Too many lackluster teams and tasks, too many non-elimination legs, and the absence of any compelling heroes and villains all added to a rather disappointing trip around the globe.
This episode seemed to be a kind of "let's throw shit against a wall and see what sticks," and I do admire them for trying new things. Few of them worked, however.
The Watcher has complained loudly that recent seasons had turned control of the Race over to cab drivers and the teams themselves did little to determine their own fates. I'm happy to say season 19 was better.