The route is a big thing for me. This is the first foreign edition to circumnavigate the globe which is huge (literally). This route fits my criteria and visits every type of environment an AR should visit:
- snow (Canada)
- beach (Philippines)
- desert (United Arab Emirates)
- Oriental nation (China)
- densely populated area (India)
- iconic city (Paris)
It also visits the 4 MAIN regions of Asia:
- East Asia
- South East Asia
- South Asia
- Middle East
And every episode it always feels like the race keeps moving and travelling constantly (the exception being Leg 6)
As for the challenges, they're much better than Season 1. That was all about the extreme and adventure. The challenges this season are actually requiring teams to think a lot more. And the one time they have a heights challenge, it ends up being an awesome one.
I agree with Best Loser, this cast feels more like cartoon characters than really interesting people (except James & Sarah, Kym & Donna and Lucy & Emilia). However those 'cartoon characters' are extremely likeable in their own way which is a good thing, and some of them are my favourites!
Leg architecture IS important. Episode 1 was the best first leg I have ever seen. Episode 5 and 7 had poor design but ended up being NELs so that's fine, except Episode 6 when my favourites got eliminated because of bad leg design
I think it's easy to evaluate that this season is definitely better than Season 1. Go TARAus 2!