Yippee for the Hippies

The latest installment of the Amazing Race came to an end last night with another pair of hippies winning it all (although this time it was a pair of dating hippies and not two male friends). Just like BJ and Tyler, TK and Rachel were a carefree duo who were fun to watch throughout the race and easily likeable.

What is most interesting however, is that when I blogged about this season of TAR after the first episode, I specifically pointed out the two family teams; one comprised of a father/daughter and the other a grandfather/grandson. At that time, I mentioned how I thought both teams made for good TV, but was worried they would be eliminated quickly just like most of the other teams that are composed of family members. Well, lo and behold, those two teams were the other teams still in it on this final episode. It was remarkable to see the older members on these teams tough it out to the end and in the case of the father/daughter team, see their relationship evolve and improve over the course of the race. It's a shame neither of them ended up winning, but for them to make it as far as they did is a true testament to how good of players they were (although having no strong male duo this season also helped their chances).

Ron and Christina (the father/daughter) actually had a very good chance of winning this. They led through most of the leg, until the final road block. This challenge was utterly confusing to comprehend for the viewer at home (something about picking out certain items that the racers encountered throughout the race) and it proved to be just as difficult for Christina. They probably had about a half hour lead on the other two teams, yet Rachel was able to figure out the puzzle first and from there the hippies had it made in the shade as they cruised to the finish line well ahead of the other teams.

Overall, this was an enjoyable season. There were a lot of interesting teams that were fun to watch. And the one loathesome team (Nate and Jen, who rivaled Jonathan/Victoria and Freddy/Kendra for most vile dating couple ever on TAR) got their proper comeuppance by being eliminated on the leg right before the finale. No word yet on when the next season will be, but if the strike continues, there's no doubt it will happen sooner rather than later. In the meantime, it's a good thing Lost and Survivor are right around the corner to give me at least something new to watch over the next few months.