Two teams Philiminated in the first two episodes. The first episode Phil said a team WILL be eliminated. The second episode, he said MAY be eliminated. What will he say tonight? Are we due a non-Philimination?
I realize there are spoilers out on the web regarding the winning team and the two other teams in the finale. I ask that no one post the spoilers in the comments here. If you wish to know, just Google the show name, season number and "spoilers." Then, when you find out -- keep it to yourself!
I will be live-blogging the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh this post to get the latest news. I hope it's not like last week with a gaggle of teams arriving atop of each other. I couldn't keep up with them! The party itself is in the comments area -- feel free to join in!
Here are the latest blog pool standings from Lifeguard SueGee:
From Big Brother
Rachel & Elissa -- Delee, Nickelpeed
Nicole & Victor -- Jackie, Jennifer, Jenna G
Janelle & Britney -- Donna in FL, David, Monty924
From Survivor
Corinne & Eliza -- Dr_Celine, Caela, Willie J
Chris & Bret -- Paula B, Megan in NC, SueGee
From TAR
Colin & Christie -- Donna NY, Petals
Becca & Floyd -- Merrilee, Judi Sweeney, Glenn Allen
Leo & Jamal -- Kelsey NY, Indiana Jane, Cheryl in NC
Tyler & Korey -- Sharon N, Ed in Ohio
Philiminated
Art & JJ
Rupert & Laura
On your marks, get set … let's go!
Nine teams remain. Who will be eliminated next?
They're off to Vietnam next and have to use (and promote) the Travelocity app.
Once there, they have to pick up a package of herbal remedies from the House of Vietnamese Medicine.
Team Fun tries to make up and explain the U-Turn to Tyler and Korey. Meanwhile, Rachel and Elissa try to apologize to Team Fun. One apology seems to be accepted, the second one not so much.
BB makes an alliance to not U-Turn each other.
Vietnam is where Floyd got heat stroke during their season. Not so good memories for him!
Teams are racing around a building looking for the doctor.
Detour -- Catch you own prawns or dance with a dance group.
Leo and Jamal try to head the Survivor gals the wrong way, but they're onto them.
Team Fun finishes the dance first and heads to the Roadblock which is memorizing and singing a song in Vietnamese.
Watching the teams try to remove the prawns from the hooks is a hoot. Only Tyler and Korey and the Survivor Gals chose that. Rachel/Elissa are stuck on the dancing detour as other teams (including Victor/Nicole) pass them.
Team Fun hits the Roadblock and it's up to Floyd to take it on. Meanwhile, Elissa wants to quit the dancing. Chris and Bret are just about to start the dance. The Afghanimals and Britney/Janelle are still roaming about lost.
Chris/Bret head off fishing for prawns after one horrific try at dancing. The Survivor Gals beat out Tyler/Korey at prawns.
Floyd got the Roadblock done on the first shot and they're headed off to the Pit Stop. Janelle/Britney made it through the dancing and now it's the Afghanimals trying to dance.
Eliza shows up as Victor is trying to learn the Roadblock song. She starts screaming so he heads off to do it. Heh. He made it through it despite Eliza.
Pit Stop --
1. Becca and Floyd, Team Fun! Also won a trip to the Bahamas.
2. Nicole/Victor
3. Colin/Christie
4. Tyler/Korey
5. Corinne/Eliza
6. Janelle/Britney
7. Rachel/Elissa
8. Leo/Jamal
9. Chris/Bret -- NON-PHILIMINATION!
All teams still in it. Chris and Bret will have to do a Speed Bump in the next leg.
Okay, now we're going into the 12th episode with all but two castaways technically still on the show. At present time, there are more sitting over on Extinction than there are playing the game. My personal guess is that only one of the Extinction bunch will be eventually let back into the game. But what will happen with the jury? I can't imagine a jury as large as fifteen voting. Hmm. If I were there, I'd be thinking "I could have spent this time leading the good life on Ponderosa!"
Tonight is the -- in my opinion -- the overly dramatic "loved ones visit" episode. While I sometimes find it interesting to see who arrives for whom, that's it. Sorry, but they've been gone about a month at that point doing a reality television show. Perhaps I'm a bit callous, but I just don't get all the tears and drama. There have even been recent complaints from various castaways about how many make this visit episode a goal like making it to the merge or making it to jury. Of course, I feel the goal should be to make it to the win. Maybe that's just me.
I'll be live-blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news. The party is, as always, in the comments area -- feel free to join in! A separate post for The Amazing Race is sitting in the wings and will appear a few minutes before the show.
Lifeguard Laure has returned from her Pacific Ocean gig watching the beaches in Hawaii and here are the updated blog pool standings --
Aurora McCreary -- Ed in Ohio, marthalight
Gavin Whitson -- Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg -- Delee, MikesGirl
Lauren O'Connell -- Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devens -- Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Ron Clark -- Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Victoria Baamonde -- Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee
Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly -- David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood -- Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * -- Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann -- Bizaro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * -- Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter -- Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
David Wright * -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Kelley Wentworth * -- Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" -- Jackie, Nana in the NW
Survivor fans ready?
We open up with the aftermath of the Wardog ouster. Rick thinks every time he's trusted Ron, he's been lied to. Ron realizes that and gives him the advantage thinking he will need his trust. Of course, the advantage is no good, but Rick doesn't know that.
Right to the loved ones Reward Challenge time. I simply cannot report on all the tears and drama. Can you hear my eyes rolling?
Race with a bucket, get water from ocean, toss water to loved one's bucket, loved one fills container to raise flag will win. Love and a picnic is the reward.
Ron and his husband Lloyd win Reward. Who will come with them? He picks Julie. Then he picks Gavin (who said he was married two days before he had to leave for the show). I actually think that was a thoughtful decision, but not all the others feel the same.
GAH! Gavin -- "Whenever I left …" NO! It's NOT "whenever." It's WHEN. I really cringe every time I hear that.
The ones not on the picnic are talking Rick for the next target. They think he's out there looking for an idol. He catches Victoria and Aurora going through his bag. Rick decides he'll use Aurora going through his bag as a weapon to target her. While looking, he finds a clue saying that the idol is in the trees above their camp. He finds it and thinks in addition to what Ron gave him, he's golden.
The Immunity Challenge is a repeat of the perched between two walls, last one up wins.
Rick out first. Ron out. Victoria out. Julie out. Oh my gosh, Ron carries her because she can't walk. Aurora out. Lauren and Gavin left, Lauren drops.
GAVIN WINS IMMUNITY!
Ron is thrilled because Rick went out first and he thinks all Rick has is that fake advantage. Little does he know …!
Back at camp, Rick is getting the silent treatment. He thinks Ron might be the only one who will work with him, but doesn't trust him. Ron is convincing Rick that Aurora's the target. He thinks if everyone else votes for Rick and Rick happens to have an idol, it will be Aurora going home with Rick's vote. The girls are thinking it might be wise to split the vote and vote for Ron to go.
Aurora wants to give Gavin her extra vote advantage (last time it can be played). She figures if it goes to a tiebreaker and her name is in there, Gavin is the only real safe one. Gavin is in a quandary as Ron let him go on Reward yet he doesn't want to alienate Lauren and Aurora.
Off to Tribal Council. The million jury members troop in. Rick brings up Aurora going through his bag. Lots of talk about lots of plans. Jeff asks Ron Probsting questions about his choice for Reward partners. Jeff likens this season to a pinball machine with people in place of the balls bouncing about. Aurora admits she doesn't want to be sitting next to Rick in the final three. Jeff is really stirring the pot this Tribal.
The tally -- Rick plays the menu Ron gave him and asks for immunity, finds out it was expired. So, he lights into Ron and Julie and plays his idol.
Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick, Aurora, Ron, Ron, Ron …
RON is voted out! Aurora is giddy. Of course, he heads off to Extinction. And, of course, they're all still on Eviction. When is that herd going to thin?
That's quite the start we got off to last week! I remain surprised that Rupert and Laura squeaked through to the mat. Will they be able to do it again this week? I was even more surprised a previous TAR team was Philiminated. Was I surprised that the leading teams to the mat were previous TAR teams? Nope. Unfortunately, Art and JJ, although good people, were the weakest returning team. Now the BB and Survivor folks just have the tougher ones against them.
I'll be live blogging the main events and constantly updating this entry as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest happenings! As always, the real party is in the comments -- feel free to join in on the fun!
Lifeguard SueGee was kind enough to open the gate for stragglers and re-shuffle the blog pool to reassign the first boot folks. So, here's the latest blog pool update going into tonight --
From Big Brother:
Rachel & Elissa - Delee, Nickelpeed
Nicole & Victor - Jackie, Jennifer, Jenna G (obviously the J Crew!)
Janelle & Britney - Donna in FL, David, Monty924
From Survivor:
Rupert & Laura - Brian, JonMD1267
Corinne & Eliza - Dr_Celine, Caela, Willie J
Chris & Bret - Paula B, Megan in NC, SueGee
From TAR:
Colin & Christie - Donna NY, Petals
Becca & Floyd - Merrilee, Judi Sweeney, Glenn Allen
Leo & Jamal - Kelsey NY, Indiana Jane, Cheryl in NC
Tyler & Korey - Sharon N, Ed in Ohio
Philiminated:
Art & JJ
Where will we be racing to tonight? Let's go!
They're heading to Laos next. Colin tells us he's grown since last on the show 15 years ago. We'll be the judge of that.
Rachel/Elissa have a failed attempt to work with Team Fun (Becca/Floyd). The Survivor teams drift to each other and are all on the same flight.
The teams have to "give back" to the Monks. But there is a waiting period. Corinne/Eliza have a bit of run-in with the Afghanimals and find out they're not Team Fun.
Teams make their way on foot to the next clue and encounter a Double U-Turn. Rachel thinks they really need to U-Turn someone while the Nicole/Victor don't see the need. Then we go to commercial.
GAH! She U-Turns Team Fun because they wouldn't work with her.
Detour has them memorizing the Lao alphabet or prepare barbeque.
Team Fun U-Turned Tyler and Korey. They did it mainly on the suggestion of the Afghanimals who didn't want the blood on their hands.
The alphabet is very tonal which is hard and the BBQ has them getting the ingredients which might be harder than cooking them!
Upon completion of the Detour, they're off to Elephant River. Heh. Elissa has to tell Rachel to calm down. Rupert finished the alphabet and claimed, "We did something!" He was proud. Team Fun finished both Detours and are ahead of many of the teams who had only one to do.
Roadblock - The Afghanimals make it first. They must use Lao commands to make an elephant cross a river, then find a musician on the other side. Nicole and Victor are second. Nicole is thrilled to be on the elephant!
They head to the Pit Stop by boat and Phil said MAY be eliminated. It's Victor/Nicole and the Afghanimals in the lead.
Pit Stop order
1. Leo/Jamal - won $2500 each
2. Nicole/Victor
Rupert is having elephant trouble despite he claims that's his soul animal
Wow the teams coming in one after another.
I can't keep up with it.
Both teams with U-Turns are safe.
Last to arrive are Rupert/Laura -- Philiminated
I'm surprised they didn't go last week.
So, now we have all returning castaways sitting over there on Extinction Island. I guess that technically gives at least one of them a shot at getting back in the game for the win. To be honest, I'm a bit surprised they weren't targeted and picked off one by one right from the get-go. I'm never sure why reality shows think it's a good thing to have a few returning players join in with a new cast. They never make it to the end. I'm not keen on "all star" versions of the shows, either. But, at least, that creates a more even playing field.
I'll be live blogging the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh this page to get the latest news! Y'all know the party is in the comments below, right? Feel free to join in! Up here it ain't no party, ain't no disco, ain't no foolin' around. Okay, maybe a little fooling around …
A post for The Amazing Race is sitting in the wings ready to pop up before that show airs. If you're watching both shows, head on over there at the end of this one!
Here's the latest update on the blog pool (they need to get some of these folks outta there!) --
Aurora McCreary -- Ed in Ohio, marthalight
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" -- Jackie, Nana in the NW
Gavin Whitson -- Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg -- Delee, MikesGirl
Lauren O'Connell -- Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devins -- Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Ron Clark -- Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Victoria Baamonde -- Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee
Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly -- David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood -- Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * -- Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann -- Bizarro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * -- Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter -- Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
David Wright * -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Kelley Wentworth * -- Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Survivor fans ready?
We start as Kelley arrives at Extinction. Of course, Lauren is missing her back at camp. She's saying Ron and Wardog flipped. She's uncertain who she can work with now. Wardog's way of working things has alienated many -- Gavin is angry and wants him targeted. Ron told Julie about the extra vote in order to get back in her good graces. It looks like it just might work.
Rick think he, Ron and Wardog need each other in the game. They think they're each other's biggest threat and biggest hope to stay in the game. They think the others will go for them any chance they get. it seems like Aurora is their main target … at least for now.
To a REWARD challenge. They have to swim, dive, go under a platform, retrieve three rings and first team to get rings on target wins. It's a trip away to a feast and showers and stuff.
Lauren, Wardog, Rick, Julie (Blue) versus Ron, Gavin, Victoria and Aurora (Yellow) in a schoolyard pick.
Blue wins it no thanks to another poor challenge performance by Wardog.
We have a trip to Extinction. Kelley is mad at herself for not trusting her gut and using the idol. Reem is thrilled that Kelley finally got voted out. Kelley apologizes to her but Reem is still ticked. After all, Kelley was instrumental in getting her voted out. Time for introspection time for Kelley. Um, okay.
Back at camp, the ones who lost the reward have some bonding time. They're talking taking out Rick. Gavin wants to get closer to Aurora. Ron accused Aurora of being the "Rice Nazi." He tells us she gets on his last nerve.
But the Reward people are having a wonderful time. They're spreading mud bath on each other, talk about bonding. They got to play in a hot spring. Rick doesn't think Lauren or Julie are serious players. They're wrong. However, Julie and Lauren are bonding a bit. But Lauren thinks Rick is the most dangerous while Julie wants to take out Wardog.
Immunity Challenge time! Race over obstacle carrying buoy, go through tunnel with buoy, then buoy through netting, keys, unlock locks, puzzle.
Rick wins Immunity again! His only real competition was Aurora. Gavin is sure Wardog will be going tonight. I'm not as sure.
Lots of scuttlebutt about Wardog going home. But it's also leaning towards Aurora. Aurora is certainly the better physical competitor. Lauren is torn -- she thinks she needs to do what's best for her own game. Aurora is contemplating using her extra vote advantage. She might need it.
Off to Tribal Council! Jeff asks Wardog about the atmosphere back at camp. He says that all are talking and Gavin claims Wardog talks at him, not to him, so now they don't talk. Ohh … Wardog threw Ron under the bus with Kelley ouster and Ron said it was true. They're already working the jury.
The tally --
Aurora, Wardog, Aurora, Wardog, Wardog, Wardog, Wardog …
So, my pool pick Wardog bites the Extinction. Yes, he heads to Extinction … of course. He's a Wardog.
Next week is the "loved ones" episode. Never my favorite, but they don't ask me.
While I generally prefer "normal new people" on TAR, I think this season should be quite entertaining. Since this blog covers all three shows involved in the cast, it's all familiar faces. There are a few I'd personally not see again on the show :::cough... Rachel, Colin, Rupert …. cough::: -- overall, I like the teams chosen. I just think two of them have had more than needed of their fifteen minutes of fame and one is insufferable. Everyone (in their bios) think the former racers will have the edge. I guess we'll see!
I will be live blogging the major events as they go down from here on the East Coast. Refresh this page to get the latest news! As always, the party is down in the comments area. Please join in on the fun!
Lifeguard SueGee has made the random selections for the pool. Who's your team?
From Big Brother:
Rachel & Elissa -- Delee, Nickelpeed
Nicole & Victor -- Jackie, Jennfer
Janelle & Britney -- Donna in FL, David
From Survivor:
Rupert & Laura -- Brian, JonMD1267
Corinne & Eliza -- Dr_Celine, Caela
Chris & Bret -- Paula B, Megan in NC
From TAR:
Art & JJ -- SueGee, Willie J
Colin & Christie -- Donna NY, Petals
Becca & Floyd -- Merrilee, Judi Sweeney
Leo & Jamal -- Kelsey NY, Indiana Jane
Tyler & Korey -- Sharon N, Ed in Ohio
Are we ready? 1, 2, 3 … let's GO!
They're starting out in Los Angeles. We get the introductions from Phil.
It looks like this "reality clash" is going to take a few minutes.
They have to dig into a HUGE octopus sand sculpture for their clue to their first destination.
They're heading to Japan - Rachel, Rupert teams got it first. Colin and Christie have two children now -- 11 and 6 years old. We'll see how much he's matured.
All the teams are on the same flight to Tokyo where they'll have to take a bus to the destination for the next clue. Only limited numbers of clues are in either of the two locations. They're rather slowly finding the clues.
They are directed to the Roadblock in a building. Who wants a sweet new pair of shoes? Inspired by a crazy game show. They must find one pair of shoes, biting into it to see if it's chocolate. Some are still looking for the clues to get there. Rachel is running behind. So is Rupert. As for the shoes, they must eat the chocolate ones once they find them.
Leo and Jamal are in the lead followed by Janelle and Britney.
Who wants to climb Mount Fuji? Roadblock, climb 21 stories. It's a slippery slope. Meanwhile, Victor is having extreme issues with the chocolate sandals. Rupert and Laura are still roaming around lost in Tokyo.
Colin and Christie are next in line at the climbing behind the Afghanimals. The cousins are headed to the Pit Stop. Ohh … Phil said WILL be eliminated, not MAY be eliminated. Corinne and Eliza just got the clue to the shoes. Art and JJ are lost and just got the clue after two teams already hit the welcome mat. Rupert and Laura are at the shoe Roadblock with Corinne/Eliza and actually found the chocolate shoes first. Corinne./Eliza are thinking they're the last team. They don't know that Art and JJ JUST got the clue to the shoes.
Pit Stop order:
1. Leo and Jamal, also won a seven-day cruise.
2. Colin and Christie
3. Tyler and Korey
4. Rachel and Elissa
5. Becca and Floyd
6. Victor and Nicole
7. Bret and Chris
8. Janelle and Britney
9. Corinne and Eliza
Rupert and Laura are still roaming about lost. JJ/Art are still struggling with the slope.
JJ tells Art that they should take a four-hour penalty because Art can't make the slope. Rupert/Laura arrive at Mt. Fuji. They tell Rupert/Laura they're taking the four hour penalty. Rupert is the one going for the slope. They don't think he'll be able to do it either. And … he is making it! He got it!
10. Rupert and Laura
11. Art and JJ -- Philiminated.
I had predicted a Rupert first ouster. I was close.
