Guest Blogger Angela: American Idol - The Top 24 Results

I wasn’t planning on blogging about the results show this week because, frankly, I thought it would be anticlimactic. There were so many bad performances that I assumed the better singers would be safe since there were so few of them. Well, I stand corrected.

The first elimination of the night, Janell Wheeler, wasn’t unexpected. While I really liked Janell’s audition, she did have the weakest female performance this week and probably deserved to go home. The next girl to get the boot was Ashley Rodriguez. I’ve never really been an Ashley fan and thought she was overrated from her audition, but there were definitely other girls that should have gone home before her just based on this week's performances. I thought Ashley’s early pimping and her looks would keep her safe for at least one more week, if not all the way to the top 12, but apparently I was wrong.

As if Ashley’s elimination weren’t surprising enough, that was followed by Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady both getting the axe in favor of keeping the incredibly inept Tim Urban and Alex Lambert. WTF?! I know Joe didn’t get any early exposure and Tyler’s quirky, but COME ON. They can SING. I was starting to think that Joe could be a dark horse this season, and Tyler has been one of my faves since his audition. They were both in my top 5 this week! But silly me, I was evaluating their SINGING. Tim and Alex are young, cute, and naïve (the Archuleta factor), which apparently trumps talent these days. Add to that the “victim” factor (they both probably garnered some sympathy votes after the judges’ harsh criticism on Wednesday), and I should have known they’d be safe. Forget the fact that their performances were bad. Really, really bad. Like make your ears bleed bad. Acting (and singing) like a puppy that’s just been kicked was enough to earn America’s votes. It’s sad. America, I’m disappointed in you.

Now none of these eliminations is a travesty, even by American Idol standards. I never thought Janell, Ashley, Joe, or Tyler would actually win the competition. However, I thought all of them at some point had a real shot of making the top 12, and there are definitely inferior singers who have now outlasted them in the competition.

So what’s the lesson we’ve learned from all of this?

Archuleta factor + victim factor > talent

In other words, it’s better to be horrible than to be ok. If you’re mediocre, people might forget about you or might choose to give someone else their votes. On the other hand, if you’re really bad, their sympathy will trump their hearing and they’ll vote for you despite your inability to hit the right notes (ie Scott McIntyre last season). After all, it’s the effort that counts, right? The final product is secondary to puppy dog eyes and earnestness.

So join us next week for three more episodes of American Idol, the search for the most sincere bad singer in the country.

PS If you (like me) were thinking that Casey James wore the same shirt two nights in a row, he didn’t. I rewatched his Wednesday performance (for the umpteenth time), where his shirt had designs on the shoulders and on the collar. His Thursday shirt just had designs on the shoulders. That’s a relief, isn’t it? We wouldn’t want our resident hottie to be recycling his wardrobe at this early stage in the competition.

- Angela Pasquinelli

what to watch tonight: Thursday the 25th.

TiVo SEASON PASS:

Bravo: Real Housewives of Orange County at 10p; Watch What Happens Live at 12a

CBS: Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains at 8p

Guest Blogger Angela: American Idol - The Top 12 Guys

I should have known from Ryan Seacrest’s awkward opening lines that this episode of American Idol was going to be a train wreck. “THIS… is – Simon, stop talking.” THAT… was a bad omen. Ryan and the judges’ cattiness was at an all time high, and the majority of guys’ performances were so disastrous that I had trouble ranking them. It was varying degrees of bad with a few mildly bright spots in the second hour. In general I was extremely underwhelmed. And then there was Casey James. *sigh*

1. Casey James – “Heaven” – I admit that I’m totally biased here. I LOVE this song (I’ve said for years that Idol should do a Bryan Adams theme week) and I think Casey’s really cute (but the AI stylists shouldn’t touch his hair ever again), so the combination of the two was kind of overwhelming. He had me at, “Oh, thinking about our younger years.” Like Kara, I’m smitten! Vocally the performance wasn’t amazing, but none of the guys were. The song definitely suited him and I love that he played the guitar; actually I wish the whole performance was acoustic without the backing band. I feel bad for him that the judges were gushing about his looks so much, but I can’t really blame them. I’m eager to download this performance from iTunes to see if I like it as much without the visual.
2. Andrew Garcia – “Sugar We’re Going Down” – I like the original up-tempo version of this song better than Andrew’s stripped down acoustic rendition, but he did a good job making the song his own (a talent he had already shown this season) and he sounded good at the same time.
3. Michael Lynche – “This Love” – I’m not sure why he used the guitar on this song because it didn’t add anything to the performance, but he chose a good song and sang it decently. He’s very likeable, both in his voice and his personality.
4. Tyler Grady – “American Woman” – This was a strong performance even though he hit a few off notes. Personally I’m not into the 70’s vibe, but he knows who he is and seems confident. I like his personality but would like to see him sing something more contemporary for a change. I don’t know if he could pull it off.
5. Joe Munoz – “You and I Both” – Jose was the first guy to not butcher a song. He didn’t show much vocal range but performed the song well and was better than I expected.
6. Lee Dewyze – “Chasing Cars” – He gave some personality to a song that I dislike immensely. The vocals were a little nasally, but I liked the arrangement. In general I like him and want to hear more from him.
7. John Park – “God Bless the Child” – He had a bad start but the second half was stronger than the first. He voice has potential, but he did too many runs. I wish he chose a song that showed off his fun personality more. He should choose songs based on what he can sing well rather than on a sentimental connection.
8. Jermaine Sellers – “Get Here” – I didn’t like the changes he made to the melody. He oversang it yet was still overpowered by the backup singers in the second half. I like his low, full voice much better than his falsetto.
9. Todrick Hall – “Since You’ve Been Gone” – This was an odd but brave song choice. His voice sounded good but he totally ruined the melody of a great song. Despite the horrible arrangement, he has great stage presence, which should be expected from someone with his theater background, and he’s very attractive, so that will get him the votes this week.
10. Aaron Kelly –“Here Comes Goodbye” – He was flat at the beginning but got better at the bridge. He seems like a kid performing at a school talent show and has absolutely no stage presence.
11. Tim Urban – “Apologize” – It was nice to see how everything went down with him being invited back, but this performance wasn’t good. His falsetto is way too weak for this song. As Simon and Ellen suggested, the sympathetic/adorable factor might get him votes when his voice doesn’t.
12. Alex Lambert – “Wonderful World” – I didn’t know where to rank this because I like Alex’s voice in general, but the performance was all over the place. Some lines in the middle were good, but most of it was a mess. He was really awkward on stage too. Ellen’s banana analogy was right on.

If I had my way, I’d cut 4 guys this week: Alex, Tim, Aaron, and John. They didn’t impress me or bring anything to the table that I’d want to see in concert. Jermaine and Todrick had rough performances this week, but I’ve liked them in the past so I want them both to get another chance. Jose surprised me; maybe he’ll be a dark horse this season. However, the standouts are Casey, Andrew, Michael, and Tyler (who also happen to be four of my favorites from the auditions). They’re all different and interesting, and at this point they’re the guys’ best hope for a win. As most of the guys proved this week, it’s probably the girls’ year.

- Angela Pasquinelli

what to watch tonight: Wednesday the 24th.

TiVo SEASON PASS:
Bravo: Shear Genius at 10p

AND OF COURSE:
NBC: The Olympics at 8p
FOX: American Idol at 8p

Guest Blogger Angela: American Idol - The Top 12 Girls

As Ryan Seacrest said at the top of the show (looking very handsome in his black dress shirt and plaid tie), “This is not just a stage. This is a platform that will launch one of these 24 faces into superstardom.” And so American Idol 9 begins. We’re finally at the point in the season where the contestants are performing live, the judges comments are unedited, the viewers get to choose who stays and who goes, and I could not be happier. The semi-finalists this year seem like a pretty talented bunch, but all we’ve really seen up to this point are edited clips the producers have packaged to manipulate the audience into seeing what they want us to see. Now we finally have the chance to hear the contestants sing full (albeit shortened) songs in a high-pressure situation. Who will step up their game and who will crash and burn?

I’m going to approach reviewing the rest of this season with a sort of ranking system. As I watch the show each week I’ll rank my favorite performances from best to worst. This won’t necessarily be a recap of the whole episode; it’s just my opinion of who I liked (or didn’t like) and why. We’ll see how much the rest of America agrees with me when the results are announced. Maybe one of my early faves will go on to win the whole thing (like David Cook in season 7) or maybe they won’t even make it to the top 12 (like Ricky Braddy in season 8). Only time will tell. For now, here’s my evaluation of the top 12 girls’ performances from best to worst:

1. Didi Benami – “The Way I Am” – This was a perfect song choice for her. She sounded professional. I love her voice and her personality.
2. Katelyn Epperly – “Oh Darlin” – I wish she chose something a little younger or more current, but she sounded really good. I love her style and personality.
3. Crystal Bowersox – “Hand in My Pocket” – I really liked the vocals, but I could have done without the harmonica; it took away from her singing time.
4. Siobhan Magnus – “Wicked Game” – She sounded a lot better than I thought she would.
5. Haeley Vaughn – “I Want To Hold Your Hand” – She “made it her own.” Her voice is more powerful than I thought. I like that she played guitar and didn’t have any backup singers. However, her makeup was too sparkly and distracting.
6. Lilly Scott – “Fixing a Hole” – I don’t love the song itself but it was a good choice for her because it showed off her unique voice. It was nice to see her playing guitar. She seemed comfortable on stage.
7. Katie Stevens – “Feeling Good” – Something about her voice seemed very shrill to me. Like the judges said, the song was too old for her, and it makes me think of Adam Lambert’s impressive and memorable performance of it last season.
8. Michelle Delamor– “Fallen” – She was overpowered by the backup singers. The performance was indulgent. She’s cute though.
9. Ashley Rodriguez – “Happy – She started a little too low but got better as she got to the chorus. Her voice isn’t really full enough for that song. She has a great look and style though.
10. Lacey Brown – “Landslide” – I’m not a fan of the song so I’m biased. Her voice seems weak. She should have chosen a different song, but she’s cute.
11. Paige Miles – “All Right Now” – This song will always remind me of David Cook’s first semi-final performance in season 7, and it didn’t seem to suit her. She started flat but got better as the song went on. She’s all about the runs and the attempted big note at the end.
12. Janell Wheeler – “What About Love” – This was really disappointing because I loved her audition. It was not a good song choice, too big/rockish for her. She started really shaky and only sounded good with the backup singers.

Obviously I disagreed with the judges on several accounts. They were very critical of Didi and Haeley, but I really enjoyed their performances. They praised Paige, but I thought she sounded off. Didi and Katelyn are definitely getting my votes tonight; they were by far the two standouts for me. I think Lacey and Paige are in real danger because they didn’t get much/any coverage in the earlier rounds and didn’t sing well tonight, though in my opinion Janell had the worst performance of the night. We’ll see what the rest of America thinks when the results are announced on a special Thursday edition of American Idol (featuring performances by two of last year’s top 4, Kris and Allison).

By the way, did you know that this season’s contestants have official Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace accounts? Usually the producers require the contestants to shut down all of their online social networking, but this year they’ve given the contestants accounts to use so they can keep in touch with their growing fan bases. As a self-professed Twitter addict, I think this is pretty darn cool. I started using Twitter just to get Ryan Seacrest’s backstage Idol updates, but now I can get information directly from the contestants themselves. Idol crack. Love it. You can find a list of all of the official social networking accounts for this year's contestants here. Happy Tweeting!

Thoughts on The Bachelor and more

Jenn & Ashley have been doing a wonderful job at bringing the humor into the season week by week with their recaps, but I need to put in my two cents. I haven't watched every season of The Bachelor / The Bachelorette over the years, but the ones that I have, I've always had a love / hate relationship with. The past few seasons there have been quite a few stunts pulled in the last episodes that were just too ridiculous to handle as a viewer. Word was it was all made up for the show. (ie: the whole Jason / Melissa / Molly thing) But after watching Jake's season, I feel like this show is either a) truly genuine or b) getting much more convincing at being "real."

Either way I really enjoyed this show this time around! I might completely change my mind next week depending on what sort of drama plays out, but I think overall it's been a very satisfying season to watch. I guess there's just something really interesting to me about watching people reflect on love and relationships.

I watched the Women Tell All episode from this week and the cast very much acknowledges the fact that the entire process was making & filming a TV show. Nothing was expressed, however, that made me feel like any of it was set up or planned out. Call me naive, but I want to believe in The Bachelor. Sure, Chris Harrison is very scripted, and Jake is Mr. Perfect. But I think that is just who they are and I think that Chris Harrison is also very good at his job. As a host should be. He may have cue cards, yes, but it takes some talent to handle some of these situations, and I really think they are just winging it. (No Jake the pilot pun intended.)

Naturally, I do not think that going on a reality TV show is the most ideal way to fall in love, but when I'm sitting here watching these people talk about what they've gone through, it feels pretty real. When Ali talks about Jake, or the way that the two of them look at each other, I see something real has happened between them. And when Gia is talking about her experience, it feels very genuine.

All around the cast this season was great. I am looking forward to next week to really sum it all up. I guess I'm just a sucker for love and "real" people, whether they're being characters or not. There's something interesting about those characters and the confessions they make in front of those cameras. And my confession is I am hooked on The Bachelor....

Here's hoping Team Tenley gets the proposal! Mr. & Mrs. Disney Prince Charming. Perfect.

Guest Bloggers: Ashley, Jenn & Lauren on The Bachelor: The Women Tell All - Last night!

This is Chris Harrison's night to shine and with all sincerity he welcomes us to the show and ponders who will become Jake's wife. In this moment the show has never felt more like a gameshow but he hops right into talking with Jake (in a video segment) about Rozlyn's "inappropriate relationship" and then Elizabeth the Tease's "kiss me, don't kiss me" head mind games. We see Jake saying (almost so he believes himself) that he has friends who have gotten married and their first kiss was on their wedding day. ugh. Puhlease. For the twentieth time we relived all the fear and half crying and his head on her shoulder before the bungee jump and first kiss that bonded Jake and Vienna so intimately. Cut to Tenley's fortune cookie date with Jake which seems like the only normal exchange so far, minus having to see Jake in that awful turtleneck again. Chris gets really serious and says "one that was extremely emotional for you was Ali" and Ashley corrects the television Chris by pointing out that it was more Ali that was the super emotional one. We see the rewind of Ali entering Jake's hotel room to tell him she has to choose between work and him. She's wearing a bright pink top (really bright) and...wait for it...is that?...no!...yes, a yellow bra peeking out. The girl can't help it. Back to Chris who asks Jake if this is the first time he'll be seeing Ali. The answer is a very thoughtful "yes." Chris: "What's that going to be like?" Jake: (dramatic pause................... then profoundly:) "I don't know."

Next we get some clips of something we never knew existed, but would definitely like to see turned into it's own reality show: Bachelor reunions. Lots a pretty people hooking up and hanging out. And drinking. Lotsa drinking. Here were our favorites from those clips: Wes, the deceitful Country Crooner; Charlie O'Connell (so lovable!); Michael, the goofy Breakdancer from Jillian's season; Juan (Kevin's brother's twin/David Arquette look alike); and Shayne (oh, monkey!).

Chris asks girls to talk about their first meetings with Jake. Ashley said she planned the fall into Jake's arms and Chris (being the quippy guy he is) says it's a good thing Jake's a good catch. wah wah wah... We love when the girls are talking about Tenley and how "she almost fell out of a Disney movie" and probably "dreams in cartoons." haha. it's so true! especially when they show clips of her singing like she's Cinderella with birds making her dresses. haha.

Prodding some more for the gossip, Chris wants to know just why everyone hates Vienna. The boring answer is that she's 23 and really immature. Gia comes to her defense and says that Vienna's a great girl. All this nice talk about Vienna is making me wonder if she's the final one picked and that's why everyone's keeping a lid on it. Elizabeth confesses that seeing the stupid no kissing reels made her feel stupid. Good, you were.

Everyone's antsy for Rozlyn to make her appearance but to drag it along, Chris asks some of the girls to talk about what they saw. Gia was Rozlyn's roommate and says she wasn't in her room at night. Ashley says Rozlyn and nameless Producer were cuddling and kissing and they weren't good at hiding it.

Gia is welcomed to the Chris Harrison stage since she made it to the final 3 (by default because of Ali’s early departure). We relive their skin-deep romance and see a clip we’ve never seen before (we know this, because surely we would have made fun of it in the recap) where Gia tells Jake she thinks she’s falling for him and then emotionally “Is it okay to fall?” and in his awesome way with words Jake reassures her “it’s okay to fall” and cue the kiss.

Next up in the hot seat is CRAZY MICHELLE! Oh, how we’ve missed her. Her hair looks fabulous (kudos to your hair salon, Kady!). Even Crazy Michelle is cringing watching the replay of her antics on television but she stands firm and says “I have no regrets.” At this point, I’m wondering if ABC paid her to be the crazy girl on the show. She’s seeming pretty normal and together at this point. I can’t tell if I’m disappointed. Elizabeth pipes in asking if Michelle tried making friends in the house and we don’t really care because like Crazy Michelle said – it’s supposed to be about snagging a husband, not making girlfriends. Michelle defends her sanity and says “I don’t need a therapist.” I can almost imagine the cue card guy holding up a sign to the audience “LAUGH!” Michelle was classy about it. Sorry to everyone expecting an onstage mental breakdown about lost love.

America’s new sweetheart, Ali, gets on stage and the crowd goes wild…any guess at who the next Bachelorette will be??? Ali confesses that it’s hard to watch it replayed on television because she misses Jake sometimes. Chris asks why she chose her job over Jake and Ali tries to explain that it’s her defense mechanism, she was scared…”If I could go back and do it again, I probably would.” Ali also tries to prove that she’s matured and says that she is disappointed in herself for being so mean and she’s sorry to Vienna. This is definitely reinforcing my presumption that she’s the next Bachelorette – gotta make nice with the one the former Bachelor picks, right? Right?

Also, it’s now time to point out why we love this show in all its corny glory – fade away to the still shot of the Bachelor logo with a lone silhouette of Jake with his motorcycle Top Gun style. Oh, Bachelor…swoon! Haha.

Now, what everyone’s been waiting for…Rozlyn is let out of her isolated room back stage and escorted to the set (by the same man who escorted her out of the Bachelor house, mind you). While walking through corridors backstage, we hear the crowd cheer and Rozlyn (who’s smarter than she looks) says “I assume those cheers aren’t for me.” Hahahahah. I will note that she is smokin’ hot, minus the somewhat skeletal face, and we love her dress. Chris starts off with the no bad blood, no hard feelings speech…yadda yadda…and says “this, for some reason, turned into a really huge thing.” Nicely said, sir. We laugh everytime Chris asks Rozlyn to explain everything “in your mind.” (example: “tell us how you think it all happened…in your mind.”) Chris: “In your mind nothing physical ever happened?” Rozlyn: “Absolutely.” Chris’ best quote of the night comes when he gets personal and says “I’m a father and when my son starts telling stories about unicorns and magicians I say “son, isn’t the truth the simplest story?” Crowd erupts in cheers as our hero, Chris, has really stuck it to her this time! Rozlyn brings up not being able to call her son, which is quickly brushed off as an excuse by the other two moms sitting in the cast-off corner. Valishia, who is getting more air time this episode than the rest of the season combined calls out Rozlyn by telling her that her son and this [situation] are two very different things. And the audience “ooohs.” Ella and Valishia both testify that they were able to call their children quite often. Rozlyn argues that she was not able to call her son because no cameras were around to film it and her ex-husband would not sign the waiver for her son to be heard on camera. She then claims that infamous nameless producer let her use his phone to call her son and when she was booted off the show she figured that is what they were referring to when they claimed she had an “inappropriate relationship” and thus did not question it further. Chris asks Rozlyn if she’s continued the relationship with the producer and she says the friendship has continued. Chris asks Rozlyn if she’s seen the producer and she says that yes, in fact, she also met his dad while the two men stopped by her house on a road trip. Chris gets excited and asks the other women if any producers and their dads stopped by their houses to say hello. [Prompt audience to “LAUGH!”] Chris says it’s all very sad how it had to go down, the producer was a great friend and co-worker and Rozlyn gets a gleam in her eyes and says “that’s funny because he said he was a bit surprised to hear you call him a friend, especially when you were hitting on his wife!” boo-ya! Chris is not going to even dignify that with a response. And that scandalous accusation is quickly swept under the rug. Next topic to fight about is whether or not there are hidden cameras planted all over the house – this is Rozlyn’s defense as to why she would not have been so bold as to have done the making out on the stairs or getting “put to bed” by the producer as the other girls alleged. Chris gave a very commendable response and even the cast-offs in the corner nodded their heads in agreeance. Lauren’s annoyed with all of Rozlyn’s finger pointing (literally) and we’re pretty much over this so we’re very happy when Chris sincerely tells Rozlyn, “I hope you become a better person after this.” HAHAHAHAH.

Now welcome our handsome pilot Bachelor, Jake. Here are the highlights:
-In regards to Gia, Jake says that “when we were sitting there on that bench, my heart was crying.” (ugh. pathetic)
-Jake says in a lost-love hopeful kind of way that he thought Ali would jump out of the limo before it drove away. Then he kills it when he says she’ll always have a friend. Here’s your friend card; no hope there, honey.
-Kathryn gets her two words in and says she didn’t get a chance. I think she got emotional and I’m pretty sure I didn’t care.
-Jake says he wished he would have had more time to spend with Christina because she was so funny. We agree!

The funny stuff montage at the end of the show was by far the best part of the whole thing. Here’s some of it, which you have to see for it to be funny:
-Quite clearly cameras are about to roll and Jake is really interested in knowing how Chris gets his teeth so white. Jake: “What do you use on your teeth?” [limo pulls up] Chris: (awkward shrug and mumble) Jake: “They’re just really white?”
-Jake runs really fast in place in the shower, contrasting the slow motion scrub down we usually see.
-Jake bangs his head on the headboard while having romantic one-on-one time with Ashley.
-Tenley hides in the clothes trunk to scare Gia. Gia screams.
-Ali confessing she’d rather date a “super fart” – she meant to say “smart, funny”
-Corrie fesses up to farting on the RV
-Ella’s date interrupted by flamingos
-Christina’s bulging, crying eyes spot a mouse or rat (we replayed that one)
-Ashley flicks off the camera.

Other points to note: Channy [the Tranny] gets no talking time during the episode – all we saw was her awesome “you can land your plane on my landing strip anytime” quote. I bet she would’ve provided a lot more fun if she stuck around longer. Corrie also didn’t get any talking time but she did get that treasure of a never before seen clip of her farting in the RV. And that’s how you’ll be remembered in Bachelor history. Bummer. Cute outfit, though.

Things to look forward to:
-Final rose, possible ring and proposal – last episode airs next week!
-Jason & Molly’s wedding which will air Monday, March 8. Definitely tuning in for that!

Jake said he’s happy about the way it ends…how do you think it ends?? Both girls look to be crying in the previews – which one do you think he picks? Will he propose??

what to watch tonight: Tuesday the 23rd.

TiVo SEASON PASS:
Oxygen: Bad Girls Club at 10p

AND OF COURSE:
NBC: The Olympics!
FOX: American Idol at 8p
ABC: Lost at 9p

what to watch tonight: Monday the 22nd.

TiVo SEASON PASS:
ABC: The Bachelor at 8p
CW: Life Unexpected at 9p
Bravo: Kell on Earth at 10p

Last Night: The Amazing Race (episode 2)

So, did anybody else watch The Amazing Race?

The episode started with directions to a town in Chile called Mirador. Jordan and Jeff are the "team to beat" since they took first last week. Oddly enough their head start didn't really help them out. I suppose the producers know what they're doing. Jeff and Jordan leave at 3am for the bus station only to find out that it isn't open. The other teams will (and do) catch up by that time.

We find our first couple of alliances forming this week between Carol & Brandy and Joe & Heidi. And soon after, I believe there may have been an unspoken alliance between, what I'd like to call, "the pretty teams": Caite & Brent and Jeff & Jordan. Sadly, Teams Pretty attempt to cut ahead of everyone by doing a little connecting bus action. They miss their bus on this move, and the cowboys laugh at them knowing all along it wouldn't work out. (Lesson: don't trust those cowboys! I think we learned that for the 8 years prior to our current chief executive though, right? I kid.) But they really built up that "we're going to be stranded in Temuco" moment - I really thought they were done for - But no, Teams Pretty got on a bus and went on their way no problem. If this was the Bachelor, you know they'd be packing their bags. Shock value.

In all honesty, the cowboys really won me over tonight. What charming boys with their bakers dozen knowledge, and excellent llama dressing and cow milking skills. They are definitely boys to take home to mama, plastic bag on the cowboy hat and all. Oh, and don't forget the western adventure music that follows them around. That is exciting stuff. Really. Very sweet boys. Way better than those silly goon detectives. They seem to get lost a lot for guys who are supposed to pay attention to detail.

The episode flew by pretty fast for me. [Spoiler alert] I was really bummed that the grandma / grand-daughter team was last. They were so inspiring. But at the same time, watching grandma do all these stunts was making me nervous and also making me want to cry a little. Kicked in the head by a cow? Really, camera guy? How could you not do something!? Sigh. They really were a team to watch. Hopefully the fighting next week doesn't get too catty. I'm liking that this show is bringing tears to my eyes, not annoyance to my soul.

what to watch tonight: The Amazing Race

If you're not that into the Olympics today, the Amazing Race is on tonight at 8p. I just watched last week's premiere episode, and I recommend you do the same! (You can watch on the CBS.com.) Here's my recap of last week, so you can get up to speed.

The Teams

• Brent & Caite : dating models
• Adrian & Dana : high school sweethearts
• Louie & Michael : detectives
• Jet & Cord : cowboys
• Jordan & Jeff : newly dating long distance
• Monique & Shawne : moms / attorneys
• Steve & Allie : father / daughter team
• Joe & Heidi : married parents
• Carol & Brandy : dating / from L.A.
• Dan & Jordan : brothers
• Jody & Shannon : grandmother / grand-daughter team

Episode 1 (spoiler alert)

I think the Amazing Race is the only show I really watch on CBS, and I've really only watched one other season prior to this one. (The season with Nick and Starr - I went to high school with them so I had to tune in!) Anyway, I went to the gym this morning, ran and did some yoga, so during lunch I decided maybe something athletic would be more appropriate than say.. Ugly Betty.

If you have never watched Amazing Race, you should. And if you start watching today, you won't get an extra Snuggie with your order, but you will find out exactly how much a TV show can make your heart race and your emotions fly. Ever watch Guts on Nickelodeon back in the day? Well it's like that but with the entire world as the track, and even more interesting teams. Hm.. Or maybe a grown up version of Legends of the Hidden Temple. You'll like it is all I'm saying!

Last week the episode started in Los Angeles. The first challenge was for the teams to get to LAX from a park in downtown only by using public transportation. As the L.A. residents know, this is really a tough task. I like how Carol & Brandy (from L.A.) have to ask where Union Station is. I'm afraid if I were downtown, I probably would have to ask too.

The teams all make it to LAX. After mechanical issues and flight delays, they all make it to Chile. The next task is to side step across a cable wire that is the length of a football field. The teams choose one person who is fit for the job, and we get to watch as they cheer each other on and across the valley. The triathlon grandmother explains that we all begin to lose our balance at 40 years old, and at 71 she would look like a drunk old lady on a wire. She sends her grand-daughter across. Adrian of team high school sweethearts has some trouble, falls, and hesitates to start again. Everyone else makes it across. Most coach themselves "I can do this. I can do this. I can do this." or "God is with me. God is with me." Lesson learned: when attempting your next Man On Wire stunt, remember to find a mantra.

The next task is to "paint the town". Most of the teams have trouble finding the street where the houses to be painted are. I'm not sure how that happened because the yellow card included the street name. But the confusion leaves room for some entertaining moments. I think the father/daughter team walking into a private residence and painting the walls red was my favorite. Laugh out loud.

After the painting task is figured out, the teams race to the first pit stop. Jordan & Jeff arrive first and win a trip to Vancouver. Nice. Arriving second is Brent & Caite (yup, Caite is the Miss Teen USA dummy famous for her you tube quote about maps, south africa, iraq, like, such as..). They receive a 30 minute penalty however for skipping over the Funicular ride down the mountain. Five other teams arrive within that 30 minutes putting Brent & Caite in 7th place. What a bummer. I was impressed for a minute that they were doing so well.

Here's the final standing at the end of the episode:

1st: the newly dating couple (Jordan & Jeff)

2nd: the mom / attourneys (Monique & Shawne)

3rd: the cowboys (Jet & Cord)

4th: the father/daughter team (Steve & Allie)

5th: married couple (Joe & Heidi)

6th: dating from L.A. (Carol & Brandy)

7th: dating models (Brent & Caite)

8th: brother duo (Dan & Jordan)

9th: undercover detectives (Louie & Michael)

10th: grandma / grand-daughter (Jody & Shannon)

last place / sent home: the high school sweethearts (Adrian & Dana)

So far the teams aren't really fighting, which is inspiring and much more satisfying than watching Bad Girls Club. I'm excited for tonight's episode. If you want to watch a show that emphasizes teamwork and the importance of having a partner in your life, watch the Amazing Race tonight! I'm going to want someone to talk to about it all, so let me know if you're watching. "Ultimately we know we've got each other," says Dana at the end of the first episode. Yup, readers, we do.