next the U-Turn.

I wish Monique/Shawne and Steve/Allie would be back in instead of Brent/Caite and Mike/Louie. That makes the F4 more competent and overall better and less dragging.

And if you thought Jet/Cord's speed bump was a load of crap check out Gary/Matt's from last year.

Overall, the cast was good, except majority of the good ones were out by the first half of the season. Now only the two mentioned by Coutzy are deserving of the 1 million.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 13, 2010, 12:37:30 AM
I still don't get why people are so bent on the Speedbump having to be a task with a hellish difficulty ???
Isn't it enough having to deviate from the normal course and waste time (mostly transportation) on a pointless task? Check the Speedbumps:

* Kynt & Vyxsin: Yoga
* TK & Rachel: run through a field with blazing fireworks
* Ken & Tina: Serve water
* Dan & Andrew: Learn a choreography
* Christie & Jodi: elephant make-up
* Mark & Michael: wash hair
* Maria & Tiffany: serve soup to a guard
* Gary & Matt: Sauna
* Brian & Ericka: Absynth Shot
* Jeff & Jordan: Make a wall out of sticks
* Jet & Cord: serve tea to a guru

All these tasks are obviously designed just to waste time. IMO, wanting to add another task that is as difficult as a Detour or Roadblock to a team that is already dead-last is just plain sadistic.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 13, 2010, 12:42:47 AM
Honestly, I preferred the "marked for elimination" used during S10 and S11. The speed bump has just been criticized for being too easy  B:) while sometimes it actually DOES leave a team in last. The "marked for elimination" was much more interesting and posed as much greater of a challenge IMO
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on April 13, 2010, 01:05:00 AM
I still don't get why people are so bent on the Speedbump having to be a task with a hellish difficulty ???
Isn't it enough having to deviate from the normal course and waste time (mostly transportation) on a pointless task? Check the Speedbumps:

* Kynt & Vyxsin: Yoga
* TK & Rachel: run through a field with blazing fireworks
* Ken & Tina: Serve water
* Dan & Andrew: Learn a choreography
* Christie & Jodi: elephant make-up
* Mark & Michael: wash hair
* Maria & Tiffany: serve soup to a guard
* Gary & Matt: Sauna
* Brian & Ericka: Absynth Shot
* Jeff & Jordan: Make a wall out of sticks
* Jet & Cord: serve tea to a guru

All these tasks are obviously designed just to waste time. IMO, wanting to add another task that is as difficult as a Detour or Roadblock to a team that is already dead-last is just plain sadistic.

Well said Dan! I second that!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on April 13, 2010, 01:07:41 AM
Okay you can ban me from the forum but I'll disagree with everyone of you.

I'll start with the cast. This cast looks pretty strong, the alpha-male team, being the cowboys of course. Jeff & Jordan looked like Rob & Amber, sadly they choose to imitate the Rob & Amber of All-Stars. After winning the first leg, they really slid down. The difference was that the All-Stars cast were overawed and allowed Rob & Amber two more wins, the cast of Season 16 did not follow the script given to them by CBS. Jet & Cord's wins were never down to luck (I'll talk about that later). Louie & Michael's two wins in France DID come down to luck.

Marked for elimination: Yeah, it did not work for several reasons. In S10, David & Mary took the Fast-forward, and came in first, thus erasing their penalty. It kept a weak (it's true) team in the race. And in All-Stars, it allowed Eric & Danielle to  :groan: win.

I agree with Dan about the speed bump... it was a waste of time and thus the cowboys really had to work hard to stay in the race. They worked really hard and got first. Good job.

Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Hooky on April 13, 2010, 02:08:34 AM
Okay you can ban me from the forum...

Be careful. It could happen. :lol: ;)

I don't know about this season. I like it overall, and I really do think this is one of the better casts of recent seasons. I just don't think it turned out ideally. The main problem for me is Louie & Michael's agenda of using the U-turn to knock out all the teams they want to see out for personal reasons (or for other teams' personal reasons). It makes me want to puke. I'm just glad that Jet & Cord and Dan & Jordan are keeping out of the shenanigans so that I can root for them.

I do think that this season will go down in the books as one of the most interesting (and controversial) that we've had in a while, and (depending on who wins) could even become one of the "classic" seasons that have the "special feel" that Phil mentions. I'm actually pretty grateful it has been different, though, and for the sake of entertainment it has truly done well. Unfortunately it's been somewhat more "cheap" than the entertainment of older seasons, but I suppose the producers can't really control the actions of the teams.

Hopefully the winning team is a good one. Then perhaps all will be worth it. I'm still thinking that Dana & Adrian were originally cast to be a new Uchenna & Joyce and win the race against the odds. Obviously that didn't happen. But maybe it's better that we get a new storyline instead. We'll see. This season overall is hard to describe, but it's better than 15 through 13 for me at least.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 13, 2010, 02:16:47 AM
I'm taking offense with using the word "dumb." Keep in mind, that these are real people, and they are definitely not stupid in real life. While it's fun to bash what they do on the TV, chances are they're much friendlier than you'd expect in real life without the selective editing.

What we should be criticizing is their racing ability. The teams chosen on average aren't as incompetent as say TAR 13 and TAR 15's...but they are very erratic and are making way too many silly mistakes for some odd reason this season. I blame it on the increased focus of navigation, which had been thrown aside and neglected by the race for far too long.

The speedbump isn't really supposed to be challenging, but it does waste valuable time and can restore part of a time deficit that was lost due to equalizers. Like many others, I prefer the speedbump only because it puts the team's fate in their own hands. Part of why time-based penalties don't really work is that there's not much that can be filmed during the waiting time. Since the race has transitioned from sights and tasks to teams now, the producers want as much race footage as they can get. Taking this account with a financial standpoint, the easiest way to create drama would be to slap a mandatory U-turn...but that would be incredibly discouraging to the last-place teams, considering the ratio of eliminations to the number of times it's been used...

It makes me sick to my stomach that Caite is the last girl standing. Yes, it does.  :'(

It disappoints me that Jordan (Of Jeff and Jordan) doesn't pour with her heart into the Race. That's what you get with stunt-casting!  (:;)

Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'( The "deserving" part can be debated. I admit that despite some flaws, they were above average teams.

Jet & Cord's Speed Bump task is such a crapload. See other people's opinions.

I wish the cow didn't kick Grandma's head then Jody & Shannon could have prevented Michael & Louie from going further in the Race. Oh definitely, even though that team had no chance to win and really should have gone out in the first leg. :'(

Non-Bunching in European legs sucked. We need more Hours of Operation!

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances? Jet and Cord are an above average team who suffered only two major setbacks so far. The others are mediocre, but none have made a guaranteed elimination error unlike some of the stronger teams. Unfortunately, eliminations recently have not been indicative of the team's strength...just their incredible bad luck in one episode.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 13, 2010, 02:37:10 AM
Okay, Caite and Brent probably made a bad move U-turning Carol and Brandy.

But, let's look at it this way:
a. you have been running nearly non stop for near 2 1/2 weeks at this point.
b. you've been on an emotional roller coaster for the same 2 1/2 weeks
c. you have added pressures do to the stereotypes people have put on you.
d. you're exhausted
e. you're more than likely a bit cranky (a. from the train ride, b. from overall exhaustion)
f. all you have been hearing from/about this one team is that they've been nothing but rude to you, and have constantly been making fun of you.

now, would your natural human instincts make you want to throw logic out of the window, and turn to targeting this particular team?

and if you think about it, even though they didn't get a win, they only placed in the top 5, often times placing either 2nd or 3rd.  Had they not been U-turned, they would most likely have made it to the finale. Which very often, if not always, comes down to a mental challenge of some form or fashion.  Which, let's be honest guys, Carol and Brandy are FAR superior at than any of the remaining teams.

So, actually, it wasn't that bad of a decision after all...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Glamazon Racer on April 13, 2010, 09:14:15 AM
I think Louie & Michael are the only people in this cast remaining cast that may be classified as "smart".

As a whole, I absolutely hated Carol & Brandy (because I loved the Braite and Mouie alliance :snicker: ) so I'm happy they're gone, but on a whole, all the wrong teams made it to the end.

The Finale Four should be Monique & Shawne, Joe & Heidi, Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy, in all honesty, but as someone else mentioned, it's good entertainment. It's no secret that stupid people are WAAAYYY more interesting than intelligent people (unfortunately). :res:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 13, 2010, 09:50:48 AM
I just had to start a thread after what happened on the show last night!!!

I adore the Season 16 cast but after so many careless mistakes and two very personal decisions about U-Turn...

Seriously...?!  

It makes me sick to my stomach that Caite is the last girl standing.

It disappoints me that Jordan (Of Jeff and Jordan) doesn't pour with her heart into the Race.

Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Jet & Cord's Speed Bump task is such a crapload.

I wish the cow didn't kick Grandma's head then Jody & Shannon could have prevented Michael & Louie from going further in the Race.

Non-Bunching in European legs sucked.

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances?

I'm sorry but this season is just a big letdown soon as Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy got eliminated.  :'(

I hope next season will cast the clones of Colin & Christie, Nick & Starr, Tammy & Victor, Margie & Luke, Jaime & Cara, Meghan & Cheyne, Eric & Jeremy, Drew & Derek, Nate & Jen, BJ & Tyler and Dustin & Kadice. Now, that will be one of hell bloody race with all strongest teams battle it out!  :lol3:

OMG, Luke!! YOU'RE SPOT ON AND I AGREED WITH EVERYTHING YOU MENTIONED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 13, 2010, 09:53:19 AM
I still don't get why people are so bent on the Speedbump having to be a task with a hellish difficulty ???
Isn't it enough having to deviate from the normal course and waste time (mostly transportation) on a pointless task? Check the Speedbumps:

* Kynt & Vyxsin: Yoga
* TK & Rachel: run through a field with blazing fireworks
* Ken & Tina: Serve water
* Dan & Andrew: Learn a choreography
* Christie & Jodi: elephant make-up
* Mark & Michael: wash hair
* Maria & Tiffany: serve soup to a guard
* Gary & Matt: Sauna
* Brian & Ericka: Absynth Shot
* Jeff & Jordan: Make a wall out of sticks
* Jet & Cord: serve tea to a guru

All these tasks are obviously designed just to waste time. IMO, wanting to add another task that is as difficult as a Detour or Roadblock to a team that is already dead-last is just plain sadistic.

Well said Dan! I second that!

After all the Speedbump tasks have been listed out.. i realized... that all the Speedbump really reminded me of the lame FF tasks in the past. :lol:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 13, 2010, 09:58:34 AM
Seriously, i would have preferred Jody and Shannon (performing shockingly like Meredith and Gretchen), Carol and Brandy, Steve and Allie and Jet and Cord in the final 4.

 :lol: That could become one hell of a season, maybe letting Brent and Caite to be in the final five so that the hate continues.

ANYWAY, everyone please give credits to Dan and Jordan. They're the only team to feel that U-TURNing Carol and Brandy was a stupid dumbass move.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 13, 2010, 10:26:21 AM
Seriously, i would have preferred Jody and Shannon (performing shockingly like Meredith and Gretchen), Carol and Brandy, Steve and Allie and Jet and Cord in the final 4.

 :lol: That could become one hell of a season, maybe letting Brent and Caite to be in the final five so that the hate continues.

ANYWAY, everyone please give credits to Dan and Jordan. They're the only team to feel that U-TURNing Carol and Brandy was a stupid dumbass move.

For some reason I can't frickin' explain, I think Dan/Jordan are the most underrated team of the season. They've done fairly well (being the first team smart enough to search for Allan OUTSIDE the building and winning the FF in the process). They're more competent than Louie/Mike and Brent/Caite. I'd put them on a par w/ Jet/Cord in terms of overall abilities, since both are sometimes careless and Jet/Cord lack mental thinking while Dan/Jordan lack physical abilities.

I miss Steve/Allie!!! Although they were dished the ultimate hatred of the editors of the season, they made the race fun.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 13, 2010, 10:38:24 AM
Underrated is right! Ihey are young and strong, and Dan seems very athletic and FAST.

And Jordan is a huge fan of the race and knows all the nuances and things to look out for and strategies such as moving to the front of the plane. I love that they clearly have had a well thought out strategy for this race, and are sticking to it, and it is paying off hugely right now.

Also love how they sass Phil in the Insider Videos. :lol3:

I miss Steve and Allie too...they were a JOY to watch.


ANd loved too how Jordn and Brandy knew who Allan was!!! :yess:



Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 13, 2010, 01:20:06 PM
I think Dan and Jordan are actually becoming my last minute favs.  which is really weird, because I usually don't switch after halfway (or really leg 2 or 3), let alone in the final stages of the race.

but, they've kind of blossomed into a fun, competitive, and even formidable team.

Good job, guys!

And I miss Steve/Allie too!  But, they were one of the "feel-goods", and we all know that- for the most part at least- feel good teams, don't quite make it to the end.  and the seasons become a little less cheery at that point.  :(
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: slayton on April 13, 2010, 07:38:02 PM

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances?

Luke, I've already posted this in the TAR16 speculation thread, but I'll reiterate that the final 4, the final 3, and the entire cast will make some historically bad accomplishments, based on the spoilers.

TAR16 accomplishments (based on spoilers):

Dan & Jordan or Brent & Caite winning would make either team the first winners in TAR:US history with an average placement of 4 or worse, and the absolute worst performing winners in TAR:US history.

(Thanks to theschnauzers for the stats.)

These are the worst two performing winners right now.
06-01 Freddy/Kendra      45/13   3.4615
11-01 Eric/Danielle    47/13   3.6153

The spoilers have Jet & Cord/Brent & Caite/Dan & Jordan finishing, respectively, 1-2-3 in both legs 10 & 11.

If the spoilers are correct, Dan & Jordan would win the race with 52/12 or (4.3333).

If the spoilers are correct, Brent & Caite would win the race with 51/12 or (4.250).
    
If the spoilers are correct, Jet & Cord would win the race with 29/12 (2.4166).

Jet & Cord, running the table, would give them a better average placement than Nick & Starr who have (2.4545).  

The problem that I have with elevating Jet & Cord to the level of a great team is that they have made at least 4 blunders on the race: getting Brazilian currency, finishing the intersection first with Louie & Michael but finishing the leg fourth, going to Champagne without double-checking, and not carrying the bottle with them to the Pit Stop in the Seychelles.

A great team would be wiping the floor with these other teams.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: AmazingDT on April 13, 2010, 08:17:26 PM
I think the strongest 4 team this season are:

Joe and Heidi: Even with a bad knee, Joe managed to push through and keep a good placement.

Jet and Cord: I know that they've made a few mistakes but they quickly erase them

Monique and Shawne:  Strong female team.  They seemed to have good attitudes and were knowlegdable

Steve and Allie: Very consistent!!!!!  (except for the elimination) DONT TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME! :lol:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Neobie on April 13, 2010, 08:38:57 PM
TAR16 accomplishments (based on spoilers):
  • First cast in TAR:US history to not have at least 3 teams with an average placement better than 4.  (The following two are corollaries of this accomplishment.)
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 4 with an average placement of 4 or worse.
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 3 with an average placement of 4 or worse.

A great team would be wiping the floor with these other teams.

Can we look at this from the reverse, and say that the TAR 16 eliminated teams are performing better than early-eliminated teams in the past? Or say that this cast is more well-balanced than those of the past?

I don't believe these statistics can prove the aptitude of a group, since rankings are very much a zero-sum game. Statistically-speaking it is equally probable that the entire TAR 16 group could beat every single "great team" there has been.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 13, 2010, 09:17:29 PM
TAR16 accomplishments (based on spoilers):
  • First cast in TAR:US history to not have at least 3 teams with an average placement better than 4.  (The following two are corollaries of this accomplishment.)
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 4 with an average placement of 4 or worse.
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 3 with an average placement of 4 or worse.

A great team would be wiping the floor with these other teams.

Can we look at this from the reverse, and say that the TAR 16 eliminated teams are performing better than early-eliminated teams in the past? Or say that this cast is more well-balanced than those of the past?

I don't believe these statistics can prove the aptitude of a group, since rankings are very much a zero-sum game. Statistically-speaking it is equally probable that the entire TAR 16 group could beat every single "great team" there has been.
True. The fact that there isn't an obvious dominant team or that teams haven't checked in in the same postitions over and over again might mean that this cast is better balanced than last season.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: docol on April 13, 2010, 09:45:10 PM
OMFG..!! You're so fraking right..this season's casting (and the locations/tasks) is the dumbest (boring) ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is NOTHING in comparison with season's 3-7-10-14 cast...i think the recluting crew should be changed because (obviously) they're not doing a good job.
Here are the reasons i HATE this season:

1. The teams have no passion for the race.
2. There's no so much drama/friction between the racers
3. The tasks are designed for a kids version (put a scarf on a llama?, put a condor costume and jump on a lake??)
4. The perfomances of the racers are no memorables, there's no even one team who should be put on the all-stars season (i hope the producers decide to do it)
5. The decisions they teams made are the dumbest ever, specially on the u-turns...and the speed bumps are so silly than even my little sister could do that.

If they wanna have a really exciting/memorable perfomance they should be copying those teams perfomances: Uchenna and Joyce,Rob and Amber, Dustin & Kandice, Nate & Jane, Nick & Starr, Tammy and Victor and Megan and Cheyne.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 13, 2010, 09:53:55 PM
I hate to say this but 3/4 all-male teams in the final 4 is pretty turn off.

That's like TAR 1,2,4 ALL OVER again. Although it has been quite some time since an all-male team won... but then again.................................. all-female team has never............. sigh :(
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 13, 2010, 11:37:46 PM
TAR16 accomplishments (based on spoilers):
  • First cast in TAR:US history to not have at least 3 teams with an average placement better than 4.  (The following two are corollaries of this accomplishment.)
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 4 with an average placement of 4 or worse.
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 3 with an average placement of 4 or worse.

A great team would be wiping the floor with these other teams.

Can we look at this from the reverse, and say that the TAR 16 eliminated teams are performing better than early-eliminated teams in the past? Or say that this cast is more well-balanced than those of the past?

I don't believe these statistics can prove the aptitude of a group, since rankings are very much a zero-sum game. Statistically-speaking it is equally probable that the entire TAR 16 group could beat every single "great team" there has been.

Remember guys, the race has an incredible element of luck, particularly in recent seasons. This race, luck has single-handedly saved a lot of the fan unfavorites, while taking out the others. Hence why I try not to dwell too much on which team wins and focus on what the producers should solidly produce: a good race course with interesting tasks.

While I don't complain about ultimate placements, however, I can criticize the casting process. What happened to submitting an application and being heard by the directors? Shame on the producers. Also, I'm torn on the show's malicious intent to manufacture drama. One one hand, it appeals to the lowest common denominator and improves ratings and renewal chances, while the other it seriously distracts from the overall enjoyment of the race.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 13, 2010, 11:45:26 PM
So far the only arguments against this season are:
1. "My favorite team(s) got eliminated, therefore only lame teams remain :(" and
2. "x team used the U-Turn in a way I wouldn't have used it, therefore x team must be dumb"
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 14, 2010, 12:10:19 AM
So far the only arguments against this season are:
1. "My favorite team(s) got eliminated, therefore only lame teams remain :(" and
2. "x team used the U-Turn in a way I wouldn't have used it, therefore x team must be dumb"

I can think of other arguments besides that regarding bunching, but then again the bunching debate can never really have a right answer. (Should we allow the first team to keep their well-deserved or solely due to luck time advantage and kill the suspense next episode?)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 14, 2010, 01:04:47 AM
i like bunching, to some extent.

what i didn't like was the non-existence of the bunching in the French legs.

WAY too linear.  especially the first leg.  the detectives, the models, and Carol/Brandy all had poor to mediocre legs, but since it was SO linear, that didn't really translate into much movement in placings.  Only for Carol/Brandy since they happened to be close in timing to two teams that had stellar performances that leg.  What do the two good performances of the legs get? 3rd and 4th respectively.  Had it not been a linear leg, Joe and Heidi may not have been eliminated.

the same (to a lesser extent) with the second leg.  the only reason there were changes in placement, was because nearly every team that wasn't Carol/Brandy got lost at least once on that leg.

Poor Jeff/Jordan were at a total unfair disadvantage on these legs.  There was absolutely no way they could have feasibly made up that time.  I would argue that it would've been extremely difficult (if not impossible) for ANY team to overcome such a large deficit on two extremely linear legs.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Hooky on April 14, 2010, 01:09:11 AM
I would argue that it would've been extremely difficult (if not impossible) for ANY team to overcome such a large deficit on two extremely linear legs.

I agree, with the possible exception of a select few (Colin & Christie and Eric & Jeremy are in this category). :snicker:

I didn't particularly like Jeff & Jordan, but I must admit that these two legs weren't structured in a very fair way. People here on RFF often say "We should have some more linear legs, rather than all the bunchings." But having too many linear legs (or even more than one or two a season) can be a very irritating thing to watch. They just don't have much potential for twists of fate.

I was actually really surprised to see two linear legs in a row this season. In a not so good way.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: jerseydude on April 14, 2010, 02:17:26 AM
OMFG..!! You're so fraking right..this season's casting (and the locations/tasks) is the dumbest (boring) ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is NOTHING in comparison with season's 3-7-10-14 cast...i think the recluting crew should be changed because (obviously) they're not doing a good job.
Here are the reasons i HATE this season:

1. The teams have no passion for the race.
2. There's no so much drama/friction between the racers
3. The tasks are designed for a kids version (put a scarf on a llama?, put a condor costume and jump on a lake??)
4. The perfomances of the racers are no memorables, there's no even one team who should be put on the all-stars season (i hope the producers decide to do it)
5. The decisions they teams made are the dumbest ever, specially on the u-turns...and the speed bumps are so silly than even my little sister could do that.

If they wanna have a really exciting/memorable perfomance they should be copying those teams perfomances: Uchenna and Joyce,Rob and Amber, Dustin & Kandice, Nate & Jane, Nick & Starr, Tammy and Victor and Megan and Cheyne.

I have to really disagree with you.
1.  You can't really prove that they have no passion. Each person has a different way of expressing their passion. I myself feel that Jordan (of Dan and Jordan) has a lot of passion for the race.
2. Yes there wasn't drama but it is really that bad? Some seasons didn't have Drama until the end TAR 15 Brothers/Globtrotters.
3. Well why don't you sign up? Did you feel how cold it was when they jumped in the water. Do you know how fast you run compared to the lamas?? Unless you have done it, don't complain on easy task because some people may think that bungee jumping was easy, sky diving was easy, the FF in TAR 1 with the counting was easy.
4. So basically you would rather have someone who dominates the whole race and wins every single leg right? Because a team is determined as memorable not because they win every single leg but because of their personality. I would rather prefer Dan and Jordan than Nick and Starr on All Star because they bring an entertainment value to the show. Yes they may not be the strongest team, but to some people, some teams may be memorable. Also, If Jet and Cord win this season, did you know that their average would be higher than Nick and Starr?
5. This has been discuss ed before on other threads. They just came off a 10 hour train ride, their tired, and exhausted. Obviously they would target the people that they think have been trashing them. It is all human nature. And as stated in this thread I believe, Speed Bump have always been easy. They're not to seal a fate of a NELed team but to waste time (mainly on transport) and have them catch up on time. If the Speed Bump was as hard as the Hay task in TAR 15 switchback, which team would survive a speed bump?

And just on your list of teams, I like one or two of those teams and Nate and Jen never won a leg. And sorry for my ranting but I just want to get my ideas clear.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 14, 2010, 02:45:35 AM
Honestly, I don't have much complaints for this season. But I think it's because this is 10 times better than TAR 15. I love the destinations (seriously, watching this season just added Patagonia and Seychelles on my must-visit places) and some of the tasks. I think the race picked up the pace post-WWI leg.

Basically the only things I hate were the France legs (I love France, but no equalizers makes the whole darn leg seem so frickin' boring) and teams that complain and whine so much they could give Flo a run for her money.

For me, Penang was the best leg hands down (though I do miss Steve and Allie). It marked the return of the cab races, fast pace, many teams getting majorly screwed by taxis, and the anything-can-happen which is one of the main reasons I so frickin' love this show. Plus, tasks and locations were decent.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Sailing on April 14, 2010, 02:52:36 AM

I just had to start a thread after what happened on the show last night!!!


I was never a Big fan of Carol and Brandy so seeing them eliminated last night didn't bother me. I wish they had left last week and Allie and Steve were still in it. I was really starting to enjoy them.

I adore the Season 16 cast but after so many careless mistakes and two very personal decisions about U-Turn...

I think this season would have been boring without a couple of teams making mistakes and learning from them. I still adore them regardless of them not being the smartest tools in the shed. I would hate to watch a season full of book smart people. What fun would that be and were would the enterainment value be seen?
Even if the U-Turns were personal both teams that used them advanced to the next leg and avoided being eliminated by a stronger team.
I look at it as a testamnet to how Jet and Cord have managed to stay under the Radar and avoid conflict.

Seriously...?! 

It makes me sick to my stomach that Caite is the last girl standing.

I don't look at it like that.

It disappoints me that Jordan (Of Jeff and Jordan) doesn't pour with her heart into the Race.

I will agree with you about this. She looked more excited to be eliminated then she did when they came in first on leg 1. Jeff is very competive and a humble guy so I think he would have done better with someone who had the same drive about winning as he did. I am sure he will be the first to admit that.

Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Of cource they deserved to be U-Turned. That is something all teams are aware of before they sign up for this show. I think at times they did have strong racing skills, but no more then they other teams and luck came into to play.

Jet & Cord's Speed Bump task is such a crapload.

I think they are an excellent team that works well together. Maybe if it was another team it would not have seemed so easy.

I wish the cow didn't kick Grandma's head then Jody & Shannon could have prevented Michael & Louie from going further in the Race.

I would blame Jeff and Jordan somewhat for Jody and Shannon being eliminated before Mike and Louie. Remember they were lost and J and J were nice and gave them direction to the place to milk the cow?

Non-Bunching in European legs sucked.
Then Jeff and Jordan would have been able to get back in the race. so I agree.

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances?
I didn't know that coming in first 3 weeks in a row was because a team had poor racing skills.

I'm sorry but this season is just a big letdown soon as Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy got eliminated.  :'(
I think Carol and Brandy leaving was a high point this season. Steve and  Allie were great to watch, but I have always liked Mike/Louie and Jet/Cord so I love that they are in the F4.

I hope next season will cast the clones of Colin & Christie, Nick & Starr, Tammy & Victor, Margie & Luke, Jaime & Cara, Meghan & Cheyne, Eric & Jeremy, Drew & Derek, Nate & Jen, BJ & Tyler and Dustin & Kadice. Now, that will be one of hell bloody race with all strongest teams battle it out!  :lol3:

All-Stars 2 perhaps? LOL
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: serendipity on April 14, 2010, 04:11:17 AM
I just had to start a thread after what happened on the show last night!!!

I adore the Season 16 cast but after so many careless mistakes and two very personal decisions about U-Turn...

Seriously...?!  

It makes me sick to my stomach that Caite is the last girl standing.

It disappoints me that Jordan (Of Jeff and Jordan) doesn't pour with her heart into the Race.

Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Jet & Cord's Speed Bump task is such a crapload.

I wish the cow didn't kick Grandma's head then Jody & Shannon could have prevented Michael & Louie from going further in the Race.

Non-Bunching in European legs sucked.

And, I think it's the first time that we have the entire Final Four teams with poor racing performances?

I'm sorry but this season is just a big letdown soon as Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy got eliminated.  :'(

I hope next season will cast the clones of Colin & Christie, Nick & Starr, Tammy & Victor, Margie & Luke, Jaime & Cara, Meghan & Cheyne, Eric & Jeremy, Drew & Derek, Nate & Jen, BJ & Tyler and Dustin & Kadice. Now, that will be one of hell bloody race with all strongest teams battle it out!  :lol3:

Luke I agree everything with you.

It just makes me frustrated to see Carol/Brandy go because of the U-turn rather than their own mistake. The personal use of U-turn is stupid, especially in both occasions the teams using U-turn can actually choose anyone they want and there are stronger racers than the ones they chose.

It also makes me sick to see Caite as the only girl remaining. Even this is the case I would never consider her as enjoyable to watch as Kelly in TAR4 (also the only girl in final 4).

This season I think the strongest teams are the cowboys and Steve and Allie. Carol and Brandy, Dan and Jordan, Joe and Heidi are ok but not exceptional, while the remaining are all bad racers. But I think they should be the final 5 if no such stupid use of U-turn.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: chill_sd on April 14, 2010, 09:21:27 AM
Here's what I don't understand.  Several people, including Luke, have made statements like this:
Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Well, if they had "strong racing skills" it was probably a good idea to U-Turn them.  When Mike & Louie U-Turned Joe & Heidi, they were right behind them, despite Joe's bum knee.  When Brent & Caite U-Turned Carol & Brandy, they were also right behind them.  On both of these legs, Jet & Cord were struggling.

The editors have certainly highlighted the personal nature of the U-Turns, but there were strategic reasons for both of them also.  And both teams that used the U-Turns ended up in the Final 4, so I would say they were successful.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 14, 2010, 09:30:25 AM
Here's what I don't understand.  Several people, including Luke, have made statements like this:
Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Well, if they had "strong racing skills" it was probably a good idea to U-Turn them.  When Mike & Louie U-Turned Joe & Heidi, they were right behind them, despite Joe's bum knee.  When Brent & Caite U-Turned Carol & Brandy, they were also right behind them.  On both of these legs, Jet & Cord were struggling.

The editors have certainly highlighted the personal nature of the U-Turns, but there were strategic reasons for both of them also.  And both teams that used the U-Turns ended up in the Final 4, so I would say they were successful.
yup, the first argument is paradoxical. I would assume that people are just pissed that a good team was eliminated.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 14, 2010, 10:42:43 AM
Here's what I don't understand.  Several people, including Luke, have made statements like this:
Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Well, if they had "strong racing skills" it was probably a good idea to U-Turn them.  When Mike & Louie U-Turned Joe & Heidi, they were right behind them, despite Joe's bum knee.  When Brent & Caite U-Turned Carol & Brandy, they were also right behind them.  On both of these legs, Jet & Cord were struggling.

The editors have certainly highlighted the personal nature of the U-Turns, but there were strategic reasons for both of them also.  And both teams that used the U-Turns ended up in the Final 4, so I would say they were successful.

Actually, the cowboys weren't struggling on the Joe/Heidi U-Turn leg. If I remember correctly they finished that leg with the 2nd best time.

Jeff was right. U-Turns were mostly personal. I'm not really satisfied with the F4 this season though. The two teams that did use the U-Turn feel like extra baggage to me. I'd much rather see Steve/Allie in there. I find Caite annoying, and what with the cops thinking that they have the best moral values.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 14, 2010, 10:45:12 AM
Nah actually, people who don't see the U-TURN strategy fail to understand the theory behind it.

If I were on the race and at the first U-TURN as one of the front teams, i'll use my U-TURN on either Michael and Louie or Jet and Cord because both of them are in the lead and i'll want them out of the race.

If i'm one of the lagging teams, my strategy would be to U-TURN Jeff and Jordan or Brent and Caite to ensure they stay behind me.

At the second U-TURN in Singapore, it was EXTREMEY dumb not to U-TURN the cowboys or the detectives once again.. especially after the detectives did a hat trick and the cowboys going from sixth to first.

If i'm a lagging team, i'll still U-TURN a team behind me for sure.. and i'm pretty sure Brent and Caite knew the cowboys were behind them. It was a solid pure DUMB move not to U-TURN them and i hope Jet and Cord WIN the race to let these 2 dumb teams who chose not to U-TURN them regret their choice.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 14, 2010, 10:46:54 AM
I just don't think the detectives and Brent and Caite deserved to be in the final 4. Very turn off!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Ruth on April 14, 2010, 11:11:33 AM
Well I don't like this season as much as previous seasons because the teams I really like have been eliminated way too early. Adrian and Dana, Jody and Shannon, Steve and Allie. What's left of the final four, I like Jet and Cord and the brothers, but I don't love them so if either of them wins the race, I'll consider this season redeemed but I won't be elated. Brent and Caite and Mike and Louie... They're just BLEAH. If the former win the race, this season will go down as one of the worst seasons. But the fact that I don't really love the teams remaining doesn't make it a bad season. Perhaps it's a boring cast, but I still love the race.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 14, 2010, 01:13:09 PM
the U-turn choices aren't as dumb as everyone thinks.

Yes, the Cowboys are the strongest performers this season, but does that mean both Joe/Heidi and Carol/Brandy weren't stiff competition?

Joe/Heidi were consistently in the top half, and the times they weren't in the top 3 were Leg 1 (had trouble finding the paint task, whereas a couple teams didn't), and Leg 3 (where they had to switch detours after wasting a huge amount of time on the first one).  Had they not been U-turned they would've easily finished third that leg, and maybe even 1st if not at least 2nd on the next.  Just because Joe's knee was bad, did not count them out of the race.  Yes, they were U-turned for personal reasons, but that just proves that people would rather have a nice team perform extremely well, than a mean team perform relatively well.

Carol/Brandy were consistently in the top half as well.  and even when they bickered and fought, they still managed to beat out several other teams. Not to mention they were also the smartest team left.  And if we all look back, the vast majority of final tasks had a mental task, which usually relied HEAVILY on memory.  Do you think Brent/Caite, Jet/Cord, the bros, or the detectives could pound that out at record times? How about Carol or Brandy?  Would they be able to complete that quickly? So, if Carol/Brandy made it to the finale (which it looks like they probably could've at this point), and they just stuck with the pack on that last leg, they would easily be able to beat out whoever they were up against at that memory task.  and that task is almost always right before the finish line (sometimes within running distance).  I would argue that Carol/Brandy could easily have won had they not been U-turned.

and unless Jet/Cord actually do win, these U-turns do hold up as good decisions.  Because both of these teams would've been very tough to beat on that last leg.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mrmando on April 14, 2010, 01:47:11 PM
When you are the weakest team and you get a chance to use the U-Turn, you cannot, statistically speaking, make a bad decision. You can only make good decisions and better decisions. Carol/Brandy were behind Jet/Cord in terms of average placement, but were actually ahead of Louie/Michael. So while U-Turning them might not have been the "best" decision, it was certainly a "good" and probably a "better" decision.

Also, I think the goal of U-Turning a team should be to knock that team out of the race. If you think a team might be able to overcome the U-Turn and stick around for the next leg, you should U-Turn someone else. You don't want to spend the remaining legs racing against people who have a very good reason to resent you. If you knew that Jet/Cord handle adversity better than Carol/Brandy, and you didn't know that Jet/Cord were behind Carol/Brandy by a good chunk of time, it would make sense to assume that Jet/Cord could take the U-Turn in stride and still beat Carol/Brandy to the mat, whereas Carol/Brandy might well take the U-Turn personally, descend into bickering and whining, and fall apart on the second half of the Detour. (To their credit, they actually didn't fall apart, although there was good reason to assume that they might.)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: serendipity on April 14, 2010, 02:31:15 PM
In fact based on strategy it is clear that both U-turns were wrongly used, that's no need to argue about that. Mike/Louie and Brent/Caite just rationalize their choices by saying Joe/Heidi and Carol/Brandy are strong teams. Right, they are strong teams (that is because Mike/Louie and Brent/Caite are already the weakest in the pack, so they can't find anyone worse), but clearly not the strongest. When you got a chance to U-turn anyone you want, why don't choose the strongest one? They are just shallow to put their personal feelings on the competition too much, and tried to act clever by telling everyone the choice is correct and there are much more reasons to do that rather than plain dislike of a team.

In fact everything seems coming from Michael. First he did not like Joe being more arrogant than him (I think he is also an arrogant man), then he is afraid of being beat by two women (I think he kind of discriminated women at this point, as he also gave no credit to Steve/Allie provided that they did exceptionally well before elimination), so that's how the game played out in the end.

I strongly hope that either brothers can win the race, if it's Jet/Cord that would be nicer as it proves that stupid choices cost these teams a million dollars.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on April 14, 2010, 02:35:10 PM
I completely agree with DavidJunior and mrmando, obviously both U-Turns were personal in nature, but they were not bad choices. U-Turning the cowboys could have been a better choice, but given their lucky history, they could have easily recovered with some luck.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 14, 2010, 02:56:47 PM
:welcome: to RFF, mrmando! :waves:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 14, 2010, 03:22:25 PM
Here's what I don't understand.  Several people, including Luke, have made statements like this:
Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Well, if they had "strong racing skills" it was probably a good idea to U-Turn them.  When Mike & Louie U-Turned Joe & Heidi, they were right behind them, despite Joe's bum knee.  When Brent & Caite U-Turned Carol & Brandy, they were also right behind them.  On both of these legs, Jet & Cord were struggling.

The editors have certainly highlighted the personal nature of the U-Turns, but there were strategic reasons for both of them also.  And both teams that used the U-Turns ended up in the Final 4, so I would say they were successful.

Luke, not to be cynical, but then why did you U-turn Amanda and Kris? Did they not deserve a spot in the Final Three? (I agree with several of your other points, just not about the meaning of the U-turn)

I can criticize the editing and the producers' portrayal of teams, but I can't rank a season down for how the actual events turned out, because that is up to luck and the teams themselves.

Could this season have been more enjoyable? Yes.
Was this designed better than other recent ones? Yes, and that's what makes this edition better than some other recent installments. It seems TAR put much more effort into trying to improve the racecourse. It's a shame that the perception of some teams is undermining this edition.

I'm sort of sad that I tend to be ignored here... :'(
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: shzron1946 on April 14, 2010, 04:11:22 PM
What I want to say is that there are those who play very emotionally and those who play very intellectually. I am sure everyone would like to think they are being really intellectual and cerebral and all that, but by golly sometimes you just go on a hunch, or go with your feelings.

Now,going back to Caite and her partner and the two lesbian ladies whose names I can never remember.  I am sure that we in the viewing audience were getting info through some very clever editing that was brainstormed AFTER Caite and her partner actually had u-turned this team, but let's face it, they had been told from the beginning that the two ladies were making fun of them, and the ladies themselves appeared to have personally confirmed that they thought the couple was stupid.  If I was the Caite and whatshisname couple, I'd have u-turned them too, just because I could and just to shut them up once and for all and GET THEM OUT OF THE GAME OUT OF SHEER SPITE.  They had it coming.  You all know they did.
 
And also, they could have actually won! 

If I was Caite or her partner, even if I didn't think I could win, I wouldn't want THEM to win.  This is these two ladies' own fault.  Even though they made fun at the beginning of the race,  if they were half as smart as they seemed to think they were, they would have smoothed that over pretty soon after the start.  This is not a game where you want people to be mad at you.  A little bit of help along the way has saved many an Amazing Racer and we all have seen that.  These older ladies were  not only nasty and cruel, they were arrogant.

I think they don't realize how abrasive they were because they didn't see or live the edited product,  as we did.  Maybe they will have a different story if they ever watch videos of the whole season.  Still, whatever was really happening, they were not making Caite and her partner feel particularly forgiving. 

So all of you intellectuals who want to argue the intelligence of the u-turn, keep this in mind:  Sometimes simple human feelings can trump all the  rational argument.  Karma can be a killer.  And guess what, ladies?  THIS TIME IT WAS AND YOU'RE GONE!!!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 14, 2010, 04:19:20 PM
:welcome2: to RFF shzron1946!!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: slayton on April 14, 2010, 04:36:42 PM
TAR16 accomplishments (based on spoilers):
  • First cast in TAR:US history to not have at least 3 teams with an average placement better than 4.  (The following two are corollaries of this accomplishment.)
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 4 with an average placement of 4 or worse.
  • First cast in TAR:US history with more than 1 team in the final 3 with an average placement of 4 or worse.

A great team would be wiping the floor with these other teams.

Can we look at this from the reverse, and say that the TAR 16 eliminated teams are performing better than early-eliminated teams in the past? Or say that this cast is more well-balanced than those of the past?

I don't believe these statistics can prove the aptitude of a group, since rankings are very much a zero-sum game.

To me, it's all about the TAR16 cast doing things that none of the previous 15 casts have ever done, for whatever reason.

It's all subjective, so I guess that we'll just have to agree to disagree about this.

The only thing that's not debatable is that if Dan & Jordan or Brent & Caite win, TAR16 will set a new record for worst performing winners in TAR: US history, by at least six-tenths of a point.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 14, 2010, 05:16:43 PM
Nah actually, people who don't see the U-TURN strategy fail to understand the theory behind it.

If I were on the race and at the first U-TURN as one of the front teams, i'll use my U-TURN on either Michael and Louie or Jet and Cord because both of them are in the lead and i'll want them out of the race.

If i'm one of the lagging teams, my strategy would be to U-TURN Jeff and Jordan or Brent and Caite to ensure they stay behind me.

At the second U-TURN in Singapore, it was EXTREMEY dumb not to U-TURN the cowboys or the detectives once again.. especially after the detectives did a hat trick and the cowboys going from sixth to first.

If i'm a lagging team, i'll still U-TURN a team behind me for sure.. and i'm pretty sure Brent and Caite knew the cowboys were behind them. It was a solid pure DUMB move not to U-TURN them and i hope Jet and Cord WIN the race to let these 2 dumb teams who chose not to U-TURN them regret their choice.

WELL SAID!!!!  :jumpy:   That's what exactly U-Turn is for!!!! Not for getting teams out that you don't like! I mean come on, $1 million is at the stake!

Here's what I don't understand.  Several people, including Luke, have made statements like this:
Joe & Heidi and Carol & Brandy deserved not to be U-Turned. They showed their strong racing skills and they deserved their spots in the Final Three.   :'(

Well, if they had "strong racing skills" it was probably a good idea to U-Turn them.  When Mike & Louie U-Turned Joe & Heidi, they were right behind them, despite Joe's bum knee.  When Brent & Caite U-Turned Carol & Brandy, they were also right behind them.  On both of these legs, Jet & Cord were struggling.

The editors have certainly highlighted the personal nature of the U-Turns, but there were strategic reasons for both of them also.  And both teams that used the U-Turns ended up in the Final 4, so I would say they were successful.

Luke, not to be cynical, but then why did you U-turn Amanda and Kris? Did they not deserve a spot in the Final Three? (I agree with several of your other points, just not about the meaning of the U-turn)

I can criticize the editing and the producers' portrayal of teams, but I can't rank a season down for how the actual events turned out, because that is up to luck and the teams themselves.

Could this season have been more enjoyable? Yes.
Was this designed better than other recent ones? Yes, and that's what makes this edition better than some other recent installments. It seems TAR put much more effort into trying to improve the racecourse. It's a shame that the perception of some teams is undermining this edition.

I'm sort of sad that I tend to be ignored here... :'(

Caelestor, I'm not like Michael & Louie or Brent & Caite who based the decision on personal feeling about which team to U-Turn. I based my decision on STRATEGY. I want to make sure that I could ensure my team all the way to the Final Three. At that point, the teams that were behind us: Tammy & Victor, Cara & Jaime, Amanda & Kris, Mike & Mel, and Mark & Michael (but we thought M&M were already ahead of us since they took the first flight out).

Jaime & Cara, they were our main ally so no way we would U-Turn them. Mike & Mel, I knew about Mel's groin injury so that would slow them down so we would be able to beat them in footrace. I did thought about U-Turn Tammy & Victor over Kris & Amanda. But, I look at it that Tammy and my mom both got same strengths. I could beat Victor in physical challenges. Victor could beat me in mental challenges. So, Tammy & Victor and my mom & I are pretty much same in several ways. Not forget to mention their meltdown in Romania so I thought it is hurting their racing at that point. That's why we didn't U-Turn them.

For first three legs, Amanda & Kris finished pretty strong and we were basically on each other's heels. I thought of the long term strategy: there's no way that I could match Kris' insane strengths in the challenges. There's no way that my mom and I could beat them in the footrace if it ever came down to it. So, my thought was, "U-Turn them and hope it will knock them out of the race." Sure, we could have use them as our shield to protect ourselves for next U-Turn in case a team wants to U-Turn a strongest team. Only our best chance was getting to next U-Turn first in order to protect ourselves. Our gamble paid off for having Tammy & Victor as our ally. AND! Not to forget that I saw Amanda & Kris left the stack detour and heading for the shutter task. So, I knew it's a perfect shot that would ensure their elimination for sure since the stack task is pretty tough.

Hindsight, I based my strategy on a long term goal that I want strongest teams to go first hence that's why I U-Turned Amanda & Kris because they're strongest team at the point, not because I don't like them. They def. do deserve their spot in the Final Three and I adore them. But again, I was RACING. Caelestor, you can't criticize me for U-Turning Amanda & Kris and I was playing to win, not play to get teams out that I don't like.

It's just a turn off that people like Brent & Caite and Michael & Louie aren't being strategic on what's best for themselves in long run.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 14, 2010, 05:33:39 PM
my problem is that everyone seems to think, apparently, that Carol/Brandy wouldn't be a HUMONGOUS threat in that final leg.

are they not the most intellectual team on the race (at least at the point they were eliminated?)

and if they had survived this leg (and let's say they U-turned the Cowboys out of the race), they would've had two teams have major meltdowns on the next legs to ensure they made it to the end.

and even if Jet/Cord survived this leg and got rid of Louie/Mike, Carol/Brandy prob. would've been able to beat Dan/Jordan with their meltdown.

Carol/Brandy in the final 3 would be a tough team to beat, especially with an almost guaranteed mental/memory task on the horizon.

although Brent/Caite probably weren't thinking on a strategic level, it was a very good strategy (getting rid of the smart rather than the strong or fast, esp. in the final stretch).
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Hooky on April 14, 2010, 05:40:44 PM
It's just a turn off that people like Brent & Caite and Michael & Louie aren't being strategic on what's best for themselves in long run.

Yes indeed. And if their poor choices end up bringing Karma back to knock them out of the race, it will all be worth it, for me at least.

I remember being very upset that Amanda & Kris were U-turned out of the race, and I had a grudge against your team for the rest of the season, but in hindsight it really wasn't rational of me. Part of the reason was that I didn' have all the information (so thanks for posting here and clarifying). You did what was best for you for strategy's sake. I would have done something similar, too. Personal feelings shouldn't be such a factor in who you decide to U-turn (which is why you guys U-turned Amanda & Kris despite being friends with them, and why it was wrong for Louie & Michael and Brent & Caite to use their U-turn opportunities in the way that they did). And the U-turn shouldn't be taken so personally, but, being infallible and human, we have a natural tendency to take things like that as personal attacks, when, in reality, they are compliments to how strong the U-turned team really is. But it just irritates me that this time it was a "moral" decision determined by Louie & Michael and Brent & Caite, who, in our very limited observation, don't appear to be too humble themselves. In reality, nobody has a right to make such judgments, but that's life. Maybe the U-turn should just be done away with.

I do love this season, but I've decided that in the future I will not love a season based on what occurs with the teams. To put it simply, the only fair way to judge the race and its quality is in those factors that the creators actually had control over. This season ranks as one of the best when using those criteria, IMO. I love this race course, and the cast overall is actually pretty strong. How far individual teams go or what they decide to do is beyond the producers control. And that is why the race is so interesting and entertaining.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Hooky on April 14, 2010, 05:51:32 PM
Oh, and I also have to say what I think is the most important message of all: Let's all CALM DOWN. Breathe. :hosed

This is not the end of the Race or the end of the world. Every season is different, and if this one isn't ideal for one or more of us, there's always the next. I know we take this very seriously but I think we're putting too much effort into arguing over things that really aren't all that important. What happened happened, and arguing over it won't change it.

Also, I think we should try harder from this point onward to enjoy the race for what makes it great, rather than tear it down for what is making it flawed. I think we've become overly critical and it's bringing a lot of negative energy to the race forum (no, I'm not trying to preach like Michael - just making a suggestion). :lol3:

(I know what you're all thinking: "I can't believe I just heard that from Hooky, the one who started this over-critical mess.") :lol3:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 14, 2010, 09:36:13 PM
Luke, sorry I didn't make my point clear. I agree with you that U-turning Amanda and Kris was a very good and strategic move on your part.
I was just disagreeing with your statement that Carol/Brandy and Joe/Heidi were strong racers and deserved to be in the final three. Yes, they were strong relative to other teams, much like Amanda/Kris were. But that doesn't mean they "deserve" to be in the final three. By your logic, Amanda/Kris would also have deserved to have completed in your (TAR 14) finale, and I really don't think you would have wanted that. There's only one way to earn your spot in the Final 3: don't come last on an elimination leg.

In other news, it's good to see someone (Hooky) agree with me for once.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: thespicdatum on April 14, 2010, 11:19:35 PM
I still don't get why people are so bent on the Speedbump having to be a task with a hellish difficulty ???
Isn't it enough having to deviate from the normal course and waste time (mostly transportation) on a pointless task? Check the Speedbumps:

* Kynt & Vyxsin: Yoga
* TK & Rachel: run through a field with blazing fireworks
* Ken & Tina: Serve water
* Dan & Andrew: Learn a choreography
* Christie & Jodi: elephant make-up
* Mark & Michael: wash hair
* Maria & Tiffany: serve soup to a guard
* Gary & Matt: Sauna
* Brian & Ericka: Absynth Shot
* Jeff & Jordan: Make a wall out of sticks
* Jet & Cord: serve tea to a guru

All these tasks are obviously designed just to waste time. IMO, wanting to add another task that is as difficult as a Detour or Roadblock to a team that is already dead-last is just plain sadistic.


I guess that's why it's called a speedbump. it's supposed to slow you down further in the race as a penalty for being last in the previous leg and for being spared elimination.

Frankly, I think the tasks are so easy and so fast to do, it's very easy to get back in the race.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mrmando on April 14, 2010, 11:31:54 PM
Thanks for the welcome.

My definition of a bad U-Turn is when you U-Turn a team that's actually weaker than you are. Do that and you've just made things tougher on yourself in the long run. That wasn't in the cards for Brent/Caite. No matter who they chose to U-Turn, they'd be improving their chances by eliminating a stronger competitor.

Another example of a bad U-Turn would be U-Turning a team that's so strong they actually survive it. This doesn't help you in the long run, and probably hurts you. If a team's right behind me and I'm not confident that the U-Turn will knock them out, I'll choose another team.

Both teams that used the U-Turn succeeded in knocking out another team, and both of them are still racing, so far be it from me to argue with their choices, even if I might have made a different choice.

Let's not forget that Brent/Caite ran by far their best leg in Episode 9, and I doubt they're going to repeat that performance. As to whether Carol/Brandy were the smartest remaining team, I suppose perhaps they were, but (a) that depends on what kind of smarts you're talking about; and (b) it isn't really saying much. "Smart" means more than being the only team that can pronounce "Seychelles."

Perhaps if I were a racer I couldn't afford to consider my personal feelings about the other racers, but as a viewer I certainly can. If I had to give a million dollars to one of these teams, I wouldn't give it to a narcissistic whiner like Brandy, who seems to be fairly well/off successful at any rate and probably needs the money less than anyone else does. I wouldn't give it to the bricks-for-brains models, who might misplace it before they got to the bank. (Do you realize that if this were baseball, they'd be guilty of running straight from second base to home plate ... twice?) I wouldn't give it to the Machiavellian cops, who have substituted puppet-mastery for actual strategy. And I wouldn't give it to the guys who phoned in their first seven legs. So who's left? Two hardworking, decent, thoroughly likable guys in a demanding, dangerous, low-paying profession who've managed to remain under the other racers' radar.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on April 15, 2010, 01:27:23 AM
What I want to say is that there are those who play very emotionally and those who play very intellectually. I am sure everyone would like to think they are being really intellectual and cerebral and all that, but by golly sometimes you just go on a hunch, or go with your feelings.

Now,going back to Caite and her partner and the two lesbian ladies whose names I can never remember.  I am sure that we in the viewing audience were getting info through some very clever editing that was brainstormed AFTER Caite and her partner actually had u-turned this team, but let's face it, they had been told from the beginning that the two ladies were making fun of them, and the ladies themselves appeared to have personally confirmed that they thought the couple was stupid.  If I was the Caite and whatshisname couple, I'd have u-turned them too, just because I could and just to shut them up once and for all and GET THEM OUT OF THE GAME OUT OF SHEER SPITE.  They had it coming.  You all know they did.
 
And also, they could have actually won! 

If I was Caite or her partner, even if I didn't think I could win, I wouldn't want THEM to win.  This is these two ladies' own fault.  Even though they made fun at the beginning of the race,  if they were half as smart as they seemed to think they were, they would have smoothed that over pretty soon after the start.  This is not a game where you want people to be mad at you.  A little bit of help along the way has saved many an Amazing Racer and we all have seen that.  These older ladies were  not only nasty and cruel, they were arrogant.

I think they don't realize how abrasive they were because they didn't see or live the edited product,  as we did.  Maybe they will have a different story if they ever watch videos of the whole season.  Still, whatever was really happening, they were not making Caite and her partner feel particularly forgiving. 

So all of you intellectuals who want to argue the intelligence of the u-turn, keep this in mind:  Sometimes simple human feelings can trump all the  rational argument.  Karma can be a killer.  And guess what, ladies?  THIS TIME IT WAS AND YOU'RE GONE!!!


I agree with shzron1946. You don't have to be an Erwin & Godwin (who sabotaged their own race to help their allies a little too much), I've re-watched the episodes. Joe comes out as pretty arrogant. Carol & Brandy... the word starts with b, assume what you want.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mrmando on April 15, 2010, 01:35:43 AM
My take on Joe is that his knee hurt more than he let on, and he was trying to put on a brave face to hide it. The cops mistook this for chest-thumping braggadocio.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 15, 2010, 01:39:16 AM
OK, after going through all previous episodes, somehow the U-Turns were both personal and yet it's some coincidence that they did eliminate two strong teams. I mean, only an idiot can think that Joe/Heidi and Carol/Brandy weren't much of a threat. They've both run solid legs until they were eliminated. If both were in the F4 with Brent/Caite and Mike/Louie, they would also be threats. And maybe they could help Brent/Caite because now that the "mean lesbians" are out they can finally concentrate on actually WINNING then beating those two girls.

Sidenote: This season I find the U-Turn placings very sadistic. If you want to put a U-Turn in a race, make sure time can be made up. Joe/Heidi couldn't even finish the task even with Jordeff being hours and hours behind (Morse code is hard to learn in just a few hours), and the locations of the detours in Leg 9 were REALLY far apart, plus you have to deal with Singapore traffic. Those things were like death sentences for teams who received them.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: thespicdatum on April 15, 2010, 03:18:31 AM
Thanks for the welcome.

My definition of a bad U-Turn is when you U-Turn a team that's actually weaker than you are. Do that and you've just made things tougher on yourself in the long run. That wasn't in the cards for Brent/Caite. No matter who they chose to U-Turn, they'd be improving their chances by eliminating a stronger competitor.

Another example of a bad U-Turn would be U-Turning a team that's so strong they actually survive it. This doesn't help you in the long run, and probably hurts you. If a team's right behind me and I'm not confident that the U-Turn will knock them out, I'll choose another team.

Both teams that used the U-Turn succeeded in knocking out another team, and both of them are still racing, so far be it from me to argue with their choices, even if I might have made a different choice.

Let's not forget that Brent/Caite ran by far their best leg in Episode 9, and I doubt they're going to repeat that performance. As to whether Carol/Brandy were the smartest remaining team, I suppose perhaps they were, but (a) that depends on what kind of smarts you're talking about; and (b) it isn't really saying much. "Smart" means more than being the only team that can pronounce "Seychelles."

Perhaps if I were a racer I couldn't afford to consider my personal feelings about the other racers, but as a viewer I certainly can. If I had to give a million dollars to one of these teams, I wouldn't give it to a narcissistic whiner like Brandy, who seems to be fairly well/off successful at any rate and probably needs the money less than anyone else does. I wouldn't give it to the bricks-for-brains models, who might misplace it before they got to the bank. (Do you realize that if this were baseball, they'd be guilty of running straight from second base to home plate ... twice?) I wouldn't give it to the Machiavellian cops, who have substituted puppet-mastery for actual strategy. And I wouldn't give it to the guys who phoned in their first seven legs. So who's left? Two hardworking, decent, thoroughly likable guys in a demanding, dangerous, low-paying profession who've managed to remain under the other racers' radar.


I totally agree with this.  Plus Brent/caite removed the team that caused them so much irritation that now they can race without this baggage lol
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on April 18, 2010, 02:00:25 AM
But I think we can all safely say that there's no way a team could have completed the Morse Code Detour if they have no prior knowledge to morse code?

It could have been a great opportunity to knock out Jet and Cord. Just my 2 cents worth.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: docol on April 18, 2010, 03:05:36 PM
OMFG..!! You're so freaking right..this season's casting (and the locations/tasks) is the dumbest (boring) ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is NOTHING in comparison with season's 3-7-10-14 cast...i think the recluting crew should be changed because (obviously) they're not doing a good job.
Here are the reasons i HATE this season:

1. The teams have no passion for the race.
2. There's no so much drama/friction between the racers
3. The tasks are designed for a kids version (put a scarf on a llama?, put a condor costume and jump on a lake??)
4. The performances of the racers are no memorables, there's no even one team who should be put on the all-stars season (i hope the producers decide to do it)
5. The decisions they teams made are the dumbest ever, specially on the u-turns...and the speed bumps are so silly than even my little sister could do that.

If they wanna have a really exciting/memorable performance they should be copying those teams perfomances: Uchenna and Joyce,Rob and Amber, Dustin & Kandice, Nate & Jane, Nick & Starr, Tammy and Victor and Megan and Cheyne.

I have to really disagree with you.
1.  You can't really prove that they have no passion. Each person has a different way of expressing their passion. I myself feel that Jordan (of Dan and Jordan) has a lot of passion for the race.
2. Yes there wasn't drama but it is really that bad? Some seasons didn't have Drama until the end TAR 15 Brothers/Globtrotters.
3. Well why don't you sign up? Did you feel how cold it was when they jumped in the water. Do you know how fast you run compared to the lamas?? Unless you have done it, don't complain on easy task because some people may think that bungee jumping was easy, sky diving was easy, the FF in TAR 1 with the counting was easy.
4. So basically you would rather have someone who dominates the whole race and wins every single leg right? Because a team is determined as memorable not because they win every single leg but because of their personality. I would rather prefer Dan and Jordan than Nick and Starr on All Star because they bring an entertainment value to the show. Yes they may not be the strongest team, but to some people, some teams may be memorable. Also, If Jet and Cord win this season, did you know that their average would be higher than Nick and Starr?
5. This has been discuss ed before on other threads. They just came off a 10 hour train ride, their tired, and exhausted. Obviously they would target the people that they think have been trashing them. It is all human nature. And as stated in this thread I believe, Speed Bump have always been easy. They're not to seal a fate of a NELed team but to waste time (mainly on transport) and have them catch up on time. If the Speed Bump was as hard as the Hay task in TAR 15 switchback, which team would survive a speed bump?

And just on your list of teams, I like one or two of those teams and Nate and Jen never won a leg. And sorry for my ranting but I just want to get my ideas clear.
I wanna thank you for replying to my post..but i have different opinions in comparison with yours:

1. Dan And Jordan are two silly brothers who remain in the race, for two reasons...good luck, and other's people stupid decisions. They (and the rest of the teams) don't show any kind of passion or drive, regardless of what kind of situation they're in (win or lose).
2. Yes, it is bad..!! look at the rankings......!!!!!!!! and also, they're no so much reasons to watch this season..they're boring to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I would sing up; i just can't cuz im not in the USA...!!! how cold the water was? if you re-watch that episode, you'll see (i hope) that they were wearing a special swimsuit that protects them from the cold water....and about the lama, how much a lama can run in a enclosed space?? Bungee jump..you think that's hard???? just close your eyes and go!!! i mean........!LOL
4. Yeah, cowboys will have a better average, but are they the strongest and most memorable team? do they deserve the winning? i really doubt it....People have their own opinion, and if you ask me (and more than half of America) all those teams are dead on their books.!!
5. They're differents level of difficulty, and obviously the speed bump's level is the lowest!! the hay switchback is in a really high level...my opinion is that the speed bumps should be on a medium-high level.....And as i say, they're stupid people..!!!! cuz obviously smart people, will throw all pain away and think wisely, instead of just guess who should be. Margie and Luke and Tammy and Victor are obviously smart racers cuz they choose to u-turn their biggest competition at that time...learn from the best people.!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Sailing on April 18, 2010, 05:29:48 PM
But I think we can all safely say that there's no way a team could have completed the Morse Code Detour if they have no prior knowledge to morse code?

It could have been a great opportunity to knock out Jet and Cord. Just my 2 cents worth.


I think Jet and Cord would have been able to complete the Morse Code for a couple of reasons:
- They always remain calm in pressure situations/ They had a Speedbump to complete and they still came in first
-The directions were provided for the teams so they did not have to know anything about the Morse Code
-Like Brent and Catie said the cowboys are "magical"  :lol3:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on April 18, 2010, 09:28:21 PM
OMFG..!! You're so freaking right..this season's casting (and the locations/tasks) is the dumbest (boring) ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is NOTHING in comparison with season's 3-7-10-14 cast...i think the recluting crew should be changed because (obviously) they're not doing a good job.
Here are the reasons i HATE this season:

1. The teams have no passion for the race.
2. There's no so much drama/friction between the racers
3. The tasks are designed for a kids version (put a scarf on a llama?, put a condor costume and jump on a lake??)
4. The performances of the racers are no memorables, there's no even one team who should be put on the all-stars season (i hope the producers decide to do it)
5. The decisions they teams made are the dumbest ever, specially on the u-turns...and the speed bumps are so silly than even my little sister could do that.

If they wanna have a really exciting/memorable performance they should be copying those teams perfomances: Uchenna and Joyce,Rob and Amber, Dustin & Kandice, Nate & Jane, Nick & Starr, Tammy and Victor and Megan and Cheyne.

I have to really disagree with you.
1.  You can't really prove that they have no passion. Each person has a different way of expressing their passion. I myself feel that Jordan (of Dan and Jordan) has a lot of passion for the race.
2. Yes there wasn't drama but it is really that bad? Some seasons didn't have Drama until the end TAR 15 Brothers/Globtrotters.
3. Well why don't you sign up? Did you feel how cold it was when they jumped in the water. Do you know how fast you run compared to the lamas?? Unless you have done it, don't complain on easy task because some people may think that bungee jumping was easy, sky diving was easy, the FF in TAR 1 with the counting was easy.
4. So basically you would rather have someone who dominates the whole race and wins every single leg right? Because a team is determined as memorable not because they win every single leg but because of their personality. I would rather prefer Dan and Jordan than Nick and Starr on All Star because they bring an entertainment value to the show. Yes they may not be the strongest team, but to some people, some teams may be memorable. Also, If Jet and Cord win this season, did you know that their average would be higher than Nick and Starr?
5. This has been discuss ed before on other threads. They just came off a 10 hour train ride, their tired, and exhausted. Obviously they would target the people that they think have been trashing them. It is all human nature. And as stated in this thread I believe, Speed Bump have always been easy. They're not to seal a fate of a NELed team but to waste time (mainly on transport) and have them catch up on time. If the Speed Bump was as hard as the Hay task in TAR 15 switchback, which team would survive a speed bump?

And just on your list of teams, I like one or two of those teams and Nate and Jen never won a leg. And sorry for my ranting but I just want to get my ideas clear.
I wanna thank you for replying to my post..but i have different opinions in comparison with yours:

1. Dan And Jordan are two silly brothers who remain in the race, for two reasons...good luck, and other's people stupid decisions. They (and the rest of the teams) don't show any kind of passion or drive, regardless of what kind of situation they're in (win or lose).
2. Yes, it is bad..!! look at the rankings......!!!!!!!! and also, they're no so much reasons to watch this season..they're boring to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I would sing up; i just can't cuz im not in the USA...!!! how cold the water was? if you re-watch that episode, you'll see (i hope) that they were wearing a special swimsuit that protects them from the cold water....and about the lama, how much a lama can run in a enclosed space?? Bungee jump..you think that's hard???? just close your eyes and go!!! i mean........!LOL
4. Yeah, cowboys will have a better average, but are they the strongest and most memorable team? do they deserve the winning? i really doubt it....People have their own opinion, and if you ask me (and more than half of America) all those teams are dead on their books.!!
5. They're differents level of difficulty, and obviously the speed bump's level is the lowest!! the hay switchback is in a really high level...my opinion is that the speed bumps should be on a medium-high level.....And as i say, they're stupid people..!!!! cuz obviously smart people, will throw all pain away and think wisely, instead of just guess who should be. Margie and Luke and Tammy and Victor are obviously smart racers cuz they choose to u-turn their biggest competition at that time...learn from the best people.!




Take a chill pill, docol! (insert chill pill smiley here)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Zack. on April 18, 2010, 10:53:33 PM
Quote
Margie and Luke and Tammy and Victor are obviously smart racers cuz they choose to u-turn their biggest competition at that time...learn from the best people.!

...except they didn't U-Turn each other.

IMO the only reason to use a U-Turn is if you're next-to-last and want to put some distance between yourselves and the last team. U-Turning a team due to petty differences is silly because it shows you can't focus, but U-Turning a really strong team introduces luck; if the strong team survives, then a) you've wasted a U-Turn and b) you've burned a bridge.

Though they should really get rid of the thing - let people win or lose on their own.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: everbloom on April 19, 2010, 02:06:10 AM
I wanna thank you for replying to my post..but i have different opinions in comparison with yours:

1. Dan And Jordan are two silly brothers who remain in the race, for two reasons...good luck, and other's people stupid decisions. They (and the rest of the teams) don't show any kind of passion or drive, regardless of what kind of situation they're in (win or lose).
2. Yes, it is bad..!! look at the rankings......!!!!!!!! and also, they're no so much reasons to watch this season..they're boring to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I would sing up; i just can't cuz im not in the USA...!!! how cold the water was? if you re-watch that episode, you'll see (i hope) that they were wearing a special swimsuit that protects them from the cold water....and about the lama, how much a lama can run in a enclosed space?? Bungee jump..you think that's hard???? just close your eyes and go!!! i mean........!LOL
4. Yeah, cowboys will have a better average, but are they the strongest and most memorable team? do they deserve the winning? i really doubt it....People have their own opinion, and if you ask me (and more than half of America) all those teams are dead on their books.!!
5. They're differents level of difficulty, and obviously the speed bump's level is the lowest!! the hay switchback is in a really high level...my opinion is that the speed bumps should be on a medium-high level.....And as i say, they're stupid people..!!!! cuz obviously smart people, will throw all pain away and think wisely, instead of just guess who should be. Margie and Luke and Tammy and Victor are obviously smart racers cuz they choose to u-turn their biggest competition at that time...learn from the best people.!


I don't wanna start an argument. But I'm just saying my opinion:

1. Jordan is totally in love with the race. Look at how he was smiling all throughout the WWI detour while others were complaining about what they had to do. It's his dream to win TAR. Dan actually doesn't wanna be there as much as Jordan, because he dislikes traveling, but he still hasn't complained as much as other teams have, and supports his brother.
2. Believe me, I've seen more boring contestants than this season. At least this season I smile or laugh at least once every leg. There were some seasons where I just sat in front of my TV looking at who was in last and first (S15, S4, S13)
3. Llamas are very hard to deal with, especially if u don't have a frickin' clue how to deal with them properly. They're really mischievous and can act like they have ADHD. And bungee jumping...it depends on you...if you're scared to death of heights, it's going to be hard. Look at how Jen nearly quit because she couldn't swim, or how Mika gave up on going down a waterslide simply because she was afraid of heights and water.
4. They aren't the strongest (public gives that award to Eric/Jeremy) or the most memorable, but they certainly are memorable for the fact that they're unique and their last-to-first with speed bump achievement. They've mainly kept this season alive because the others are either really boring or simply pathetic racers. (the only exception is Steve/Allie, who instead were dished the editors' hatred)
5. Speed bumps (as discussed earlier) aren't meant to be difficult. They're just meant to eat up the team's time. If you don't have a solid lead over at least one other team, it can spell your doom. If it were just like any other detour/roadblock difficulty task, I think no last place team would be able to catch up. If that were the case, what's the whole point of an NEL then??
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on April 19, 2010, 02:59:29 AM
Since there is no Amazing Race this week  (:;) I'll write about the cast instead

1. Dan & Jordan:  Jordan is a massive race-fan, Dan is just there for the ride. In early legs I didn't really like them, but as the race grew, I like them a little. They are kind of cute like irritating big brothers

2. Brent & Caite: I disagree about them being dumb, you need racing smarts and IQ to stay in the race for long. They are the only team with the second most top four placings (tied with Steve & Allie and Carol & Brandy) and seemed to overcome bad decisions and bad luck in the earlier legs. If they can avoid screwing up in the final 2 legs (see Toni & Dallas) they can make it into the final three.

3. Jet & Cord: Come on guys. GIVE THE COWBOYS A BREAK. Hate them or love them, they are the team to beat this season.

4. Louie & Michael. Yeah, they may not lack race smarts, or physical fitness, but they have been lucky (aka working hard) to stay in the race. You don't finish first three times in a row without hard work.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DavidJunior on April 19, 2010, 08:16:25 PM
1. Dan And Jordan are two silly brothers who remain in the race, for two reasons...good luck, and other's people stupid decisions. They (and the rest of the teams) don't show any kind of passion or drive, regardless of what kind of situation they're in (win or lose).
2. Yes, it is bad..!! look at the rankings......!!!!!!!! and also, they're no so much reasons to watch this season..they're boring to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I would sing up; i just can't cuz im not in the USA...!!! how cold the water was? if you re-watch that episode, you'll see (i hope) that they were wearing a special swimsuit that protects them from the cold water....and about the lama, how much a lama can run in a enclosed space?? Bungee jump..you think that's hard???? just close your eyes and go!!! i mean........!LOL
4. Yeah, cowboys will have a better average, but are they the strongest and most memorable team? do they deserve the winning? i really doubt it....People have their own opinion, and if you ask me (and more than half of America) all those teams are dead on their books.!!
5. They're differents level of difficulty, and obviously the speed bump's level is the lowest!! the hay switchback is in a really high level...my opinion is that the speed bumps should be on a medium-high level.....And as i say, they're stupid people..!!!! cuz obviously smart people, will throw all pain away and think wisely, instead of just guess who should be. Margie and Luke and Tammy and Victor are obviously smart racers cuz they choose to u-turn their biggest competition at that time...learn from the best people.!


spurring on more debate (NOT arguing, i hate arguing):

1. I feel Jordan has got to be THE most passionate racer this season.  It may not show all the time, but he has a love for the race and a pure enjoyment for every thing that he's doing.  I mean, he climbed across the top of the freakin' Singapore Flyer- when he's deathly afraid of heights.  And Dan, although he doesn't have a passion for racing, has amazing strength and character for STILL racing, when he hates traveling.  His passion for making sure his brother is happy, no matter the cost is a great thing to see.

2. So, you're saying that a team doesn't deserve to win because they had a couple bad legs?  What happened to whoever makes it to the end deserves to be there?  Making it farther in the race involves skill, knowledge, luck, and social grace (both with teams and locals).  Although some of the remaining teams don't have some of those, some of the "stronger" eliminated teams, were definitely lacking in others.

3. the water task was more of a time consuming task, than a "difficult" task.  The amount of time to put the wet suits on, put that stupid bird contraption and climb up to the dock, jumping off, getting out of the contraption while being suspended in water, swimming a decent distance to AND from the buoy, getting the wet suits off; putting all of that together, it takes a good chunk of time.  And the llamas can be very unpredictable and volatile, and I believe once they choose one, they have to stick to it.  So, if they got a foul tempered one (which is super easy with llamas), they're stuck with it.  They only seemed easy because they edited it down to 1 minute per team for the show.  and bungee jumping can be a difficult task, whether you're scared of heights or not.  and there were definitely "easier" tasks in seasons past.

4. the cowboys are the strongest team this season, and one of the more memorable ones.  again, any team that makes it to the end, deserves to win.  they made it there, other teams didn't, simple as that.  you can whine and complain all you want, but it will not change the fact that those teams are there, and your favorites are gone.

5. speed bumps are supposed to be easy, like was stated several times in this thread already.  the switchback was only hard because they chose to use the TOUGHEST task in race history.  and again, were Joe and Heidi and Carol and Brandy NOT strong teams?  Do they all of a sudden deserve to not be U-turn, just for the reasoning?  They were both still reasonable threats, and I, myself, would've U-turned Carol/Brandy at that point in the race, knowing of the imminent memory challenge that is coming with the finale.

This season isn't as bad as everyone claims.  There are countless times where the teams I'm rooting for don't make it as far as I'd like, but does that make those seasons "bad seasons?"  No, look past the teams, and look at the race in general.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on April 19, 2010, 09:43:55 PM
I have just one phrase to end this arguing (or the like):

"Just enjoy the race!"
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: kwando1313 on April 19, 2010, 10:09:05 PM
If they had a switchback this season, they should have done the meat-eating roadblock, and instead of 4 pounds of meat, they have to eat 6 pounds of meat :lol:!

But anyways, back on topic. I really don't see why people hated Brent and Caite's decision to use the U-turn on Brandy and Carol. For them, it's a smart decision because, they would be considered a stronger team to them, and they hated them. I mean, if you had a choice between two teams that are about the same strength, but you hate one, you would choose the team that you hate...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 19, 2010, 10:14:33 PM
I have just one phrase to end this arguing (or the like):

"Just enjoy the race!"

I am enjoying this race quite a bit (much more than the past 3 seasons), but it's good to see others' viewpoints every now and then. It'a fact of life that EVERYTHING will always have its critics. Half the people here are arguing for its merits, and the other half aren't.

I personally believe that people should be allowed to complain about their favorite and hated teams (I have my fair share of dislike towards about a third of the cast this season). I also believe that route- and task-wise this season is considerably better than the last three. The latter point is something I haven't really heard anybody dispute.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Mr. Seattle on April 21, 2010, 07:06:12 PM
I think that part of the problem with deciding whether the U-Turn was a good idea is the fact that there are so many other factors and unknowns that you just cannot account for. It's easy to say that if Carol and Brandy made it to the final three that they would have had an advantage, but they could have easily just been screwed over by some stupid third-party factor, such as the fact that they are short. That definitely would have made a difference in the challenge in TAR15 finale with the bouquets.

One of the reasons that I LOVE TAR is the fact that its mostly based on challenges, but there are elements of social play. Unlike Survivor, your life in the game doesn't depend on your social game NEARLY as much as your ability to cope with challenges and frustration.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 21, 2010, 07:43:37 PM
I think that part of the problem with deciding whether the U-Turn was a good idea is the fact that there are so many other factors and unknowns that you just cannot account for. It's easy to say that if Carol and Brandy made it to the final three that they would have had an advantage, but they could have easily just been screwed over by some stupid third-party factor, such as the fact that they are short. That definitely would have made a difference in the challenge in TAR15 finale with the bouquets.

One of the reasons that I LOVE TAR is the fact that its mostly based on challenges, but there are elements of social play. Unlike Survivor, your life in the game doesn't depend on your social game NEARLY as much as your ability to cope with challenges and frustration.

I think social game is a huge factor on the Amazing Race - that's what saved my mom and me from being U-Turned in Beijing for having an alliance with Tammy & Victor. Sharing the information with the teams can be pretty helpful - that's what saved my mom and me in India when we were unable to understand the clue on the phone then Jaime & Cara told us what the clue was. Sure, it seems like a social game isn't a big deal on the Race, but it is a big deal in some way which could be a huge help. Also, we had to interact with the foreigners on where to go and we had to depends on the cab drivers' knowledge which could be a huge break or a bad luck on the Race.

Take a look at my season, the "loosen" alliances are a huge factor on the Race. Jaime & Cara, Tammy & Victor, Mom & I squared off with Mike & Mel, Preston & Jennifer, Amanda & Kris while Jodi & Christie, Jen & Kisha, Mark & Michael, Brad & Victoria were on their own. My entire alliance made it to the Final Three. Sometime, it paid off to have an alliance with couple teams. But for some seasons, it doesn't pan out well.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on April 21, 2010, 08:05:41 PM
Take a look at my season, the "loosen" alliances are a huge factor on the Race. Jaime & Cara, Tammy & Victor, Mom & I squared off with Mike & Mel, Preston & Jennifer, Amanda & Kris while Jodi & Christie, Jen & Kisha, Mark & Michael, Brad & Victoria were on their own. My entire alliance made it to the Final Three. Sometime, it paid off to have an alliance with couple teams. But for some seasons, it doesn't pan out well.


Luke, was there really a time that you ally with them, and where did this happen? Same with the Mel and Mike alliance.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 21, 2010, 08:37:56 PM
Take a look at my season, the "loosen" alliances are a huge factor on the Race. Jaime & Cara, Tammy & Victor, Mom & I squared off with Mike & Mel, Preston & Jennifer, Amanda & Kris while Jodi & Christie, Jen & Kisha, Mark & Michael, Brad & Victoria were on their own. My entire alliance made it to the Final Three. Sometime, it paid off to have an alliance with couple teams. But for some seasons, it doesn't pan out well.


Luke, was there really a time that you ally with them, and where did this happen? Same with the Mel and Mike alliance.

Remember the race is 23 days and y'all only got to see 12 hours of it.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: thespicdatum on April 21, 2010, 08:48:10 PM
Question:

Do the racers still spend the resting hours (during meals) together like the early series showed? Or they are separated now during these resting moments?

I hope Luke can answer this. :)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Mr. Seattle on April 21, 2010, 08:53:31 PM
I think that part of the problem with deciding whether the U-Turn was a good idea is the fact that there are so many other factors and unknowns that you just cannot account for. It's easy to say that if Carol and Brandy made it to the final three that they would have had an advantage, but they could have easily just been screwed over by some stupid third-party factor, such as the fact that they are short. That definitely would have made a difference in the challenge in TAR15 finale with the bouquets.

One of the reasons that I LOVE TAR is the fact that its mostly based on challenges, but there are elements of social play. Unlike Survivor, your life in the game doesn't depend on your social game NEARLY as much as your ability to cope with challenges and frustration.

I think social game is a huge factor on the Amazing Race - that's what saved my mom and me from being U-Turned in Beijing for having an alliance with Tammy & Victor. Sharing the information with the teams can be pretty helpful - that's what saved my mom and me in India when we were unable to understand the clue on the phone then Jaime & Cara told us what the clue was. Sure, it seems like a social game isn't a big deal on the Race, but it is a big deal in some way which could be a huge help. Also, we had to interact with the foreigners on where to go and we had to depends on the cab drivers' knowledge which could be a huge break or a bad luck on the Race.

Take a look at my season, the "loosen" alliances are a huge factor on the Race. Jaime & Cara, Tammy & Victor, Mom & I squared off with Mike & Mel, Preston & Jennifer, Amanda & Kris while Jodi & Christie, Jen & Kisha, Mark & Michael, Brad & Victoria were on their own. My entire alliance made it to the Final Three. Sometime, it paid off to have an alliance with couple teams. But for some seasons, it doesn't pan out well.

Its definately partially social, but it is not entirely social, and that's what I like.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on April 21, 2010, 09:33:50 PM
Question:

Do the racers still spend the resting hours (during meals) together like the early series showed? Or they are separated now during these resting moments?

I hope Luke can answer this. :)

A lot of us here know the answer. No  :(
It's a shame, because how can you ally with someone you can't talk to?
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 21, 2010, 11:19:50 PM
Of course racers still see each other at airports and Hours of Op, but ESM seems to be gone for good. Luke will know more....
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Kiwi Jay on April 21, 2010, 11:22:17 PM
ESM?
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 21, 2010, 11:24:14 PM
Eating Sleeping Mingling....
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Slowhatch on April 21, 2010, 11:32:21 PM
It disappeared at roughly the same time BBT vanished ("who will muster the right combination of brains, brawn and teamwork  B:)  B:))
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DrRox on April 22, 2010, 04:27:07 AM
ESM is not gone completely. Carol talked about hanging out with all the other teams at the extended pit stop in Bariloche.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 22, 2010, 08:46:15 AM
They let them have it at that first stop...but then they are kept apart from each other at Pitstops after that, from what I understand...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 22, 2010, 12:42:18 PM
Shall I reveal the secret....?


No way I would ruin the surprise! I'd rather to keep you guys in the dark about this one!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: chill_sd on April 22, 2010, 01:00:12 PM
I don't think it's really much of a secret, Luke.  In the early seasons, Phil would always talk about how teams had a chance to eat together and interact during the mandatory rest periods.

There's even a memorable scene where teams gather around the mat area and applaud the team getting eliminated, and of course, Chip and Reichen's coming out to the other teams.

For this season, I think Joe also talked about having time to spend with the other teams at that extended pitstop after leg 3 in Bariloche.

I personally think it's kind of a shame that ESM has been mostly eliminated, but it's an even bigger shame that TPTB are not honest with us, the viewers, about it.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 22, 2010, 01:04:28 PM
I don't think it's really much of a secret, Luke.  In the early seasons, Phil would always talk about how teams had a chance to eat together and interact during the mandatory rest periods.

There's even a memorable scene where teams gather around the mat area and applaud the team getting eliminated, and of course, Chip and Reichen's coming out to the other teams.

For this season, I think Joe also talked about having time to spend with the other teams at that extended pitstop after leg 3 in Bariloche.

I personally think it's kind of a shame that ESM has been mostly eliminated, but it's an even bigger shame that TPTB are not honest with us, the viewers, about it.

How do you know if it have been mostly eliminated or not? There's no proof.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 22, 2010, 01:09:17 PM
It has been discussed by MANY racers in exit interviews and elsewhere, Luke. It really isn't a secret anymore.

But I agree, it is sad... It used to be a choice at the Pitstop...do I sleep and do laundry? Or do I mingle, form bonds, chat with the other teams, and create alliances? And the best part was the viewer go to share in those moments. Now it is rare footage to see even in the Insider clips. A shame really.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: chill_sd on April 22, 2010, 01:26:33 PM
In addition to post-race interviews, we also have evidence from the show.  One example is last season.  As the racers arrived at the airport in Prague, for the final flight to Las Vegas, teams remarked that they didn't know who would be joining them and who had been eliminated.  It was very clear that they didn't "mingle" during the "mandatory rest period," aka pitstop.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 22, 2010, 01:30:16 PM
Good point...that happened just recently on 16 too, but I am blanking on who it was...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 22, 2010, 02:02:56 PM
Well, a story is that I was sitting nervously and couldn't eat that much while I'm waiting for a last team to walk in the dining room.

Mark & Michael walked in. I let a huge relief of sigh out and knew Amanda & Kris got eliminated.  :tup:

That's one of pit stop stories!   :waves:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: docol on April 22, 2010, 08:45:30 PM


I don't wanna start an argument. But I'm just saying my opinion:

1. Jordan is totally in love with the race. Look at how he was smiling all throughout the WWI detour while others were complaining about what they had to do. It's his dream to win TAR. Dan actually doesn't wanna be there as much as Jordan, because he dislikes traveling, but he still hasn't complained as much as other teams have, and supports his brother.
2. Believe me, I've seen more boring contestants than this season. At least this season I smile or laugh at least once every leg. There were some seasons where I just sat in front of my TV looking at who was in last and first (S15, S4, S13)
3. Llamas are very hard to deal with, especially if u don't have a frickin' clue how to deal with them properly. They're really mischievous and can act like they have ADHD. And bungee jumping...it depends on you...if you're scared to death of heights, it's going to be hard. Look at how Jen nearly quit because she couldn't swim, or how Mika gave up on going down a waterslide simply because she was afraid of heights and water.
4. They aren't the strongest (public gives that award to Eric/Jeremy) or the most memorable, but they certainly are memorable for the fact that they're unique and their last-to-first with speed bump achievement. They've mainly kept this season alive because the others are either really boring or simply pathetic racers. (the only exception is Steve/Allie, who instead were dished the editors' hatred)
5. Speed bumps (as discussed earlier) aren't meant to be difficult. They're just meant to eat up the team's time. If you don't have a solid lead over at least one other team, it can spell your doom. If it were just like any other detour/roadblock difficulty task, I think no last place team would be able to catch up. If that were the case, what's the whole point of an NEL then??
[/quote]
Well well well...another person who thinks this season is good..!! how sad
1. One think is jordan loving the places they went and another is to have the passion and drive (such as dustin and kandice or jaime and cara) for the race. You can enjoy the trip but no necesarily want it really bad.

2. Season 13: it was really competition between the top 6 and dandrew were hilarous..!!
Season 15: was all about figuring out:
Leg 1: Figure out that the almost unvisible sign in their clue was what will give them tickets
Leg 2: Figure out that the bassac III it was a riverboat
Leg 3: Figure out that the building shown in their clue was the Ho Chi Min City Main Post Office
Leg 4: Figure out that the picture in the newspaper were sending them to the Hotel Royal
Leg 5: Figure out the world's highest building
Leg 6: Figure out that the hour shown in the watch was the key to get their next clue
Leg 7: Figure out the numbers of bells
Leg 8: Figure out the place where their clue box were
Leg 9: Figure out that thy need to put the papaer near to the flame to see their next clue
Leg 10: Figure out that the praga was actually a car
Leg 11: Figure out the name "Franz"
Leg 12: Figure out the "montecarlo" casino

So, with all these things, i think miss dumbie would've been the first to go!!!!!!!! So those seasons are much more interesting than this one

3. Well if yu are gonna be on The Amazing Race, and if you saw previous seasons...then you know that you will find really hard and extreme stuffs to do, so if you have a couple of fears, why you apply????????

4. the only reason people and i remind them is just because they're useless, boring and lucky...that's it.!!!

5. The speed bumps most be difficult to see how strong a team is....ANY team (such as suckboys, dumbie and brent) can get in 1st after a season 16 speed bump!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: docol on April 22, 2010, 08:59:59 PM

spurring on more debate (NOT arguing, i hate arguing):

1. I feel Jordan has got to be THE most passionate racer this season.  It may not show all the time, but he has a love for the race and a pure enjoyment for every thing that he's doing.  I mean, he climbed across the top of the freakin' Singapore Flyer- when he's deathly afraid of heights.  And Dan, although he doesn't have a passion for racing, has amazing strength and character for STILL racing, when he hates traveling.  His passion for making sure his brother is happy, no matter the cost is a great thing to see.

2. So, you're saying that a team doesn't deserve to win because they had a couple bad legs?  What happened to whoever makes it to the end deserves to be there?  Making it farther in the race involves skill, knowledge, luck, and social grace (both with teams and locals).  Although some of the remaining teams don't have some of those, some of the "stronger" eliminated teams, were definitely lacking in others.

3. the water task was more of a time consuming task, than a "difficult" task.  The amount of time to put the wet suits on, put that stupid bird contraption and climb up to the dock, jumping off, getting out of the contraption while being suspended in water, swimming a decent distance to AND from the buoy, getting the wet suits off; putting all of that together, it takes a good chunk of time.  And the llamas can be very unpredictable and volatile, and I believe once they choose one, they have to stick to it.  So, if they got a foul tempered one (which is super easy with llamas), they're stuck with it.  They only seemed easy because they edited it down to 1 minute per team for the show.  and bungee jumping can be a difficult task, whether you're scared of heights or not.  and there were definitely "easier" tasks in seasons past.

4. the cowboys are the strongest team this season, and one of the more memorable ones.  again, any team that makes it to the end, deserves to win.  they made it there, other teams didn't, simple as that.  you can whine and complain all you want, but it will not change the fact that those teams are there, and your favorites are gone.

5. speed bumps are supposed to be easy, like was stated several times in this thread already.  the switchback was only hard because they chose to use the TOUGHEST task in race history.  and again, were Joe and Heidi and Carol and Brandy NOT strong teams?  Do they all of a sudden deserve to not be U-turn, just for the reasoning?  They were both still reasonable threats, and I, myself, would've U-turned Carol/Brandy at that point in the race, knowing of the imminent memory challenge that is coming with the finale.

This season isn't as bad as everyone claims.  There are countless times where the teams I'm rooting for don't make it as far as I'd like, but does that make those seasons "bad seasons?"  No, look past the teams, and look at the race in general.

[/quote]

1. He only did the singapore flyer thing just because it was the only way to get in 1st place...that's the only way a poor-perfoming team get in 1st.

2. I'm just saying that NONE of the teams deserve to be there (neither the eliminated ones) it's just such a acrappy casting that makes this season really boring....i miss the "beauty queens against the models" times...that was a really bloody and hardcore race

3. Why would you apply if you are scared of those things? previous seasons proved that the possibility to do those stuffs are high.!  Both chile tasks are one of the silliest..spcially the painting one..!! what was that?? that's what my little sister is doing in kinder

4. I don't have favourites this season and that's what you think, but i still think that they're not memorable as much as the real good/strong teams from the past.

5. If the speed bumps are gonna be easy, just remove the NEL's....it's sad to see really interesting/strong teams go, and see how lame teams earn an undeserved spot in the final three
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on April 22, 2010, 09:10:14 PM
To do a quote correctly, it should look like this:

Code: [Select]
[quote] blah blah blah[/quote]
I think you are missing the "quote" in [brackets] at the start...

 :waves:

Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on April 22, 2010, 09:19:06 PM
WRP/TPTB/TAR should cast docol because of all the things he's saying, he just proved one thing: "PICK ME, I'M INTERESTING". :res: :lol:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: kwando1313 on April 22, 2010, 09:22:41 PM
Seriously, he's just adding fuel to the fire that doesn't exist.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on April 22, 2010, 09:33:59 PM
Seriously, he's just adding fuel to the fire that doesn't exist.

That's exactly why I'm the Deaf Sinister Kid!    :lol3:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: thespicdatum on April 22, 2010, 11:08:26 PM
Sorry I had to ask about ESM ;)


The reason I asked that was I was wondering why the Lesbians, in the airport, were asking/grilling the cowboys how the latter got to a location first (after the bus ride).

I thought, they could've asked them during the meal after the last pitstop.

Anyway thanks for confirming it's gone but... How come Luke said:

Quote

Well, a story is that I was sitting nervously and couldn't eat that much while I'm waiting for a last team to walk in the dining room.

Mark & Michael walked in. I let a huge relief of sigh out and knew Amanda & Kris got eliminated.

That's one of pit stop stories!


Now I'm confused. lol
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: chill_sd on April 22, 2010, 11:44:50 PM
ESM still exists in some of the earlier legs of each season, but not in the later legs.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: thespicdatum on April 22, 2010, 11:50:59 PM
ESM still exists in some of the earlier legs of each season, but not in the later legs.

ahhhh. so that's how TAR does it now.

Still, the lesbians could've asked the cowboys at ESM cause If I remember it correctly, it was not later than episode 3 when it happened (I think)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: chill_sd on April 23, 2010, 12:15:13 AM
ESM still exists in some of the earlier legs of each season, but not in the later legs.

ahhhh. so that's how TAR does it now.

Still, the lesbians could've asked the cowboys at ESM cause If I remember it correctly, it was not later than episode 3 when it happened (I think)

You are right, that was at the beginning of Episode 3.  So maybe they only get to mingle at selected pitstops.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on April 23, 2010, 02:48:46 AM
In addition to post-race interviews, we also have evidence from the show.  One example is last season.  As the racers arrived at the airport in Prague, for the final flight to Las Vegas, teams remarked that they didn't know who would be joining them and who had been eliminated.  It was very clear that they didn't "mingle" during the "mandatory rest period," aka pitstop.

Yeah but don't forget. Brian and Ericka finished at around 8am (actually around 7:30-40am), Sam and Dan at 4am and Meghan and Cheyne at 3am. It's 3am in the morning, you just ran a difficult leg, what is the first thing you will do?? Sleep right?  Especially if you're leaving again at 11:10am to run the final leg...

Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: kwando1313 on April 24, 2010, 09:36:39 AM
Luke, I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about docol (unless that's you too!!!! :lol:)
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: docol on April 24, 2010, 01:42:12 PM
adding fuel? i'm just replying to all everyone who talks about what i'm saying.......just like i'm doing right now.!! LOL
And by the way, i'm not saying that i'm the perfect one to be chosen for the race, i never said that !!! That's something that came up from someone of the forum....And it doesn't matter how strong can i be, i can't apply, so..........back off haters!!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: slayton on May 06, 2010, 04:35:38 PM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 06, 2010, 04:40:57 PM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on May 06, 2010, 05:45:58 PM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 06, 2010, 06:27:25 PM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.

Oh, you're right. I forgot about the cowboys.  :groan:
Yeah, I'd like to see Jet/Cord win the whole thing just to show how idiotic some of the other teams this season have been.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on May 06, 2010, 07:32:44 PM
Guys, one thing to note that this season, thanks to Brent & Caite's upset win in Shanghai 2, the final 4 have each at least won a leg each. A remarkable achievement considering how hard it is to win a leg.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Nume on May 06, 2010, 09:17:32 PM
Guys, one thing to note that this season, thanks to Brent & Caite's upset win in Shanghai 2, the final 4 have each at least won a leg each. A remarkable achievement considering how hard it is to win a leg.
Lol that'll make my mom happy... she always likes to see everyone win something, more than any one person win a lot. If Brent and Caite hadnt won that leg she'd have probably cheered for them to win it all, just so all the finalists could walk away with something...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 09, 2010, 04:39:04 PM
Well you look at the final three teams and all have made some sizable mistakes, some really huge, and what should normally be enough to make you lose.

Jet & Cord should be gone one leg they completely blew, saved because of a non elimination.  And the reason they were last.  Had nothing to do with luck, or bad taxi's, plane problems, or other issues outside their control.


Another leg, they just assumed they knew what they were doing and took off to the wrong damn town.  Thats a huge error.  Jumping the gun on getting money for the wrong country, huge error.  But luckily for them that was an early leg where teams can often survive making a big error.

Dan & Jordan have made a couple, from dropping cabs, to losing equipment, to their largest sticking with a task (which they did succeed at) but took them hours, hours longer then the field task.  That was a huge mistake.

And then we have Brent & Caite, lord where to begin.....
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 10, 2010, 10:42:00 PM
Well now that the season has come to a close, I want to say to the racers, even if we think you made some questionable moves.  We really don't mean to say your stupid.  Lots of smart people have made bad calls on the race.  I mean I don't think Joe & Bill are stupid or dumb, even if they made the original stupid mistake.  And not to worry Joe & Bill you have lots of company join you over these last 16 wonderful seasons.

So instead of picking apart the moves that weren't smart in this final leg.  Here is too good calls that were made.

1st:  Dan & Jordan  In many ways this is the single best move a team has ever made in a final leg.  This lead gave you the chance to build a lead a team that typically was faster then you at physical challenges, this really helped with the tower and the chest.  It was brilliant game playing, and yes Dan it was "Huger then Huge!"

In fact the only other final leg action a team took that comes close is Rob & Brennan saving all their money (even if Cabbies hate them) to purchase a cell phone to give them a leg up in getting flights before arriving at the airport.  While it didn't end up effecting the game it was an exceptionally smart move.

#2:  Jet & Cord

Buying that travel book (things racers do all the time, and often it doesn't pay off) worked here.  Very nice to see that you used your time and resources well.  Good job.  And it was awesome to see that Cord remembered it just from the clues description.

#3:  Brent & Caite:  Stopping to get internet help with the clue.  Always a smart way to get info, as using locals and people on the street isn't always reliable.  Bonus points if you went to an actual Hotel (I don't know).
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on May 12, 2010, 05:31:30 AM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.

Luke, if you were Carol and Brandy, would you do the same as they did at the Finish Line? :tup:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Coutzy on May 12, 2010, 05:46:17 AM
I don't care who you are, or who you think you are, behaviour like that which we saw at the finish line is not on. Surely Carol and Brandy knew that the U-Turn was more than likely to be involved, so they should expect that they may just be on the receiving end of the U-Turn (Mind you I still don't agree with the reasoning behind U-Turning the girls, but that's another rant for another time.) They were disappointed, pissed even, on the day they were U-Turned, but the least they could do is show some class and politely clap with the rest of the teams when Brent & Caite finish.

That's all probably directed at one more than the other (Based on what we saw, anyway.) But still, its not cool to be doing that. If I was Caite, I'd just turn around and go "You know what? We did U-Turn you, and look at the SCOREBOARD!"
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Jobby on May 12, 2010, 06:33:23 AM
I don't care who you are, or who you think you are, behaviour like that which we saw at the finish line is not on. Surely Carol and Brandy knew that the U-Turn was more than likely to be involved, so they should expect that they may just be on the receiving end of the U-Turn (Mind you I still don't agree with the reasoning behind U-Turning the girls, but that's another rant for another time.) They were disappointed, pissed even, on the day they were U-Turned, but the least they could do is show some class and politely clap with the rest of the teams when Brent & Caite finish.

That's all probably directed at one more than the other (Based on what we saw, anyway.) But still, its not cool to be doing that. If I was Caite, I'd just turn around and go "You know what? We did U-Turn you, and look at the SCOREBOARD!"

Completely on your side.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: David on May 12, 2010, 06:44:20 AM
That's very arrogant, even for Catie!!

I believe that Carol & Brandy could have shut their mouths and that's it. I HATE Joe for that, and am starting to stop loving them because of reminding about the U-Turn. You're out, so stop complaining. There are U-Turns to be used through the course, and they knew that before joining. SHUT UP!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 12, 2010, 12:07:03 PM
Conclusion: I wouldn't say this cast is the dumbest, but it's one of the least fun to watch, perhaps even worse than TAR 6's.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on May 12, 2010, 12:44:32 PM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.

Luke, if you were Carol and Brandy, would you do the same as they did at the Finish Line? :tup:

Haha well I actually was waiting for someone to U-Turn us! I knew we were a strong and threat team and had a great chance of making to the Final Three so I fully expected my team to be U-Turned!!! I'm glad that Tammy and Victor stayed true to the deal we made. But, no, I would've not done what Carol and Brandy did at the Finish Line.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on May 12, 2010, 02:01:29 PM
Conclusion: I wouldn't say this cast is the dumbest, but it's one of the least fun to watch, perhaps even worse than TAR 6's.
I still think Caite's facial expression made for good entertainment and at least we got a bit more than just the "cheyne cheyne cheyne..." "brian, brian, brian..." "sam, sam, sam..." last season
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 12, 2010, 03:26:49 PM
Conclusion: I wouldn't say this cast is the dumbest, but it's one of the least fun to watch, perhaps even worse than TAR 6's.
I still think Caite's facial expression made for good entertainment and at least we got a bit more than just the "cheyne cheyne cheyne..." "brian, brian, brian..." "sam, sam, sam..." last season

The question is, do I like boring but generally nice teams that freak out occasionally, or teams with inflated egos that rant throughout the season? The only reason why I ranked TAR 16 higher is because it seemed as though the producers put a bit more thought into planning tasks...
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Sailing on May 13, 2010, 12:28:13 AM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.

Luke, if you were Carol and Brandy, would you do the same as they did at the Finish Line? :tup:

Haha well I actually was waiting for someone to U-Turn us! I knew we were a strong and threat team and had a great chance of making to the Final Three so I fully expected my team to be U-Turned!!! I'm glad that Tammy and Victor stayed true to the deal we made. But, no, I would've not done what Carol and Brandy did at the Finish Line.

Do you think they should do away with having the U-Turn available next season?
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Cocoa on May 13, 2010, 01:02:57 AM
I hope the producers won't develop another killer machine....

PHIL: "This is the only DEAD END that will on the entire Amazing Race Franchise. At this point, one team can use their powers to exercise the Dead End against one team, forcing that team TO BE ELIMINATED from the race."

:snicker: :lol3:

So better thank we still have U-turn!

The Dead End Twist is just a fantasy game twist, it is NOT for REAL and hope that IT IS NOT REAL :lol:
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 13, 2010, 01:23:56 AM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.

Their decision to U-turn Joe/Heidi was horrible strategically then.
But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant.

I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. This actually means you have to decide when to do it.
We need to see more U-turns though. 4 a season would be nice.

4 U-Turns per a season! Good thing it's not on my season otherwise my mom and I would be toasted!

On my season, we were allowed to do U-Turn twice.

"But, their strategy to convince other people to U-turn Carol/Brandy was actually quite brilliant." I disagree. WAY opposite! It was quite dumb. What if it comes down to the footrace? Best bet that Louie and Michael could beat Carol and Brandy but no way Louie and Michael could beat Jet and Cord in the footrace.

Trust me. Footrace is a huge factor sometimes. Take a look at MoJo, Tyler & BJ and Jeremy & Eric's infamous footrace in Australia. Jill and John Vito versus Ken and Gerard in Switzerland. That was one of small reasons that we u-turned Amanda and Kris because there's no way that my mom could beat Kris in the footrace. Now the U-Turn just bite Louie and Michael's butt for not taking an advantage to U-Turn Jet and Cord twice which could have thrusted themselves into the Final Three.

Luke, if you were Carol and Brandy, would you do the same as they did at the Finish Line? :tup:

Haha well I actually was waiting for someone to U-Turn us! I knew we were a strong and threat team and had a great chance of making to the Final Three so I fully expected my team to be U-Turned!!! I'm glad that Tammy and Victor stayed true to the deal we made. But, no, I would've not done what Carol and Brandy did at the Finish Line.

Do you think they should do away with having the U-Turn available next season?

The U-turn has the negative connotation that if used properly, it knocks out the target 100% of the time. Right now, it seems too overpowered (though to be fair, Amanda/Kris, Kisha/Jen, and Carol/Brandy were close to making up the lost time). IMO, no the producers will not take it away.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DrRox on May 13, 2010, 09:07:23 AM
Yield and U-turn are big negatives.......they fit more for Survivor or BB. I always liked TAR for the positives of racing.......not for being a clique and voting people out........aka the yield or U turn.  I am just saying........
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 13, 2010, 09:30:31 AM
I don't like anything that takes the race out of the racers own hands...whether it be clueless cabbies (prefer self driving or public transportation), or a Yield/Uturn. I  wonder be very happy to see those disappear.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 15, 2010, 05:44:39 PM
 I disagree (read you are wrong, sorry), I have no problem with any aspect of the race that mirrors normal every day experiences people would have with traveling around the world.  That includes language barriers, vehicles breakdowns, and bad taxi's. 

Its' the artificial interference that I, how should I put it, HATE with a passion.  TAR has designed has always been above that until they created the Yield.  Any negatives of the race weren't creations of the producers but just the everyday interactions of people.

By the same idea, I never have been a huge fan of the Fast Forward as it allows teams that don't have the ability to succeed over teams that are performing strong on their own. 

Heck even with all the travel problems off season 11, I would rather have that problem (which does happen in real life) then a single Yield or U-Turn).
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on May 15, 2010, 05:58:26 PM
I disagree (read you are wrong, sorry), I have no problem with any aspect of the race that mirrors normal every day experiences people would have with traveling around the world.  That includes language barriers, vehicles breakdowns, and bad taxi's. 

Its' the artificial interference that I, how should I put it, HATE with a passion.  TAR has designed has always been above that until they created the Yield.  Any negatives of the race weren't creations of the producers but just the everyday interactions of people.

By the same idea, I never have been a huge fan of the Fast Forward as it allows teams that don't have the ability to succeed over teams that are performing strong on their own. 

Heck even with all the travel problems off season 11, I would rather have that problem (which does happen in real life) then a single Yield or U-Turn).

Just to remind y'all that there are over 2,000 people works on the Amazing Race around the world so to stay on the time/schedule is pretty crucial. They would like to avoid the major screwups in order to stay on the right track.

I'm just glad that I didn't have to deal with the nightmare like Eric & Danielle suffered with a major flight problem on All Stars! Sure, it would make a good show but it wouldn't be good for the production!

For Fast Forwards and U-Turns, it's a nice twist to the Race for sure. It does add the drama to it! If it wasn't for U-Turn then Jaime & Cara or my mom & I probably wouldn't make it to the Final Three with Amanda & Kris stealing our spot! So, I'm grateful for the U-Turn! But, I hate it when teams makes a personal decision about who to U-Turn, not making a strategic move. That bugs me a lot!
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 16, 2010, 12:25:48 PM
I have got to disagree with you Luke.

Well I am certain that on your front (as one racing) the U-Turn & Fast Forward increase the drama of your experience.  I can also understand that as one racing you want the best possible chance of making it to the finals.  But as a viewer that drama never really translated to us at home.  Take your season clearly for your team that wasn't even a blip on the radar for moments of drama.

For myself at least, it was the up lifting moments of winning first for the first time (Hell I nearly cried), to your friendship with Jaime & Cara, to your Mom's efforts through the race (great to see) to her collapse from the heat and being tired (Awful to see), to the confrontations with Kisha & Jen.  Those were the moments that translated to me a viewer of drama, and none of them were the type that was manufactured by the production. 

In fact during the 12 seasons where the production as used the Yield or the U-Turn the only time I have gotten any entertainment out of it was watching Colin and Christie's meltdown.  And I still think that shouldn't have been used.

I don't blame the racers for using the tools that the production gives you, I just think it tarnishes the show.  I mean we had 4 seasons with plenty of drama in them that had nothing to do with Production trying to fuel the fire of seeing teams react.

Its a race, and for myself I want the best performing team to win (and I don't care who that team is).  Not the team that managed to knock out who they thought was their competition. 

Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 16, 2010, 12:36:00 PM
I totally 100% agree. I hate the Uturns.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: David on May 16, 2010, 12:50:38 PM
I think it is OK. I mean, you're doing great, and you're in the lead, so you get a "prize" tht is to use some power against someone you don't like/don't think that should be in the race...

It's not THAT unfair.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Caelestor on May 16, 2010, 01:03:27 PM
I think it is OK. I mean, you're doing great, and you're in the lead, so you get a "prize" tht is to use some power against someone you don't like/don't think that should be in the race...

It's not THAT unfair.

Have you seen Phil this season and his provocative questions this season about people using the U-turn? Horrible practice.
And when the U-turn automatically eliminates a team (look at the statistics), there's something broken about it.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Coutzy on May 16, 2010, 01:04:15 PM
I think it is OK. I mean, you're doing great, and you're in the lead, so you get a "prize" tht is to use some power against someone you don't like/don't think that should be in the race...

It's not THAT unfair.

Have you seen Phil this season and his provocative questions this season about people using the U-turn? Horrible practice.
And when the U-turn automatically eliminates a team (look at the statistics), there's something broken about it.

Don't wanna get U-Turned? Race better. Simple as that in my book.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 16, 2010, 01:20:28 PM
But see...that's the point. If you ARE a good racer, that puts a target on you. I don't think anyone should be put at risk for racing well, by another team. ESPECIALLY when there has been no recovery from the Uturn recently.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: David on May 16, 2010, 01:31:52 PM
I have to say that, if Phil doesn't like the U-Turn, he may say something to Production... :lol:

I feel that if the U-Turn is there, you should know how the game works, and make a strategy so as not to be U-Turned.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: David on May 16, 2010, 01:32:46 PM
And, I have to say that there has been a recent recovery from the U-Turn: Kisha & Jen. They were in 3rd, and not last after the U-Turn. They lost time, but they could have been in the F3.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on May 16, 2010, 02:37:40 PM
I agree with Coutzy, but peach also has a point. I think a good strategy is to race well enough to avoid the U-Turn but not that good enough to put a target on your back, and to not piss other teams off.

The main discussion on the cast "being dumb" is that they should have U-Turned the Cowboys. In the end, the team that won was the one that was almost completely under the radar. I think we'll start seeing a trend of teams holding back during the season and pulling a surprise/disappointment on the Final Leg.

Anyhow, my three cents:
*If you piss people off, redeem yourself racing well to avoid being U-Turned
*If you're a good team, keep your lead to avoid being U-Turned
*If you're not a power team, don't mess with anybody

If you consider the first and third point, you add a social dimension to TAR where inter-team relations also play a part in staying in the game, which I think is a good thing about the Yield/U-Turn. Take a look at Joe/Bill in All-Stars, they literally said they'd play nice now that the Yield was in play. And even though Eric & Danielle were Yielded twice, they won. Yielding/U-Turning for strategic reasons may backfire later in the game while doing it for personal reasons adds no more fire to existing drama and you may get rid of a nuisance. And keeping this train of thought, there might be a psychological advantage for a personal U-Turn.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 16, 2010, 02:42:34 PM
I can't rationally understand why anyone would be supporting of this.  Seriously.

The idea if you don't like the U-Turn just race better is rubbish.  No team, not even the best teams the race has ever had manage to be first at every single route marker of every single leg.  And this year to add salt on the would the have a U-Turn on a leg that didn't have a point of equalization.  And more salt on teh wound, the team that got first in that earlier leg finished first but didn't actually race best (thanks to random chance the teams that managed to get the earliest flight got an over hour delay).  That allowed Michael & Louie to finish first without that they wouldn't have (nor did they even complete the tasks fastest that leg).  So clearly just race faster wasn't the factor that allowed another team to use the U-Turn.

I mean why do they have rules about not hindering teams, when they do this?  Whats the real point?  Why can't the bribe people to take them the wrong direction.  If you've saved the money and can get it down, why not?  The way is because it turns the race into something it wasn't created as.  A mean spirited race.

I mean if you have kids and are at a track game, do you want the kid who gets the first lap done first able to point out another kid an say oh you get to race an extra lap?  I mean seriously.

As over the years the race as improved several things.  The design of their final leg (thank you about time), the rules about not being able to buy objects off of people, not being able to hire cabs to direct you.  All have been great moves to make the show and the race itself better.

The creation of the Yield, The U-Turn, the begging / and or taking possession away from the racers is utter garbage.

There is a reason the industry thinks TAR is a better show then most Reality shows, and its just not where it goes or who it casts.  Part of that is that it doesn't sink itself to as base a level as many a show.  But those elements do make it worse.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 16, 2010, 02:51:04 PM
But see...that's the point. If you ARE a good racer, that puts a target on you. I don't think anyone should be put at risk for racing well, by another team. ESPECIALLY when there has been no recovery from the Uturn recently.

I don't even care if every team managed to recover from the U-Turn.  The idea of having a race, and then putting an aspect to punish racers who are actually doing well is ludicrous.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 16, 2010, 02:57:46 PM
I have to say that, if Phil doesn't like the U-Turn, he may say something to Production... :lol:

I feel that if the U-Turn is there, you should know how the game works, and make a strategy so as not to be U-Turned.
Obviously I don't blame any of the racers for using it (I might question why they picked who they did).

And of course as a huge fan of Eric & Jeremy I fully support the idea of going from point A to Point be as fast as you can manage it at all times.  I mean seriously look at them when they finish 2nd on any leg they did that in?  They hated it.  You see them leaving Moscow by themselves and know they have hours of lead over other teams and they are still running for the train and running to the next marker.

I love that attitude.

But ever team is going to have events that aren't their's no control that will allow others to pass them by.  You can't just say race faster or plan better.  Their isn't a way for any teams to fully control what happens to them.

Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: MamaT on May 16, 2010, 05:03:12 PM
I'm not a fan of the U-Turn and wish it wasnt a part of the game, but as long as it, I have no problem with a team using it. 
As to the topic of this thread:  I dont think this cast of racers was particularly stupid (ok, there are a few exceptions to that), I just think that many of them didnt know much about the show which led them to do stupid things.  I mean there are quite a few racers in this cast who admit to having never seen the show prior to being cast.  And that bugs me more that the U-turn ever will.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 16, 2010, 06:03:09 PM
But to their credit, those recruited teams did do their homework, and extensively reviewed previous TAR's.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: DeafRacer on May 16, 2010, 06:13:03 PM
But to their credit, those recruited teams did do their homework, and extensively reviewed previous TAR's.

Well, look at Amanda and Kris. They were a recruited team and they were the fourth team eliminated :-p
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: redskevin88 on May 16, 2010, 07:22:41 PM
But to their credit, those recruited teams did do their homework, and extensively reviewed previous TAR's.

Well, look at Amanda and Kris. They were a recruited team and they were the fourth team eliminated :-p

That's only because you u-turned them... it's hard to say how they would have fared if they had beaten Mark & Michael....
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Coutzy on May 17, 2010, 10:03:44 AM
I can't rationally understand why anyone would be supporting of this.  Seriously.

The idea if you don't like the U-Turn just race better is rubbish.  No team, not even the best teams the race has ever had manage to be first at every single route marker of every single leg.  And this year to add salt on the would the have a U-Turn on a leg that didn't have a point of equalization.  And more salt on teh wound, the team that got first in that earlier leg finished first but didn't actually race best (thanks to random chance the teams that managed to get the earliest flight got an over hour delay).  That allowed Michael & Louie to finish first without that they wouldn't have (nor did they even complete the tasks fastest that leg).  So clearly just race faster wasn't the factor that allowed another team to use the U-Turn.

I mean why do they have rules about not hindering teams, when they do this?  Whats the real point?  Why can't the bribe people to take them the wrong direction.  If you've saved the money and can get it down, why not?  The way is because it turns the race into something it wasn't created as.  A mean spirited race.

I mean if you have kids and are at a track game, do you want the kid who gets the first lap done first able to point out another kid an say oh you get to race an extra lap?  I mean seriously.

As over the years the race as improved several things.  The design of their final leg (thank you about time), the rules about not being able to buy objects off of people, not being able to hire cabs to direct you.  All have been great moves to make the show and the race itself better.

The creation of the Yield, The U-Turn, the begging / and or taking possession away from the racers is utter garbage.

There is a reason the industry thinks TAR is a better show then most Reality shows, and its just not where it goes or who it casts.  Part of that is that it doesn't sink itself to as base a level as many a show.  But those elements do make it worse.

Why should a team not get some sort of advantage for being first? Many a time people complain about equalization because it removes all the lead that the teams at the front have earned. Yet here everybody is complaining because the teams in the lead FINALLY get a reward for it. That is the reason I like the U-Turn. If you have raced well, then you get the chance to press the advantage you created for yourself, and if you've raced poorly, you may have to work extra hard to catch up. If the teams racing were so morally opposed to the U-Turn, they simply wouldn't use it. But it (And variants of it) are here to stay. Get used to it.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: Dånooky on May 17, 2010, 04:23:28 PM
I mean if you have kids and are at a track game, do you want the kid who gets the first lap done first able to point out another kid an say oh you get to race an extra lap?  I mean seriously.

First of all, racers are not kids, but let's say that's irrelevant. Let's give some context to your example.

Let's say there are lots of kids on the track and one of them is all "yeah, I can beat you any time, you are absolutely no competition to me..." and so on, constantly bothering the other contestants and yourself. If you had passed said team due to a stroke of luck and had the opportunity to get even with them within the rules and probably kick them out wouldn't you do it?


Take into account that the existence of said ability to screw with other teams shouldn't influence your personal decision since there's always the option to take the high road and not use it.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: apskip on May 20, 2010, 07:47:59 AM
Luke, "Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?" might not even be a question anymore after reading this answer from Michael:
Quote
Michael: Again, we didn’t have a U-Turn after we got rid of Joe & Heidi. We let everyone think we had a U-Turn – and we wanted the others to pick [Carol & Brandy].

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=4&article=article11304.art&page=1

I remember you saying that you could still use the U-Turn after the Blind U-Turn because you still had your picture.  Either they changed the rules or this is more bumbling by the detectives.
Caelestor stated below this "I like it that you can only U-turn once, blind or not. " slayton was right on this and Caelestor was wrong. Also, Deaf Racer was obviously right in a follow-up; he got the rules read to him for AR14 so he knows personally what all careful viewers of AR14 know. What I remember from Phil's explanation of the introduction of the Blind U-Turn was that using it did NOT affect a team's ability to use a regular U-Turn.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 20, 2010, 09:16:46 AM
That may have changed for this season apskip, we will need to reconfirm that with Michael/Louie.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: apskip on May 20, 2010, 04:21:06 PM
That may have changed for this season apskip, we will need to reconfirm that with Michael/Louie.

Peach, to quote an authoritative source quoting another authoritative source:

georgiapeach
Big Brother & TAR Asia Forum Moderator
TAR Detectives
I Live at RFF
   
Re: TAR16 - EP 12: "Huger than Huge" FINALE!! (summary in posts 1thru 3)
« Reply #285 on: May 15, 2010, 09:02:32 PM »
   Reply with quoteQuote
Caite has said in an interview that they could do 6-6 or 7-5. 

Indeed, Caite did and you apparently forgot that in stating 5 days later that it needs to be confirmed with Louie/Michael. Why?
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: georgiapeach on May 20, 2010, 04:34:40 PM
I was referring to the Blind U-turn apskip, not the RB.
Title: Re: Season 16 = Dumbest Cast Ever...?
Post by: mswood on May 20, 2010, 09:13:40 PM
I can't rationally understand why anyone would be supporting of this.  Seriously.

The idea if you don't like the U-Turn just race better is rubbish.  No team, not even the best teams the race has ever had manage to be first at every single route marker of every single leg.  And this year to add salt on the would the have a U-Turn on a leg that didn't have a point of equalization.  And more salt on teh wound, the team that got first in that earlier leg finished first but didn't actually race best (thanks to random chance the teams that managed to get the earliest flight got an over hour delay).  That allowed Michael & Louie to finish first without that they wouldn't have (nor did they even complete the tasks fastest that leg).  So clearly just race faster wasn't the factor that allowed another team to use the U-Turn.

I mean why do they have rules about not hindering teams, when they do this?  Whats the real point?  Why can't the bribe people to take them the wrong direction.  If you've saved the money and can get it down, why not?  The way is because it turns the race into something it wasn't created as.  A mean spirited race.

I mean if you have kids and are at a track game, do you want the kid who gets the first lap done first able to point out another kid an say oh you get to race an extra lap?  I mean seriously.

As over the years the race as improved several things.  The design of their final leg (thank you about time), the rules about not being able to buy objects off of people, not being able to hire cabs to direct you.  All have been great moves to make the show and the race itself better.

The creation of the Yield, The U-Turn, the begging / and or taking possession away from the racers is utter garbage.

There is a reason the industry thinks TAR is a better show then most Reality shows, and its just not where it goes or who it casts.  Part of that is that it doesn't sink itself to as base a level as many a show.  But those elements do make it worse.

Why should a team not get some sort of advantage for being first? Many a time people complain about equalization because it removes all the lead that the teams at the front have earned. Yet here everybody is complaining because the teams in the lead FINALLY get a reward for it. That is the reason I like the U-Turn. If you have raced well, then you get the chance to press the advantage you created for yourself, and if you've raced poorly, you may have to work extra hard to catch up. If the teams racing were so morally opposed to the U-Turn, they simply wouldn't use it. But it (And variants of it) are here to stay. Get used to it.
But that isn't the same at all, and for example we had fewer points of equalization then any season int eh history of the show.

As a race, and what that is about traveling through various parts of the world there is always going to be some forms of equalization.    There is not in the is world unlimited travel options that leave every second. 

And you stated teams should get some reward for getting to places first, and in fact teams that arrive at airports, bus terminals, ect do get advantages that others don't.  More rest time (and rest is a huge, huge factor for the race), research time (and this can also be huge if you have time to research an area or a place you have to go to it helps you), and the ability to find faster routes of transportation.  Those three things are huge, huge helpers for teams.  They get more time to eat, more time to beg (if they are short of money) just many factors for being first (at a point where you can't make forward progress).

Yes I know the production is keen on keeping this little artificially created conflict generators, but knowing that doesn't mean I have to like it.  Nor do I understand why anyone would.

For example there is the fast forward, thats clearly a reward, and one that isn't directed towards another team.  One that s hardly used anymore because it provides little artificial drama and there is a larger cost involved.   Now I don't know of many who dislike the Fast Forward.  But a lot of fans of the show don't like the Yield or the U-Turn.  And what bitter animosity has ever come up from the Fast Forward?

I don't have a problem with teams not liking each other, but I don't like to see Producers build tasks into the game that are specifically designed to make those conflicts larger.  TAR used to be above that, it isn't any longer, and in my mind thats a damn shame.