Goths, gays spice up ‘Race’ lineup

Get ready. Get set. Go.

It’s time for the 12th season of “The Amazing Race,” and this time around it’s going to be a little different.

As usual, there are 11 duos racing to various locations around the world in hopes of winning the $1 million prize and, of course, bragging rights. There won’t, however, be any nonelimination pit stops, according to CBS.

The network is attempting to spice things up, and I think it just might work.

The majority of the contestants are from California, but that’s not a surprise considering it’s the capital of reality TV. And although it would be nice to see a little more geographic diversity, there’s definitely a variety of characters to capture our attention.

Sure, there are your typical teams of dating couples, brothers and sisters, and best friends – yes, there’s a team of token blondes – but there also are a couple of twists this time around that should be entertaining.

A gothic couple from Kentucky that’s used to facing competition likely will prove to be colorful characters, as will the lesbian Episcopal ministers.

I doubt that the team with a daughter who wants her father to stop working long enough to relax and have some fun sticks around very long, but I’ll root for them just the same because I know how she feels.

Then there’s my favorite.

Donald Jerousek and Nicolas Fulks are a grandfather-grandson team that tugs at your heartstrings. While they might not make it all the way, their sense of humor, connection with each other, and deep-rooted drive are sure to make them a fan favorite.

Every season, The Man on the Couch and I (for a very brief moment) consider auditioning for the show. Fortunately, we haven’t had a lapse in judgment long enough to actually do it. After all, two stubborn teammates don’t make a winner.

The newest season of “The Amazing Race” is set to premiere at 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

Another quick reality update, for those of you who were fans of “The Restaurant,” which first aired in 2003 on NBC: Chef, restaurant owner and author Rocco DiSpirito has a new cookbook that’s set to hit the shelves this month, according to a press release from Meredith Books.

DiSpirito promises that every recipe uses ingredients most people have on hand, is quick to make, and creates minimal mess.

Look for “Rocco’s Real Life Recipes: Fast Flavor for Every Day” on bookshelves this month – just in time for the holidays.