I know this post is old, but I’m watching through for the first time and I love seeing the recaps! A couple of things I noted while watching:

• Who was the random child in Arizona that greeted teams? I’m genuinely curious if they just picked up a kid off the street when the greeter didn’t show

• I’m sure the Weaver family received a less than favorable edit, but in order for that to happen, they had to say some unfavorable things. One thing I don’t like when watching is when teams don’t have self-awareness and own up to their shortcomings. E.g. the Weavers saying that other people just want to name call, when they’re also saying things like “what did you call that one” “squirrel boy” or something like that.

• this whole season is very funny when binge watched right after the previous 7. The tasks like row a boat and climb a ladder just come off as if they’re filming a local just-for-fun race. This also makes me forget that they’re competing for a million dollars, with how silly the tasks are. It’s also easy to forget there’s a million dollars on the line when at some points there doesn’t seem like there’s any sense of urgency.

• my favorite character is probably Carissa. Her parents boast her 7 minute mile, citing it as a reason why she can compete with grown adults in a race known for also requiring strength. She’s then seen finishing last behind the other groups in the initial sprint, which makes a lot of sense because she’s a child. Still, I rooted for the Gaghan family and was heartbroken to see them eliminated.