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Reality TV: 'Race' hits Panama; back in hot tub on 'Laguna'
Thursday, October 27, 2005

The families finally leave the United States on "The Amazing Race," as they head from New Orleans to Panama. After two flights, the remaining six teams catch up to each other. The Paolo family is the first to get to the Race's only Fast Forward site, where they bravely bungee jump. Mouthy son, DJ, comes close to wimping out, but mom, Marion, persuades him to jump. The Paolos finish first at the Pit Stop at the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, where, of course, dad, Tony, hugs host Phil Keoghan, and the family wins a return trip to Panama. The Paolos are really starting to impress me.

The annoying Weavers finish second, the Bransens are third, the Linzes are fourth, and the Gaghans finish fifth. The Godlewski sisters know they're going to finish last, so they cleverly dress in as much of their clothes as possible in hopes of it being a non-elimination round in which they'd lose their backpacks and money, but continue on the Race. The lucky sisters are right -- it is a non-elimination Pit Stop. Next week, the families head to the rain forest. "Race" airs Tuesday night on CBS.


It's graduation time for the seniors on "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County." While Jason's content wearing a shoddy-looking T-shirt under his cap and gown, the girls primp and prep and receive fancy gifts (diamonds, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, a trip to Spain) from their families. Bubbly Casey tries to make peace with Alex M. and her crew by inviting them over for lunch. She typically squeals with delight as she says, "I made you guys lunch!" as the maid serves the girls. Jason invites LC to his grandparents' house, which sounds so sweet until we see the grandparents aren't home and it's just another excuse for those two to suck face in another hot tub. Next week, the teens star in a fashion show to raise money for mudslide victims, and Jason flirts with a new girl, which causes LC to flip. Like she should be surprised? "Laguna" airs Monday night on MTV.


Crybaby of the Week ... has to be Suzy on "The Biggest Loser" because it seems every week something sets off her high-pitched, squeaky crying. This week, as Pete asks the Losers who wants to be paired off together after the gender-based teams are dissolved, Suzanne tears up as she confronts the guys about their poor attitude toward the women -- a valid reason to cry. But Suzy cries for no reason, again. "I want to be with someone who makes me stronger," she says in a tiny voice, uselessly trying to hold back tears. But Suzy and new partner, Seth, win a challenge and earn immunity for the week. Pete and Jeff lose the least -- just 18 pounds total or 2.86 percent.

Doctor Jeff wants to sacrifice himself for Pete, but the teams opt to vote out Pete instead, 2-1, over Jeff. Since the show, Pete's lost an impressive 137 pounds! Next week, the Losers get makeovers. The show airs Tuesday night on NBC.


Channel surfing: During an intense Reward Challenge, Bobby Jon and Jamie get into a face-to-face screaming match on "Survivor: Guatemala." Nakum wins the reward -- a barbecue feast -- and Rafe wins individual immunity in a Nakum-only Immunity Challenge. Both teams head to Tribal Council, where it's mouthy Judd vs. nurse Margaret, and surprisingly, she's voted out, 6-1, over him. As part of his immunity reward, Rafe sticks around for Yaxha's Tribal Council and gives out that team's immunity to Gary, and Brian's voted out, 5-1, over Bobby Jon. "Survivor" airs tonight on CBS. ... The women of Capital Edge are such a mess on "The Apprentice" that Donald Trump lets them select a guy from Excel to join their team. They choose Randal. Each team must design and build a parade float for the upcoming movie "Zathura." Brian heads Excel and their float is a hit. Even though the girls have Randal, they still can't win. During the team's presentation, Project Manager Jennifer M. repeatedly pronounces the movie's name wrong -- bad move. But Kristi is Capital Edge's real problem. "You're just too difficult to work with," Trump tells her. She's fired. "The Apprentice" airs tonight on NBC. ... Adrianne and Chris head to Puerto Rico for some romance and relaxation on "My Fair Brady." They wind up at a restaurant that specializes in aphrodisiacal foods, and the proprietor tries to persuade Chris to propose marriage to Adrianne on the spot, but Chris is wavering. I doubt he pops the question, because by the looks of Sunday's episode, Adrianne will give Chris an ultimatum concerning commitment. "Brady" airs on VH1.

First published on October 27, 2005 at 12:00 am