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Then Maria and Tiffany employ the oft-used strategy of lying about their jobs. It seems a bit unnecessary here unlike in Survivor where the winner is determined by a jury. Regardless, the poker ladies tell everyone that they work for a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged youth in L.A. Not only does this hide the fact that, according to them, they "make a lot of money" at poker, it also is an attempt to make them more likable. I really want to see this blow up in their faces. They are making the game more complicated for them than it needs to be.

The two flights are separated by only 30 minute departure times and the later flight actually lands early, so all the teams are bunched together when they arrive in Tokyo. It becomes very clear that the pre-arranged flights were necessary for the first Roadblock which has as all the teams competing at the same time on a fake Japanese game show called "Sushi Roulette."

The first flight lands and the teams race to a television studio but the second flight arrives early and the clumping of teams at the Roadblock is complete. Also, after only one flight and a missed tram at the airport, Maria is throwing a hissy fit, befitting a petulant tween, with her actually telling Tiffany, "I just don't even want to talk to you right now." They have the makings of the most at-odds female team in the show's history. Maybe Tiffany and Keri can trade partners and actually enjoy the race and let Lance and Maria be overbearing and belittling to each other.

Predictably, Tiffany and Maria instantly deem brothers Sam and Dan as "Team Hot Guys." Yes, they seem smitten with the brothers, who lest you forget, are GAY. As much as I already don't want these girls to win, I don't want them eliminated. They are reality casting gold and I hope they don't "grow" like so many teams claim to during the race.

One-by-one, the teams show up at the studio and take a spot around a giant wheel until all have arrived. Thus begins Sushi Roulette, the Amazing Race's attempt at the Happy Smile Super Challenge Family Wish Show. The setup and execution is authentic with bad graphics and accompanying ridiculous voiceover, an over-the-top host channeling Michael Buffer, and a dancing girl in a sailor outfit. The cheese factor is high and oh so delicious.

Wow, I just realized that's two wrestling references in one recap. Sorry for that.

Here's how the game works: they spin the wheel that is sectioned off with either sushi or a wasabi bomb. They have to eat what it lands on but the teams must land on and eat a wasabi bomb in two minutes to get the clue.

The first spin makes Ron and Cheyne the first ones to take on the bomb, while everyone else eats their sushi. Cheyne finishes first in about a minute and a half but is only a few seconds ahead of Ron.

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