They ARE going outside the U.S.
I hope you're right! I also thought this installment would be confined to the US, especially after the first few minutes of yesterday's show. Phil's opening narration has always been "...this was the (first, second, third...) pitstop in
a race around the world." Yesterday, he said, "...this was the first pitstop in
The Amazing Race."
Although the quality of the show may have gone down to those of us who've been watching it from the start, its American ratings are picking up, thanks in part to its three consecutive Emmy wins. Frankly, despite being confined to the US, I still find this reality show way more interesting than any recent Survivor or Pinoy Big Brother.
I hope Studio 23 sticks with this show, since I really can't stand watching AXN's edited broadcasts. Ever since they started cutting 2-3 minutes out of all their programs, AXN has been dead to me.