MSN TV Blog - TV Buzz

'Survivor: Caramoan' exit interview: Brenda Lowe

The strongest player in the Stealth-R-Us alliance gets the boot in a big-time blindside

By Sona Charaipotra May 9, 2013 2:47PM
Photo courtesy CBS
Talk about the biggest of blindsides. This week on "Survivor: Caramoan," the final six got down and dirty, and what should have been a straightforward Tribal Council ended up shattering the Stealth-R-Us alliance once and for all as Cochran and Dawn turned on their pal Brenda Lowe and voted her out over sure shot Eddie, whom they've all be bonded against since the beginning. 


Lowe was more shocked than anyone else. We talked to the 30-year-old paddleboard company owner from Miami about her serene new strategy, the selfless act that turned out to bite her in the end, and, of course, her bond with Dawn, who turned on her on day 36. 

MSN: That was pretty hard to watch at the end. 

Brenda: Oh my God, yeah. It was so heartbreaking. I felt something was off that day, but I didn't want to believe it. I was pretty sure something was going down a couple minutes before Tribal Council, but I just kept telling myself, "No way, there's no way." I just kept saying to myself, "They wouldn't do that -- would they?" But when they pulled out that first Brenda, that's when I knew it was going to happen. And it just hurt so much.

You and Dawn really seemed tight. How authentic was that bond? 

I thought it was 1000 percent real. I really felt for her, I really tried to help her. When she lost the teeth, I wanted to help her, I wanted to protect her. I felt like she was struggling so much. I really was trying to encourage her, and my heart went out to her. And it really was genuine on my part. 

For Dawn, it didn't seem to be. Last time she played, she flipped on Cochran. Were you thinking about that at all?

No, never. I just never believe that would happen. We went through so much together. I was the only one who saw her without her teeth. And we didn't want to tell anybody else. It was a crisis, we went through it together. Nobody else needed to know. I felt like she was vulnerable and everything. I never would have thought she could have done that, regardless of how she played before or what her strategy was. I just couldn't believe it. That's why it hurt so much. 

You said this week that when you do a good deed, it's a double-edged sword. Do you regret giving the others that family time?

No, not at all. Never. You have to do that. It's not could or would or should. I would make the same decision again. I think that there are good people out there. And you want to think that if you do something good for someone, they'll remember. Not that they'll reciprocate or be forever grateful. But that they'll just remember. Could they really be using that against me? That's a horrible thought. Like, "Oh, she asked for it." 

Maybe they thought you were buying the goodwill of the jury?

I understand what they were thinking. But I just can't believe that no one there was like, "We shouldn't do it. We shouldn't!" You know? That's so mean. That's horrible. I would have said that. 

Missed this week's episode? Check out our play-by-play recap 

Last time, you were pretty strategic right off the bat -- and you got voted off. This time, you said several times that your dad said to keep it humble.

For sure, that was strategy. In any sport or competition or even a board game, everything is a competition for me -- it's all about winning. My whole family is like that. And in this game, that clearly didn't work for me. So this time, I went it to it with a different mindset. Yeah, it was low key. And it made things so much more rewarding. I really thought through what I wanted to present. I was coming from a nicer, sweeter place. I really believe it went so much better for me -- and that helped a lot. 

Did it bite you in the end, though. Because you gave Dawn that immunity challenge, and that cost you the game. Regrets?

In a way, yes. But I don't think I would have done it any differently. I didn't have to jump off. But I know why I did it. I wanted to keep Dawn happy. I wanted to see her smile, with that Immunity necklace around her neck, so her kids would be proud. That's what she was telling me, "I want my kids to be proud of me." Why would I take that from her? I had a straightforward goal in that challenge -- to outlast Eddie. I thought it was going to be a clear cut Tribal, and the end of Eddie. If I had known otherwise, maybe... But I didn't think I was in any danger. So in hindsight, it would have been smart. But I probably would have done the same thing again.

Is there someone you're rooting for now?

I'm rooting for Erik. I'm rooting for Erik. And I think it will be interesting to see how Cochran plays out this time and what other strategies he has for this game.
 
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But if it comes down to Cochran and Dawn, it's going to be a tough vote for the jury, right?

Yeah, I don't think they're getting much love from this jury. If it comes down to them and Erik or Eddie, I think we know which way we're going. Erik really has a strong shot, if he can stay in. And Eddie's working some kind of magic, lasting this long.

You've played twice now. Would you play again?

Yeah, you can never say no to an opportunity like "Survivor." I was thrilled to be asked the second time. To be asked for a third time, that would be a really big deal. I'm not sure if it will ever happen, but if they offer, I'm there!

The "Survivor: Caramoan" finale will air Sunday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
 

'Elementary' heads across the pond

Season 2 premiere to be shot in London

By Mekeisha Madden Toby May 9, 2013 12:30PM

'Elementary' '/' CBS

 

CBS' hit drama "Elementary" is London bound.

 

The Sherlock Holmes series will shoot its Season 2 premiere across the pond, marking the first time the show has filmed on location outside of New York, CBS announced Thursday.

 

Bing: More on 'Elementary'  |  Jonny Lee Miller |  Lucy Liu

 

Sherlock (Miller) will go to London, in the second-season premiere, to revisit an old case and confront the demons of his past. The trip will also give Watson (Liu) a chance to examine Holmes' mysterious background and the circle of friends he had before he moved to New York. Filming begins in July.  

 

Plus: TV's hottest moms | 'Full House': Where are they now? | Season finales we're excited for

 

"We couldn't be more excited to have this opportunity to see Sherlock's old stomping grounds and take a closer look at a life that, until now, we've only been able to glimpse through the lens of his recovery," said Robert Doherty, the show's creator. "By meeting old friends and revisiting prior cases, Watson will gain even more insight into Holmes. She'll have to keep up with a Sherlock who is both more comfortable in his surroundings and even bolder in testing the limits of those around him."

 

"Elementary" pulls in an average 13 million viewers weekly. Season 1 will wrap up with a two-hour finale, Thursday, May 16, featuring guest-star Natalie Dormer  as Sherlock's one true love, Irene Adler. 

 

"Elementary" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. The two-hour, Season 1 finale airs Thursday, May 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. 

 
Tags: dramanewspreview

Soap opera community mourns icon Jeanne Cooper

'Young and the Restless' star remembered as daytime's toughest leading lady

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert May 8, 2013 1:51PM

"The Young and the Restless" grande dame Jeanne Cooper has fought her final battle. Daytime's toughest leading lady died in her sleep Wednesday, May 8, having left her indelible mark on millions of fans. While it's never easy to say goodbye, Cooper certainly lived a full life, taking each day by storm, on screen and off.


Bing: More about Jeanne Cooper | "The Young and the Restless"


The sad news of Cooper's passing came from her son Corbin Bernsen ("Psyche," "L.A. Law"), who has been keeping fans and friends updated on her health over the past weeks. "The Young and the Restless" fans immediately took to social media to mourn the loss, and they're not the only ones. Stars from all the soap operas, past and present, have taken to Twitter to share their feelings. 


"She lived a life to be celebrated," Robin Strasser ("One Life to Live") tweeted. "With all due RESPECT, RIP doesn't always FIT the intrinsic NATURE of the person who passed. A Viking warrior may not desire rest or peace."


More tweets are posted below. 


Plus: 'Full House': Where are they now? | Season finales we're excited for | Guilty tortures 


The soap veteran ruled Genoa City as Katherine Chancellor for 40 years, but her career began long before she joined "The Young and the Restless." Born Wilma Jeanne Cooper, the beauty landed her first starring role in the 1953 western "The Redhead from Wyoming" and became a familiar face on TV, appearing in such shows as "Mike Hammer," "Hawaii Five-O," "The Big Valley" and "Touched by an Angel."

 

Cooper received several Primetime and Daytime Emmy nominations over the course of her career, but the first trophy she took home was her 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award. She followed that with a Lead Actress win in 2008. She also received her star on the Walk of Fame in 1993.

 

Awards aside, Cooper changed the face of daytime - and we're not just referring to the time she let "The Young and the Restless" tape her real life plastic surgery as part of Katherine's storyline. The Dutchess, as her character has been called, ruled Genoa City with an iron fist, battled alcoholism, lost four husbands and a child, came back from the dead a few times and found love as a senior. Cooper also played Katherine's much less refined doppelgänger, Marge. 

 

Of course, fans most enjoyed Katherine's epic battle with Jill Foster Abbott, which started back when Jill stole her husband Phillip Chancellor II almost 40 years ago. The pair clawed at each other and schemed over power, men and family, only to learn Katherine was Jill's mother. While that blood connection was later disproved, they managed to remain family. Thankfully, that didn't stop the bickering.


Recent story has seen Katherine battling a brain tumor and an insider tweet reveals her last scene aired May 3. With Katherine home from the hospital, she ascended the Chancellor staircase on her own, telling Jill, "I think I can manage. Goodnight."

There's been no official word on how "The Young and the Restless" will handle Cooper's passing, but fans can only assume Katherine will lose her own health battle and be properly honored within the story.


Off screen, Cooper was a deliciously bawdy character and a veritable font of old Hollywood stories. She loved to share her tales of working with the likes of Barbara Stanwyck and Tony Curtis and often gave into laughter before getting the punchline. She was also open about her own battle with alcoholism. The fireball loved to reference her wilder, alcohol-fueled days, but remained committed to her sobriety, as well as helping others find a better life through sobriety.

 

Cooper shared her stories in her bestselling autobiography "Not Young, Still Restless: A Memoir," recently released in paperback.

 

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Among friends and colleagues, Cooper was known for being brutally honest and tough, yet supportive and caring. She loved to impart the wisdom of her experiences. In spite of being a classy, sparkling and wise dame, she also had a taste for dropping F bombs. In short, one never knew what was going to come out of Cooper's fabulous mouth next. 


"A friend, teacher, mother figure, a true joy," tweeted costar Lauralee Bell (Christine). "I will miss her so."

 

Cooper was married to TV producer Harry Bernsen, Jr. for 23 years before divorcing. She is survived by their children Corbin, Collin and Caren Bernsen, eight grandchildren and a daytime community that holds her in their hearts.


Daytime stars share their thoughts about Jeanne Cooper's passing

Thoughts from "The Young and the Restless" costars and former co-stars: 

Jess Walton: Jeanne Cooper passed away this morning. There will never be another like her. She has been a huge part of my life for the past 26 years...and she will continue to be, because she lives inside me.....and she lives inside of each one of you.......that's love.
Eric Braeden: I am deeply saddened by Jeanne's passing! She had struggled enormously to the very end! She loved her fans, & we all loved working with her! It feels like the end of an era! Everyone here is just deeply saddened! I loved working with her! We always had some laughs! She had a very loving family around her! Corbin and Collin and Caren and their loved ones were always at Jeanne’s side! She was a "broad" in the best sense of the word! Tough, generous, and full of the dickens! 1st our soundman Luis & now Jeanne! End of an era! Her passing is just hitting me in stages!
Joshua Morrow: These hallowed halls will never be the same :(
 
Lauralee Bell: Jeanne took me under her wing from the moment I started Y&R. A friend, teacher, mother figure, a true joy. I will miss her so! #YR40
 
Daniel Goddard: I am just crushed to hear that#JeanneCooper has passed away. We have lost an icon. She was the grand dame, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of millions. I am honored and so privileged to have been part of her miraculous life... and she will always be in my heart.
Kate Linder: Thank u all for ur love & support. I'm crushed to lose my mentor, friend & co-worker. Sweet dreams, Jeanne. My love to ur family!
Christel Khalil: Lost a legend today. Jeanne Cooper who was an incredible woman, mom, grandmother, and actress. She was a firecracker and always spoke her mind which I admire more than anything. With Jeanne, what you saw is what you got. You will be missed, Katherine Chancellor will be missed. I'm glad she lived a long full life. If only we all can be so lucky.
Tracey Bregman: @corbinbernsen I am beyond sad and so grateful for every minute I had with her. Love to you all. oxox
  
Michelle Stafford: There are some people in the world who are just magical...Jeanne Cooper was one of those people #Legend #ripjeanne #originalbadass #beauty
 
Michael Muhney: She lived a long life. She kicked her fair share of asses. The world just got a little less feisty today. You'll be missed, Jeanne Cooper.
 
Steve Burton: A legend may pass but their light never goes out. #RIPJeanne My prayers are with her family.
Marco Dapper: Jeanne Cooper, you were such an inspiration to life! Godspeed Jeanne. I'll be missing you so much. Love you so much Duchess
Heather Tom ("The Bold and the Beautiful"): Just heard abt Jeanne cooper-my heart goes out to her family-she was an amazing lady-a true class act-I learned so much from her. Her grace and commitment to the work was an inspiration to us all-I will never forget her advice, support and encouragement.
Adrienne Frantz ("The Bold and the Beautiful"): My beautiful friend Jeanne Cooper passed away this morning. I am heartbroken! I love you so much Jeanne! Now coolest strongest angel ever!!!
Emme Rylan ("General Hospital): This is truly a sad day for daytime. Rest in peace beautiful Jeanne Cooper. Sending love and prayers to her loved ones. #YR
 
Thom Bierdz: My friend, the great Jeanne Cooper has finished her earth existence at this time… Few people accomplish what she did, and as a driven man, I respect that most about Jeanne. But I also knew her personally... She loved and touched so many people across the globe. I am just one. And eternally grateful to have shared this time, space, existence, dream, with her... Jeanne, may you see how bright you are/were."

Adrianna Leon: @corbinbernsen my heart, thoughts, love & prayers r with u & ur family. I adored ur mother & will forever cherish the memories that I have of her. Not only was she full of life, absolutely hilarious, an inspiration & one hell of a feisty/bold feisty/bold presence but she took me under her wing & offered so much love, care, realism, support and amazing advice. She was a great woman and I consider myself very lucky to have shared that time with her.
 

Michael Damian: I am so very sorry we lost the wonderful Jeanne Cooper today. My deepest sympathies go out to Corbin and the rest of her family. God bless

Thoughts from the rest of the daytime community:

Katherine Kelly Lang ("The Bold and the Beautiful"): So sorry to hear about Jeanne Cooper. She was an amazing person, mother, and actress! She is an inspiration to all! Love u Jeanne! Miss u!

 

Laura Wright ("General Hospital): Sad sad day. RIP Jeanne Cooper. Love and prayers to your family. Hugs to all Y&R fans xo


Nancy Lee Grahn ("General Hospital): Today Heaven welcomed one feisty, fierce, fabulous Diva. Our loss but Heavens gain. Bet she's drinking scotch and telling dirty jokes with a bunch of angels as we speak. I take great pleasure in knowing that Ms. Coopers bright light will never go out!
 

Frank Valentini ("General Hospital): Daytime has lost a legend. Our thoughts are with Jeanne Cooper's family. Love and sympathy from everyone at GH.


Galen Gering ("Days of Our Lives"): My deepest condolences go out to @corbinbernsen and all of your family and everyone at@YandR_CBS. Jeanne was an amazing woman.


Eric Martsolf ("Days of Our Lives"): Rest in peace #JeanneCooper. A true Veteran of what we do.


Tamara Braun: A strong, fierce, talented woman. RIP @Jeannecooper1


Bobbie Eakes: My condolences to the family of the wonderful Jeanne Cooper. This is a sad day for me. Jeanne, you will be greatly missed.

 

Colleen Zenk: Just heard about Jeanne Cooper's death. Never forget having lunch with her in '11. What a fab dame. And a helluva actress. Rest now, Jeanne


Lisa Rinna: RIP dear Jeanne Cooper. She was a mentor to me and I will be forever Grateful for her kindness. She was a Broad and she taught me a lot!

 

Crystal Chappell: My condolences to Jeanne's family. What a divine lady she was...


Andy Cohen ("Watch What Happens Live"): RIP Jeanne Cooper - a daytime LEGEND! And one of the most fun broads you could ever hope to meet!

"The Young and the Restless" airs weekdays on CBS. 

                        
 

Seth MacFarlane makes his 'Simpsons' debut

'Family Guy' creator joins Justin Bieber in upcoming guest-voice roles

By Mekeisha Madden Toby May 8, 2013 1:08PM

'Seth MacFarlane' '/' FOX

 

Seth MacFarlane has long shared FOX's Sunday-night animation slate with "The Simpsons." Now the "Family Guy" creator is switching from time-slot neighbor to guest-star when he makes his debut during the hit show's season finale. Season 24 comes to an end Sunday, May 19.

 

The edgy animator will provide the voice for Ben, a nice man Marge (Julie Kavner) inadvertently meets on a swinger's website she thinks is a cupcake aficionado site. The two hit it off when they learn they both love a "Downton Abbey"-type TV series called "Upton Rectory." Ben's wife will be guest-voiced by comic Lisa Lampanelli.

 

Bing: More on 'The Simpsons' | Seth MacFarlane

 

"The Simpsons" will close out the season in two parts. In Part 1, Homer (Dan Castellaneta), Moe (Hank Azaria), Lenny (Harry Shearer) and Carl (Azaria) win $200,000 in the Springfield Lottery. But when Carl runs off with the winnings and moves to Iceland, his homeland, the guys embark on a Nordic adventure to get back the cash.

 

Plus: 'Full House': Where are they now? | Season finales we're excited for | Guilty tortures

 

MacFarlane appears in Part 2, which also features a special cough gag created by a contest winner. Over 30,000 entries were submitted, with fans choosing between three finalists.

 

The brains behind "American Dad" and "The Cleveland Show" isn't the only big name to grab headlines with a guest turn on "The Simpsons" this season. Pop star Justin Bieber makes his series debut on the Sunday, May 12, installment titled, "The Fabulous Faker Boy." Here's an episodic photo Entertainment Weekly teased this week:

 

'The Simpsons' '/' FOX

"The Simpsons" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

 
Tags: castingcomedynewspreviewspoiler

'Criminal Minds' marred by contract woes

Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook might not return next season

By Mekeisha Madden Toby May 7, 2013 12:02PM

'Criminal Minds' '/' CBS

 

Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook might be leaving "Criminal Minds."

 

The two actresses, who play Penelope and J.J. respectively, are negotiating with CBS and production company ABC Studios, but say they are fed up with the way female stars are treated, Deadline reports. Vangsness and Cook contend they are paid less than half of what their male costars are paid and are willing to quit if they don't receive equal pay.

 

Bing: More on 'Criminal Minds' | Kirsten Vangsness | A.J. Cook

 

But everyone's not considering an exit. Stars Thomas Gibson and Joe Mantegna are reportedly close to new agreements and Shemar Moore is still undergoing negotiations. Matthew Gray Gubler and Jeanne Tripplehorn are still under contact and showrunner Erica Messer signed a two-year agreement last week.

 

Plus: Guilty tortures | Personalities we love to hate | Former MTV stars still on MTV

 

In order for CBS to renew the series for a ninth season, negotiations need to wrap up by the end of the day Tuesday. This is the second time CBS and ABC Studios have been criticized for their treatment of "Criminal Minds" actresses. In 2010, the two companies cut Cook and reduced the episodes of Paget Brewster. Thanks to the outcry of angry fans, the two were brought back.

 

"Criminal Minds" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. 

 
Tags: castingdramanewspreview

'The Amazing Race' exit interview: Caroline and Jennifer

The blonde BFFs tell us about their time on the race, from bog-snorkeling to their Botswanan buddies

By Diane Vadino May 6, 2013 7:24PM


Caroline Cutbirth and Jennifer Kuhle didn't make it to the final three on last night's "Amazing Race" finale, but the best friends and bandmates almost snuck past the roller derby moms to claim the third spot. (In fact, they only learned how close they came watching the episode last night.) We talked to the pair about flirt-racing with Bates and Anthony, their Botswanan money-changer, and Jen's bog-snorkeling disaster. 

MSN TV: Jen, how horrible was the bog-snorkeling challenge? 

Jen: Everything was horrible about it. It was freezing cold. My hands and feet were numb. I kind of screwed up the first time. If I'd finished the first time, it would have been OK, but getting in the second time, it was horrible. It was claustrophobic. And I couldn't breathe since you have to keep the snorkel in the whole time. So basically, it was a blast.

Caroline: Yeah, she loved it.

Jen: On "All Stars" I'm definitely requesting a bog-snorkeling challenge. 


Caroline, how did you deal with psyching her up? 

Caroline: I had had my own tough challenges -- on the first episode, doing the sand castles for six hours. I couldn't figure out the surfboards for six hours! I also struggled with the bagpipes for ages. And it was easier for me, because when I struggled, we had a two-hour time lead.

Jen, did you feel like you were getting what you needed from Caroline? 

Jen: She was the best friend you could ever ask for. She was so supportive. [To Caroline] I just want to tell you, Caroline, you were the best friend you could ever ask for.

Caroline: She'd be that way for me, too. 


So what happened when that men gave you the directions to the "Thing With the Ring"? It looked like you were in a forest somewhere. 

Jen: It seemed like he knew exactly what he was talking about.

Caroline: He was like 100 percent confident. At that point, we were an hour behind. In retrospect, we should have found a computer and looked it up; we would have found it right away. 

Seeing the episode last night must have been insane -- we can't know how close you were, but just judging from the sun setting in the sky, it didn't look like you could have been that far behind the derby moms. 

Jen: We thought we were way behind, but we don't know -- watching it on TV, we were closer than we thought.

Caroline: This episode was a little frustrating just because we did see we could have probably caught up, or at least have gotten very close. I think it took the roller derby girls an hour to figure out what they were doing wrong [with the Titanic challenge]. If we hadn't gotten lost....

How did you manage your relationship with Bates and Anthony? 

Jen: I think we're all joking and flirting, but we really are just friends. We did feel like they were genuine friends in the beginning.

Caroline: I think that's what happens in the beginning -- we wanted our favorite teams to stay in; it's so much more fun that way. But I don't think we ever had to struggle with navigating our "race romance." We just decided to never make out. [Laughs.]

I thought one of the season's highlights was when that random Botswanan man helped exchange your American dollars for local currency. 

Jen: People are good everywhere, all around the world. 

Caroline: It's easy to focus on train wrecks -- that's why "The Amazing Race" is so good. It allows the heart and soul of people to shine -- there is so much love in the world. People are great.

What did you think of Caroline and Jennifer's gameplay? Tell us on Facebook and tweet us on Twitter.


"The Amazing Race" will be back in the fall. 


 

Margaret Groening, the woman who inspired Marge Simpson, dies

'Simpsons' creator Matt Groening used his mom and other family members as muses

By Mekeisha Madden Toby May 6, 2013 7:23PM

'The Simpsons' '/' FOX

 

 

The real-life woman who inspired Marge on "The Simpsons" has died.

 

Margaret Groening, creator Matt Groening's mother, perished late last month. She was 94. Born in 1919 to Matt and Ingeborg Wiggum, she was raised in Everett, Wash. Margaret later married her college boyfriend, cartoonist Homer Groening, and the two settled in Oregon with their children. Homer Groening died in 1996.

 

Bing: More on 'The Simpsons'  | Matt Groening  

 

Groening also used his siblings -- Lisa and Maggie -- as inspirations when naming Simpsons characters. His other siblings, Patty and Mark, were omitted as main characters in favor of Bart, a name Groening liked because it's similar to the word "brat."

 

Plus: Personalities we love to hate | Former MTV stars still on MTV | Short-lived late night shows 

 

Margaret is survived by her brother, Arnold, four of her five children (her eldest daughter, Patty, died in January), eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.​ Her obituary ran in Monday's edition of The Oregonian.

 

"The Simpsons" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

 
Tags: comedynews

'The Amazing Race' exit interview: Beth and Mona

The roller derby moms talk to us about their third-place finish

By Diane Vadino May 6, 2013 2:46PM
Mona Egender and Beth Bandimere did roller derby moms worldwide proud last night, when they took third place in this season's "Amazing Race." We spoke to the pair about their toughest challenge of the season (it involves plates of oysters), that terrible moment in the Edinburgh airport's parking lot, and what their kids said when they got home.

MSN TV: To a certain extent, it seemed as if you guys lost your minds a little bit toward the end, especially with the Titanic challenge. 

Mona: The Titanic was so frustrating. We were so exhausted, after the Speed Bump and a U Turn -- we were just at our wit's ends. Going for days and days without food, you don't pay attention to your surroundings as well as you would in your normal life. I just couldn't figure it out -- the menu was in front of the tent , and I was entering [a different way], so I really never passed it. 

I was surprised that Anthony gave you that help.
 
Beth: I don't know that he knew he was helping us when we had that conversation. But for us, a lightbulb went on. 

It was pretty heartwarming when all the Titanic passengers clapped for you, Beth. 

Beth: I felt like we had developed a relationship by the end of that -- they felt so sorry for me. I swung from laughing to being in tears. At one point, the passengers were serving each other wine, and I just took a drink from the bottle. 


The challenge tossing the ball from the zipline over the Nationals' stadium seemed equally hard. 

Mona: It was so frustrating from her end -- I'm yelling, "Use your hands!" while she had no depth perception and hardly any peripheral vision. We knew at that point we were in the back -- it was just about finishing as strong as we possibly could. 

Did you ever wonder why you guys were targeted by the stronger teams -- instead of their targeting each other? 

Mona: Beth and I said that from day one we could not understand why Max and Katie wanted to be aligned with Bates and Anthony -- they're professional athletes. They're going to outrun us. We were flabbergasted.

My heart broke for you guys when you realized there were just two cars left at the airport in Edinburgh. 

Beth: As we ran out to the cars, there was the slow realization, like, Oh, crap,why would we get the best flight? We thought, Oh, man, we just cannot get a break. We had stopped at a business center as well, and called the airline. We had asked people. 

What have your kids' reactions to all this been? 

Mona: I think they think it's cool. I hope 20 years from now, they'll have a greater appreciation for mom skydiving and jumping off buildings and making haggis.

Beth: My teenager's just mad that Max and Katie won his car. My 16-year-old sent me a text and said, "Dang, mom, I'm really proud of you." Our kids and our husbands have been amazing -- we came back, and none of our kids had scurvy, and everyone looked clean. 

What did you think of the roller derby moms' loss? Tell us on Facebook and tweet us on Twitter.


"The Amazing Race" will be back in the fall.