This was not a happy leg.

Slap Here's an idea: how about we solve the 'How do I get to LAX' problem by not leaving from LAX?

Slap I was initially dubious about where to rank the wording of the first Roadblock clue, but ultimately decided to place it as a negative. Yes, they can see that gliding is involved as they're approaching, or at least that would be the most reasonable guess. And sure, it means the Racers who have the most trouble with heights will opt out -- and the twisting of the clue means they're the ones who have to do it. How very amusing. Naturally it'll leave them second-guessing who should do anything for the rest of the course -- and that's the problem. Because as odd as it may sound and feel, some trust should exist between contestants and production. Mind games need to be confined to the tasks and challenges. If players wind up second and third guessing everything they do because they're convinced the show is trying to hurt them at every turn, the game turns into a festival of waffling and why-bothers. Or worse, Survivor. This isn't a good trend to set.

No hand movement However, the failure of two teams to understand what was going on at the second Roadblock was more a matter of reading comprehension. (I'd still like to see the original wording, though.)

Mini-slap Okay, the seals add a certain something to the atmosphere. They also add a potential extra to the medical bills should they decide that fish belongs to them. You think a seal won't fight you for a fish? Depends on the seal...

Slap The double Express Pass is back. I have no objections to giving one out as a first-place prize: the Race should be a meritocracy -- but you're winning an edge because you won to begin with. However, that's also the issue with giving out two. Stop protecting the weak. Don't give alliance any power. If you Cast To Lose and want one of those teams to stay around longer? Then your casting svcked. Again, this is not That Other Show Which Is Trying To Kill Itself. Don't follow their lead.

No hand movement I generally don't mention editing here, but I'm divided on how the last-place team was presented last night -- barely at all. The typical editing pattern would have had the oil workers leaving first: the constant refrains of 'We need the money' seemed to be directly on track for 'And arriving in eleventh place'... But the team who actually went out? It feels like they may have had less footage than just about anyone who came before them. And that's saying something -- something cruel.

Slap Okay, just what were the rules for the fish-gathering Roadblock? Did boats randomly reload at different times? Each clue had a slightly changed set of three? Arbitrary cut-offs? What?