Out of the eleven teams racing the world on The Amazing Race, Cathi and Bill Alden , the over 50 couple, started out as my number 1 pick for coming in dead last. In fact, they only avoided elimination on the first episode because it was a non- elimination round. So tonight I was sure they would be one of two teams to be eliminated. Instead they shot from behind all the way to first place for most of the second leg of the race. In the end, they wound up standing in front of Phil Keoghan in 7th place. Not bad for the team the snowboarders nicknamed “Ma and Pa.” They impressed the other teams with their positive energy which will probably get them a ways around the world. In contrast, the most negative energy is coming from Justin and Jennifer Young the brother and sister team. They are fighting all the time and that will surely get in the way of winning the million.
I was shocked that the two “Survivor” winners, Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, were sent home after making two fatal mistakes. Early on they seemed very confident in their abilities. It just goes to show you it’s really hard to tell who will come out ahead. Cindy Chiang and Ernie Halvorsen said there are so many twists in this race they can’t image what’s next. In addition to twists are many variables and chances to make stupid mistakes, especially when teams get worn out from racing. A great example of this was when over half the teams didn’t read the sign on the orphanage’s table and missed the instructions to give all their money to the orphans. It happened at the very end of the leg and they were worn out. Phil asked them all to retrace their steps and correct their mistake before checking in for the day.
In my opinion, there is only one really super team in this season’s race. That’s Cindy and Ernie and mostly because of Cindy’s success oriented attitude. She is competitive and Ernie doesn’t get in her way. He let’s her lead and it is working for them.
Which team is the frontrunner on Amazing Race?
Georgia Hester
