TAR7: Bald Is Beautiful

Thoughts on last night's episode "We Have A Bad Elephant"

Well after a couple of "off" weeks (in my opinion), TAR7 kicked it back into high gear... there was fun with animals... both fake (elephants) and real (camels)... a heartbreaking fast-forward... and a somewhat surprising Philimination.

Elephants & Camels
Gretchen continues to be the most quotable contestant this season.  I think she has been responsible for more of the show titles this year than anyone else!  Moving the fake 600 lb elephants was one of the most amusing challenges this season... just thought it was hilarious that Gretchen rode the elephant the entire way.  At least at the end, she realized her error ... but I kept wondering why she didn't figure it out sooner... didn't she see that none of the other team members were atop the elephant.  Later, she provided another funny line shouting at the "obstinate camel" that Meredith was trying to get across the finish line.

A Very Close Shave
How can Uchenna & Joyce not rise very high up on the list of all-time great TAR teams?!  I am sure I was not alone... getting that sinking feeling in my stomach (and/or heart!) when the duo had trouble finding the Fast Forward location and knowing what was ahead... that they would be forced to shave their heads.  Yes, we all know that hair does grow back... but it is still a difficult decision... especially for a woman (remember models, Brandon & Nicole, did not even consider going through with it on TAR5 - btw, Brandon is still modeling... go to your local Target and browse the men's section... he is doing some swimsuit work... yum!).  I don't know what was more heartbreaking... Joyce's initial defiance of "just do it" or her emotional breakdown when the scissors hit her head.  What made it all the worse is the already bald Uchenna could do nothing but watch.  I am just glad that they won the leg... and I hope that they earned a vacation for it (another week where there was no mention of a first place prize).  The shaving is supposed to bring good luck... so I hope that proves to be true... and as I said in the title of this post, I think Joyce looked great.

Future Commitments
Before I get to the finale, I can't ignore what was shown in next week's preview as jaws across America likely dropped to the floor.   Of course, we are talking about Kelly... and complaining that Ron had commitment issues... when Ron brings up his commitment to the military... Kelly says something to the affect of "well you got out of that" thanks to being a POW... yowza!   I hope Ron ends the relationship right there... though I have my suspicions this POW/Beauty Queen combo was nothing more than a convenient set-up to get on the show... more so than a serious relationship.

Philimination & Rumor Squashed
In somewhat of a surprise, Lynn & Alex were Philiminated... when it appeared that Gretchen & Meredith were headed off the show.  I have had my problems with Lynn & Alex over the course of the show... but the last couple of weeks they returned to a relatively good standing with me. 

Alas, with the Philimination of the WeHo boys... the Final 3 rumor that I mentioned last week was put to rest.  The speculation was the TAR website gave away the order of finish based on the background used for the team photos.  The first 5 Philiminated teams all had a "beach" background, the brothers had a "mountain" background... and given recent troubles it would not have been out of the question if the other "mountain" teams of Gretchen/Meredith and Ron/Kelly were the next to go.  The proposed final 3 (Lynn/Alex, Rob/Amber, Uchenna/Joyce) ... all had "sunset" backgrounds.   For a little more on this and pics... check out my post on Pop Culture Junkies.

Comments

[browneye]

You know, I had a fear that since the clue read "both team members must shave" that J&U would get to the pit stop and Phil would say, "I'm sorry...but...."

Thank God that didn't happen!

And I am so sick of the wimpy women on AR that I cheered for Joyce for just sucking it up and doing it!

[Scott C]

Personally, I think Joyce looks stunning bald. The hair she had, just did nothing for me.

As for losing Team Birdcage, yes I am saddened, as I felt they had more of a chance these last few weeks when they appeared to be racing, rather than "beating Team Romber". But, lets see if Team GrandPa/Ma can make it to the final three.

[Gail]

I stumbled upon your Weblog while looking up The Amazing Race. I can't remember what I was reading but I laughed so hard I was crying. It might have been TAR 6--lots of good material there. I find myself agreeing with everything you say about all the teams. In fact I think I've said some of the same things to my family. We don't watch any other reality shows, but we love the Amazing Race and I love your site.