Show You Should Be Watching
The Amazing Race
The thrill of the Race
9:00 pm Nov 17 - by Andy Herren – buzz Writer
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The Amazing Race is the best reality show on television. Look at the statistics: when the “Outstanding Reality Competition Program” Emmy award was introduced in 2003, The Amazing Race won. It has won every year since. Even though the race has proven itself to be quality reality programming, it is still overshadowed by many other reality shows. We live in a sad world when more people talk about The Hills than about a show as engrossing as The Amazing Race.
The format of the show is simple. Teams of two travel the world while performing various tasks, and the last team standing wins $1 million dollars. In each episode there is a final “Pit Stop” that all teams need to reach, and the last team to reach this point is eliminated. There is plenty of drama along the way, as the stress of the race takes an impending psychological toll on every contestant. Pairs begin to crumble under intense stress, not only lashing out at each other but screaming at unsuspecting cab drivers, airline attendants and civilians along the way.
The emotional aspect of the show is the element that really shines through. Pairs rekindle love, discover newfound respect for one another, and reaffirm friendships as physical, emotional and psychological tests are thrust their way. Seeing an estranged couple fall in love again or a father and son truly bond while on the race is an example of a reality show appealing to the human condition rather than showcasing a bunch of drunk sluts whose biggest dilemmas involve picking out an outfit.
The locales of the show are breathtaking. The race has been everywhere, from continent to continent, and the expansive, exhaustive locations take on a personality of their own. One of the most exciting things about each episode is seeing where everyone ends up throughout the globe. Whether the travel occurring takes place by land, by air, or by sea, one thing is for sure: breathtaking sights are abundant in every episode.
The show is so thrilling because it is essentially a big, extravagant race against the clock. Teams must always be on the go, and this sense of urgency gives the audience constant stimulation while presenting a story and characters that are relatable and engrossing. Sit down next Sunday night and watch The Amazing Race. You’ll be glad you did.
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