Best TV Show of the Week
The Amazing Race
on CBS
Since 2001, TV viewers have been able to root for fellow Americans, enjoy an
exciting contest, and see incredible places in the world on the reality show
The Amazing Race.
Now in its 19th competition, the show features two-person teams
striving to reach goals in Indonesia and Thailand. But while the winning team
will ultimately take home a million dollars, the true prizes are the joy of
travel, wholesome competition, and helping others. All these virtues were
present on the October 16th episode of CBS’
The Amazing Race
(Sundays, 8:00 p.m. ET), the
Best TV Show of the Week.
The episode started off with the teams sprinting for an airplane
from Jakarta, Indonesia to Bangkok, Thailand. Learning that
there was no direct flight, first- and second-place teams of
professional snowboarders Andy & Tommy and father and son
Laurence and Zac caught an early flight, leaving the other teams
behind…or so it appeared. But due to quirks in airline
scheduling, all of the other teams arrived first. The next day
found the teams challenged to complete one of two tasks: either
laying “cages” underwater offshore, to enable new coral to grow
after the destruction of coral reefs by the tsunami which
devastated Thailand in 2004; or set up a series of beach chairs
and umbrellas for a seaside resort. Showing their mettle,
grandparents Bill and Cathi chose to join most of the other
teams in laying coral, a choice also made by parents Amani and
Marcus: “we read about the tsunami with our children,” the
couple said. “We see this as a chance to give back.” Setting up
the beach chairs in proper configuration also challenged engaged
couple Jeremy and Sandy, each discovering that stress brings out
negativity in the other. But both realized the benefits of this
stress, as well; “We can move our relationship forward, if we
learn from these experiences,” Jeremy noted, while Sandy added,
“We just need to stay positive.” Laurence and Zac, as well as
Ernie and Cindy, became lost on their speedboats due to errors
in navigation. After an experience in rock-climbing and then a
desperate chase throughout Phuket, once again Andy and Tommy
came in first place, achieving the “clean win” both had sought.
Yet both remained humble even in victory, with Andy proclaiming,
“We’re just going to continue to play smart, be aware, and
praise God. We’re just really blessed to be here.”
The Amazing Race
is an inspiring show, not least for the spirit of cooperation
and mutual concern displayed by the contestants. Even when competing against
one another, each team invariably takes time out to help or give advice or
encouragement to the other teams. Each couple learn to overcome stresses in
their own relationships and become stronger, as well. Such positive lessons,
along with the fun of the competition and the opportunity to see and learn
about exotic parts of the world, made
The Amazing Race
ideal for family viewing and the
Best TV Show of the Week.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
