Race Across The World Series 5 Thread 2

[TwentyKittens]

With only five posts left on the old thread, thought I'd start this so we can link between the two.

This thread carries on from the first:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5314933-race-across-the-world?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

Caroline’s back story is clearly either made up, exaggerated or edited in such a way that we get a totally different impression of her and the reality of her life.

Likewise, Sioned is portrayed as someone who has hardly left her small, Welsh neighbourhood whereas in fact she is quite widely travelled.

It’s annoying. I think the locations and the excitement of the racing is entertainment enough. Yes, it’s interesting to see how characters emerge from the context but it’s really not necessary to invent (or exaggerate) backstories. It’s made me cynical about the programme, having whole heartedly enjoyed the previous series.

Wow that is such a surprise. Unless I've completely misunderstood, the whole series she has repeatedly said that she has been a housewife for 20 years and as such has lost her identity.

I think in this series, they've dwelt a little too much on the back stories. Context is fine, but I don't think that the sisters' story (for example) has been particularly illuminating.
It needs to be more about the experience and the challenge.

How do you know that about Sioned?

I do get a bit fed up at the back stories. Mainly when there is a drip drip drip, like the two sisters "revealing" their family lost their home due to financial issues. And the constant pontificating over their relationship. Is it really necessary...

Brian and Melvyn have been very matter of fact in answering the questions about their childhood. Not too much navel gazing. I prefer this. It's Race Across The World, not Therapy Across The World.

@blinkbonnyit's not odd, the discrimination faced by that generation was a definite disadvantage in the workplace and beyond.

Simple things like getting your non-accented child to make a phone call because the outcome would be better, even though the parent was highly educated.

I agree with the backstories
I think it’s all being pushed too much and it’s probably one of the reasons the sisters are starting to grate on me.
The same with the brothers as well tbh.
Theres enough going on without the constant same story of their lives being regurgitated. Although I appreciate some viewers find that equally as interesting

I think a bit of background is interesting, and helps engagement with the characters, but it's a bit too much. I'd like to see them getting accommodation and calculating what they can afford to eat as well as what route to take etc.

Somebody on the previous thread mentioned that Sioned had travelled to lots of places, including Australia. I think they said it was on her instagram

I don’t think she’s faking her overwhelm as perhaps she has previously just travelled to easy places with well organised itineraries and nice accommodation. but either she or the program makers are trying to give viewers the impression she’s hardly left her neighbourhood.

@blinkbonny language attitudes were not just about parents wanting to assimilate though. Anglophone experts in second language acquisition actually believed that speaking a second language would confuse a child and hamper the development of their English language and literacy skills. Parents were advised by doctors and teachers to not speak their heritage language at home.

Thanks @ARainyNightInSoho , that’s really interesting. In my personal case, I am not sure that that influenced my father’s decision to soft-pedal the use of his native language at home - I think it was about concerns about assimilation, even though he himself spoke English with barely an accent so not something he suffered as much as many - but it’s interesting to know that that would have been the possible surround sound.

But I thought Sioned hadn’t been outside Wales? That’s the narrative she gives for her.

I thought so too! 😕

I love this someone on Yahoo is very invested

According to an interview on Yahoo the Australia trip is afterRace across the world

@Gundogday

Exactly. This is what people are objecting to.

I agree. RATW is nothing like going on a holiday with Jet2 or whoever.

What?! I thought she'd done nothing but be a sahm for years?
All a bit deceptive

Yes, she's definitely been very overwhelmed in India.

What happens if a couple run out of money? Does the budget ever come into play?

Just seen that Sam the young lad who did the show with his mum has died in a car accident. Him and his mum were my favourite contestants out of any show. He was only 24.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cje7nx5l832o

Oh that's really sad.

They have to quit. Sometimes they do extra jobs but lag behind as a consequence. One couple had to quit because one of them had their money belt stolen and they didn't have enough to continue.

Thanks, enjoying the series but wondered about the budget.

The series that ended in Singapore had the final check-in on the top floor of a building. You had to pay to get up there and one pair had absolutely no money left and were stuck on the ground. Other competitors who found them there when they came down gave them the money so they could finish the journey.

Wow! So her 'I'm just a housewife who stayed at home to raise my son and lost all my confidence' story is a complete load of shite! How utterly disingenuous for her to lie on national TV when it's easy enough for people to find out the truth. I found her irritating before, now I find her really irritating!!