LAST EDITED ON 02-19-07 AT 11:01 PM (EST)

I was a bit disappointed in this episode, especially after the half hour delay we had on the East Coast. I thought it was a little flat. But the mood of the racers was like a happy reunion and seemed like the show would be more fun this time around. Phil did warn not to take anyone for granted. Uchenna commented, “People are making moves.” So perhaps we will see some unexpected finishes this season. (Michel what did you think the theme was? You’re always good at figuring that out.)

Rob and Amber. I see their story as being “them against everybody else.” There was a section devoted to this. Amber: “Who would we love to race against? Really nobody, but everyone else would say Rob and Amber.” Arrogance on Amber is not attractive! Boston Rob carries that off much better, and the editors chose to highlight Amber. I’m sure they have a quote with Rob saying the same thing. Charla and Mirna said they are tough to beat (but really head to head there is no competition between these two teams). Oswald very funnily puts them down, “We know Rob and Amber, well obviously because we live on this planet.” And then John Vito – who gets eliminated first! – says “I’ve had enough of Rob and Amber and I think America has too.” The racers the editors chose to quote weren’t too impressive. They are strong racers, but will the other racers gang up on them this time around?

Oswald and Danny Are they getting the same edit as last time? They’re the funny gay guys and I loved some of their lines. I could see a little competition developing between them and Rob and Amber. Oswald and Danny don’t think Rob and Amber are as great as Rob and Amber think they are! They got a lot of air time this episode, but they finished second. We will see how the next leg treats them.

Teri and Ian They appear to be good racers. I didn’t see them race before and I didn’t get much from them regarding their story line.

Eric and Danielle This is a team to watch. They were 10th getting to the airport but we didn’t see why they were so far behind. Whatever mistake they made was ignored in the editing. Driving to the detour, they were in the back and then we saw them make a big move passing the Blondes and Uchenna and Joyce, along with a key quote by Eric, “I’m competitive. I don’t like losing. This is a competition. When it’s a competition you have to (raise?) it a little…I don’t know what hesitate means.” He was a strong racer last time around and lost because he didn’t know flags of the world. Eric will be portrayed differently simply because he can’t be a horn dog with his girlfriend around! But he has matured. He wants to be the leader and as long as Danielle can keep up, they’ll be fine.

Joe and Bill They don’t seem to be the villains this time, and it was probably manufactured last time around. They might have a minor story line versus Teri and Ian. Joe and Bill are older, but they said this about Ian, “people underestimate him because he’s crotchety and old-looking!” Next episode should show us more about the two oldest teams and their prospects.

Dustin and Kandice We again heard them say that they want to be the first all-female TAR winner. I take this as a good sign for their longevity, that they have a chance at the end, and this is their story again. They had a solid showing this week and weren’t portrayed differently than last season.

Uchenna and Joyce Their story was disappointing. They get the award for the most manufactured storyline. It was all about their relationship and it’s the same story as last time: shaky marriage and talk of IVF. I expected a different story from them. I don’t believe that their marriage is in trouble and at age 46 and with two years since they won, I don’t believe IVF is an option anymore either. They should be moving on, and if they were winners, I believe the editors would invest more into a new storyline.

Charla and Mirna This is another team I didn’t see race before. I agree with Michel that they are out to prove something, but don’t have a handle on what their story will be.

David and Mary They learned a little from the last race, but they are still a weak team. David said, “Just to meet them (Rob and Amber), we’ve already won.” Their story will be about racing against people they’re big fans of and that is in keeping with their wide-eyed innocence from last time. But they have thrown down the gauntlet against the Blondes and I doubt they’ll win. David said that the Blondes will lie and backstab, but that quote could be part of their story (they are star struck with everyone else, but want the Beauty Queens out). We will have to see if anyone else accuses them of lying and backstabbing for it to have legs.

Kevin and Drew They are outclassed and out-of-shape. They didn’t prepare and it’s catching up to them and that’s their story. They weren’t the loveable frat boys this time! I agree with you Cygnus that their hearts aren't in it, and it shows.