They need to show more nature/scenic shots like they do on survivor to make HD worth the effort.

I disagree. Survivor is, at least partially, about man/woman vs. nature so nature shots are very much appropriate. OTOH, The Amazing Race is first and foremost a race, most of which is an urban setting. Some scenic shots might be appropriate to give you a feeling for their location, but it is more about getting to the Pit Stop as quickly as possible, while completing challenges along the way.

I have to laugh that people were complaining that it wasn't in HD and now people are saying that it shouldn't be in HD.

I wanted it to be in HD myself, but I didn't think that the fast zooming of the HD camera and general shakiness of the HD camera would make me dizzy watching it! I still want it to be in HD, but they need to turn on the image stabilizer.

I think the whole shakiness of the camera adds to the frantic pace of the race.

They're obviously using hand-held cameras, and not steadicams. Given the nature of the show, it likely isn't practical to use anything bigger than a hand held.

Ok, back to the show. The first episode turned out to be nothing more than a non-ellimination leg, with exception that the last place team had no penalty. Not sure the point.

Glad to see Jet and Chord stay in. Just hope "who's your daddy" and his daughter are the next to be eliminated.

Go Cheerleaders! (and doesn't Vixen have a couple of appealing features too!)

The first episode turned out to be nothing more than a non-ellimination leg, with exception that the last place team had no penalty. Not sure the point.

They have done this before, though not on the first leg. The difference from a non-elimination leg is they don't get a rest. I must say I actually like this as I hate to see a team get eliminated so early. Give all the teams a chance to play. The worst was the time they eliminated a team on the first challenge before the race even started.

Go Cheerleaders! (and doesn't Vixen have a couple of appealing features too!)
Yes Hugh...her eyes do sparkle :cool:

I was disappointed that it was so dark and we didn't get to really see the cheerleaders rolling about in the mud but overall, a decent episode.

I definitely would not have wanted to go under the waterfall. Just too cold.

The best part of the episode was the decision to go for the 6:00am arrival (with the leg) or the 6:15am with the direct flight.

I though the earlier arrival was the better idea but goes to show that maybe I shouldn't be running the race.

The Cheerleaders experience shows that in this game, you should never give up, never surrender. Oh wait, that's from Galaxy Quest. But still.. they thought there were out of it, but still kept going and didn't give up.

Some bad luck with the plane having mechanical issues this season.

Not surprised by the outcome, they were one of several weak teams that started the leg.

I like the cowboys but they are the ones who worry me the most.

It seems our favourite dad goes nuts next week. I'm sure daddies little girl will be so proud.

I'm beginning to dislike these "to be continued" episodes. I see Ron was a real charmer last night. Lucky daughter.

I thought Ron's daughter was being quite mean to her dad last night. Criticized him at every step of the race. They did edit Ron to seem almost in mild dementia though.

I was sympathizing with Vixen last night as I've often run into similar situations. (Getting frazzled with one silly mistake and watching everything else fall apart.

On that note, who uses a compass in the 21st Century?

Amazing race contestants who aren't allowed to use a GPS :)

There's probably a ban on using a GPS. A compass is a good back up,and would help you get your bearings in a strange city.However,learning to read a map is also a good idea !

From the Amazing Race wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Race#Rules)
Teams are forbidden from bringing their own maps, guidebooks, cell phones, personal digital assistants and other similar aids at the start of the Race, but may use the provided money to purchase these as they progress during the race.

I'm beginning to dislike these "to be continued" episodes. I see Ron was a real charmer last night. Lucky daughter.
Yeah they seem to have messed with the format a bit doing these 'cliffhangers'.

They also seem to have scrambled the plans on the fly. The sheer amount of re-chopped audio dubs is one clue.

"The city of..." "...Tokyo..." "...was the third..." "...pit stop.." "...on this leg of the Amazing Race."

It makes it seems like they had to reshape what stops were what after the fact, and possibly in the editing room.

Finally caught up on the last 3 episodes of TAR that I missed. :)