OMG, finally was able to watch this. i had to be in the wilderness of east java (indonesia) last 5 days, as my study tour. the good thing is i only have to wait for 2 days for the next episode ( waiting for a whole weak for each episodes feels like hell)
this episode is so much better than the premiere. although the tasks are not very difficult, but it scrambles the placement of the teams. i would want to have not very difficult but non linear task instead of very difficult but also very linear. i always love china legs and it's one of those very good china legs i think. the first leg of this season and shanghai leg in season 21 just sucked completely. season 18 leg 5 in kunming just completely rocked
the Roadblock was actually quite challenging physically and mentally. all the teams are discouraged by the instruction manual written in chinese.
the detours are also great. i guessed the shuttlecock would be so much harder when you play your own. moreover, it also changes the placement of teams
i'm not a fan of brenchel, but i'm glad they finally won, although i would have prefered margie and luke to win it, i loved seeing margie dealing with "building" or "putting something together" she always excels on those sector. moreover, margie and luke always had good legs in China
i was excited seeing jennifer's struggle in getting the express pass. meghan helping john was interesting, but i wouldn't do that if i were her. i'm glad that Flight time and Big easy do not really talk much during the race. i just want them to shut up the whole amazing race. they didn't bring significant effect to the race. despite my hate towards cowboys, they did something significant and contributed towards the excitement rating of the race
TBH, i don't mind seeing Mark and Mallory leaving (don't judge me LOL) since the very first episode, they were seen very incompatible, i wouldn't like them running a long race while holding grudges due to their differences and seeing them mocking each other.
overall, i love this episode, it's been a long time since i don't see a very Thrilling China legs. i wish all legs were pretty much like this.