The Amazing Race > The Amazing Race Discussion

Why the Amazing Race has lost its magic

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mswood:
Neobie

And just in case you couldn't tell, I do agree with your opinion that we lose a little of what makes TAR special when we see more "fake" local tasks and less authentic local interactions. I was just giving reason why that may be occurring (not that I don't want to see it).

One other possible reason for getting less coverage of down time (where they do interact) either during lulls in the race or in navigating is that we for the most part used to get 14 hours of TAR.  13 episodes (with the first episode typically being 2 hours).  We have since been cut to 11 hours of TAR (12 for this season which is still less then most) in which for us to get to know the racers themselves.  So a lot of the non competition aspects of the race haven't been shown, and that is often some of the more interesting footage.

For example that would have been the racers dancing with locals after they check in (or Peach giving sun glasses to local children while Mary performed the Roadblock).  Things like BJ & TYler bonding with Bedowin (Sorry I can't remember how to spell it).  Those are awesome moments and with less time I can see the editors thinking we don't need to see it.

I personally love that type of footage (even tiny moments like the footage of the teams this season on the train going through switzerland was cool).

Now an occasion dumb stupid task is fine.  For example I loved the cow task last season, but that was mainly due to the natural humor the racers brought to the situation.

Hooky:
I agree with much of what you have said, Neobie, although I don't know of any other solutions to circumvent spoilers unless the spoiler people themselves have some rules on what can and can't be posted (for example, I don't think it's a good idea to spoil the final 3 or the winners,  or to post a bootlist especially, because that type of thing is a big blow to the production's efforts). That might encourage production that they don't have to worry as much about spoilers getting leaked. I wouldn't die if we never found out what the bootlist is or who the final 3/winners are.

I totally agree with the rest. Bring the FF to about 5 or 6 per race, show more interaction with locals, have and show more self-driving, and more of the other stuff that has made this show great. Build on the Race's foundation, don't tear it down and make the Race a cheap comedy of crazy people (that's what Big Brother is for). Really set them loose as much as possible. I want to see more Peter & Sarah lost in the desert moments. :funny:

puddin:
I've been saying that TAR has lost its magic with season 7 being the last of the best. I haven't commented because my goal was to sit through all seasons back to back and then season 14 started so I'm still half way through season 6. I'm trying to see for myself where/why, exactly.... it lost its magic  :'(

Jobby:
Am I the only one who beg to differ from everyone else? I don't think The Amazing Race has lost the magic but is getting better instead! I think teams and unpredictability is what makes the race, of course clues relating to the culture of the place makes the race very interesting as well.. but i still believe the teams and unpredicatbility can make up the season.

The reason why people really like TAR 3, 5 and 7 was because of the unpredictability. No one expected the winners to be Flo/Zach, Uchenna/Joyce and Chip/Kim. And with Linda and Karen and Meredith and Gretchen being the underdogs and outlasting teams which are much more stronger, it makes the race so much more exciting and interesting isn't it? Look at TAR 8, TAR 9 and TAR 13. Those were the seasons that received relatively low positive comments because the winners were predictable (Linz, Eric/Jeremy and BJ/Tyler as well as Nick and Starr coming in first every leg)

I do agree that the tasks have been becoming more and more slapstick and I do believe that the production team can do better than that. But I believe that's due to the production cost and that they are really doing their best to present to the audience what they want to see on TV. For example, I know going to Phuket Zoo this leg on TAR 14 is like so common and uninteresting for some other people who wants to see more than zoos and parks from different countries, but I believe many people do want to see the tourist attractions in Phuket which is why they included the place in. There could be more intellectual tasks though, which i agree wholeheartedly.

I loved TAR, loves TAR and still lovin' TAR. :hearts: I think Season 14 is picking up the momentum with the new changes and unpredictability. (Kisha and Jen in FINAL 5?? :funny:) The only thing that can make it even more unpredictable is Tammy and Victor getting eliminated next... which I don't want to see it happen. lol!

Neobie:
Puddin? 75000?! God.

Congratulations!! :conf:


I'll be the purist and say that the classic TAR hasn't been the same since Tunisia in TAR 1.
(Did one of BvM and Elise plan the first half of the race, and the other the second? I like one so much better than the other!)

Remember:
All the Episode One greatness
The choice of whether or not to hire a driver
Subways versus taxis in Paris
The secret "cargo boat" from Marseilles
Taxis racing trains to El Jem
The need to direct taxi drivers

And these "clues", which now only appear every so once in a blue moon that TPTB actually gets praised for putting them in:
Songwe Museum
The Eiffel Tower appearing in the middle of a leg, with no accompanying instructions
Find something monumental
Ring "Quasimodo's bell"
The cat next to *which* Focault's Pendulum?
Go to *Turkey?* and find this Arc de Triomphe
The El Jem lighter


Leg finishes can be made more unpredictable (in a good way) if production held the teams on longer leashes. With more decisions to make (such as giving them clues to solve, the option of Fast Forwards or various modes of transportation), teams get the chance to surge ahead and fall behind, all without reliance on bunching or dumb luck.

Don't cattle corral them!
(Yes, producers. It is hard work. But you did it in TAR 1. Are you lazy now? *taunt*)


Notice how even the AYL was kick-ass back then.

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