The Amazing Race's producers enjoyed an indulgent streak this year, casting an ex-Miss America, a World Series of Poker finalist, and two Harlem Globetrotters named Flight Time and Big Easy for its 15th season. Of all those bewildering contestants, the jocular duo were easy to like; they razzed, raced, and executed goofy lay-ups with equal elan. They were insistently all-American. And most of all, they weren't the deplorable Meghan and Cheyne. During last night's episode, Phil Keoghan sent the dribbling patriots home for a fourth-place finish, following yet another victory for the aforementioned towheads. In remembrance of the Globetrotters' service to our lives, Movieline has compiled five of their 83-year-old troop's finest moments in TV history. We'll even let you in the Mystery Machine if you cooperate.
1. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970-3)
Surviving three years and first immortalizing legends like Meadowlark Lemon in animation, The Harlem Globetrotters combined familiar Hanna-Barbera antics with all the dunderheaded Washington Generals action you could muster. What's with these white guys who don't have to dribble the ball?
2. The New Scooby Doo Movies (1973)
In the early '70s, Hanna-Barbera's Scooby Doo, Where Are You? cartoon cast turned up in several new series -- perhaps, most notably, The New Scooby Doo Movies. Featuring hour-long adventures fronted by guest stars (Sandy Duncan, The Addams Family, and Laurel & Hardy all made appearances), The New Scooby Doo Movies offered opportunities for brisk mystery-solving and celeb hobnobbing. The Globetrotters appeared in three different "movies," which is pretty remarkable for a show that only aired 25 episodes. Best of all, they weren't exploited for their weight. I can't say the same for poor Cass Elliot.
3. The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine (1974)
Now, if anyone is worthy of a variety show, it's Seth MacFarlane Curly Neal and the boys. Popcorn Machine ran for one season but invigorated the variety format with uncondescending pizazz and -- not joking here -- spelling lessons.
4. The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island (1981)
Crash-landing on Gilligan's Island seems unfeasible (to idiots). But there's a buffer of legitimacy between Bob Denver and Hubert "Geese" Ausbie that makes the package realistic even to skeptics -- and his name is Scatman Crothers. Tell me how this sun-'n-fun TV movie is any less believable than Zuma Beach.
5. The Amazing Race (2009)
The Amazing Race's vaudevillian team had everyone scared for awhile; now they have us scared we'll never see them again. What is there left to say? Do it for the suburbs, Sam and Dan.