Heating up the Cold War

Amazing Race, Season 22, Episode 9

By Jim Memmott

Germany – The hockey boys weren’t letter perfect. The roller derby moms went around in circles to no avail. 

Every one was pretty cool about stepping off into space and falling 37 stories. (Really, this is a new generation of racers. Where are the wimps of yesterday?)

Gorbachev and Reagan

But if heights presented no real problem, history did, at least for some racers who weren’t up on their Cold War facts.

But, in the end, it didn’t really matter, as it was a non-elimination episode. Five teams started in Switzerland; five teams finished in Berlin, five teams lived to race another day.

Newlyweds Max and Katie had the best day, finishing first and picking up two Ford Fusions for their effort.

But along the way, Max, a card-carrying conservative, lost face by not remembering that it was Ronald Reagan who told Mr. Gorbachev to tear down that wall. “Rush (will) be so upset with me,” the

Buffalonian said, referencing his radio guru.

Later, YouTube stars Joey and Meghan didn’t recall that it was John F. Kennedy who told the world, “Ich bin ein Berliner.”

Luckily, a Berliner set them straight, and Joey was able to experience the psychedelic wonders of the Labyrinth as he searched for a clue.

 “Oh my God,” he told Meghan. “It seriously is the top Road Block of Amazing Race history.” Seriously.

Joey and Meghan finished second, their best effort every.

Country singers Jennifer and Caroline came in third on a day that strained their alliance with Bates and Anthony, the hockey-playing brothers who had won the last three episodes.

Font Museum

The duos worked in tandem, more or less, Jennifer even offering to lend Bates a thong or two after his back pack was stolen.

Then they joined forces in the Font Follies, a detour that required them to carry huge letters across Berlin to a font museum. (Insert joke about type casting). Anthony’s “V” fell and cracked, forcing his brother and him to go back and do the model train challenge. The country singers said their goodbyes and went on their way to finish third. So much for love.

Tearing down the Wall

Bates and Anthony rallied to narrowly beat Mona and

Beth, who had gotten lost on the road. Not to worry. The moms will be back, as will the brothers. The wall is down. The race is up. Stay tuned.

Overheard:

Bates: Caroline and Jennifer, we’re real tight with them.

Jennifer: They’re our Race boyfriends.

Joey:  The fire is in our bellies today.  We definitely want to get out there and kick some butt.

Bates (after losing his bag): I’m going to get a little stinky.

Katie:  If you can make it through the race and not kill each other, you can make it through anything in marriage.

Jennifer (on jumping off a building): I don’t like the feeling of my stomach coming up in my mouth.

Order of Finish

1) Max and Katie

2) Joey and Meghan

3) Caroline and Jennifer

4) Anthony and Bates

5) Mona and Beth