The Amazing Race: I Just Hope He Doesn't Croak on Us

(S12E09) This season of The Amazing Race, albeit with an impromptu early start, is going to be heading to the finish line before long. And, with the promos and the episode title of tonight's show, it seems to indicate that one team might be facing some health issues. Perhaps it's a good thing that the finale is but an episode or two away, eh?

After all, the death of a racer would probably blow the show's chances for its next Emmy nod, don't you think?

Yes, I am wasting space here before the jump. If I put any kind of spoiler here on the main page, I just might be croaked. Virtually, but it still hurts.

Okay, now that the jump is over (was it good for you, too?), I want to delve a bit more into that title and the promos which kind of focused on 69-year-old Donald hinting that he might be having serious issues. Shame on you, TAR! It wasn't Donald at all, but the wheezing taxi driver of Ronald and Christina. I think the guy was having a hairball or something.

However, I've seen lots of folks commenting on how Nicolas treats his grandfather. Tonight, I think they showed the true relationship between the two as Nicolas carried Donald's bags and helped him through the robot task. Of course, Donald said, "He's like a bitch for me." He does have his gruff demeanor to uphold, you know.

Tonight's episode really seemed to focus on the relationships of the teams, mostly for the better. Ronald was once again on his good behavior. I have to give Christina kudos for speaking up to him calmly and rationally. Although I think he's probably very abrasive to many and he certainly gets himself all worked up at times, I think he just might be realizing he has a very intelligent daughter.

TK and Rachel are great. I think they might be a bit too laid back to really come in first (hopefully I'm wrong), but their relationship is refreshing to watch. Tonight they were incredibly behind and still were sweet to each other. Aw. I want me one of those TKs, please. An older model will do.

Then there's Nathan and Jennifer. When they're doing well and not stressed, they love each other. Under stress they fall apart. They're both poison. At first I thought it was mainly Nathan, but it's both of them. He did not push her tonight. Sheesh. I so want them to not win this thing. They want to come in first so badly, but if they win a trip for two it could be a death sentence.

The other focus of the show was on the location of this leg of the race -- Osaka, Japan. Now, there's a place I'd love to see in person. Oh, I wouldn't want to drive a taxi there, no.The taxi driving Roadblock was a new and unusual kind of task. I'm surprised that insurance would allow for it. I'm surprised that poor Donald isn't still driving the streets of Osaka several months later. Now, had that been Jennifer and Nathan coming in last like that, they would have gotten into an "I hate you" volley once again. Definitely a good task choice for the show -- different and really nerve-wracking, too!

The Detour had me humming "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto" even though only Donald and Nicolas chose the robot soccer task. In addition to a TK, I want one of those cell phone operated robots. It's like Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots gone all futuristic. I was a bit disappointed with the wording for the find the real flower task, though. When they said identify the flower, I thought the teams had to name the real flower found as in saying "chrysanthemum" or such. I think Donald and Nicolas seemed to take it that way, too. Had Nicolas not helped Donald with the robots, he never would have figured them out.

So, all is fine and dandy for the three teams, but what of TK and Rachel? Although they took an earlier flight, it had more stops and they hadn't even hit Osaka as other teams were heading to the Pit Stop. Sure, this always happens when I declare a team my new favorite for the win as I did last week with the ouster of Kynt and Vyxsin.

When it became evident that they would be coming in last, I was worried that the last non-elimination leg played now only two legs from the previous one might be too soon.

It wasn't too soon.

Phew. Although they were saved by it being a non-Philimination, they're about three hours behind the other teams and will face a Speed Bump in the next leg. I have to say I don't think it seems too promising for them. Maybe I should declare Jennifer and Nathan my new favorite team so they will be the next team eliminated.

I was pleased with Ronald and Christina coming in first. I really enjoy her, him not so much. I wasn't happy with Jennifer and Nathan doing so well and coming in second.

Okay. My new favorite team for the win is Nathan and Jennifer. I'll say it right now (and hope it works to get them gone next week).

Domo arigato.