Topic: TAR 31 EPISODE 4 LIVE UPDATES & COMMENTARY WED 5/8/19 9PM EST *read Post 1*

[Alenaveda]

  Happy TAR DAY!!!  
 
 
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And you can entertain yourself with the weekly episode threads as well while you wait! **Spoilers**

 
 
 
Have FUN everyone and for joining us!!

[Alenaveda]

No posting until 840PM please

[Alenaveda]

Here hoping for another great episode! 

[RachelLeVega]

Here to help update! Can't wait for the episode tonight!

[RachelLeVega]

And so we go!

Previously on TAR, nine teams set off from Luang Prabang, Laos to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! At the airport, a BB alliance was formed! The Afghanimals felt the pressure "exhaustion has really hit us" while Corinne & Eliza felt the pain. Becca & Floyd rose to the top while Bret crashed at karaoke, but him and Chris survived the leg. Nine teams remain, who'll be eliminated NEXT?

"I was made for this" ~ Elissa

Becca & Floyd depart first to Snowtown Saigon in early morning!

[RachelLeVega]

Nic & Vic are 2nd to depart and are satisfied with their progress on the race. They believe they are teetering between actual crossover teams. Colin & Christie are 3rd to depart and think they are the mom and dad duo this season .

Tyler & Korey are 4th to depart and are ready to cool down. "Elsa demure fabulosity"
Corinne & Eliza are on the average of mediocrity by departing 5th. "It seems idiotic that we can't be better than this at Big Brother" - Corinne, Eliza is actively complaining about not being better than BB teams, proceed to Janelle & Britney and Rachel & Elissa screaming for a taxi in 6th and 7th.

All teams remaining catch up

[RachelLeVega]

Chris almost injures himself at the escalator upstairs to Snowtown! Woo! All teams are grabbing a toboggan to sled down a little hill to grab their next clue from a polar bear. Everyone is a fool and one of the Big Brother teams KNOCKS DOWN THE POLAR BEAR

-INTRO!-

[RachelLeVega]

We return to the show with teams ripping open their next clue. (note for people who aren't able to view: before "all teams remaining catch up", there was an HoO / hours of operation).

ROUTE INFO: MMake your way to College Transportation Center and search for your next clue.

Chris & Bret hit the Speed Bump! They must fill up a cooler with snowballs and deliver them to the same location as the teams.... to continue racing. Geez, stop with these delivering SBs.

All teams are grabbing taxis and Eliza tries to Rachel & Elissa's cab. Corinne & Eliza are super bitchy and are bitter bitter bitter! They want to block them on all social media after the race.

[RachelLeVega]

Chris & Bret are taunted by the polar bear to squish the snowballs into the cooler. A torture!

Tyler & Korey and Nic & Vic want to get closer to the building. Corinne & Eliza's taxi driver stops and asks someone on the street for directions to the transportation centre. They are frustrated.

Leo & Jamal get to the clue box first followed by Rachel & Elissa.

ROADBLOCK: It's not uncommon to see entire families riding on one motorbike. To be sufficient at this very important adult skill, one team member must steer a motorbike around a student driving course without touching their feet on the ground to receive their next clue. The course consists of a series of bumps and figure 8s.

Elissa says she has major balances and immediately puts her feet on the ground followed by Jamal one after the other. "It's not as easy as what it looks like". Tyler & Korey and the blondes are crossing the street. Colin & Christie said there would have been a lot more profanity had it been season 5.
 

Chris & Bret are on their way to the polar bear at the learning center. Britney screams finding a taxi is stupid.

[RachelLeVega]

Jamal and Elissa still trying to careen the taxis to their perfect balance. And Jamal finishes!

Make your way to Binh Quoi Tourist Village and find your next clue!

[redskevin88]

Chris & Bret hit the Speed Bump! They must fill up a cooler with snowballs and deliver them to the same location as the teams.... to continue racing. Geez, stop with these delivering SBs.

Please tell me you missed something.

[RachelLeVega]

Elissa finishes in 2nd while Chris & Bret and Corinne & Eliza arrive in 4th and 5th. Apparently, the Speed Bump gets you to catch up faster than not carrying something heavy along with you.

Victor passes his test and are on their way to the tourist village. Eliza is SCARED of riding motorbikes.

"Who feels like driving themselves crazy? Me." ~ Colin

Tyler & Korey are stuck on the streets without a taxi while Janelle & Britney are hurrying to the motorbike driving institution.

-COMMERCIALS-

[Maanca]

Who said the title?

[Gra1162]

go corinne & eliza

[RachelLeVega]

We come back to Tyler & Korey having the extremely rare issue of finally getting a taxi and relieved they aren't running around in the streets. They are surprised with the taxi driver's fact about the amount of people every day driving on the streets of Ho Chi Minh.

Teams are struggling while Colin has an advantage - being a dirt bike owner. He makes up time as he finishes in 4th place. Janelle has more experiences with ATVs and extreme sports and is planning to catch up. She runs into a rack full of motorbikes.

Leo & Jamal and Rachel & Elissa arrive at the Detour clue in the village.

DETOUR: Irritation or Irrigation!
In Irritation, teams must dodge annoying fishermen in basket boats (where's Flo?) along a 2 mi course to receive their next clue.
In Irrigation, teams must build a traditional bamboo water wheel out of the provided tools and parts to receive their next clue.

Both pick the water wheel task.

[RachelLeVega]

Tyler & Korey arrive at the motorbikes while Chris and Becca finish the RB in 5th and 6th! Let's go Team Fun! Corinne really hates mopeds now while Eliza says this is so terrible and scary. "This bike is big!" "I already failed? This is gonna go badly."

Korey and Janelle keep failing and the blonde crashes on her side.

Colin & Christie wants to do irritation because annoying people is super fun! They are paddling and are about to give Flo a run for her money. Nicole & Victor are splashing water at the staged fishermen in the boats. Leo & Jamal and Rachel & Elissa are figuring out the assembly quickly.

[Gra1162]

cmon corrine and eliza lets go queens <3

[RachelLeVega]

Rachel & Elissa believe they are stronger than the other teams. They reveal once you become a mom, you are Superwoman.

Janelle takes her ride a little slower to pass the RB, departing in 7th with some foot race music going on in the background. Eliza is P-I-S-S-E-D.

Leo & Jamal are checked, but forgot to fill up the bucket for their wheel. Rachel & Elissa's bamboo chutes for the water to go in are crooked and must be fixed. Colin & Christie are at the bridge and delicately transition. Nicole & Victor are tired and are complimenting each other on their team effort. Meanwhile, Leo comments that the water sounds like pee. Rachel & Elissa are still disapproved and Rachel falls flat on her butt.

[RachelLeVega]

Korey passes the Roadblock and are off in 8th place while Eliza congratulates the YouTubers. She is on the verge of a meltdown. She's knocking down cones and the dark cloud that was once possessed within Rachel Reilly has now gone to her.

-COMMERCIALS-

[Gra1162]

 i'm melting down just like eliza right now, cause they are in last place 

[RachelLeVega]

We return to Eliza breaking down in tears for not being able to ride a motorbike. She feels frustrated because she rides motorcycles, and Corinne comments Eliza isn't from a hillbilly trailer park so she feels fine. Uhhh....

Corinne & Eliza harvest five fish, but don't keep the basket. That's a no-no. Meanwhile, Victor & Nicole have both. See when you read directions properly?

Chris & Bret and Becca & Floyd are shown somehow catching up to Season 5 and Nic & Vic. Meanwhile, the frontloaders exchange placements in order. Leo & Jamal's jar is still getting filled while Rachel & Elissa must get another tie to complete the wheel. "I'm such an idiot".

Eliza finally gets it together with Corinne cheering her on, and then the whole city of Ho Chi Minh joins in the applause. They complete the Roadblock!

[RachelLeVega]

Nicole & Victor completes the basket bike task followed by Colin & Christie.

ROUTE INFO: Run to the Pit Stop, Tam Vu Park! Last team to check in WILL be eliminated. They are jogging to Phil currently.

The blondes and YouTubers are both doing the basket bikes while Leo & Jamal finish the water wheel. They head off in 3rd place. Rachel & Elissa are stressed out and are bickering over the wheel not being able to get water and wanting to switch Detour tasks.

[Gra1162]

yay go corinne & eliza <3

[cbacbacba1]

'Last team to check-in will be eliminated' in a normal leg? Sounds weird

[RachelLeVega]

Chris & Bret getting to the fish. "I've always dreamed of Venice being like this!"

Becca & Floyd finish the basket boats in 4th place while Chris & Bret are off in 5th.

FOOT RACE! Let's go Colin & Christie!!!!! Nicole & Victor are walking and trying while Colin & Christie ARRIVE 1ST ON THE MAT!!!! A cute little girl greeting them on the mat! Precious! They're FIRST EVER FIRST!

As the winners, they have won a trip for two sponsored by Travelocity to the Dominican Republic! Six nights on a swim-up suite and a catamaran (Charla & Mirna: What's that?) to a luscious island with delicious dinner.

Nic & Vic are TEAM NUMBER 2! Rachel & Elissa are trying one more time and Rachel is not having it saying every team has caught up. Janelle & Britney are quickly doing the basket boats. "Now I want to water fight with these Vietnamese men!"

Tyler & Korey are making up time while the blondes are spinning in circles. Tyler sliced his finger open. Ouch.

[RachelLeVega]

YouTubers and Blondes are off to the Pit Stop while Corinne & Eliza arrive at the Detour and are quickly doing the basket boats after seeing the Reilly sisters still doing the water wheel. Hurrying!

Chris & Bret arrive in 3rd place and think they killed it today. Team Fun arrives at the PS in 4th!

[RachelLeVega]

Rachel & Elissa are finally approved and the water is not having it with the sisters.

Corinne & Eliza make a very unphotogenic SPLASH landing while trying to get fish.
Rachel says "What were we thinking?"

It's going to be a tight race for last place between the Survivor ladies and Reillys.

-COMMERCIALS-

[Gra1162]

between my two fav teams......

cmon corinne & eliza 

[RachelLeVega]

We return to a classic Detour task-off between Corinne & Eliza and Rachel & Elissa! Elissa tells Rachel to calm down while Corinne hates manual labor. Umm.. weren't y'all on Survivor? ....

Tyler & Korey are TEAM NUMBER 5! while Afghanimals are somehow TEAM NUMBER 6 after choosing the wrong Detour option.

"This is worse than watching paint dry actually" - Elissa over the water wheel. They want a check and are approved. They receive their next clue. Meanwhile, Corinne & Eliza shortly finish after them and are running to the mat!

Janelle & Britney finish in TEAM NUMBER 7 with Britney admitting the title quote and saying Janelle was awesome today.

The Reilly sisters and Corinne & Eliza have amazing foot race music playing for once on their way to Phil. Rachel & Elissa arrive on the mat in TEAM NUMBER 8 and are still on the race.

"We are not #blessed apparently". Corinne & Eliza arrive on the mat and are the last team to arrive. I'm so sorry to tell y'all they have been eliminated from the race. They are passively aggressive with Rachel and Elissa... umm... are you kidding me. Eliza is having a meltdown meltdown at this point. They hate Rachel & Elissa and this is the most confusing and best sendoff ever!

-END CREDITS / STAY TUNED FOR SCENES FROM OUR NEXT EPISODE-

[nrh2110]

HAHAHA omg that drama at the end

[RachelLeVega]

Next week on The Amazing Race! (Click 'show content' if you wanna know! Requested by nrh2110)

Show content

Teams soar over Dubai on a zipline! Janelle & Britney get prehistoric in a t-rex suit while Rachel & Elissa fear they will go extinct. "The Amazing Race IS good and fun."

[RaceUntilWeDie]

Why does Eliza hate Rachel & Elissa so much? The drama is entertaining but like... ya look bad.

That ending was iconic LOL I don't remember having such an awkward elimination since Jessica & John in Season 22.

[Jro]

That Eliza & Corinne stuff with Rachel and Elissa was super annoying. Like, boohoo, they didn't let you take their taxi. Oh well.

[dryedmangoez]

What's funny is I think they're alright with each other, post-Race. They follow each other on social media and even were all smiles in a pic together on the finale night party too 

[dryedmangoez]

Did they mention "In two weeks..." during the preview? I'm seeing tweets from people thinking there's an ep next week.

[Gra1162]

noooo corinne & eliza only if they finished the rb faster

[RachelLeVega]

Did they mention "In two weeks..." during the preview? I'm seeing tweets from people thinking there's an ep next week.

They word-for-word said "next time". What happened to being specific for anything for TAR?

[TheRabbi]

Justin on Twitter said there was a head to head cut from the episode. That would certainly explain some of the sloppy editing with teams shuffling order at the end.

[cbacbacba1]

Justin on Twitter said there was a head to head cut from the episode. That would certainly explain some of the sloppy editing with teams shuffling order at the end.

I doubt can they cut a head-to-head? It takes place right at the pit-stop and the last two teams must have competed with each other to fight for the last standing chance

[dryedmangoez]

Did they mention "In two weeks..." during the preview? I'm seeing tweets from people thinking there's an ep next week.

They word-for-word said "next time". What happened to being specific for anything for TAR?

Just saw the preview. Looks like it only had scenes from the next Leg and not from both Legs that'll air on May 22. So looks like it'll be two separate episodes as opposed to the seamless two-hour editing used on TAR30.

[TheRabbi]

Justin on Twitter said there was a head to head cut from the episode. That would certainly explain some of the sloppy editing with teams shuffling order at the end.

I doubt can they cut a head-to-head? It takes place right at the pit-stop and the last two teams must have competed with each other to fight for the last standing chance

If it didn't affect the result, why not? There was already plenty of content to fill the hour, so maybe since Colin and Christie still came in first and Corrine and Eliza were still last, they just decided to splice it together without it.

[RachelLeVega]

Justin on Twitter said there was a head to head cut from the episode. That would certainly explain some of the sloppy editing with teams shuffling order at the end.

I doubt can they cut a head-to-head? It takes place right at the pit-stop and the last two teams must have competed with each other to fight for the last standing chance

If it didn't affect the result, why not? There was already plenty of content to fill the hour, so maybe since Colin and Christie still came in first and Corrine and Eliza were still last, they just decided to splice it together without it.

Would this also explain why Corinne & Eliza broke during the Pit Stop? I really don't believe this minor taxi stealing incident among a rush of teams led them to a total sociopathic and cry-hating breakdown in front of the poor little girl and Phil. Even Amie from season 1 who called one of the teachers a "fat b!tch" weren't that unhinged.

[RaceUntilWeDie]

TEAMS
1. Colin & Christie - I should've known they were going to win the leg as soon as Christie mentioned that they haven't won a leg yet in the beginning of the episode, lol. I don't watch that much reality TV to pick those things up quickly. Good job Christie for figuring out their mistake at the Detour soon enough.
2. Nicole & Victor - I actually don't remember much from them this episode. They're due for a win!
3. Chris & Bret - Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they now hold the record for best comeback from a NEL (with a Speed Bump), moving up 6 places from 9th to 3rd (surpassing the Cowboys, Caroline & Jennifer, and Michael & Kevin). I actually like them now that they have airtime. They seem to be enjoying the Race without getting too competitive or mean-spirited.
4. Becca & Floyd - I believe they were 1 or 2 hours ahead of Colin & Christie at the start of the leg? If not, they were definitely hours ahead of the later teams, and that's insane. As much as I hate the constant equalizers, why couldn't they put them in Season 27? (so Justin & Diana could stop having 1st places handed to them )
5. Tyler & Korey - I feel like they've been playing catch-up this entire Race, literally right from the Starting Line Task. They race well, but luck hasn't been on their side so far.
6. Leo & Jamal - They just kind of disappeared after it was evident the water wheel task was much slower. I'm kind of surprised they didn't pick the boat Detour, but maybe it wasn't stated in the clue that they had to fill the bucket.
7. Janelle & Britney - Kind of surprised it took them so long to get a taxi given how aggressive they seemed lmao. Janelle definitely carried the team this leg. "I took out a polar bear"
8. Rachel & Elissa - I'm impressed/surprised that Rachel let Elissa control the team at the Detour. They should've switched a looong time ago and going out because you didn't switch Detours would be such a rookie mistake for Rachel!
9. Corinne & Eliza - I already posted this comment, but why does Eliza (& Corinne) hate the Reilly sisters so much? This one-sided hate reminds me of Vanessa from Season 20 and now I'm wishing they lasted longer. Because as negative as they were, they were good TV. That awkward elimination though--I don't remember there being such an awkward elimination since Jessica & John in Season 22.

TASKS
Active Route Info - this very mini task with the polar bear certainly provided some comedic moments, I'm not mad about it.
Speed Bump - no comment. I think TAR should go back to 'Marked for Elimination' especially since they constantly throw in equalizers now. I don't MIND the Speed Bump, but I think it should be retired like the Express Pass was.
Roadblock - I don't have much to say about this, other than that it provided for some nice placement shuffling. Not a bad task.
Detour - Loved this Detour! I'm kind of amazed that TAR hasn't run out of creativity when it comes to naming Detours--I liked "Irritation or Irrigation" lol. I think Corinne & Eliza should've been given time credit for being the only team to do the Detour while standing--that definitely should've been a requirement to make the task messier and less straightforward.

My favorite episode so far. This should've been the standalone Vietnam visit since last leg felt very cheap IMO.

In terms of the legs so far: 4 > 2 >>>> 3 > 1

[georgiapeach]

If you aren't following @EliseDoganieri on twitter you should be! She had added some behind the scenes pictures weekly. Fun to see!

[dryedmangoez]

Looking at the editing of the last part of the Leg, the clue after the Detour included the line "Run to Phil on the Mat" with no mention of the Pit Stop. And there was no stand-up from Phil introducing the Pit Stop either. Just a voice over.

Also it looked pretty obvious when they cut from Colin & Christie with their packs running to them without their backpacks, Christie's hair tied up and obviously having just competed in something.

Wonder what the Head to Head could've been.

[Malcooolm]

Ooh, cutting tasks from an episode is so old school TAR!

[RachelLeVega]

Looking at the editing of the last part of the Leg, the clue after the Detour included the line "Run to Phil on the Mat" with no mention of the Pit Stop. And there was no stand-up from Phil introducing the Pit Stop either. Just a voice over.

Also it looked pretty obvious when they cut from Colin & Christie with their packs running to them without their backpacks, Christie's hair tied up and obviously having just competed in something.

Wonder what the Head to Head could've been.

Maybe it was a switchback to that bamboo stick dance from that controversial Hanoi leg of season 22.

[dryedmangoez]

It must have been something physical seeing how the teams looked as they stepped on the Mat.

A better Switchback H2H would've been a basket boat Race 

[NELs]

I thought the start of this episode was weird with the snow area, that I found hilarious for some reason The Roadblock was basic, so I didn't enjoy it as much (although I do appreciate we see teams getting taxis). The detour was entertaining, but it was missing Flo with the Basket Boats. (I wish there was little nod to that). Also the Speed Bump needs to get replaced so badly, it's getting bland, and I want to see a new Non-Elimination Penalty soon.

Rating 3/5

Teams I Like:
Colin & Christie
Becca & Floyd
Corrine & Eliza   (Welp, time to watch their seasons of Survivor then).

Teams I'm Meh on:
Chris & Bret
Janelle & Britney
Rachel & Elissa
Nicole & Victor

Teams I Don't Like:
Tyler & Korey
Leo & Jamal

[georgiapeach]

Justin on Twitter said there was a head to head cut from the episode. That would certainly explain some of the sloppy editing with teams shuffling order at the end.

I doubt can they cut a head-to-head? It takes place right at the pit-stop and the last two teams must have competed with each other to fight for the last standing chance

Yes there was a HEAD TO HEAD CUT!

[RaceUntilWeDie]

(although I do appreciate we see teams getting taxis).

I loved that about this episode. Knowing contemporary TAR editors, they would've cut all the taxi struggles and just let Janelle & Britney and Tyler & Korey fall to the back of the pack without any explanation.

I imagine that if they left the H2H in, we wouldn't have seen any of that taxi drama! Or the Corinne/Eliza ending scene

Now I know why Phil said something along the lines of "Leo & Jamal, it wasn't your day today." I was confused about that line because they performed solidly throughout the leg, they only picked the wrong Detour.

[dryedmangoez]

I enjoyed the taxi drama too. For sure with the H2H, they'd have cut down on that. But I think they've also could've cut down on the RB and Detour time too. And some of the extra stuff with the snowtown as well to fit in the H2H.

[BourkieBoy]

This was a good leg! 

Loved the Roadblock and Detour!

However, it's time they get rid of the Speed Bump! It's getting old and dry...

Corrine & Eliza!  

Also, what's with the H2H cut? I wonder what the task could of been...

[Hubickichibi]

So good
the detour is the best so far
and we almost got what we hope for
but instead we got team aunties got their torch snuffed
Chris and bret on romantic love ride
uncle Chris is no match for those viet water ninjas, hes the strongest in GEnXvM
and why is that little girl on mat? we want Elly tran as greeter
and that is not real polar bear
i underestimate BB teams, they are very strong
aunty orlin we hear you, we all have same feeling about them, we hate them so much

[Gra1162]

My two fav teams battling out for last place is real hard to watch I really want to ugly cry now just like eliza

[Hubickichibi]

Why does Eliza hate Rachel & Elissa so much? The drama is entertaining but like... ya look bad.

That ending was iconic LOL I don't remember having such an awkward elimination since Jessica & John in Season 22.

Evans team got awkward welcome on mat in last season

[Kamineko]

and why is that little girl on mat? we want Elly tran as greeter

Is that wrong? Who's Elly tran anyway?

and that is not real polar bear

You don't say

I found it hilarious though when the one inspecting the Speed Bump task is the man in polar bear suit. "More..." "More tight..."

aunty orlin we hear you, we all have same feeling about them, we hate them so much

I guess you generalised too much with the "we all" there, because at least I don't hate Rachel & Elissa like you.


Anyway, this is a pretty good leg for me, at least much better than the previous leg. The bunching was good considering they're staying in the very same city, but I find the winter-themed task and location is weird considering they're doing it in a tropical country. But I've seen they went to Ski Dubai before, so it's not a big problem for me.

Chris & Bret were really showing that they're a strong team this time. I can't image how cold their hands were when making that snowballs. They really flew ahead during Roadblock and the Detour.

Colin & Christie finally placed 1st! Even with the minor mistake during the Detour, they beat Nicole & Victor to the Pit Stop. They also really positive this leg, I really like Colin's expression when choosing the Detour. Considering how negatively competitive he was during Season 5, this time seeing cheerful Colin really surprised me in a good way.

With the H2H task cut, I don't mind so much because I don't really like that twist for the first place, so cutting that task on air (because also maybe it didn't affect the placements) didn't really grind my gear. That also explains why only Colin & Christie were alone with Phil and not seen checking in closely with Nicole & Victor, it's because N&V were still waiting for the next team to arrive.

[GabyM]

I guess you generalised too much with the "we all" there, because at least I don't hate Rachel & Elissa like you.

Agree...I'm not crazy about Rachel, but to say I hate her is an exaggeration

[dryedmangoez]

Rachel tweeted that she had asked their taxi to wait for them at Snowtown and that the other vets did not. That would've been nice to include in the episode especially since the taxi troubles took up 1/3 of the episode. Also after that whole segment with Corinne & Eliza upset that the BB teams were beating them.

They've also made a point to point out Rachel being a Race vet when it's a "She should know better" moment. But not really in moments where her experience helps. 
Watching the ep again, Rachel & Elissa were already filling their pot with water when Leo & Jamal got the next clue. So they weren't as hopelessly behind as it seemed. The show seems to be really be downplaying them.

[Hubickichibi]

Is that wrong? Who's Elly tran anyway?

shes a famous model from vietnam

You don't say

I found it hilarious though when the one inspecting the Speed Bump task is the man in polar bear suit. "More..." "More tight..."

ya thats hilarious
but since i dont watch any spoiler whatsoever, i thought they are going to greenland or somewhere around artics and meet a tame polar bear or something

I guess you generalised too much with the "we all" there, because at least I don't hate Rachel & Elissa like you.

Anyway, this is a pretty good leg for me, at least much better than the previous leg. The bunching was good considering they're staying in the very same city, but I find the winter-themed task and location is weird considering they're doing it in a tropical country. But I've seen they went to Ski Dubai before, so it's not a big problem for me.

Chris & Bret were really showing that they're a strong team this time. I can't image how cold their hands were when making that snowballs. They really flew ahead during Roadblock and the Detour.

Colin & Christie finally placed 1st! Even with the minor mistake during the Detour, they beat Nicole & Victor to the Pit Stop. They also really positive this leg, I really like Colin's expression when choosing the Detour. Considering how negatively competitive he was during Season 5, this time seeing cheerful Colin really surprised me in a good way.

With the H2H task cut, I don't mind so much because I don't really like that twist for the first place, so cutting that task on air (because also maybe it didn't affect the placements) didn't really grind my gear. That also explains why only Colin & Christie were alone with Phil and not seen checking in closely with Nicole & Victor, it's because N&V were still waiting for the next team to arrive.

they cut head to head challenge?
but thats a good tv, they cut it for drama i guess
aah thats explain why aunty orlin so upset
Chris is one of the strongest ever who compete on survivor, but bret is not in good shape
its redemption for colin, but i would like to watch a rematch between colin vs his old nemesis, the broken ox

[Xoruz]

Between TAR and Belgian Mole, Vietnam has brought so much entertainment this year. (Side note, Belgian Mole went to the Karaoke Kingdom location from TARC this week). Here's hoping that TAR Vietnam can continue this trend. This leg was intense, so much so that they had to remove a H2H. This leg had taxi struggles, difficult tasks, and an ending that was insane. For as much hate as Corinne & Eliza have been getting online, I'm not going to feed into that. Eliza faced a great fear at the Roadblock. They were already frustrated after falling behind. On top of that after losing a H2H, they took out all of their emotions on the closest people. At the same time, I'm still stunned at that ending.

Colin & Christie calling themselves mom and dad coming to play with all the young millennials (even though Chris & Bret were on the Gen-X tribe). 
Chris failing to up a down escalator. 
Britney mowing down a polar bear. 
Polar bear eating a snowball. 
Colin: "Being irritated is super fun." 
Tyler & Britney complimenting each other on doing nothing. 
Corinne: "I'm not a positive person. I don't know how to spin this." 

Snowballs: The picky polar bear was fun, but it was a pretty average Speed Bump.
Scooter: Find it hilarious that Belgian Mole and TAR aired similar tasks within weeks of each other. This was a pretty tough task and was judged pretty harshly.
Irritation: Love any task that reminds me of Flo. Task was straightforward, but I did like the addition of the splashing fishermen. Sad that we didn't get a Flo breakdown, but at least we got a sunken boat.
Irrigation: Task seemed easy when I first saw it, but it ended up being harder than I thought it would due to the harsh judging.
H2H: Not much I can say about a task that didn't air though based on one of Elise's tweets it might have been badminton.

https://twitter.com/EliseDoganieri/status/1126347384395419648

Sad there's no TAR next week, more so due to the fact that I am not looking forward to the outcome of Survivor next week.

4/5

[Maanca]

Yeah, Corinne & Eliza said in an interview with Coco Caliente, the H2H was badminton

[dryedmangoez]

H2H: Not much I can say about a task that didn't air though based on one of Elise's tweets it might have been badminton.

https://twitter.com/EliseDoganieri/status/1126347384395419648

Cool! Another HCMC task recycled from TARA5! 

[dryedmangoez]

Yeah, Corinne & Eliza said in an interview with Coco Caliente, the H2H was badminton

Listening to the podcast now, it's hilarious how the taxi moment between the Reillys and Corinne & Eliza was absolutely not even an issue 

[dryedmangoez]

Woah, wait a minute. Corinne says Rachel & Elissa were on their 3rd or 4th try at the Head to Head when they faced off.

So it would appear the show just played around with time to fit the faux footrace edit. Rachel & Elissa likely lost against Janelle & Britney and Leo & Jamal and maybe Tyler & Korey.

Also, Corinne & Eliza arrived at the H2H in time to see Chris & Bret win their face off.

Interesting that all teams possibly could've been waiting around there at the same time. And that could explain them deciding not to use it anymore in the episode. Could've been really boring lol

[cbacbacba1]

Woah, wait a minute. Corinne says Rachel & Elissa were on their 3rd or 4th try at the Head to Head when they faced off.

So it would appear the show just played around with time to fit the faux footrace edit. Rachel & Elissa likely lost against Janelle & Britney and Leo & Jamal and maybe Tyler & Korey.

Also, Corinne & Eliza arrived at the H2H in time to see Chris & Bret win their face off.

Interesting that all teams possibly could've been waiting around there at the same time. And that could explain them deciding not to use it anymore in the episode. Could've been really boring lol

This could be a very good sign that they might be dropping off the Head-To-Head from the next seasons on

[dryedmangoez]

Ah, continued listening to Eliza's portion of the interview and she says Rachel & Elissa had lost to Leo & Jamal and Janelle & Britney. So they likely arrived 7th before Janelle & Britney.

Plus they talked about a lot of placement shifts like Becca & Floyd, I think, losing a few times as well.

Not sure about them dropping the H2H. In one of Phil's recent pre-TAR31 interviews, the interviewer brought up the complaint that it should be earlier in the Leg. And Phil defended its placement and said it wouldn't really make a difference where on the Leg the H2H would be.

So that could be taken as them being happy with it, just that the teams bunching up on this Leg didn't really make for good TV.

[dryedmangoez]

Not to keep harping on the irrelevant Head-to-Head (lol), but just based on the chat between Vicole and Corinne & Eliza, the face offs might have gone like this: (I think they mentioned Team Fun actually arrived first and were very upset after losing a few times)

Becca & Floyd vs Colin & Christie = Colin & Christie
Becca & Floyd vs Nicole & Victor = Nicole & Victor
Becca & Floyd vs Chris & Bret = Chris & Bret
Becca & Floyd vs Tyler & Korey/Leo & Jamal = Becca & Floyd
Tyler & Korey vs Leo & Jamal = Tyler & Korey
Leo & Jamal vs Rachel & Elissa = Leo & Jamal
Rachel & Elissa vs Janelle & Britney = Janelle & Britney
Rachel & Elissa vs Corinne & Eliza = Rachel & Elissa

[RaceUntilWeDie]

I’m going to bet Leo & Jamal lost three times as opposed to Tyler & Korey twice just because Phil said it wasn’t their day lol.

I’m so confused as to how Becca & Floyd reached the mat first. How far was the Pit Stop and were Becca & Floyd doing the Detour at the same time as Vicole and Colin & Christie? Were  Becca & Floyd in first all along? I have to rewatch the episode, lol. Even though some of the editing was confusing I think the editing team did a great job cutting the H2H because I would’ve never guessed there was one.

Also, we could assume that Tyler & Korey saw Colin & Christie win (OR came early enough to know how many teams checked in through gossip) because how on earth did Korey know they were team number 5. How close were the teams?!

[dryedmangoez]

Corinne/Eliza mentioned they already arrived at the H2H by the 3rd face off. And Corinne mentioned how annoyed they were that their BFFs Chris & Bret didn't even acknowledge them as they left the court (presumably after they won their H2H) and encouraged them or something, knowing C&E were last.

They talked about how it was a long wait, but it seemed like Victor & Nicole didn't even see Corinne & Eliza at the H2H as V&N were surprised how long C&E had to wait at the H2H. Which makes sense if V&C won the 2nd face off and C&E arrived by the 3rd.

I definitely think there was a lot of work in the editing room. Rachel & Elissa were already filling their pot when Leo & Jamal were opening their clue. But the ep made it seem like the Reillys were still trying to assemble the wheel a long time after.

[RaceUntilWeDie]

So Rachel & Elissa probably finished the water wheel task sooner than the edit implied, yet they still fell from 2nd to 8th. The other Detour must’ve been a breeze (but we already knew that).

I just wanna know how long this Leg was from the polar bear to Pit Stop. Maybe 2-4 hours max?

[dryedmangoez]

Quick Google maps look shows about 2 hours total just on the road. But the tasks themselves didn't look like they took too long. The wait at the H2H probably took up the most time.

What's interesting is Tam Vu Park is 9 mins by car from Bình Quoi Village, but ~45 min on foot. Yet the episode made it seem like Colin & Christie, Victor & Nicole and Corinne & Eliza all ran to the Pit Stop/park. Those scenes could've come from anywhere in the Leg, but none of the Route Markers were within walking distance. That could be how Team Fun zoomed into 1st place if they took a taxi while the others walked. 

[Slowhatch]

Could this be where the bus video fits in? The route is here.

[dryedmangoez]

Corinne & Eliza did mention something about a bus and I think seeing the other teams getting on them. 

[RachelLeVega]

Well this episode has turned into the biggest editing scandal since Peter & Sarah.

[NELs]

I personally loved that the Head-to-Head was cut from the episode, it gives me an old-school TAR vibe.

[Malcooolm]

I personally loved that the Head-to-Head was cut from the episode, it gives me an old-school TAR vibe.

In my opinion, I'm fine with tasks being cut, as long as the episode still makes sense without them. Without the Head-to-Head, the editing was way too choppy and a lot of stuff didn't make sense. It would've explained why Leo & Jamal fell so far behind and why Corinne & Eliza were so emotional at the mat.

[Genius]

The H2H was actually a badminton task accordinf the person who wrote on Wikipedia.

[Sinjoh]

I personally loved that the Head-to-Head was cut from the episode, it gives me an old-school TAR vibe.

In my opinion, I'm fine with tasks being cut, as long as the episode still makes sense without them. Without the Head-to-Head, the editing was way too choppy and a lot of stuff didn't make sense. It would've explained why Leo & Jamal fell so far behind and why Corinne & Eliza were so emotional at the mat.

It would've definitely helped explain why Corinne & Eliza were emotional and a bit more angry at Rachel & Elissa, but not why Leo & Jamal fell so far behind. Based on Nicole & Victor and Corinne & Eliza's testimonies on the Head-to-Head and a little deductive reasoning, the battles would've had to occur in the following order:

• Becca & Floyd vs. Colin & Christie
• Becca & Floyd vs. Nicole & Victor
• Becca & Floyd vs. Chris & Bret
• Becca & Floyd vs. Either Leo & Jamal or Tyler & Korey
• Leo & Jamal vs. Tyler & Korey
• Leo & Jamal vs. Rachel & Elissa
• Rachel & Elissa vs. Janelle & Britney
• Rachel & Elissa vs. Corinne & Eliza

Leo & Jamal could've only arrived 5th or 6th, meaning that they had issues finding the park (which is about 4 kilometers and would take about 45 minutes to get to on foot from where the Detour is).

[Nyoman_SB1]

really weird ending. I really want to know what happened during the head to head. But i hope they get rid of this stupid H2H forever

[Musicon]

I always find it strange when they cut things totally and don't even give bonus scenes online.  It's like a rewriting of history and the general audience will be completely ignorant of it as well.  I like to think of it as a reality show rather than a game where a very small number of the audience try to outsmart the producers.  I've always felt it's been lower priority than shows like Big Brother and Survivor. It never has a reunion show for example yet the audience don't even bring that up.

The end of this episode was funny.  The polar bear made what could have been a boring start better.  The irritation task wasn't that great, it reminded me of Survivor where You have people trying to sink you but there it was much more serious, even with opportunities to make a boat leak.  I like where contestants have to build things and that they weren't told where they were wrong, much less to do here than you would have in the classic race but somehow still caused problems.  The tougher tasks in the classic race makes me think that the best racers there would largely outclass the better ones now.

Rachel tweeted that she had asked their taxi to wait for them at Snowtown and that the other vets did not

They may have but the taxis might have refused.  There's plenty of luck in taxi drama, I'd take airport drama over it.  Taxi drama is obviously a lot cheaper.  I've always wanted them to use public transport more on the race anyway.

[redskevin88]

9. Corinne & Eliza - I already posted this comment, but why does Eliza (& Corinne) hate the Reilly sisters so much? This one-sided hate reminds me of Vanessa from Season 20 and now I'm wishing they lasted longer. Because as negative as they were, they were good TV. That awkward elimination though--I don't remember there being such an awkward elimination since Jessica & John in Season 22.

https://twitter.com/eorlins/status/1126834861065547777

[ghmorello]

I don't get why folks here like Corinne and Eliza.   

[GabyM]

I don't get why folks here like Corinne and Eliza.   

Because a lot of those same people can't stand the people who Corinne & Eliza have bashed

[dryedmangoez]

I'm obviously a fan of the Reillys, but not of Leo & Jamal. So I loved seeing Corinne & Eliza annoy Leo & Jamal so much.
But even without knowing Corinne & Eliza and Rachel & Elissa are friends now, I didn't have a major problem with what they said about them. If anything, worse and more hateful stuff was said about Rachel on TAR20 and TAR24.

I enjoyed Corinne & Eliza spazzing all the time and playing up their harmless villain characters. But I do admit, it would've gotten old after a few more Legs. And there were a few times when they were being mean to the locals/taxi drivers so that's not nice. I certainly would prefer them to stay over some of the other teams left, that's for sure.

I think also TAR hasn't had such clear cut "villains" in recent years, so they're almost kind of refreshing lol

[georgiapeach]

I'm obviously a fan of the Reillys, but not of Leo & Jamal. So I loved seeing Corinne & Eliza annoy Leo & Jamal so much.
But even without knowing Corinne & Eliza and Rachel & Elissa are friends now, I didn't have a major problem with what they said about them. If anything, worse and more hateful stuff was said about Rachel on TAR20 and TAR24.

I enjoyed Corinne & Eliza spazzing all the time and playing up their harmless villain characters. But I do admit, it would've gotten old after a few more Legs. And there were a few times when they were being mean to the locals/taxi drivers so that's not nice. I certainly would prefer them to stay over some of the other teams left, that's for sure.

I think also TAR hasn't had such clear cut "villains" in recent years, so they're almost kind of refreshing lol

PERFECT summary.

[Musicon]

The only true 'villain' team I think the race has really had was Art and JJ in their first season, they definitely stirred things up more than normal.

[Malcooolm]

Of the top of my head, I would say Max & Katie, Tim & Marie, and Carol & Brandy were villains.

[GabyM]

The only true 'villain' team I think the race has really had was Art and JJ in their first season, they definitely stirred things up more than normal.

I'd say that Rob & Amber on their first season were also a villain team, because in true Rob fashion, he would do whatever was legally allowed to get ahead, no matter how morally questionable his tactics

[HavaDrPepper]

The only true 'villain' team I think the race has really had was Art and JJ in their first season, they definitely stirred things up more than normal.

I'd say that Rob & Amber on their first season were also a villain team, because in true Rob fashion, he would do whatever was legally allowed to get ahead, no matter how morally questionable his tactics

I never saw Rob as a villain but he did play the game.  What I did see out of Rob that first season is his support of his partner.  I was not a fan of his coming into that season but the way he supported Amber totally turned me into a fan of his.  Instead of yelling/screaming at her if she was having a hard time or couldn't do something, he was encouraging her to just do her best.

I also didn't see Art & JJ as villains... just a couple of guys with large egos thinking they were better than everyone else.

I don't think "stirring the pot" makes anyone a villain.  Many teams "stir the pot" and if they get away with it, more power to 'em.

[Genius]

I think also TAR hasn't had such clear cut "villains" in recent years, so they're almost kind of refreshing lol

I think they refrained from having these clear-cut villains because they need to preserve the number of viewers.

Some of you mentioned Romber in your posts. I would honestly be quite happy to see them back in TAR, and especially TAR31 in a faceoff against Colin and Christie. Personally I do not wish to see Rob again on Survivor. I prefer his TAR persona to his Survivor persona. I am assuming they are not back because Amber does not want to do another reality show?

[HavaDrPepper]

I think also TAR hasn't had such clear cut "villains" in recent years, so they're almost kind of refreshing lol

I think they refrained from having these clear-cut villains because they need to preserve the number of viewers.

Some of you mentioned Romber in your posts. I would honestly be quite happy to see them back in TAR, and especially TAR31 in a faceoff against Colin and Christie. Personally I do not wish to see Rob again on Survivor. I prefer his TAR persona to his Survivor persona. I am assuming they are not back because Amber does not want to do another reality show?

I would also love to see them back on TAR but with 4 kids, I rather doubt that will ever happen.  Amber appears to be embracing the family life and has said she has no desire to be back on tv.  As for Rob and Survivor...  your wish is not happening.  He is back on Survivor on Season 39 but not an active player (along with Sandra).  And, with the rumored all winners season coming for #40, I can't imagine that Rob won't want to do that.

[GabyM]

I would also love to see them back on TAR but with 4 kids, I rather doubt that will ever happen.  Amber appears to be embracing the family life and has said she has no desire to be back on tv.  As for Rob and Survivor...  your wish is not happening.  He is back on Survivor on Season 39 but not an active player (along with Sandra).  And, with the rumored all winners season coming for #40, I can't imagine that Rob won't want to do that.

I heard he dropped out of the rumored all winners season

[Hubickichibi]

Corrine & Eliza   (Welp, time to watch their seasons of Survivor then).

First season Corrine is on high dose, we are not the same person after watch it
second season is a good one, no corrine on high dose
and for aunty orlin, vanuatu is a great one and micronesia is one of the best, so damn good

[Musicon]

Villain doesn't have to mean horrible people it can just mean anti-heroes or people it might be fun to root against for some of the audience.

People who are more irritating are annoying teams who don't have much gameplay or often even that much skill and are just loud, shouty and without any real quirky character or interesting relationship to make up for it.

Rob and Amber I actually quite liked, it seemed a nice relationship and I liked the dynamic much more than Rob on his own on Survivor.  I appreciated that they would play the game and at the same time be good racers.  I always see it as a race and not something where you should expect to get help from other teams,  I don't care that much if some teams are burned by believing wrong information from others.

[Slowhatch]

Team Fun, in their recap--here--mention that teams were instructed to take bus 44 from the Detour to a spot near the pitstop.