***SPOILERS***

First, I don’t have the time to recap fully, so here’s a link to Television Without Pity’s recap(let). Miss Alli sums it all up pretty well.

I’ve come up with some team nicknames, but they will most likely change once Miss Alli has named them in her full recap.

What I like (so far):

1. The diversity of the teams, although the two most interesting teams already got Philiminated. I liked the Indian-American couple a lot and wish they had done a little better. I admit that I was worried about the Muslim guys ability to continue without encountering security issues at airports. That they got Philiminated almost right away may be a blessing in disguise for them, although it’s a shame for the Race.

2. The surprises. I think the producers realized that the formula was well studied and that things needed a shake up. I’m interested to see what else comes up new during this Race. I like that the teams are no longer secure or complacent during each task thinking they’re safe as long as they make it to the Pit Stop.

What I don’t like (so far):

1. There’s potential for serious dislike of Team Amputee because of Charla-Mirna-esque crowing of ability one minute and then the next minute playing the disability card. Like Team Alabama said, Sara can run like the wind but she can’t stand in an airport line?

2. Team Coalmine bugs me for some reason.

3. Must we have cheerleaders?

On the tasks, so far not too bad. The rope climb up the wall was a serious challenge for Sara; I was surprised she didn’t take the time to change her running prosthetic to one with a shoe. I would not have been able to do that climb; that she did with one good leg is admirable. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the Race.

Oh, and Phil looks good, as usual.