I was really impressed with them during the antenna challenge

I was a little amazed at the way she just crawled up there and got to work. Very impressive.

I was bummed about the losing team, too.

Man, am I the only one relieved by that elimination? I was kinda uncomfortable by that- seemed exploitative and really really weird to me.

ION, Next Iron Chef! When we started watching it, Tom was like, "shouldn't Ming Tsai BE an Iron Chef already?" and then one of the contestants was saying, "is this even fair?" and we answered, "NO."

But you do never know- He might get a run for his money, he may not have that hunger that some of the younger chefs have.

Also, OMG HILARIOUS for the Karate Kid meditation move he made on the beach before time started for everyone.

I thought that Estes was pretty cute at first but I did agree that the her sandwich stunt was a little eye-rolly. I am relieved the dude with the pornstache is gone, though.

I like the Indian lady, she seems badass!

no reason you can't be supergirly AND up on a rooftop in Africa with a hammer, right?

Yeah, that made me feel super-dorky Girl Power.

IO(semi-related)N: My co-worker went to Paris and brought me back my two favorite teas from Mariage-Frères (the store was the first Fast Forward on the Season 1 of TAR).

What are they, megan? I have some puits de dragon that a neighbor (French professor) gave me that I should really give to someone more deserving; I don't appreciate it much myself.

I like their black tea blends, especially Chandernagor (chai) and Casablanca (bergamot black tea and mint green tea). You wouldn't think Earl Grey and Mint go together, but I really like it.

I think the blonde HSN woman is too shouty, but that's just me not wanting to be her partner. But her actual partner seems fine with her, so, I guess it's fine. I definitely was surprised at her just going to work. So, yay.

I wanted to like the father/daughter, but yeah, she is super stressed for this early in the race. Plus, did not love at all the whole "will I get to hold African babies" thing. Ech.

I was really happy with the Chinese/Chinese-American team, both for how the dad performed and how the son treated him. I don't think they'll make it for the long run because it's just so physical. But I really like them and I'm glad they had a modicum of success.

I also want to like the punkish couple because they look a lot like friends of mine, but yeah, the previews do not bode well.

There are definitely a lot of generic people for me right now. It seems like there is a higher percentage of pretty to character casting this season.

Okay, I forgot to check what was happening on CBS the hour before TAR so tivo missed the elimination. Who was eliminated?

I am having also having a hard time keeping these teams straight.

That was an excellent leg. Good challlenges, no atrocious behavior (African babies aside) and most of the teams are really growing on me.

I think African baby girl is deeply, deeply sheltered in a harmful way. She seems like there could be more to her with a little life experience though. And she was very entertaining on the mat. ("Any news! Before I have a heart attack and die! OH! Has that happened?!)

The tattoo couple are the only ones I'm liking less than I had hoped.

Man, am I the only one relieved by that elimination? I was kinda uncomfortable by that- seemed exploitative and really really weird to me.

Yeah. I think that's a good result - it would be awful to see race meltdowns fucking with such a delicate situation. The time in sequesterville (with the fun guys from last week et al) will likely do them way more good.

Man, am I the only one relieved by that elimination? I was kinda uncomfortable by that- seemed exploitative and really really weird to me.

I had the same reaction. They seemed to be doing fine but. Yikes. The potential for awkward was very high.