Before I read any post in this thread…
I like this leg mainly because of the desert scenery and self-driving with the drama.
The roadblock was a bit meh yet challenging, but the detour was also challenging yet more exciting, with the balance of a slowly but surely task versus a race between the fast and the furious.
I miss self-driving!
Glad to have it back, at least for this 1 leg. I've seen enough drama from the self-driving, with Sheri & Cole getting lost, Zach & Rachel missing the detour location, Matt & Dana bickering over directions, and more!
This element of the leg (and supposedly the race) made it really entertaining.
The mention of the twisty-turny roads in Dubai reminded me of TAR Aus 2 when 1 team wasn't able to check-in because of that.
I think self-driving in Dubai would've been more entertaining with more teams, too bad having 10 to 11 teams in Dubai is unrealistic and incompatible with the route.
Still, I enjoyed the self-driving element this leg.
The scenery of the desert, the Aqua Adventure, and the city was amazing!
I really like seeing the desert again after a season without it.
The "switchback" on the infamous location made me remember what a waste it was for Mika & Canaan.
The roadblock there was a bit boring, but it was challenging enough to make impatient Brodie use the EP.
I'm glad Brodie & Kurt didn't use the EP on the deadline leg, because that would've been very lame and offending for the EP's existence. The usage of the EP on a puzzle task like this reminded me of how the EP was used during TARPh1 - It looked like an "easy" task. At least Brodie & Kurt's usage of the EP got them a 1st, but I'm still disappointed how Burnie & Ashley were robbed of 1st place for the 3rd time this season.
Dana being fiery I don't think is just on her edit. I think it's the real her from the way she describes herself in confessionals. At least I find Dana & Matt's bickering more amusing and entertaining than Logan & Chris's.
The difference with Brodie & Kurt winning is at least they are inconsistent with it, even though they have proven themselves to be a strong team. Justin & Diana's 5 straight finishes last season somewhat ruined it.
I see Sheri & Cole as the new underdogs now that Scott & Blair are gone. Their last this time was very expected and anti-climactic, unlike the one in Armenia wherein they lost a lead with a drop from 2nd to 7th.
I may like the scenery and self-driving + drama this leg, but I find this leg rather anti-climactic and less overwhelming. I think having more teams this leg would've made the episode better. I'd rather have NEL's earlier in the race because more teams would be left towards the end of the race. The race would be more exciting that way in my opinion. This leg's pit stop finish has been the most anti-climactic for the whole season, but then no one can fully control having a very suspenseful ending every leg. Overall, this leg is still good!
