Here are my comments for your premiere legs!MikeDodgers - Venice, ItalyShow content
• Miami is the starting line for a trip to Venice, Italy. I like how you connected the starting location to the first destination, noting the Italian-American population in Miami. A little surprised you picked Venice as it was just visited in TAR29, but it certainly has a lot of promise for a premiere leg.
• What word do they have to unscramble with the coins? “Venice”, “Italy”, or something else?
• I don’t see any flight screenshots. Try to have those in there somewhere!
• “...make their way by marked car and motorized scooter to the Piazza…” What does this mean, exactly? Do they have to use both modes of transportation or do they get to pick? Try to clarify this type of thing.
• This first Roadblock sounds fine on paper; Marco Polo is an important historical figure, and a delivery task is okay. However, let’s think about the details of this task- where and what are the marked locations? How much do the locations pay? Do they get to keep extra money, if applicable?
• What types of motor-scooters are teams using? Will camera crews be able to go along? Driving these can be unsafe for novices, but it could be possible with the right safety protocols.
• Locating the letters is OK, although the task only gets harder for teams getting there later. I don’t mind this type of simple ARI to help extend the length of the leg.
• For the second Roadblock, is there any type of resource for teams to use to be able to translate? Otherwise, do they have to rely on their innate knowledge of Latin? What type and length of phrase are they translating? Do they submit their guess by writing it down or speaking it? There are so many more things I would need to know about this task before being able to say whether it’s a quality Roadblock task.
• Teams then move over to Doge Palace for the first Pit Stop. Looks to be a good site.
What I Liked Most: A solid amount of Italian history was touched upon. The locations were fine and the tasks seemed to all be good ideas for a Leg 1.
What I Disliked Most: By far, the lack of details. At this point in the contest, I think I’ve opined enough about the importance of details. I wanted to say that this leg is feasible, but I can’t even know that for sure without things like maps or logistics explanations. The ceiling for your score lowers when you omit so many details.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
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• Guam is a unique starting line; I want to see a return to this island for the first time since TAR 11. As for the Starting Line task, I like the concept of progressively uncovering the clues to the different route markers, but the actual performance of the task may have snags; frantic racers running around with saws could lead to some potential injuries. Plus, all teams are starting from the same place at the same time and would likely be able to follow each other around. The second task- spelling AMBON, ID- is more likely to separate teams, as it’s tough enough and requires some mental strategy.
• Anyway, teams are separated into two different flights. Ambon is one of the top Indonesian destinations I would like to see on TAR. As seen by the flight paths, it’s pretty difficult to get to, but I think it’ll be worth the long trip.
• Teams then go to the Monument and find a Detour. Touch the Food requires teams to create skewers and then skewer some fish, while Feel the Sound is more about the musical side. I think it’s interesting how both Detours involve bamboo sticks, just like back in Guam. Overall, I like how each task highlights the cultural profile of Molucca. Both tasks seem to be an appropriate difficulty for the premiere leg, too.
• Moving on to the soccer field, teams encounter a Roadblock of making and decorating a ritual stone. If the stones are heavy, it may be prohibitively difficult for one racer alone to maneuver them. For that reason, mainly, I would have actually liked to see this task be the ARI and your next ARI be a Roadblock. This is a fine and cultural task, notwithstanding.
• At the Statue of Pattimura, we get a lively dance task. I like how this task isn’t directly after the Feel the Sound Detour, because that would be two similar music tasks in a row. Six minutes sounds pretty long for a dance, so it could be exhausting for some racers.
• The second Roadblock is an eating task with a twist; racers will have to sample several
papeda dishes. While distinguishing between the dishes may be difficult at first, racers should be able to catch on. Are they told which ones are right if they aren’t all correct? Eating tasks on Leg 1 are a good way to get teams immersed in international culture.
• I like how teams have to go on foot to this Pit Stop. There’s always potential for drama with #ReadYourClue.
What I Liked Most: The tasks and locations of the leg were a good snapshot of this yet-unexplored region of Eastern Indonesia. The leg had lots of material for a 90-minute premiere.
What I Disliked Most: I prefer more accessible destinations for a premiere leg (1 or 2 flights to get to the first destination instead of 3 or 4), although I understand this was necessary due to the remoteness of Ambon.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
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• Beginning in Japan is a unique twist; it gives more time for teams to be on the ground in Kyoto. I won’t judge the teams you decided to put in your cast, although they seem to be a good bunch. Teams will immediately have to go back to their last race and remember what Pit Stop they were eliminated at. It does play into the “redemption arc” theme of the season and could give us some flashback clips, so I think it’s okay. I also like the cultural tie-in of the manga drawings.
• The “two famous Italians” cryptic clue could make for some way off-base guesses if racers try to think of real-life figures and not the characters, but most should be able to figure it out in short order. We then have our first Roadblock of the Race, and it requires teams to quickly play two game levels. In my view, I’m only so-so when it comes to video game tasks on TAR. They can provide some good moments, but also could be just like watching Twitch, which may not be what people tuned into CBS want. More positively, the location of the task is of course very appropriate; there is a good amount of cultural relevance in this task.
• Teams then go to Ichiime Shrine for a quick doll arranging task. It’s traditional, cultural, uncomplicated, and has some potential for placement changes. Pretty much a perfect ARI task for a first leg, so good addition!
• The next clues eventually lead teams to the pagoda and they find the second red envelope of the leg. I really like how you addressed some of the stereotypes or assumptions regarding geisha, so I like how the task can be a positive cultural moment. Dressing and styling the geisha should be interesting, and dancing is usually fun and won’t be linear with 11 racers participating. The performative nature of the task means that teams will be shaken up right before heading off to the Pit Stop, which is advantageous.
• Kinkaku-ji then serves as the beautiful Pit Stop for the leg.
What I Liked Most: Japan is an incredible place to have elements of both modern and historical culture in one leg, and this leg did exactly that. Kyoto is a city that ought to get a visit and the design included a great sample of the locations and culture of the city.
What I Disliked Most: The segment of finding Kiyomizudera is a solid concept, but it feels like it should have been at the end of the leg. There are three mid-leg non-task clues in a row and while I understand their purposes, it could have been a bit smoother to make Kiyomizudera the Pit Stop- teams have to find their way there by their own volition and are racing there on foot, which could make for a more exciting ending.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
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• The teams begin with the stunning backdrop of Lake Atitlan in an unvisited country, Guatemala. The Starting Line task features these traditional kaleidoscopic kites, which should be visually appealing for the viewers. Paddling back and forth with the kites is strenuous, but hectic. The penalty for a kite touching the water could be irritating if the weather doesn’t cooperate, but it is usually windy at the Lake. As you mentioned, this task will test teams’ cooperation and cohesion immediately after Phil says go, not to mention physicality (rowing) and language skills. While hiccups are possible, I do believe it’s a suitable Starting Line task.
• I like how each bus departs as the last team gets there; it keeps the initial adrenaline and momentum high. Arriving in Antigua, the Hazard penalty is a fundamental task of both chocolate and Mayan math. The math should be easy to pick up and the task will go by quickly, but that’s exactly what a Hazard is supposed to be. A small penalty, but nothing too impeding.
• The first Roadblock at the Convent is a mental task, memorizing nun characteristics. The difficulty of this task highly depends on whether teams are able to keep notes. If so, then the task should be more about applying the convents. If notes are prohibited and it’s more about memory skill, then the task gets significantly harder. Remembering 15 unique names and their order would be challenging- I know that I would need several attempts. It’s a good cultural spotlight and a fitting task for the location, but the amount of note-taking (and helping between racers) allowed will have an affect on the toughness of the task.
• Moving on to Iglesia La Merced, teams must smash ceramic owls to collect 100 Quetzals. This task is cultural, and helps to round out the Antigua portion of the leg. Provided safety measures for passers-by are in place, I think it serves its purpose just fine.
• This second Roadblock is probably my favorite task of the leg. Sawdust carpets are a part of many Central American cultures and should be featured on TAR! The task requires intricacy to complete the art, and with unique sections teams won’t be able to look off each other. Good task through-and-through.
• I’m totally fine with the TAR 25 method of distributing the Express Pass making a return, and I also like how you attached a quick task so it’s more than just diverting to another location. The risk-reward is there with the potential for teams to be relatively close together in Antigua, and the task will take time but isn’t overwhelming. Overall, a favorable and practical implementation of the EP twist.
• Teams then ascend to the picturesque Cerro de la Cruz to end the first leg.
What I Liked Most: Teams are immersed in Guatemalan culture from the get-go and the leg has tons of potential for a great episode with a pair of twists, a fast pace, teams racing close together, and diverse tasks. Choosing a Starting Line in Guatemala as well as the chicken buses were positives.
What I Disliked Most: Some viewers may be confused by both the required Hazard and the optional Express Pass locations appearing in the same leg. With the other tasks needing chunks of airtime, having both twists in Leg 1
could detract from the flow of the other tasks/locations.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
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• Big Bear Lake serves as the Starting Line, which makes for some good shots of scenery. The Starting Line is seriously physical, with the obstacle course and mountain biking. However, it also has its mental component with the Australia clues and questions. I like how teams will have to race hard straight away and how teams will be rewarded for knowledge of the Aussie symbols. If a racer were to fall on the monkey bars or balance beam, would they have to start over again, or could they move on to the next obstacle? I hope older racers wouldn’t be at too much of a disadvantage. The safety factor is also important in this task. Multiple people trying to ride a mountain bike on the same narrow path at the same time could be a logjam. I like the essence of your Starting Line Task, but there needs to be some more details on its organization.
• What time of day are you planning on starting in Big Bear? One of your flights leaves at 7 AM, while the other leaves at 11 PM the same day. Maybe having all teams on the same flight to BNE and on separate flights to CNS would be better than these two separate itineraries.
• Cairns! Haven’t seen this area in a while (in fact, Season 4 was the only American visit to Queensland). Teams self-drive to the Terminal where they grab a water taxi to Green Island. How long is the boat trip? The first Roadblock involves snorkeling, which is a good activity for Leg 1. Matching the corals will require some swimming around but will be doable for the teams. I also think the additional penalty of doing 2 extra corals is appropriate.
• Teams then drop off their coral samples at the terminal and depart for Kewarra Beach. This second Roadblock requires both dis-assembly and assembly, and transforms material from one type of recreation (canoe) to another (volleyball net). Is repurposing wood to make a net something that’s been done before, or did you create this idea yourself? Either way, it’s an inventive task. It harkens back to some other beach tasks, yet has a different spin to it. Plus, there will be a finished net on the beach for the community to use at the end! Overall, this is a quality challenge.
• At the Cultural Park, racers have to paint and be painted with an Aboriginal design. This is an important part of Aboriginal tradition, so it’s a good idea to respectfully promote it. Then, they must find a match of their face paint design, which adds another small layer to the task.
• Teams then go to the cable car terminal and hop on to travel to the Pit Stop. Very photogenic ride and Pit Stop, but bunching points right before the Pit Stop aren’t my favorite. I appreciate your intent to mitigate this by closing the cable car to the public for the race, but I’m not sure if the cost to do that (if even possible) would outweigh the possibility of more frequent service.
• I liked how you featured distinct sides of Cairns- in fact, there was sea, land and air in this leg (in that order, no less!). Still, adding maps to the design would have made a difference.
What I Liked Most: As a whole, I enjoyed the Australian tasks of the leg, and the Aboriginal culture was a good addition. Self-driving was also the right choice for the leg, in my opinion. This would be a good return to Northeast Australia!
What I Disliked Most: The leg’s tasks were fairly tilted towards the physical side. While that isn’t necessarily bad, it would be unique to see a beachside premiere leg that isn’t mostly physical. Also, some logistical details could have been brushed up, including maps and the flights.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
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• Beginning in bustling Mumbai and underneath the shadow of the Gateway to India, teams must find a
hti with the correct flag. Flag ID isn’t new to starting line challenges, but teams finding the correct
hti and keeping it with them is a new take on the challenge, so it’s fine by me. Traveling by tuk-tuk to the airport after finishing the task is chaotic and is a breath of fresh air from the typical self-drive to the airport that determines flight order. Great use of the Mumbai starting line!
• Teams then use their
hti at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a nice cultural touch. Then, it’s a classic scramble for bus tickets, separating teams on to three buses to Inle Lake.
• Leg rowing is pretty much an obligatory task at Inle Lake, so I like its inclusion here as the Roadblock. The task is modeled after a day in the life of an Inle Lake resident between the rowing and the tomato collection. There is a chance that a racer could sabotage another by knocking into their canoe or blocking them in, so I would hope to have some play-fair rules in this task. Aside from that, the task premise here is superb.
• Inn Paw Khon is the next location, providing an Active Route Info of finding the woman with the most rings. About 15 women scattered around the village seems about right, as you don’t want teams to be there all day. This is quite the unique practice, so it’s special to be able to highlight a different type of beauty standard.
• Teams then go over to the Market and encounter the Detour. Healthy Paste requires teams to mix ingredients, with the water-powder ratio being key. It may take a couple of tries, but teams won’t be starting over completely if they mess up since they are in the process of grinding. On the flip side, Golden Plate also ties into local art. Unlike previous gold leaf tasks, teams are actually making the product instead of applying it. I would have liked to see a video of the process, but your explanation of the artisan process was sufficient.
• I like how technique is important to each Detour task. Overall, it was a cultural Detour that should be fairly balanced with each task being the right difficulty for Leg 1. After finishing the Detour, teams travel to the beautiful Phang Daw Oo to find Phil at the Pit Stop!
What I Liked Most: The India start was executed nicely; then, jumping into an unvisited country, the tasks were fitting and their cultural significance shined through your explanations. Presentation was smooth as always and the leg would make for an engaging race episode.
What I Disliked Most: Not a whole lot of complaints about the leg at all, but the Inle Lake portion of the leg seems like it could be more suited for the middle of a race. That’s not to say it feels out of place as an opening leg, but it feels as if it would be more sleek as a final six (or so) leg.
Good work overall and good luck if you make it to the final round.
