The Best of Rob & Amber: Against the Odds

The Best of “Rob & Amber: Against the Odds” by Roxanne McDonald

“Perks and Payback: Reality Lifestyles of the Pokeristas” is one fantastic episode. The best one yet.

I already mentioned I have an affinity for “Rob and Amber: Against the Odds.” I grew up in New England, right down the road a piece from Rob–and his accent, for starters, gets me in the zone of recall. Also relevant is how some of Rob and Ambers activities remind me what my brother (who is still back East) would love.

So I dedicate this discussion to him (as if this little piece of writing were a great novel, huh?)

Finally, this episode (8) offers more than the usual social experiment, relationship problems, and ho-hum moments. Instead, it is packed with exciting events attended by two people who are simpatico—who respect and love each other and do not backstab, malign, or speak for each other out of turn.Coming down off playing and regenerating his enthusiasm after having placed second (which seems to be his fate, he says) at the Poker Dome Smackdown speed poker tournament, Rob and Amber participate in a sailboat competition and then Rob escorts Amber to the Really [Reality TV] Awards. There they are prepped to be presenters of the best reality TV show (which turns out to be Big Brother, yay!). Looking over the script, they agree that the dialogue sucks, as it suggests they are an argumentative couple. So Rob re-writes the script! LOL. He does have big ol balls. (If you have been watching you will note his ego often precedes his actions. Oh, wait, that’s what made him a big name in reality TV to begin with.)

Next, the couple goes off to make an appearance at a Rhode Island charity dinner (in Vegas). I have to watch the re-run to catch the name of the charity, but I did get how Rob and Amber again discussed how lucky they have been to live such a healthy and wealthy lifestyle and so supporting other worthy causes is a must for them. See what I mean? These guys have at least a modicum of respect and understanding….

Next, Rob does a solid for his mentor and buddy Daniel Negreanu: he buys him some time on a Nascar track, where the guys go to race around in fantasy style as the darling and devoted Amber watches and cheers them on (as she also cheerily admits to being glad she is not in the car going 131 miles per hour).

Finally, Rob reminds himself and us how his reason for coming to Vegas is to play poker and all this luxury and adventure is distracting him, so he heads back to the casinos to play poker with former New England Patriot, Chad Pennington.

But Rob drinks while he plays, which was one of the three conditions his mentor Daniel Negreanu put on their agreement to teach Rob the pro game way…so the next episode ought to bring some excitement of a different sort.Some reality TV viewers say Rob and Amber have outlived their 15 minutes of fame. Hey, Rob even admits it, telling an acquaintance that their 15 minutes turned into 5 ½ years…. Others say the show is not worth watching. But hey, watching Rob and Amber treat each other well beats watching Jo have yet another pissy fit about being neglected as a prima donna on Real Housewives of Orange County, and it sure as hell is better than any overly self-indulgent moment on Shooting Sizemore—a show to which I say, “Don’t tempt me.”

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