Yes, the screaming begins anon. There are a lot of people here, a lot of snark to get through.

• Adam/Rebecca

(generic models)

• Avi/Joe

AKA Geeky Guys

• Don/Mary Jean

AKA Team Duffer

• Freddy/Kendra

(generic models)

• Gus/Hera

AKA Daddy/Daughter Kickass

• Hayden/Aaron

(generic models)

• Jonathan/Victoria

AKA Botox/Boobs, Son Of Colin Daughter of Chucky

• Kris/Jon

(generic models)

• Lena/Kristy

(generic models)

• Lori/Bolo

AKA Wrestlemaniacs

• Meredith/Maria

(actual real women)

Not all of the generic model teams above are really models – they’re just suspiciously good looking. I had been prepared to dislike the wrestlers on the basis of stunt casting alone, but have decided it might be cool if the female turns out to be an asskicker on tasks, so I’m delaying judgement on whether I like them or hate them. And they don’t have kids, but love dogs, so extra points for them. It’s possible they’ll be funny. I’m hoping, because I can’t tell who the comic relief team will be. I had such high hopes for the Brothers Pizzamazov from last season, and they turned out to be yutzes. So I’m not assuming Avi and Joe are going to be anything other than geeky whiners.

I just hope there are teams who actually enjoy themselves, or who find their undiscovered strengths in order to overcome their own fears. The transformative power of world travel is so neat to watch, but hard to cast for. I ended up being very proud of the Bowling Moms last time because they just stayed in there and kept trying right until the end, and I hope for something to cheer for in some of the female teams this time, too.

However, just on the basis of their bio, I think I’m in hate with Jonathan and Victoria. She’s the one in the red pullover in the team photo, sticking her chest out (thus “boobs”). He’s the one whose upper lip and nose look like he couldn’t decide when to say “when” whilst having a little work done (thus, “botox”). Also, both of them have hairline issues, making the “Colin and Chuckette” crack valid. Supposedly, they are the loudest team ever, according to recent interviews with Phil Keoghan (I even heard him on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me! the other day – he did not do well, alas). Jonathan thinks he’s going to do Jedi mind tricks, too. Let’s see: “These are not the Racers we are looking for.”

I’ve got choir practice tonight, but will be home as early as possible so that I can watch “nearly” live. David will be hiding out in the basement, probably with headphones on.