The Amazing Race 3's Flo: The Queen of Tears and Complaints

I wanted to like her – I really did. The problem was that every time the viewer started to like Flo, she would do something to ruin it. Flo teamed up with her friend, Zach, to compete in the third season of the Emmy-winning reality show The Amazing Race. Flo & Zach were friends who met in college and decided that they would use the race as a way to figure out if they were compatible enough to date. Doesn't sound like a bad idea – see how you do in a high-stress situation and take it from there. The good news is that they actually did end up winning the race. The bad news is that Flo had practically nothing to do with it. She cried, complained, moaned, and all but had to be dragged through the whole thing. Poor Zach realized a relationship would never work, and went out on a high note with their win. However, let's take a look at some of the instances Flo was too much to handle.

From the beginning, Flo was trouble. She joined up with Arianne & Aaron and Michael & Kathy to form a group of teams all out to get another – the twins, Derek & Drew. I don't think Zach really wanted in on the whole thing, and he tried to talk some sense into Flo by telling her that they need to work as a team, not with the other teams to try and eliminate the twins. The funny thing about this is that Derek & Drew ended up outlasting all the other teams except Flo & Zach because everyone was so obsessed about what Derek & Drew were doing that they didn't even realize they were falling behind themselves. Eventually though, Zach was able to talk some sense into Flo, and she started to focus back on their team instead of the twins (well, when she wasn’t flirting with one of them).

Then there was the gasoline incident. While riding in a car, Flo & Zach needed gas. Instead of putting diesel, they put in regular gas, like some of the other teams. Teri & Ian were able to drain their tank and be on their way. Michael & Kathy went and got a hotel room, while Aaron & Arianne tried to find someone to help them. Zach was doing the same thing – trying to find some help, but not Flo. Nope, Flo decided to cry and complain that they were already eliminated and there was no use looking for someone who might be able to help them. Zach kept his cool and found a mechanic. Meanwhile, Flo still complained the whole time that the whole thing was useless at that point. By the time the car was fixed and they got to the pit stop, they found they were not only NOT eliminated, but they actually beat two teams! Of course, they were both overjoyed and Flo stated that she wouldn't be a downer anymore. It didn't last long.

Beside the fact that she always complained when Zach wanted to do the harder, yet faster detour, Flo would easily tire from running or even sometimes, sitting, so she would just complain. I guess she figured that she would run out of oxygen from complaining so much and just pass out. It might not have been a good idea because Zach could have made better time carrying her than having to try and constantly motivate her to move faster.

There came a point in the race where it was a non-elimination leg. It was pretty obvious to the viewer that it was non-elimination, but the competitors didn't seem so sure. As fate would have it, Flo & Zach were running last and knew their position. Zach wanted to finish strong and still run to the pit stop, while Flo wailed once again that it was no use. The tears were flowing and the voice was grating as Flo proclaimed that it just HAD to be the end for them. She refused to run, refused to row the boat, refused to help get to the pit stop in any way, shape, or form. (In fact, Flo and Zach received a Hall of Shame Moment for their actions in that leg.) Finally, when they reached the mat, and after Phil told them they were last, he also stated that it was a non-elimination leg. Once again, both were overjoyed, while Flo looked like a complete ass – for lack of a better word. She stated once again that she would never assume they were going to be eliminated. Once again, that didn't last long.

During the final two legs of the race, there were so many times that Flo threw in the towel that it's almost impossible to count. Poor Zach had to try and motivate her each time to keep going and at least finish strong. Apparently, Flo didn't care about setting an example, she figured it would be easier if they just quit – which she wanted to do numerous times. Thank goodness for Zach, is all I have to say! Throughout the race, during each leg, one member of a team must complete a Roadblock. Traditionally, most teams will rotate between members to do them. Every time a Roadblock was read by Zach, Flo would be in tears saying there was no way she was emotionally or physically able to do it. One roadblock was to build a bike – she claimed to be mechanically impaired. Another was to bungee jump – she claimed to be scared of heights. I must admit, she did one! She sold snails. Yup, you heard me correctly. The easiest, least demanding roadblock during the whole race is the one she performed. Once again – thank goodness for Zach.

So I guess it's easy to see why Flo is being inducted into the Hall of Shame. It should have been done a long time ago, but there were so many blunders to sift through, that even now I know there are probably a ton of things I'm missing. However, the most important are right here, and undoubtedly prove that Flo deserves to be the latest reality personality inducted into the Reality TV Hall of Shame.

Phil Kural is finally a college graduate! You can still reach him at pkural@temple.edu, but he’s not sure how long that address will remain his. When it changes though, you’ll be the first to know.

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