Well, here we go again, 11 teams set on a race around the world. This week they start with Phil’s raised eyebrow in Miami, head to Ecuador, use the word “Rapido” a lot, and clip the toenails of a horse.
Like last season, here’s a general overview of how they did and how this corner liked their performance, in the order they checked into the pit stop.
ROB AND AMBER – Reality TV’s Royal Couple, no more needs to be said:
Yep, as long as they are in the race, they’re the team everone is gunning for. Revered by some, hated by others. There’s no question they’re the stars of this show. A strong leg aided by a lot of breaks helped them win the leg and a trip to one of Canada’s true gems, Whistler, B.C.
OSWALD AND DANNY: Didn’t see Season 2, so team Cha-Cha-Cha intrigues me:
What a fun pair. Are we sure they’re just best friends or are they really showing more affection for eachother. Anyway they put together a solid opening leg, had a blast along the way, and ended second.
TERI AND IAN: Season 3 runners up who apparently are annoying (I didn’t see the season but met them last year, and they were nice, so I’ll just have to stay tuned):
Ian seemed to have a really good time. But these two are very focused, very competitive, and important in this race, seem quite efficient. Their age may catch up with them later but for now, a nice third-place finish.
ERIC AND DANIELLE: This season’s “We’re in this to test the strength of our relationship” team, who raced separately in Season 9:
Had trouble with flights and departures early in the leg but quietly stayed the course and ended fourth. They seem to work nicely together.
JOE AND BILL: The infamous “Team Guido” from Season 1, or so I’m led to understand:
Called themselves the “gutsy grannies” and did compete well for their fifth-place finish. A non-eventful opener.
DUSTIN AND KANDICE: I warmed up to them late in Season 10 after being annoyed by them for most of the season. They’re getting a second chance with me:
Haven’t lost their competitive spirit or their nerve. Took the later flight which set them back but worked their way uneventfully to the sixth-place finish
UCHENNA AND JOYCE – Season 7 winners who have had time to see Joyce’s hair grow back:
Again, an under-the-radar opener for the pair. Caught the later flight and did what they had to do to get seventh.
CHARLA AND MIRNA: Season five’s most popular racer teamed with its most annoying (But Mirna gets another chance with me):
Is it just me or has Charla stored even more junk in the trunk. I love her, she’s the highest-ranking racer on the honor roll. But her shape is a concern. Got into trouble by entering the park through the south end instead of the instructed north end but with as high a spirit as ever, they end up just nosing out and making friends with …
DAVID AND MARY: The eye-opening of America’s sweetheart couple from Season 10 continues:
Many picked them to be out first. I’m so glad that’s not the case. Showed they learned a thing or two from the first race. Not the most travel-savvy people but showed for one episode anyway that they can mix it up with this bunch.
KEVIN AND DREW: The frat brothers from the inaugural season who had a cameo as hot dog vendors in Season 8:
Showing they’re a bit out of shape. Drew hurt himself in a stumble running towards a clue box but shook it off. Then they drove a while to the detour with a flat tire. But overcoming all that, they still managed to avoid elimination.
JOHN VITO AND JILL: The “We were in this to test the strength of our relationship” team from Season 3 who are no longer in a relationship:
Showed a lot of competitiveness early. Took the earlier-arriving flight. Were able to secure an escort to the Cotopaxi National Park. But realized, the escort took them to the south entrance. By the time they corrected their mistake, it was too late. The first eliminated from the race, but they realized they still had a thing for eachother and perhaps their relationship might be rekindled.
Next week. Dustin and Kandice clash with Charla and Mirna. Surprise. Surprise.
‘Til next week.
