In dark times like these, I turn to the immortal words of the J. Geils Band for guidance:

(Love stinks)
Love stinks yeah yeah
(Love stinks)
Love stinks yeah yeah
(Love stinks)
Love stinks yeah yeah
(Love stinks)
Love stinks yeah yeah

Dear readers, my HEART is BROKEN!. My darling boys, Brian & Greg were Philiminated tonight. But, while they couldn't follow directions that well, they did go out in style. Hoping that it would be a non-elimination leg and that they'd be left with just the clothes on their backs, the brothers stripped down to their swimsuits before their trip to the mat. Nice way to taunt me, boys. Sadly, Phil did Philiminate them, although I think he felt really bad about it. Sniff. God knows I did. I love those two goofy guys. I hope they had lots of fun with the Barbie twins in sequesterville.

Among the leading teams, this was a good week for Rob & Amber, who finished first, didn't piss anyone off, and once again charmed me with their appreciation for how lucky they are to be able to see the world together. On the other hand, Ron & Kelly were ugly. They're just not a good match. They're both a little bossy and a little passive aggressive. Sometimes they act like they barely know each other. Maybe they don't really know each other. That'd be a refreshing reality TV scandal.

Uchenna & Joyce kicked ass with a flawless performance on the detour. While the other teams chose to milk goats, these two chose to balance various objects on their heads and walk 70 yards (?) with them and they did it easily and quickly. While Lynn & Alex rather shockingly said that Uchenna & Joyce were "born" to do the task (because they're black, natch-way to stereotype guys), I do feel the need to point out that this is the one Amazing Race detour that I'd excel in. Seriously. I have a great talent for walking with things on my head. I used to show off around the Capitol Square here by walking from the law firm I worked at to the law library with 2 or 3 books on my head.

Most of the teams are suffering from Killer Fatigue right now. Ron & Kelly are bickering, while Uchenna & Joyce & Meredith & Gretchen made huge mistakes on the roadblock and had to retrace their steps after trying to check in with Phil at the Pit Stop. Of all the teams, Rob & Amber and Lynn & Alex are standing up to the pressures of the race the best.

With the brothers gone, Uchenna & Joyce are my new favorite team, although Rob & Amber are a close number two. Uchenna & Joyce are just so exuberant and so wide-eyed at the world. Plus, they're good to each other. Even when things go wrong, they don't turn on each other, they just do what needs to be done.

Ron & Kelly, on the other hand, are my least favorites. But, I strongly suspect that Meredith & Gretchen are not long for this competition, unless they get saved by another non-elimination leg next week.

Speaking of Team Dandy, a week can't go by without some dirty words straight from the lips of our favorite seniors. This week, the oldsters were just a little too excited by the goat-milking task. They showed their enthusiasm by shouting (of course) things like "here's a goat that has nice big TEATS!!!" and "we'll milk, you know how to MILK!" at each other. But actually, this week the Dandy Dons were outdone by Rob & Amber. While porno music played in the background, Rob huskily urged Amber to keep milking the goat. After that performance, I feel like I know way too much about Rob's personal life.

Compared with last week, this episode was kind of a letdown. The Botswana scenery and all of the wild animals (elephants! crocodiles! giraffes! zebras!) were beautiful, and well, amazing. But, I think the race suffers a bit when the teams are out in the wilderness for an entire leg. There's no interaction with locals and no navigating public transportation. I miss that, and really, I never thought I'd say this after last season, but I almost think that there needs to be more bunching. Of course, I might just be saying that because the brothers needed to be saved by the bunch.

Oh Brian & Greg, why did you leave me? The Race just won't be the same without you. Love stinks.

Previous Recaps:
Episode 5: Buenos Aires, Argentina to Soweto, South Africa
Episode 4: Mendoza, Argentina to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Episode 3: Santiago, Chile to Mendoza, Argentina
Episode 2: Cuzco, Peru to Santiago, Chile
Episode 1: Long Beach, CA to Cuzco, Peru

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