Ah, families. So supportive, so caring. So... pathological.
Last night's Amazing Race was a shining example of the chaos that DNA can cause. It's hard to know where to start... okay, the Weavers. We haven't been privy to such a hypocritical, sneering, bitchy, distasteful group of related human beings since... oh, I don't know, since some of the better episodes of Trading Spouses. Weavers, I heart you for bringing dysfunction back to where it belongs - the bosom of the family.
Though that's not entirely fair. The Weavers actually function very well, in their own little universe. This is a world where in one breath they can pray to Jesus for directions, and talk about answering to God as "a higher authority", and in another, mock the Paolos for their line of honest work (Dad Paolo is a garbage man) and jeer at them as "retards". I don't want to put words in God's mouth - the Weavers already do that enough - but I wonder if He/She is itching to use some of that higher authority on the Weaver family. In the Weavers' world, God is a very large vending machine, doling out favours to the righteous few who put their spare change in. One needn't be kind, or charitable, or polite, or remotely Christian, in the purest sense of the word. As one of the girls put it, "we don't trust other people, we just trust each other, and God". Nice.
Surprisingly, it's the Paolos who have emerged as the unlikely underdog heroes of this series. I always knew that their bickering would make entertaining TV, but I didn't expect to get caught up in the renaissance of their family unit. Sure, they still argue, but the Paolo boys are coming to see that their parents have intrinsic value, while Mother Paolo has toned down her incessant martyr-monologue. I never thought I'd be cheering for them, and yet here I am, clapping my hands like a fool - or possibly a retard - as Dad Paolo sweeps Phil into yet another jubilant embrace.
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Like my girlfriend's sister...she is horrorstruck at the thought of the Weavers leaving because they're the most entertaining of the bunch. I'm just afraid they're going to win; it would tie with Freddy & Kendra for worst Amazing Race finale EVER.
I'm also finding myself coming around to rooting for the Paolos...I'm big on the Bransens too, but undecided about the Linzes. I've taken to calling them the "Frat-Boy" family...even the sister, female though she may be, is a total frat-boy.
2 - Justene
I'll miss the Gaghans. Surely that little girl can land a TV contract to rival the Olsen twins.
3 - Joanie
I was sad to see the Gaghan's leave, too. I liked their sense of adventure and their can-do spirit. The Paolos are my pick for winning the whole shebang. They've made some serious improvements in their relationships with each other and have overcome a lot fears. Now, if only they could shut up every once in a while.
4 - raditia
can anyone tell me one of email address of the weavers? i would like to give them supports. I dont think they're as bad as people think. Please email me if one of you knows their emails. I think THE WEAVERS MAY BE VERY GOOD PEOPLE.
tell me if you know their emails. Tx
[Deleted. It's not a good idea to post contact info. Comments Editor.]