This is a guilty pleasure of mine, but I have recently become a fan of the fine CBS program The Amazing Race. They debuted a new season on Sunday night, and I have never seen a better cast. Below is a few of the teams I find intriguing and their chances of winning.



Tammy and Victor

These two are brother and sister and both went to Harvard Law School. I get a good vibe from them, and the Harvard thing is clearly a plus in a trip around the world, because you need to be smart enough to navigate some difficult sitiations. They seem to be in decent shape, too. Chances of winning: 15%



Cara and Jaimie

Two former NFL cheerleaders. I'm sold. Let's keep these two around for a while huh? You have to love CBS for putting them on the show. They are clearly in great shape, and suprisingly, good lucks has worked well for teams in the past when traveleing across the world, but not enough to win. Chances of winning: 5%



Linda and Steve

Self descrived Hillbillies from Bodunk. And it is true. They are absolutely hysterical. I mean total sterotype hicks, but they emrace it,s o it's OK. Linda just cannot get around. She almost died on the first episode, and Steve does not help by yelling at her. They will be done in the next three weeks. Chances of winning: 0%



Mark and Mike

Two Brothers who are "little" stunt men. They actually do stunts for children in movies. At one point Mark said they each weighed about 100 pounds. They are far less than 5-feet tall. I have to say, as stunt men, they could be a force to be reckoned with and they seem to be a bit crazy which is always fun. Chances of Winning: 35%



Mel and Mike

A gay father and son pair. I can't imagine it was easy to find this group. Mike, the son, wrote and starred in the hysterical Jack Black film School of Rock. Mel is just too old to keep up. He spent the first episode on his butt wheeling cheese around in Switzerland. I thought he may have a heart attack. I can't root for this team, because they will not be around long. Chances of winning: 0%



Christie and Jodi

A poor showing in week 1 for these two flight attendants. They were next to last thanks to a poor train decision, irony? I have to say, with the amount or flying, being a flight attendant is a huge advantage. I'd assume they have also traveled across the world, so they will have an edge in the language barrier. My initial thought is they will improve from 10th, Chances of winning: 25%



Brad and Victoria

Brad, let me just tell you, when I am your age I hope to be in as good of shape as you are. Ladies, same for Victoria. This is my pick to win. They may be "older" as they put it, but they are in great shape, seem to be intelligent, and have not yet been shown fighting. Victoria had a bad hip problem, but it did not seem to affect her. Usually the producers show key moments that get the viewer to think there is team chemistry issues, but they two seem like a happy married couple. My early pick to win. Chances of winning: 40%



Amanda and Kris

A young, good-looking couple. What's not to like. easily the most identifiable group for me, as I have envisioned myself, first finding a girl, then taking her on the show. All kidding aside, a likeable team so far. Chances of winning: 20%



LaKisha and Jennifer

Sisters who were both former college athletes. I love athletes to win on this show, but the jury is still out on these two as they had a poor performance in week one, and did not get a lot of face time, which is never good. Chances of winning: 5%



Luke and Margie

Margie is the mother of Luke, her deaf son. They won the first leg, but I do not think it will last. I have my doubts that Margie can keep up and Luke broke down and cried like a child when they won... the first leg! Act like you have been there before. I just don't think if he is that emptional after one leg, that he can handle the ups and downs of such a long race. Chances of winning: 10%

So there it is. I will watch every week, so feel free to let me know your favorites or picks to win.