The Amazing Race, Episode 8-4 – Think Like An Office Chair
OK, so by now you should know that my predictions suck, but I will stubbornly stand by my choice of the Linz family to take this whole thing. As you know, we’re still in the U.S. and teams at this point should not be breaking down too much. Except the Paolos, since the more they yell at each other, the better they perform. Or something like that.
The preview from last week show the Weavers crying in Talladega, and it’s quite obvious why – they loved the “Sparky” Thurman Plugg gimmick that Bob Howard had before he became Hardcore or was Bombastic. Anyways, the unwritten Reality TV teaser rules would indicate that the Weavers should then NOT be eliminated this week. Godlewskis, however, are vulnerable but I don’t think it’s their week to go… wherever they took the eliminated teams. Driving seems to be the method of transport this week so the Gaghans could again be vulnerable, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the team getting the boot is
Schroeder
Why? It just seems like they’ll implode.
Standings after 3 legs:
1. Bransen
2. Linz
3. Schroeder
4. Godlewski
5. Weaver
6. Paolo
7. Gaghan
x8. Aiello
x9. Rogers
x10. Black
Last week we saw teams leaving between 2 and 4am, and unsurprisingly they ended up getting bottlenecked at the airport. Despite this, the Paolos somehow managed to increase their initial deficit, but it didn’t matter since the Detour was designed to separate the teams into two groups, ensuring that one of the second group was getting the boot. And with about 15 minutes left in the episode you knew the Aiellos were DOA when they pulled unlucky #8 in the Roadblock. Which brings us to the fourth leg, and Inside Pulse’s LIVE coverage of… ‘The Amazing Race’.
…And we are LIVE.
This episode is dedicated to the people that suffered through the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
Recap of last week, and Opening Credits
We are the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the 3rd Pit Stop in a race around the world (Phil’s words, not mine). Teams have a chance to eat, sleep and mingle with one another during the mandatory rest period.
The Bransen family, who were the first team to arrive at 1:15am, are the first to depart at 1:15pm. They’re told to find the largest Office Chair in the world. The clue box is atop the chair, in Aniston, AL. They have $51 for this leg.
Linz, 1:25-ish. They’re trying to figure how to move up to first.
Schroeder, 1:33pm. Stssi thinks that they’re underdogs
Godlewski, 1:44pm. We’re told that Sharon and Christine are apt to clash.
Weaver, 3:34pm. The Schroeders don’t like them.
Paolo, 3:50pm. DJ and Marion argue. I know, I’m shocked too.
Gaghan, 3:53pm. Wow, they were pretty close to beating the Paolos, weren’t they? And as they leave they’re in a dead heat for last, until they take different directions on Highway 41.
Bransen reach the Chair first. The clue tells them to go 18 miles to Talladega, AL to find the Motorsports Hall of Fame and the next clue.
Weavers pass Talladega, and are worried that they might be told to go back there. Linz arrive to the Chair second, and Schroeder third. Godlewski arrive fourth.
Bransen reach the Motorsports Hall of Fame, and are told to complete one lap of the Super Speedway – 2.6 miles. But they’ll be riding a multi-person party bike to do so. Linz and Schroeder are right behind them.
Bransen are on their way, as Gaghan reach the Chair in fifth. Weaver reach the Chair, and they’re quiet, for once. Paolos are arguing as they reach the Chair. Linz are apparently familiar with Party Bikes. Schroeder start riding as Bransen finish and get their clue. They’re told to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to find the Southern Colonel dealership.
Godlewski start the task. Schroeder wonder how the Weavers will cope with the task. Cut to the Weavers reaching Talladega, finding the task, and giving a Darth Vader like “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”, adding “Mommy, we can’t!”
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Linda Weaver tries to keep positive about things. Linz complete the task as Schroeder have some trouble, but finish the task. Linz tell Weaver that they’re riding a bike. Godlewski finish. Gaghan arrive and head to the Speedway.
Weaver finish the task. Gaghan start, and I gotta think that 2 kids could be a hindrance here. Paolo arrive quite a bit later, and whine.
Linz pass Bransen, and one of the girls moon the siblings. One of the Linz boys shows his breasts.
Paolo finish the bike ride as it starts thundering. Bransen get directions and find out it’s a mobile home lodges. Both they and Linz arrive there, and find out that they’re staying overnight, and will leave at one of three times: 7:20am, 7:40am, and 8:00am. Once they pull a ticket they can’t change times.
Schroeder ask for directions, Godlewski use Google Maps to find it. Linz and Bransen look around and get 7:20 departure times.
Godlewski and Weaver arrive and just grab the first time they see. Godlewski get 7:40, Weaver pull 8:00. Stupid, stupid, stupid!! Schroeder are frustrated, but find the place. They see an 8:00, but are told that’s what the Weavers took, so look for a 7:40. Gaghan arrive and take 8:00 without looking around. Schroeder see Gaghan wandering and pull the nearest tab they see – 8:00am. Stassi is very upset – she notes that minutes could make a huge difference. Someone reads RNO, I see. My wife thinks they should slap her. I think she’s right to be upset. Stassi, not my wife.
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Have I mentioned how stupid the teams are right now? OK, just checking.
Paolo arrive and grab 7:40am. Lucky bastards.
7:20am. Linz and Bransen. They’re told to head to Richmond, Mississippi and go to a BP gas bar. They’re told to ask for Les.
7:40am. Godlewski and Paolo leave.
8:00am, remaining teams are off.
Linz arrive and get the clue. They’re told to head to Fairview Riverside State Park in the Pelican State – they’re not told it’s Louisiana, and the Park is at Madisonville. Bransen are right behind.
Paolo arrive at the BP as Godlewski overshoot the station.
Schroeder are low on gas as Stassi repeats her “one minute” mantra. All three teams arrive and get the clue from Les.
Teams are heading to 55 South, but Schroeder overshoot it.
Linz and Bransen arrive at the Park. It’s a Detour:
Work – Teams must cut four slices of a log using a 2 man saw. They must dress as lumberjacks.
Play – Play 21 against a dealer. Each team member must win 3 rounds against the dealer. They must also wear period clothing.
Both teams take Play.
Paolo arrive and take Work. Godlewski arrive and do as well. Linz decide to switch tasks.
Gaghan decide to play 21.
Paolo finish the task first and are told to take the World’s Longest Bridge to the Pit Stop at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. The last team to arrive may be eliminated.
Bransen finish the task and head off.
Weavers arrive as Linz finish the task. Godlewski finish as well. Gaghan are doing poorly at 21.
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Gaghan have decided to switch tasks, as Paolo, Bransen and Linz are all on the bridge. Godlewski are yapping on bringing their bags and such, and Christine cries. Apparently she does that a lot.
Weaver finish the task. The Gaghan kids are having some troubles cutting logs. Schroeder finally arrive and choose to Work. The see Gaghan and decide to Play instead. Gaghan finish the task as Schroeder are still playing. They finish the task, but I think they’re a bit behind.
Paolo and Bransen arrive and start running. Linz are also running around. Running, arguing, running, and the Bransens are the first team to arrive. They’ve won a trip for four to Orlando and Universal Studios.
Paolos are not too far behind in second, and gave the Bransens big hugs. Godlewski arrive and are running around, but Linz arrive in third.
Godlewski are fourth as Weaver park their car. Gaghan have arrived and are running. Schroeder are here as well.
Weavers are team number five. Gaghan and Schroeder are running around, and team number six are… the Gaghans!!
The Schroeders are the last team to arrive, and they have been Philiminated from the Race. Dad feels embarrassed for missing the Park since he works so close to it. Stassi feels like she should’ve been more focused.
End Credit.
And now here’s Phil to tell you to log onto CBS.com to find out how you can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Next episode, teams leave the U.S. (yay!), DJ Paolo gets nervous, and Sharon Godlewski plays baseball.
