Author Topic: TAR36 LIVE STREAMS AND COMMENTARY HERE! FINALE 5/15/2024 8:30-10PM CENTRAL TIME  (Read 8210 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
:conf: TAR SEASON FINALE DAY, THE LAST STRETCH!!! :conf: 


IMPORTANT! Even though we are a spoiler board, we do NOT want to have the episode spoiled while it is airing.


SO PLEASE ** NO  OUTCOMES ** to be posted before the show is DONE airing Central/East Coast time!


And to protect the unspoiled, NO FUTURE SPOILERS EVER!


Anyone breaking these rules is at BIG risk.  :browsie: 

Otherwise, come watch with us for the best weekly viewing party in town!! :party:


If we can find a LIVE streaming video, we can share that. So if you are overseas or just on the West Coast and want to watch right away...please join us! You can follow along and PLEASE help update as the show unfolds! We hope everyone will join in the fun!! :tup:


LIVE STREAMING VIDEO links CAN be available in the main TAR36 thread and will normally be put up about 20 minutes before show time.


And you can entertain yourself with the weekly episode threads from previous seasons in our archives while you wait! **Spoilers**


Have FUN everyone and :tu for joining us!!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
It's almost here! A crazy penultimate leg and the awaited finale! I'll see you all in 2 hours and 5 minutes! Can't wait to update tonight's packed episode.

 :ghug:

<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)


Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
30 minutes 'til we are on the screen! Let us know the most memorable moment you've found from this season so far!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline elthemagnifico

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 922
  • Previously as rafael02
hoping for a good finale to close an otherwise surprisingly entertaining season  :cheer: :cheer:

i'll be watching at my office rn  :lol:
what might have been

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
5 minutes!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)


Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
And we are officially on the air! :conf:

Previously on TAR, 13 teams began a race around "the world". By land, air, and sea. Teams faced conflict (Sunny & Bizzy) and confusion (Anthony & Bailey :lol:). They worked through their fears (Sean) and tears (Karishma & Kish). They dug deep (Angie) and gave it their all (Shelisa). Now we're at the final four. Retrospective of the four teams' ups and downs - Ricky & Cesar, Rod & Leticia, Juan & Shane, and Amber & Vinny.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Tonight, it's the final two legs spanning 14,000 miles across two countries. Who will win TAR?!

We see a shot of Sosua Beach before cutting to Phil announcing a marine life-inspired leg on a lighthouse away from the previous leg's Pit Stop. Final four are boarding a boat off the Dominican Republic. Rod has been dreaming to get it this far. Leticia says they are the only married couple left as an obscure fact. Ricky & Cesar say this is their dream and they can taste it. They have a lot of aspirations with the prize money. Group 1 of Ricky & Cesar and Rod & Leticia jump off the boat at 10 A.M.

Abridged intro and commercials. They could've made the intro regular-length and cut out the repetitive hype in the beginning...
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
Idk how wikipedia or the wiki is gonna report this pit start lmao but it's giving seasons 1-4
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We come back to swimming. Ricky & Cesar reach the buoy first to grab the clue from underneath right in front of Leticia struggling.

DETOUR: Dive In or Rum Sip
In Dive Trip, teams must assemble four dive rigs and load them onto a boat to receive their next clue. In Rum Sip, teams must take six drink orders and become mixologists. If the orders serve the right orders, they will receive their next clue.

Ricky & Cesar mix drinks as well as Rod & Leticia quietly from behind.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
"Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum"

Leticia is the bartender of the team and takes over. Ricky & Cesar take an order from a pirate and begin with a pina colada. Ooooh, I LOVE this task! They must get the drinks approved before moving onto other drinks. Both get one down.

Amber & Vinny and Juan & Shane leave in the second Group 15 minutes behind Group 1 it seems like. They all do the rum! Woohoo!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)


Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rod & Leticia and Ricky & Cesar are both making fast progress on this task. Mojito! Santo Libre!

Amber & Vinny pass Juan & Shane momentarily... Vinny chooses to wait. Amber is annoyed they are stopping. "You are literally ruining this for us right now." - Amber. And I agree honestly. It's the final four. Run your own race.

Leticia and Rod finish a Santo Libre as Juan & Shane arrive at the Diversity Bar. Ricky & Cesar also serve two more drinks.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan & Shane start taking orders while Amber & Vinny come in from behind. So many Santo Libres! :funny:

Ricky & Cesar finish 7 drinks, overachieving, and pick up their next clue.

ROUTE INFO: Cabarete Beach

Rod & Leticia behind them finishing.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline cbacbacba1

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
Loopsided detour for leg 11  :groan:

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Ricky is emotional for getting into the final three because they've put so much energy into getting this far consistently. Juan & Shane strategize to do two at a time. Amber & Vinny working right beside them. Amber gets one drink right, but the Huracan is incorrect. Juan & Shane start serving out drinks two at a time.

Vinny not following the recipes, and serving in the wrong glasses.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
A parrot steals a straw from a pirate. :lol:

Rod can't do any more Roadblocks because he hit his limit. Ricky & Cesar see the clue box at the beach. Both teams reach for the clues.

ROADBLOCK: "Who wants to take a stand?"
One team member must windsurf for 60 seconds to receive their next clue.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Leticia doing the windsurfing while Ricky is suiting up. "Ahh, don't tell me he knows how to do this too!" - Rod :funny:

Leticia's only boogie-boarded and is first out on the water. She's getting out pass the surf break.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Cesar says they could be struggling here if other teams are catching up. Leticia's first attempt knocks the sail into her head. Ouch!

Commercials.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We come back to Windsurfing 101 as Leticia is recovering in the water. She pulls a Claire and immediately gets back on and starts making the board her beotch. Ricky is struggling a bit. A countdown clock starts for Leticia, but Ricky can't keep the sail up for longer than 10 seconds.

Ricky flings himself back as Leticia completes the task! Insert Brook from TAR17 reaction!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
ROUTE INFO: Olympus Beach, clue on a dune buggy.

Cesar has faith in Ricky.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan & Shane finish the 6 required drinks and gets their clue. Amber & Vinny still behind the bar.

Shane is shifting focus on providing a better life for their families. Juan is doing the RB as they arrive at the first beach.

Amber & Vinny finish all four remaining drinks for them at the same time. Clue bagged!

Meanwhile, Ricky is taking forever onto the 13th attempt.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)


Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan saw Ricky was struggling and wants to secure their place in the final. Juan immediately gets knocked over into the water after a gust of wind pushes him back.

Amber & Vinny confess they want to give each other reciprocal energy heading into the penultimate leg.

Juan staying balanced while Amber & Vinny arrive. Vinny does the RB and is very comfortable in the water.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
ROUTE INFO: Olympus Beach, clue on a dune buggy.

Cesar has faith in Ricky.
Olympus Beach corresponds to "Olympus Beachfront Condos," the condos I was referring to in the episode 10 discussion discussion thread :)



It's been a while since I was right like this :funny:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan nearly falls and just meets the one-minute mark! "The challenge played to my strength and worked against Ricky. I knew this was our best chance." - Vinny.

"Dude I hope Ricky & Cesar get eliminated here. That was so so close." - Juan

Ricky says this is extremely difficult, ant he is exhausted.

Commercials.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline cbacbacba1

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
This leg feels short and the tasks are so easy for pen-ultimate level :zz:
Glad we have it as a short run before the actually finale

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We return to Ricky vs. Vinny on the windsurfing Roadblock. Vinny gets knocked down as Ricky eventually gets the minute he needs. Cesar says he's been there for 30 minutes. Cesar is proud of Ricky.

Vinny is absolutely not rock solid on the board. He nearly drops it at the last second, but gets it done on the second attempt. "Good job babe, you killed it." - Amber / "That was the most stressed I've been on the entire race." - Ricky.

Rod & Leticia arrive at the buggies. ROUTE INFO: Pit Stop! (Already?) Teams must drive a dune buggy to the coast before rowing a kayak to Wilson's Bar. Last team to arrive WILL be eliminated.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rod & Leticia get to the kayaks super fast and start rowing until they capsize! :funny:
They jump back in and plan to go smoothly this time.

Juan & Shane reach the buggies. Shane lets it rip (on the cart) and Juan apologizes to Shane for any times they snapped at each other with no comment from Shane.

Rod & Leticia arrive on the mat and are TEAM NUMBER ONE! They receive OneKey Cash for a trip to Rome, Italy!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan & Shane pass a longtailed boat and Ricky & Cesar arrive at the buggies in 3rd. Amber & Vinny go off right behind them.

Military pilots run onto the mat and are TEAM NUMBER TWO! They are ecstatic!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Ricky & Cesar arrive and Ricky is stuck in the carabiner as Amber & Vinny park their buggy.

And... Ricky & Cesar end up on the mat as TEAM NUMBER THREE. Inching pass Amber & Vinny, who also arrive separately and are informed they have been eliminated from the race. They've learned a lot about each other and have entrusted each other more.

And they are the surprise proposal on the mat!!!! :2hearts:
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
This leg is easily the weakest of the season in terms of design
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
"I'm not going home with a million dollars, but I'm going home with a ring!" - Amber. Should be a title quote.

They've gotten everything they've asked for from this race.

Transition into the final three with Phil at the Puerto Plata airport. He informs they are heading into Philly!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rocky Steps! Phil introduces the city and says Philly Museum of Art is their Pit Start.

ROUTE INFO: Lincoln Financial Field, $20 for this leg of the race.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
It's a self-driving finale! Rod thinks it's the Eagles' stadium, but not sure. Juan & Shane ask for directions while Ricky says he grew up in the southside of Philly.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan & Shane are on their way while Rod & Leticia arrive first at the stadium.

ROADBLOCK: "Who has team spirit?"
One team member must change into a TAR mascot and run through a training drill and hit a target with a t-shirt cannon to receive their next clue from Philadelphia's football, baseball, and hockey? mascot. I dunno, I'm from Chicago! :funny:
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Leticia is doing the RB by default and is going onto the field. Ricky is doing the task and reveals he used to do mascot work back in school. Shane arrives out of nowhere and is on the field too.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Leticia and Ricky are booking it through the paper, but arrive at the shirt launcher stations. Shane is blasting through the obstacles too.

Ricky hits the target and out of here. ROUTE INFO: Pat's & Geno's Steaks
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
Ricky grew up in Philly, was a mascot in high school- we're never gonna hear the end of the "race was rigged for them" comments huh :res: :funny:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Leticia finishes the target practice and leave. Shane finishes and Juan & Shane look up directions for Pat's Pizza! :funny:

Ricky & Cesar arrive at the Philly cheesesteak house. ROUTE INFO: Headhouse Square. Rod & Leticia arrive right behind them.

Ricky & Cesar now arrive here too. They're everywhere.

ROUTE INFO: Recite the preamble of the Declaration of Independence to receive your next clue.

Juan & Shane drive to Pat's Select Pizza and Grill in Warrington, Pennsylvania! :funny: "Did you press steakhouse or pizza?" / "I pressed pizza." - Juan

Commercials.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
"Did you press steakhouse or pizza?" / "I pressed pizza." - Juan

Still making me giggle.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We come back from commercials to Juan & Shane getting to a pizza parlor and ask directions from the pizzeria itself. They crossed state lines in New Jersey, not even in Pennsylvania. :funny:


Ricky starts reading the preamble document. They are taken aback by this recitation. Rod & Leticia arrive! Ricky is putting the document on the floor to study.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Cesar is having trouble and Ricky says to act it out while Rod says the ending part is crazy. Leticia has her part down. "Not a words guy." - Leticia. "I don't know where the pilot boys are, but I hope they're lost." - with a smile from Leticia.

Juan & Shane driving back into the city.

Ricky & Cesar attempt their memory.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
And... Ricky fails the last three words. He thinks Cesar's memory is the one that's not working. Rod & Leticia rush onto the podium and are instantly forgetting the words.

Ricky realizes his mistake and go onto the soapboxes again.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Ricky & Cesar receive their clue! ROUTE INFO: Betsy Ross House.

Rod & Leticia are in a figurative fight to win right now. Juan & Shane arrive at the cheesesteak shack. "Drive to New Jersey." :funny:
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
"Did you press steakhouse or pizza?" / "I pressed pizza." - Juan

Still making me giggle.
They didn't even check to see if there was a "Geno's" nearby :funny:

Also, what LOCAL told them it was pizza??? It reminds me of this ill-fated Senate campaign :funny:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rod & Leticia are reciting and are struggling for real. Ricky & Cesar see the Betsy Ross House and reach the RB. "Who wants to earn their stripes?"

One team member figure out how to piece together America's first official flag and place them in the order the 13 states were ratified on the stripes after listening to a speech.

"I grew up in Mexico, so I didn't get the American story." - Cesar. Cesar is doing this task.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rod tries to recite the preamble again and throws a fit because he can't get it right!

Commercials.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
Well this is....unsuspenseful.

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
Ricky and Cesar are about to win The Amazing Race due to a combination of CTE and New Jersey
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
Ricky and Cesar are about to win The Amazing Race due to a combination of CTE and New Jersey

LOLLLLL

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We come back to Rod feeling defeated not being able to memorize these words. He eventually gets it together and gets their clue thereafter. "Million dollars on the line, anything can happen." Oh wow, Juan & Shane arrive at the preamble study as the NFL couple is leaving. Juan says this will be tough on him.

Cesar is on information overload as he is still with the impersonators. He's missing two states.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan knows the whole thing by heart. Shane knows... nada.

Cesar is pinning the five-point stars and is getting a check. He is correct!

ROUTE INFO: Arch Street Meeting House
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
23 minutes left in the episode, feels like Ricky and Cesar getting it first try was inevitable and next route info is probably to go to the finish line. Boring ending to a boring season IMO.

EDIT: nevermind lol, not much time left for them to mess up this bell puzzle though

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Ricky & Cesar searching for directions from passersby while Rod & Leticia arrive at the Betsy Ross House. Leticia is doing the RB in an overwhelmed state. Meanwhile, Juan & Shane finish the preamble recital. They move on.

Ricky & Cesar arrive at the Arch Street Meeting House. "Assemble a three-dimensional Liberty Bell replica puzzle."
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
No memory challenge :(

This season has been lots of fun despite a compromised leg design, but these last two legs are really letting the rest of the season down
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Leticia says she doesn't have it right off the bat. Juan & Shane arrive at the Betsy Ross House. Juan is doing the task. "This is where we catch up. If I can figure this out in my head, we're golden." - Juan

Ricky & Cesar see that they have to fill the inside. They are shocked by these pieces.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline ianthebalance

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1300
I know this will likely be an unpopular opinion but if you do a memory challenge every finale it would be too predictable

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan finishes the Roadblock task in lightning speed and pass Rod & Leticia. "How did you do that?!" - Leticia

Commercials.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
I know this will likely be an unpopular opinion but if you do a memory challenge every finale it would be too predictable

Totally understand that opinion but it's a staple of a finale. Feels like a rite of passage to me.

Offline Maanca

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 4391
No memory challenge :(

I'm guessing because it's a similar situation to 24, which didn't have a memory challenge either. A lot of the Asian half of that route was a last minute change. Most of us have heard by now about the plane problem that happened with this one.

Offline cbacbacba1

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
I know this will likely be an unpopular opinion but if you do a memory challenge every finale it would be too predictable
What if the absence of memory challenge was because of the route change and replacement legs? We also did not have a memory challenge for TAR 24 when there were replacement legs

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
The length of that commercial break really decreased the suspense even more lol. It's more of a battle between rod and leticia and juan and shane for 2nd place at this point

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
We come back to Leticia absolutely done with going back to the impersonators. She notices the stars aren't the right shapes and goes back to fix her mistake. She gets the clue!

Ricky & Cesar seems like they are nearly done with the bell. They have to hang the bell before getting their clue. And finish! ROUTE INFO: Race to the Finish Line: Glen Foerd Estate!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Juan & Shane start assembling the pieces while Rod & Leticia is running in from behind. Juan is good at puzzles and hopes to finish this pretty quickly.

Ricky & Cesar looking for directions as a horse-drawn carriage strolls on by. They drive off toward the finish line location.

Juan & Shane finish the bell and begin to hang it onto the contraption. They are off as well.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline elthemagnifico

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 922
  • Previously as rafael02
yeah this is probably why tar introduced scramble finale on the next season
what might have been

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
I respect the effort of the editors to make it seem like there was a race for first but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a 1 hour gap between ricky and cesar and juan and shane. If Ricky and Cesar lose, color me insanely shocked.

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
"I don't know if there's an entrance to 95 from here." - Ricky the local from Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, Juan & Shane are doing whatever they can to catch up. Ricky & Cesar ask for directions to go onto the highway.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
And... Ricky & Cesar arrive on the Finish Line to all the teams cheering on the side! 8 countries, 14 cities, 11,700 miles (so few!), Ricky & Cesar are the official winners of TAR!!! Their 7th first place finish.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Ricky & Cesar plan to start building their future together with the money and they are happy to have performed this well. They say it's the cherry on top. Juan & Shane come in from behind and are officially TEAM NUMBER TWO of this race. Juan says this has been a huge blessing and Shane said competing against Ricky & Cesar was incredible. They got to see two states. :funny:
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
To Ricky and Cesar's credit, their 1.45 average placement is best in Amazing race history and it's not really close. Eric and Jeremy's record was 1.75.

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Rod & Leticia finally finish the bell and are heading out to the estate. And they come running to the mat! Rod & Leticia are officially TEAM NUMBER THREE!!! Rod says the key to their relationship is to forgive, "quickly" - Leticia, and know their kids are going to be proud watching them. All teams heading onto the mat to reunite with each other and the final three are voicing their highs and results.

Panorama shot and end credits!
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
Anyway pumped for Amazing race 37....whenever it may be filmed. Finally done with covid seasons!

Offline Maanca

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 4391
To Ricky and Cesar's credit, their 1.45 average placement is best in Amazing race history and it's not really close. Eric and Jeremy's record was 1.75.

They haven't just broken the US record, they are now the top-averaging team worldwide, beating TAR Asia's Marc & Rovilson (1.48)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
To Ricky and Cesar's credit, their 1.45 average placement is best in Amazing race history and it's not really close. Eric and Jeremy's record was 1.75.

They haven't just broken the US record, they are now the top-averaging team worldwide, beating TAR Asia's Marc & Rovilson (1.48)

Cool tidbit of info. Thanks for that.

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
To Ricky and Cesar's credit, their 1.45 average placement is best in Amazing race history and it's not really close. Eric and Jeremy's record was 1.75.

They haven't just broken the US record, they are now the top-averaging team worldwide, beating TAR Asia's Marc & Rovilson (1.48)
Absolute beasts!  :2hearts:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline PikaBelleChu

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 445
  • "Pika-Pika-pi? Pika!"
I hope we get another scramble finale on season 37. this is even better than this season.

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
And that was the entirety of TAR36! Whew! What a long season for only 10 episodes. :-[ I'm happy to have been your live updater and can't wait for the next season when we get back to some semblance of normalcy. Let us know what you think of this season overall, tonight, or anytime in between below and let your voices be heard! I'll see you all in a bit after I can word and formulate my opinion on the season.

<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Jro

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
Not to say this cast wasn't good at the game perse but I'd be interested to see Ricky and Cesar in an all star season to see if it was the cast they were up against or if they're really that good lol.

Offline Bookworm

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
  • BIG MISTAKE
Thank you SO much for your updates throughout the season, Rachel!
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not" - The Lorax

Offline elthemagnifico

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 922
  • Previously as rafael02
agreed with the rests that was a let down, but i do appreciate the finale leg does have so many tasks. not counting tar 35, but the total of two rbs, two ari tasks, and one ri are a lot comparing to prior seasons, even for a covid season that the finale had been crammed with the penultimate leg.

ricky & cesar proved that they are indeed a great team and i honestly wouldnt be suprised they would do so well on the regular season too
what might have been

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
Thank you SO much for your updates throughout the season, Rachel!

I really appreciate it! Thank you for being a part of the conversation!
:2hearts:
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline PikaBelleChu

  • RFF Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 445
  • "Pika-Pika-pi? Pika!"
This season will get low view ratings because of the Spanish tour and with one contestant who had lived in Philly before. The viewers say this is rigged and already determined for Cesar & Ricky to win it all.

Offline Xoruz

  • RFF LInk Master!
  • TAR Detectives
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1847
Combining these legs didn’t do them much favors. Ultimately the final leg was a case where a team got ahead and stayed ahead. Not the most fun as a viewer.

Offline Brannockdevice

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 514
Dang I was rooting for Rod and Leticia
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit." -Frank Borman

Offline cbacbacba1

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
To Ricky and Cesar's credit, their 1.45 average placement is best in Amazing race history and it's not really close. Eric and Jeremy's record was 1.75.

They haven't just broken the US record, they are now the top-averaging team worldwide, beating TAR Asia's Marc & Rovilson (1.48)
If we calculate two parts of the megaleg as two separate legs, the racing average of Ricky & Cesar would be 1.5 (18/12), where Marc & Rovilson's would be 1.46 (19/13).

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
I will pop the overall season review in the Squeal thread sometime over the weekend when the dust has settled, but just off tonight's broadcast... :glassesf:

I saw the episode as cobbled together just as much as the leg design. Fusing two legs of material into an hour-and-a-half slot shouldn't be an issue normally, but when the legs don't have substantial enough tasks, it turns into an effort of trying to fill the pig. I feel like the "point A" to "point D" in the final leg was a blur (specifically the mascot RB to the Arch Street Meeting House) and the edit and the structure of the leg did not give enough time for anyone to process the info/places thrown at us. I will say there were a couple high points in editing during these two legs that could've been highlighted as a moment more than leaving it as a side reaction, 1) Juan & Shane misdriving to a Pat's Select Pizza & Grill in New Jersey and 2) Leticia and Juan overtaking Ricky at the windsurfing Roadblock. As for the finale, it's a very odd structure with one half being modern Philadelphia icons and then suddenly diving straight into Independence Day historical context even with the Finish Line location. I'd rather they had just picked one motif and went with it like Nashville's music-themed leg in the previous shutdown-period season. Seems like the producers really had their eyes set on airing this leg like last season's, in the spring close to 4th of July (35 ended on July 8 ). Overall, very competitive final 3, I've been impressed by them, but it could very well just be the staggered Pit Starts and no real airport equalizers skewing their dominance in their favor. I'll dive more into that in the overall review soon.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline Maanca

  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 4391
Rachel, you still did an awesome job as always with the updates! Thanks  :luvya:

Offline Alenaveda

  • TAR Detectives
  • I Live at RFF
  • *****
  • Posts: 13510
  • R.F.F. Game Host A.A.R.G. 11
I will pop the overall season review in the Squeal thread sometime over the weekend when the dust has settled, but just off tonight's broadcast... :glassesf:

I saw the episode as cobbled together just as much as the leg design. Fusing two legs of material into an hour-and-a-half slot shouldn't be an issue normally, but when the legs don't have substantial enough tasks, it turns into an effort of trying to fill the pig. I feel like the "point A" to "point D" in the final leg was a blur (specifically the mascot RB to the Arch Street Meeting House) and the edit and the structure of the leg did not give enough time for anyone to process the info/places thrown at us. I will say there were a couple high points in editing during these two legs that could've been highlighted as a moment more than leaving it as a side reaction, 1) Juan & Shane misdriving to a Pat's Select Pizza & Grill in New Jersey and 2) Leticia and Juan overtaking Ricky at the windsurfing Roadblock. As for the finale, it's a very odd structure with one half being modern Philadelphia icons and then suddenly diving straight into Independence Day historical context even with the Finish Line location. I'd rather they had just picked one motif and went with it like Nashville's music-themed leg in the previous shutdown-period season. Seems like the producers really had their eyes set on airing this leg like last season's, in the spring close to 4th of July (35 ended on July 8 ). Overall, very competitive final 3, I've been impressed by them, but it could very well just be the staggered Pit Starts and no real airport equalizers skewing their dominance in their favor. I'll dive more into that in the overall review soon.

This the game designer speaking not the detective: not all cities can provide you with a consistent themed structure for the final leg, sometimes you just have to go ahead with what you find and try to assemble something feasable enough to challenge the teams in the run for the million dollars. That's why sometimes we got outstanding final legs - in terms of tasks - and some really forgettable.
"When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains - however improbable - must be the truth." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

"No person deserves your tears, and who deserves them will not make you cry." - Gabriel García Márquez

Offline RachelLeVega

  • RFF TAR Updater
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5350
  • Fearless of ticket agents - too hot to be handled!
I will pop the overall season review in the Squeal thread sometime over the weekend when the dust has settled, but just off tonight's broadcast... :glassesf:

I saw the episode as cobbled together just as much as the leg design. Fusing two legs of material into an hour-and-a-half slot shouldn't be an issue normally, but when the legs don't have substantial enough tasks, it turns into an effort of trying to fill the pig. I feel like the "point A" to "point D" in the final leg was a blur (specifically the mascot RB to the Arch Street Meeting House) and the edit and the structure of the leg did not give enough time for anyone to process the info/places thrown at us. I will say there were a couple high points in editing during these two legs that could've been highlighted as a moment more than leaving it as a side reaction, 1) Juan & Shane misdriving to a Pat's Select Pizza & Grill in New Jersey and 2) Leticia and Juan overtaking Ricky at the windsurfing Roadblock. As for the finale, it's a very odd structure with one half being modern Philadelphia icons and then suddenly diving straight into Independence Day historical context even with the Finish Line location. I'd rather they had just picked one motif and went with it like Nashville's music-themed leg in the previous shutdown-period season. Seems like the producers really had their eyes set on airing this leg like last season's, in the spring close to 4th of July (35 ended on July 8 ). Overall, very competitive final 3, I've been impressed by them, but it could very well just be the staggered Pit Starts and no real airport equalizers skewing their dominance in their favor. I'll dive more into that in the overall review soon.

This the game designer speaking not the detective: not all cities can provide you with a consistent themed structure for the final leg, sometimes you just have to go ahead with what you find and try to assemble something feasable enough to challenge the teams in the run for the million dollars. That's why sometimes we got outstanding final legs - in terms of tasks - and some really forgettable.
Fair point, sometimes things aren't available and that's okay. They made it happen with the extenuating circumstances. I still found it odd that Phil introduced the final leg in a way that felt like it was going to be a tour through Philadelphia pop culture, but end up with tasks at the aft revolving around U.S. independence. Seems and feels like a portion of Philly's original final was scrapped whether this was their primary intent or not.
<3 Family, friends, food, freedom...FULFILLED <3
Countries "raced": France (2024), Greece (2019), Italy (2017), Switzerland (2017), Taiwan (2016), U.S. (WA 2013, CA [S.F. 2014, L.A. 2023], TX 2021, FL 2024, IL all the time)

Offline ZBC Company

  • aka spoler
  • RFF Frantic Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5113
I thought it was a good final leg, but the preliminary leg was boring. I actually wanted to be Lincoln Felid when I was in middle school. The guys got lost in Passic, New Jersey, and passed through Trenton. We went to New Jesery, to go to BJS or gas station. I thought this was the best leg or visit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Offline Pi

  • HOST: Design Challenge 8
  • RFF Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
Loopsided detour for leg 11  :groan:
I guess you don't have to worry about whether a Detour is balanced if all teams pick only one side? :lol: However, it made the task feel like an ARI and contributed to the first leg's super short feel.

The man Juan & Shane asked for directions to the stadium was wearing an Eagles cap. Seems like he should know!

The first Roadblock was... mild. A more involved obstacle course and/or more "fans" reacting from the crowd would have gussied up the spectacle a bit more.

The second RB was much better done. I'm from the US (although not from any of the original 13 states) and I only knew the first two in order, Delaware and Pennsylvania. But as long as you weren't impatient you could easily get all the info from the actors. The Betsy Ross script in particular was nicely written: she mentioned the line about six point stars first, but then they had to keep listening to hear that it was the five-point stars they needed. Unfortunately the teams were far enough apart such that small things like that didn't end up mattering.

It's interesting how most of the racers encountered something in their wheelhouse these last two legs- a bartender and a chef got a drink-making/recipe-following task, Vinny had a watersport RB, Rod was asked to find an NFL stadium, and (perhaps most consequentially) Ricky got to navigate around his hometown. No way he was going to be confused about what Pat & Geno's are.

I don't think Ricky & Cesar faced as much adversity as a lot of winners have - not that it matters, $1,000,000 is $1,000,000 - but they certainly did about as good as anyone could do given what was put in front of them all season long. They would be right at home on an All Stars race.

Thank you to Rachel for the excellent updates! :cheer: And here's to non-COVID racing coming back!  :hfive:
www.vote.org Election Day in the USA is Tuesday, November 5. Make a plan to vote!