As always I enjoy reading the analysis you guys do.

I'm afraid My Tivo is out so I'm doing this from memory.

The Barbi's: This episode reminded me very much of BJ/Tyler from last season. Specifically when the Blondes drove the wrong way first looking for the antique shop, and then again when they drove past the place to mash olives. This reminded me of BJ/Tyler when the drove the wrong direction in Italy? or was it Greece? Either way, BJ/Tyler appeared determined to get back on track, reach the destination, execute the task at hand and hope for the best. The way the Barbi's waited for a pit to open, and then attacked it with determination was I thought impressive. It didn't keep them from coming in last, but I thought it showed a LOT of focus. Like BJ/Tyler they weren't shown second guessing each other, fussing over reading a map, or watching for signs - just an impressive drive to make up as much ground as possible. The Barbi's were shown making mistakes this episode, more so than any episode in the past. I think this is to raise a question about the girls ability to actually win. I think this is because as in SURVIVOR the edit is intended to show us some doubt that the eventual winner will be able to pull it off. There has to be a hurdle to over come. We know from past legs the Barbi's are stonger than this. They will overcome the hurdle. Also in SURVIVOR it's generally good to have other players talk about you, and that's almost ALL that the other teams did. This episode was to give us doubt, to make us question if the Barbi's can really win. I think they almost certainly will.

BAMA: I think this was BAMA's rehabilitaion episode. We've been led to question thru this season if BAMA could really compete without the aid of Erwin/Godwin. This episode was to show us Yes. BAMA deserved to make it this far. I think this was probably the close of their story arc. I can't believe Jerry Bruckheimer would allow the winning team to get such a negative edit. Having said that, I am concerned that Lyn and Karlyn are this seasons Flo and Zack. Lyn has been portrayed very negatively in my opinion. Karlyn has gotten a MUCH better edit. In the airport a few episodes back while Lyn was argumentative Karlyn was very calm and soft spoken. When Lyn flipped of the Barbi's Karlyn told her it was not appropriate. When Lyn has spoken negatively about other teams, Karlyn has frequently spoken positively. Too, it bothers me ALOT, to see all of the angle imagery, I'm a black angle, Prayer to make me Fierce, for strength etc... Especially when I could imagine them winning and Karlyn attributing it to Erwin/Godwins "protecting them". I don't think Lyn would give them props, but I think Karlyn would. And THAT has me worried that inspite of the negative edit, they are getting a Flo/Zack edit and they win. I'm putting my money on the Barbi's, But BAMA has me concerned.

Rob/Kim: I think their story has been about Rob/Kim coming together from a squabbling couple, to a couple that can appreciate the strengths of their partner. Rob has been giving Kim more and more respect in recent episodes. I don't think their story is about winning, it's about learning to better respect each other. If their story had been about winning, I would have expected to have seen a different edit. As it stands, I'd feel a let down with them winning.

Tyler and James: We hadn't heard much about them overcoming addiction lately, and I was starting to think - MAYBE they could have a shot. But then we had Two comments from them this week. When trying to decide Throw it or Grind it, one of them made a comment along the lines "Yeah! I want to throw a pot!" Which I thought could be a possible double entendre. But I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. But a few minutes later one of them, Maybe the same one I'm not sure, said "That's Dope!" Certainly a possible slang for something one likes. But Coming from these two, particularly on the heels of the Throw a pot, confirmed for me atleast that they were being a little to Sly. Maybe I took it wrong, but if these two won, I don't think those double entendres would have made it to air.

So, In conclusion, I think this season will have an all girl team win. Either the Barbi's with the BJ/Tyler type edit or POSSIBLY Lyn and Karlyn with a Flo/Zack edit. Since I think this season is about Alliances being wrong for TAR, I think the Barbi's win it. I just wish there weren't so many angle refrences with BAMA.