The Amazing Race: Never forget... until it's time for sausage!

"Amazing Race" spoilers coming up just as soon as I figure out if there's a gay insult that Eric hasn't used yet to describe the Gudios...

For a supposed All-Star season, we're seeing a lot of rookie mistakes -- and I don't mean from the contestants. This was the second badly-constructed episode (or episodes, I suppose) in a row, and while much of the blame falls on the African airports, production's usually better at working around that. Plus, what's the point of doing a non-elimination leg if it's going to be followed by one in which the tour bus separation, the Intersection and the presence of the Fast-Forward (which any smart racing teams at the front of the pack would use) make it virtually impossible to finish first, let alone 30 minutes ahead of the last-place team?

I was nervous about the Auschwitz stop, but fortunately all that was involved was lighting the Yahretzeit candle and having a moment of reflection, as I was fearing some kind of offensive Detour (Shave It or Tattoo It?). Interestingly, the beauty queens were the only ones not depicted having some kind of deep emotional reaction to the place (hell, even Eric was touched by it, and he's a complete putz), and while it could have been cut, I don't see why they would have, given the episode length and the fact that they sent them all there to get just such a reaction.

Still, I've grown oddly fond of those two, and if Oswald and Danny don't win it, I'm rooting for them. I didn't see their original season, where I gather they weren't as likable, but they've been enthusiastic and level-headed throughout this race. I loved Dustin -- or is it Kandice? I can never tell -- comparing meeting the fake Chopin to meeting Santa Claus. (I'm guessing classical piano was her Talent in competition.)

Adios, Guido. I'm sorry you guys couldn't outlast Eric & Danielle or Mirna & Charla (and is it wrong that I found Charla falling down in the armor to be hilarious?), but you really didn't have a chance to make up the time, given the way the leg worked.

What did everybody else think?