Also of note, folks: Season One is coming out on DVD later this summer. Some commentaries, plus the lost roadblock (An Eating task: so I guess it wasn't a later seasons phenomenon).
I have a bit of apprehension about the Family version as well, only because I'm sensing a bit of an Extreme Reality Show Makeover: Heartwarming Edition vibe from the entire process, especially based on the comments above and the general move for reality TV. It seems that they'll be trying to combine the reality part of the Race with education and emotional moments among families. Just how much of a race it is, really, will depend on how much they keep intact. I'm likely to continue watching, although my Tuesday nights are even more booked now that I got into House over the Summer, but with no cable, I'll watch Race.
In terms of the race itself, it's clearly rigged, and always has been. There has always been bunching, non-elimination legs and airport situations put into place to create a competitive race. It's manipulated as much as any other reality show, but that doesn't change that it has the sharpest editing, fantastic tasks and a general attention to detail that allows it to rise above all others.
Let's hope it makes it Three Emmys in a row in September.
