One thing about TARA that I simply *MUST* comment on - the timing of the program on AXN.
Why, oh why, must AXN air the show simultaneously together with The Amazing Race 12 (US Version)?!?!?
Now by doing so, AXN is just making it easy for its viewers to compare both versions of the race. You watch the US version on Monday, and then the Asian version on Thursday. Heck, there's even repeats throughout the week if you missed any. Now, who can genuinely say that TARA is just as good as TAR? Look carefully on the editing, storyline, and even compare the tasks/challenges. Something amiss??
Let me run down for you my own observations/comparisons:
Editing - TAR focuses on the tasks and real race, whereas TARA is just a maze of confusion. The beginning is slow, focusing on how contestants get their transportation and maybe even too much on them reading the clues (next time you just count how many times they showed it). Then at the end of the show, its just one whirlwind of a clip, and before you know it, contestants already reached the checkpoint. Did you even see the last few teams completing their tasks?
Storyline - Oh. Now, did anyone at all notice WHY all other contestants hate the dancing moms so much? No? I didn't catch it either. If this is an important storyline, then they should at least try to play it in!
Detours - Did anyone notice how obvious all detours are? Like there's not really any choice, e.g. delivering 3 rounds of food or just fish up coins from the tank? Or how bout climbing many flights of stairs vs absailing down a wall? Duh.. No challenge at all. That is why the last team can never catch up.
Furthermore, with simultaneous airing, isn't it a little confusing? I almost wanted to write something about Ronald (Asian Dad) until I realised.. opps.. he's from TAR not TARA! If only AXN is smart enough to air TARA after TAR ends, then they would at least manage to capture the same viewership throughout the year. Now, what will we all watch when TAR and TARA ends???
C'mon AXN. Do you think your Asian viewers are brainless morons?