Richness

Congrats to the Queens of Cincinnati for making it to the final buzzer! Go Labreck and Warnky! Seeing Beird and others in tears over their accomplishments were quite moving. Wouldn't have been disappointed if McCartney didn't make it to finals. While he was relatively benign on the course, his lead up theatrics were fast forwarded, as were the wrestler's on-course theatrics. While I find the grammatical concept of the Towers of Power competing for the Power Tower to be appealing, I'm glad two other ninjas made it instead. Also glad Torres got the Safety Pass since Swanson had the Speed Pass. Spread the love/reward around a bit. Finally, Hershey is adorable!

Is a "shark" jumping in the water the reality TV show competition the equivalent of a scripted TV show jumping the shark? Since no one finished the course, it probably is. Oh well. I still enjoyed the episode even though no one finished. Of course, I'm fast-forwarding through even more than I was. In addition to the sob/background stories and interviews, I now FF through the showboating while on the course (waving, napping, making hearts/googly eyes, etc.). As I recall, there was a blind catch on another obstacle in a previous city. A few people got past it if I recall correctly. I think the one person who tried to skip it this time had the right idea, but just couldn't execute the maneuver correctly. If they bring it back, there's a couple of simple things they can do to make this obstacle passable. 1) Remove the blind catch entirely. 2) Replace the blind catch with another oddly positioned catch. Regardless, I suggest Crazy Catches for an alternative title. Finally, I really don't think they should let anyone run the Power Tower if they didn't complete the course. I don't mind awarding the Safety Pass, but they need to earn it by completing the course in the top two, and then beating the other finisher. Simply getting to some point midway through the course the fastest isn't enough.

I turned on the closed captions for all of Butcher's scenes so I could hear/see everything throughout the series. I love Karl Urban as Bones in Star Trek (and several other things), but this accent was difficult to follow at times, especially when there's other sounds going on at the same time. After last episode, I was honestly expecting the big "surprise" at the end. I might not have known exactly what was going to happen, but it certainly fell into predictable place. I suppose that's my biggest complaint about the series. The dark side to superheroes has been done before, and done better. Maybe not in live-action (Hancock was atrocious), but it's been done. I'm also not sure what to make of the Deep's shave down. Was it a catharsis moment or further breakdown? As I mentioned for the previous episode, I really hope they empower him a little bit to subvert the Aquaman laughing stock trope. While I don't expect him to be redeemed, I do want him to actually help his beloved sea life instead of getting them killed. RIP dolphin and lobster. And as I commented on the first episode, I'm definitely hooked on this series, and hope we get several seasons. The gore is a bit much, but it's the only original programming I've enjoyed on Prime so far. Of course, that's all going to change when the Expanse starts up.

OK, I realize the Deep is meant to parody/homage Aquaman and the complete lack of respect for him within the other heroes and the world. However, I would have preferred if they had subverted this somehow. Maybe that's something they'll cover in future seasons.

OK, the Tara Reid and Billy Zane cameos at the convention were funny. However, I nearly died when Haley Joel Osment appeared as Mesmer.

Um, why isn't DC breathing down their necks for copyright violations? The whole "fastest man alive" and a race to determine who it is the Flash's schict.

Pop goes the weasel! Ewww... Other than the obvious Invisible Man, what hero with indestructible skin is Translucent modeled after? Colossus? The Thing? Regardless, I was expecting Hughie to figure out how to kill him. I figured putting poison in his water would work too, but that's not quite as graphic and humiliating as exploding C4 shoved up your ass. Though in all honesty, I'd expect the souped innards to be shooting out his mouth, nose, penis, and ass since the skin is impenetrable.

It's not TV, it's HB Oh wait. This is Amazon Prime, though it felt very much like Game of Thrones but with superheroes. While Thrones focused on naked women, this show seemed to focus on naked men. That's not a complaint, just an (leering) observation. As a result, it reminded me of This Is Us's gratuitous butt shot to start the series. It was done simply for the shock value and to lure people in. Granted, there are further nude scenes in later episodes, but nowhere near as blatant as the premier. However, I was way more repulsed by all the gore, which they do continue to showcase throughout the series. Some of the gore required that I look away. Otherwise, the story and acting are fine. I was hooked and had to binge the entire series in one setting. I'm not sure if there's anything unique or different about the shows premise: that superheroes can have a dark side, and that corporations can be evil, manipulative empires. It's been a long time since I've seen the Watchman (and I've never read the comic), but it seems similar to that. Nor have I seen or read much of the Justice League Dark or other alternative versions of them. Speaking of comics, it wasn't until I came here that I discovered this was based on a comic. I suppose that's my biggest concern is most of the Seven are DC hero homages/parallels/archetypes. Where are the Marvel based heroes? Let's see, we have HomeLander=Superman (though he's also 50% Captain America fusion), Queen Maeve=Wonder Woman (movie version), Deep=Aquaman, A-Train=Flash, Black Noir=Snake Eyes, Translucent=Invisible Man. Granted, the last two aren't DC heroes, but that's neither here nor there. Not sure who Star light is though (maybe Captain Marvel?). Don't forget that the retired Lamplighter=(Golden Age) Green Lantern, at least in appearance if not powers. Oh well, like I said, I enjoyed this show enough to binge watch. It wouldn't be enough to get me to subscribe to Amazon Prime, but I'm finally glad to see a show that I enjoy. I'm sure some of their other offerings are just a good if not better, but I'm not interested in seeing any of them. I never liked any previous incarnations of the Tick, so I never watched Primer's version, though I might need need to give that a try next. Also, I've tired limiting myself to discussion about just this episode, though I find that difficult to being able to binge watch the entire series. Apologies if I strayed.

The Safety Pass doesn't bother me that much. Should someone complete Stage 4 due to a Safety Pass second chance, I don't think it deserves an asterisk any more than those who got to Vegas due to being selected via the Wild Card. After all, they still had to do something amazing just to get to the Tower Power. The only thing I would change though would be to limit its use to Stage 1. And while I concede Ben Udy is ripped to hell and back again, and seems like a pretty nice guy and dad, Chad Flexington annoys the ever living hell out of me. The 80s look American flag apparel, wig, headband, shades, fanny pack, and attitude leave me exhausted and angry.

I'm so glad to hear someone else voice this opinion, both about the Speedo Ninja and the men's vs. women volleyball attire. I agree completely. But on the other hand, everytime the Speedo Ninja ran in the past, there's been numerous comments on here about how he should cover up more. I think the only reason it didn't happen this time is because he was seen briefly (pardon the pun) in a WWWA segment. After all, wearing a speedo is part of his profession as a diving instructor. Of course, some prudish people probably think men should wear board shorts and t-shirts when swimming/diving.

Go Sandy Zimmerman! You're an amazing mom woman person. Now show, STFU with the first Mom BS. Thanks! Seriously though, glad to see another impressive woman complete the course. Also glad to see the time off didn't shake the always amazing Jessie Graff. However, she gave me a few scares with her catches. And what's with women named Megan doing so swell? Actually watched Sean Bryan's backstory once I saw his leg in that crutch-cast. Glad he was able to come back and complete the course. Can't believe he went on (and won) the Power Tower on a wrapped ankle. Also sad that Geoff Britten wiped out so early. OK, I can accept that goofy costumes/clothes/brand/nickname is a given and may even be encouraged. But if you want to actually complete the course, you might want to ditch the capes and tails at the starting line. Looking at you "Thor", fire breathing/smoking ninja, and dragon lady ninja. Gonna cast some shade to Lance Pekus as well. You might have made it up the Mega Wall on the first try if you weren't wearing those heavy, constrictive jeans. Amazed he made it at all. At least he's smart enough to set his cowboy hat aside early.

I'm totally over the first mom BS. As I said last episode, I'll never be able to understand the stress and trauma that pregnancy puts a woman's body through. But it can be overcome with training, perhaps more easily than a physical injury like a broken ankle. Now, the first I want to see is the first person with an artificial leg/foot make it up the wall. Now that will be historic! Don't get me wrong, I was totally devastated that Maggie didn't make it to the wall, especially after hanging on for so long and recovering multiple times. And I get totally excited rooting for the women to go further than the men. In fact, I may have exclaimed "You got beat by girls!" to the Navy guy that went one obstacle further than last year to make it to... wait for it... the second obstacle. That's humiliating. Hated that the Kid failed to make it up the Mega-Wall, but I'm beginning to wonder at what age does he cease to be "the Kid." On the other hand, I was glad to see Matthew Day make it even if he didn't win the Finals pass. Otherwise, it was mostly forgettable night.

I always watch the recordings on my DVR so I can skip the parts I don't like (the background sob stories). But if you're unable to pause on the rankings like that, there's always the wikipedia entry, though you may have to wait for a day or two after the show for it to appear. Wikipedia ANW Season 11

Thanks for the correction. I copied the name from the wrong city qualifying course in the Wikipedia article. I've edited my post appropriately.

Loved the rookie woman that started the show getting as far as she did. Felt sorry for the poor guy who got the bloodied head for a second time. At least he finished (I think). His response to Zuri was pitifully adorable. I just wanna hug him and make it all better. Also glad to see Travis Rosen back, able to complete the course. I even watched part of his sob story (until the kids showed up), which I normally skip entirely. While I was impressed that Jessica Clayton [edited name] made it to the warped wall, I was NOT thrilled with the hype that she's a mom. While I realize that's her story/hook, it's not worth all the hoopla. Giving birth is a painful experience that changes and taxes a woman's body in a way that I, as a man, will never be able to experience or understand fully. But is it really "history" making? Please dial back the hyperbole Matt and Akbar. I was also absolutely amazed by Caleb Bergstrom, the baby ninja from the ninja family. Not only did he hit the buzzer on his rookie run, but he also chose (and beat) the mega-wall. That took guts! I wanna see him and "Kid" Owadi compete in a Ninja vs Ninja style head to head competition, and not just the Power Tower. Not sure how I feel about so much time spent on the doggies and not the athletes. They were cute though. At least there wasn't a sad Sarah McLachlan song playing in the background. I was especially charmed by the pooch that ran up the steps instead of the doggie wall. And I guess I can deal with the product placement tie-ins if it keeps my show on the air AND gets money donated to a dog charity. Pretty cool that Roo Yori was able to hit the buzzer too! Also not sure how I feel about Ackbar's moments over the final rankings. While I found the clips entertaining, I also find the recap commentary on the rankings to be interesting and useful. I wonder if this change is permanent. But he didn't. He had the second fastest time, just behind Tyler Gillett. He did accomplish the other two things though. Speaking of Tyler, I would have liked to have seen his run, along with the Maker's (Kevin Carbone).

That table read was everything. I think I was more moved by that than the actual episodes. Everyone's reaction to Arya slaying the Night King was cool, especially Rory McCann(?) doing the fist pumps. His on screen adopted murder daughter did him proud. And you could see Keet, erm.. Kit reading ahead, and the emotion crossing his face at what they had to film. Just moving. I was intrigued by the Stark extra at the beginning, but got a little fed up with his over enthusiasm half way through. I was then back on his side once the emotions got to him at the end, and his closing credits humor. Unfortunately, I had to watch most of the show with captions to understand most of what was said.

Also, I forgot to mention the other thing that caught my eye in this episode. In the previously on TAR at the begging of the first episode, it looked like Victor was throwing some glow sticks down in anger at the silent rave. Of course, it was very brief, and could have been something entirely different without any audio or surrounding context. However, it piqued my interest given that he's seems pretty chill. No. Just no. It might be visually appealing, but it would completely ruin any sort of pretense of this being a race. It even killed the tension/suspense on this leg. In fact, any time racers are delayed having to wait to be strapped in safety harnesses is detrimental to the race. It's probably right behind Taxi and Plane drama as the one thing that takes the control out of the racers' hands, and places it on someone else. This would be similar to the Season 24 finale when where one team member parachuted onto the final mat, where their partner was waiting. I *hated* that ending with a passion. While visually stunning, it was no where near as thrilling as a literal foot race (Season 2). It's highly ironic though that that season also featured Rachel (and Brendon). I really hope this isn't portents of another horrible final leg. Let's examine another scenario why a zipline would make for a horrible way to get to the final mat and determine a winner. If there's only one zipline, what happens if one of the racers freaks out and can't do it? If they were the first to arrive and get in the queue for the zipline, that would make them the winners of the race if it followed the same policy as this episode. But what do they do if they can't actually go through with it? It would make the Mika meltdown at the waterslide in Season 15 seem quaint in comparison. Do they still win the Race, or do they give it to the ones who got there next? If you think there's been controversy before over final leg shenanigans, you ain't seen nothing yet. I also hate linear first-in/first-out tasks that don't allow for any shuffling of team positions due to their speed or cleverness. One of the reasons why I hated Season 24's finale so much was that in addition to the linear sky diving task, there was another horrible linear task earlier in the episode. The horrible David Copperfield magic task could only be done with one person/team at a time, and had more do with someone other than the racers themselves. This might be mitigated by having multiple ziplines. However, I'd really hate for the order to change because safety dweeb A was quicker at strapping someone into a zipline than safety dweeb B. While a nighttime zipline might be visually interesting, I'd rather have a more exciting and racer based way to determine a TAR winner.

Well, during the shoot out at the black market auction, Danny caught the one vase from shattering to pieces when it fell off its display stand. (Or he may have purposely set it on the floor given it was on a wobbly stand; I don't recall.) Of course, he then used a Roman(?) shield as a shield to prevent him from being shot. Regardless, Danny's current job is returning stolen art to their rightful owners/countries. Not sure how one goes from FBI agent to that though.

I wasn't expecting anything grandiose for this show, so I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's great summer time escapism. It hasn't insulted my intelligence too much yet, though the super hacking USB chip came close. However, if I can endure a couple seasons of Salvation, I can handle this. Even if this isn't filmed on location, it's gotta be ridiculously expensive to make it look as good as it does. Therefore, I really don't expect this show to last beyond one season. Gonna enjoy the ride while I can. I just hope it doesn't try to end on a cliffhanger.

Double TAR. Yay! Of the three thing that annoyed me tonight, two of them were related to Rachel. I really wish the BB sisters had been eliminated. We were also tortured with Rachel's big, mostly fake, overly dramatic sobs to the camera. Hated them in previous season's and I hate them now. And while Elissa's lips still scare me, I have to give her praise for trying to shut off Rachel 's waterworks. The other thing that I hate is the Head to Head. It needs to die and never return. They really should have just eliminated it from the episode since it didn't affect the outcome at all. Glad the gay guys won in Uganda. Also glad to see the other racers comforting Korey at the airport. Still pleased with calm Colin. Brett and Chris are doing surprisingly well. I thought for sure they'd would have been eliminated sooner rather than later. I was also surprised by the number of times we saw the Amazing cameraman tonight. We saw one in the rolex challenge. Then we saw two in the bike/wood challenge. They usually do a much better job of not being seen. Even when they are seen, it's usually only a shadow or reflexion.

I was fine until Arya's single tear fell, then I lost it. Drogon gently lifting and flying Dany's body back to Valyria came close.

Not really. Any time they've mixed newbie and veteran survivors together, there's been an unofficial coach situation. (Not to be confused with "the" Coach, AKA Dragonslayer AKA whatever.) This very season saw them using the veterans knowledge in the beginning to build up their tribes, only to cut them loose as soon as they could. And this has been true all the way back to when they brought back Stephanie and Bobby Jon. The only difference this time is that Rob and Sandra won't be participating as Survivors for the million dollars. So in that regards, they're serving in the same capacity as Cochran did with they flew him out to serve as an advisor/coach during a reward on Ghost Island(?). But given they're making them camp on the island like regular Survivors, And they might have been entertaining at some point, but I'm so tired of seeing the same people over and over again. One return visit is about all I can tolerate before a players starts to overstay their welcome.

Enjoyed the episode, but I'm not sure how much more of this show I can take. It's going to be difficult without the one good parent this show had. I wonder if the sudden "redemption" of Alice as an FBI informant is the result. The shirtless beefcake scenes can only take me so far, especially since it seems the whole Archie boxing/fighting thing is permanent. They also rolled a 1 for an intelligence check concerning Veronica's part of the game. If Penelope had no intention of letting them survive the game even if they won, why provide the actual antidote at the end? I suppose this shouldn't bother me given the other nutball aspects of this show (gang kids working for the police, kids owning and running businesses, etc.), but it does. Glad to finally put to rest the whole black hood/Hal/Chick nonsense. At least Hal doesn't have to worry about going through life with only one finger and a thumb.

The Reunion was... the Reunion, though it really wasn't that bad at all. Granted, I fast forwarded though most of it, so it might have been worse if I had actually watched every second. I didn't watch any of the interviews during the finale itself, nor did I watch any of the "what I learned about myself" interview. The worst part was mentioning the Sia money. At least it didn't go to Wendy or whoever that girl was that released the chickens. (She has a great smile, but I just couldn't deal with listening to her segment either.) I thought for sure she would receive it since that's what everyone was talking about back in the episode when she released them. Glad it went to Devins. Speaking of former players, the one mention of Cockroach Cockran wasn't that painful. At least it was mentioned in the same sentence with a current player, David, for both of them writing for Star Trek. And that was the only mention of other CBS shows and previous players that I heard Jeff make. Given how bad that's been on previous reunion shows, this was a major victory in my book. Unfortunately, I already hate the next season. Though I had to laugh at the name given all the idols (both real and fake) that showed up in this season's finale. Island of Idols indeed. *barf* I just can't stand Boston Rob, and never want to hear from him again. I suppose I should just be thankful they won't actually be competing, though I suspect there will be some twist that says they will. Like maybe if someone on their team wins, they win as well. Also, those two giant Moai heads are gonna give me nightmares. Please let someone burn them to the ground in the first episode.

While I disliked most of the season, I enjoyed the finale. Of course, I fast forwarded through all the boring lessons learned monolog from the EoE players, so it wasn't a pure viewing experience. I just don't care about hearing all that.. In the challenge to see which EoE player got back in the game, I thought for sure Joe was going to smoke everyone in the field. However, I was thrilled to see Chris and Aurora ahead of him most of the time. And while I actually like Joe, I was glad Chris won. Given the name for next season, I had to laugh at all the idols being played tonight, both real and fake. I think Devins can be crowned the new HII champion now. Didn't particularly like how he was gloating over the girls finding the fake ones, but I can't say I blame him. It just looked bad given how hopeful they were that they had found one. Also wasn't sure where that whole split immunity idol came from, and how it was reintroduced. It seemed like it was going to go to whoever returned to the game, but I found it odd that they couldn't play it at the Tribal Council they just returned for. If you Survivor wants to give a returning player a fighting chance, just do so. Don't do it the way they did it. Devins also mentioned that he got something put in his bag from Production, but I don't recall him saying or showing what it was. Very weird. I was also wondering why Eric seemed to be in his ragged clothes in the final jury as well. Did he not save some for later? Did Survivor lose his luggage? Did he lose a bet? Gotta give the Anaconda, er... Chris, props for doing something we haven't seen done in long time: give up the Immunity Necklace. I doubt he would have done that during a regular vote though. Of course, him making fire was the only chance they had of knocking Devins out of the game. I just don't think Gavin stood a chance. While I liked Chris, I really don't think it was good that he won the game. I just don't think players should return to the game. It would have been the same if Devon had won, though at least he played in the main game longer. And at least he was responsible for some of the more interesting stuff that happened in the game. However, other than maybe Gavin, I really wasn't rooting for anyone to win.