New Life: The Amazing Race

This Fall, I wrote about my waning faith in The Amazing Race. Sure the show was still a reality staple but the trademarks of the show were becoming clichéd and boring. I thought the show needed some fresh life and I assumed the best way to do that was by changing up the format. Thankfully, I was wrong. All the show needed was a fresh group of contestants and a little cosmetic upgrade.

It’s amazing that some simple changes to the show’s editing could have such a profound effect. The most noticeable change to the season is the lack of filler scenes while teams wait at bus stops, airports, or train stations. Then there’s the introduction of the split screen race checks. While still not going as far as displaying tandem shots of actual action, the split screen transitions are helpful in placing where folks are in comparison.

One reason I’ve always loved The Amazing Race is their selection of contestants. There have been a few glory hounds seeking fame (Rob and Amber I’m talking to you), but for the most part the show has featured folks that are far too normal for reality TV. It’s the one show that most people I know can see themselves being a part of. The last couple of seasons lost that feeling but thankfully with a diverse group of teams, this season is looking strong. The father/son team of Mike and Mel has been a joy to watch. Being that Mike is a successful Hollywood screenwriter and sometimes actor you really believe that the only reason he’s doing this is for the experience with his father. The mother/son team of Margie and Luke is equally interesting and not just because of the fact that Luke is deaf. Usually the mother in these types of teams is dead weight but Margie has more than held her own. Between the stunt actors, the too soon departed hillbillies and the older health nuts this season has plenty of natural characters.

I’ve got high hopes for the remainder of this season and for the continued viability of the show. Of course it doesn’t hurt that Phil Keogen is still the best reality host on TV. That old eyebrow raise never gets old.