The Amazing Race: All Stars Boston Rob Week: Thursday Same Team, New Relationship

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Jill Aquilino had originally applied with her brother F.T. for season one of The Amazing Race. That didn’t pan out for them and tragically, her brother died during 9/11. But shortly after, she started dating her brother’s friend John-Vito Pietanza and together, they applied for the third season of The Amazing Race – and were selected to compete. Although the two are no longer romantically attached, they’re back for another kick at the can and are hoping that they can improve on their fifth place finish.

My first thought when hearing that JVJ (as the team is known) were back for this All Star edition was “Why?” The team is very likeable, to be sure, but they’re not what I’d consider outstanding or notable. But since they were no longer dating, I suppose that the producers were hoping for some conflict between the two, which I kind of see as highly unlikely. My second thought was “I thought that the ‘just friends’ thing only happened on television?”

But lets look at their strengths – back in the early seasons (prior to the 6/7 Roadblock rule) it wasn’t unusual for one person to shoulder the Roadblock load for their team, especially on a coed team. Not so with JVJ, who had performed the Roadblocks almost evenly (4-3 for John Vito), and put Jill on even footing with prior Final Three Racers Margarita and Paige. So Jill can definitely hold up her end of the bargain. Also, exes seem to do well in the Race – exes that reached the Finish Line are Frank and Margarita, Tara and Wil, Adam and Rebecca. Heck, Zach even WON the Race during JVJ’s season with You Know Who. So there’s precedent.

OK, Dennis and Erika finished last in Season 5, but guaranteed (or your money back) that JVJ aren’t gonna suffer that fate. But I don’t see them reaching the Finish Line either. In season 3, they were strictly a middle of the pack team, so there’s a good chance that they’ll be competing with Kentucky to avoid elimination. But as I said, they’re nice people, and I’m looking forward to seeing the New Yorkers Race again.

Sir Linksalot: The Amazing Race: All Stars

Kevin has been an Insider since 2003, writing on a variety of topics ranging from The Amazing Race to Mixed Martial Arts. His current hobbies include Fantasy Football, Sporcle, travelling, making liberal use of his DVR and wondering what the heck he's gonna do when his two daughters are old enough to date. You can follow Kevin on Twitter (@starvenger).