Treasure Hunters

Treasure Hunters, the summer reality series, had its season finale tonight. And, like a lot of reality show season finales, it was a bit anticlimactic.

Unlike other reality shows, where the people become the stars, from start to finish it was the hunt that was the star. Of course we cared about the teams, but we didn't keep watching to see the players -- we watched to see if we could outsmart them and figure out, first, the location of the next clue.

Our household started out pulling for Team Miss USA. Although they were a bit girly at times (they kept harping on the fact that they were weaker than the men because they were women), they were persistent, skilled in teamwork, and, like pageant queens, great at thinking on their feet.

After they were eliminated, our focus turned to Team Air Force. Especially with Brooke on their team, they were the team to beat from the beginning. A great example of teamwork, they were referred to as robots as their methodical, unflustered approach week after week placed them first or second.

But, in the end, it was the geeky, comparatively physically challenged Geniuses who found the $3million treasure. Because from start to finish, the star was the hunt. And the hunt was about the clues. And, in spite of the physical challenges, the clues were for the thinking man or woman.

And that's what made it so much fun to watch. Because if you know American History, you could quickly solve the riddles. Solving the riddles was the fun part.

So after the Geniuses were revealed as the winners tonight, we didn't really care about listening to the teams hash over their experience. In fact, we didn't really even care what the amount of the pot was. We just wanted to see them face one last challenge. Thankfully, ten viewers ran a mini-treasure hunt through DC, which made watching worthwhile.

I don't really care that much about the teams (although it was pretty sweet when Frances remarked, "Now my grandparents can retire," even without knowing the size of the kitty), but I'd watch another season in a heartbeat. But the question is: will Genworth Financial want to put up another treasure?