Utahns enter 'Amazing Race'

If you need another reason to watch "The Amazing Race" — and you really don't, given that this is one of the best shows on TV — I'll give you one: A pair of Utahns will be among those racing around the world, chasing a $1 million prize and having some pretty spectacular adventures along the way.

Lena and Kristy Jensen of Pleasant Grove are one of 11 teams that take off from Chicago in tonight's two-hour, sixth-season premiere (8 p.m., Ch. 2). Each two-person team has a pre-existing relationship — dating, formerly dating, engaged, married, father-daughter, friends — and not all those relationships are exactly harmonious. In addition to the incredible scenery (tonight's premiere takes us to Iceland), the physical challenges and the exciting competition, "Race" is a study in character.

A big part of the appeal is watching these people under pressure. And watching what happens when things don't go well.

Early in tonight's premiere, it becomes clear why Lena and Kristy were cast (aside from their good looks).

"Lena and I were both raised Mormon," Kristy says. "We had a conservative Mormon home. I've maintained that. Lena . . . (long pause) . . . likes to have fun."

"Kristy and I do live completely different lifestyles," Lena adds. "I'm definitely more of, like, the party, get loose, get crazy girl, and Kristy is more of the serious type. "

OK . . . we can see where this one is going, can't we?

Executive producer Jonathan Littman said casting the show requires two "critical" things. First, "a great dynamic between the two people that's an interesting story to tell, because at the end of the day these are almost 13-week soap operas."

And, second, "larger-than-life, great personalities. . . . You look for people who are going to be interesting — (whom) you're going to want to go on this trip with. You're asking an audience to come back each week and want to engage. And those (contestants) are the ones that win us over."

Actually, the Jensens' Mormon background doesn't play into the premiere. (At least not the 80 percent of the two-hour show screened for critics.) And, at the very least, the Utahns aren't cast as villains. (The early frontrunners for that "honor" are Jonathan, who's obnoxious to everyone, including his wife, Victoria; married wrestlers Lori and Bolo; and dad/ex-CIA agent Gus.)