The Amazing Race - Cheese Wiz

I'm delighted that The Amazing Race (from now on referred to as TAR) is back for another edition on Sunday nights. It is probably the best produced of the competition reality shows and that's why it continues to win Emmys. This season can see some cosmetic tweaks to make the show a bit more exciting. Unfortunately, Direct TV decided last night to periodically scramble both the picture and sound so viewing wasn't optimal.

There are new graphics, new title sequence and some streamlining of the actual race. No long driving sequences getting from the start to the first airport. Also it seems as reported elsewhere that we will not be seeing much action in the airports. It does get a bit boring watching everyone get airline tickets.

Viewers are also getting more of the travelogue aspect of this unique show. We saw quite a bit of the beautiful scenery in Switzerland last night. Leg 1 was a typical TAR leg incorporating two trademarks of the show.

First up was the fear of heights roadblock. The first challenge of the race. And they put it right out there with a bungee jump off a dam that looked truly terrifying to me. What I enjoyed about this task was the great camera work, seeing the jump from numerous angles that gave you a real feeling for the heights involved. Very, very good start.

Then on to a task that was TAR at it's silliest and best. It sounded simple, and looked, well not that hard. Go up a hill and carry down 200 pounds of cheese in 50 pound rounds. Apparently a steep, wet hill, high altittude, and very flimsy wood carriers made for a hilarious if not stressful physical challenge. I loved watching these large cheese wheels careen down the hill at ever faster speeds, crashing into anything in their way.

One issue that this task brings up is that we are not made aware of exactly what the rules are for a particular task. It seemed the task was to go up the hill and using the wooden carriers, carry down the cheese. That's not how it went. With some teams sliding down the hill with their cheese to others carrying it or chasing after runaway cheese! It would have been nice to know what they were allowed to do.

The 11 teams seem like a good cross section of humanity and no one stands out as a pyscho competitive nut - yet. One team got eliminated which is always heart breaking so early in the race. I have a favorite - but I'm waiting at least one more leg to commit.

A good start to a class act for reality competition. To get maximum enjoyment out of TAR, watch it with others and laugh, comment, and root for a team - it makes it all much better.