Amazing Race, Season 32, Episode 5
By Jim Memmott
Chantilly, France –There’s no predicting the Amazing Race, so, on the eve of Episodes 6 and 7 (two hours), let’s predict.
But, first a look back. The teams few to Paris for Episode 5 and then drove out into the countryside –
Wait, a minute, before they could head their way, Will of the Boyfriends team, couldn’t stick shift his car on a ramp, blocking other races.
This is an Amazing Race feature, automatic transmission drivers getting stuck by a stick shift in foreign lands. Speaking of lost arts. I suspect that down the road there will be a cursive writing challenge. You read it here first.
Turned out that Will, who had practiced shifting pre-race (he and partner James, have practiced everything) was putting the car into third, not first gear. That problem was resolved, and the race went forward.
Arriving at a chateau, racers had to match subjects of a painting with their real-life costumed counterparts. And they did some pie filling and tried their hands at carnival games. All of this was fun, and confusing, and revealing.
In the end, Riley and Maddison, the volleyballers, finished first, continuing their good play on the season. Sisters Michelle and Victoria were eliminated, having gotten lost in traffic and losing valuable time. Thus, their sponsor, Allison Chanler, is out of the pool.
Using our Steve Kornacki formula (adding up their finishes in each episode), the sisters should have done better, as they stood fourth overall going into Episode 5. They had every reason to be sad, though they weren’t, as their time on the race let to a deepening of their bond. (Isn’t this always the case?).
Sticking with the formula, even though it’s flawed, here’s the new ranking:
Chee and Hung (12): The husband-wife team finished second for the third time. They didn't seem to have the communications issues (he needs to talk more) that they had before.
Riley and Maddison (14): In winning the episode they climbed up a notch in the standings. Turns out they can cook, do carnival games and keep their cool.
James and Will (16): Their episode-winning streak was stopped at two, but given their rocky start in this episode, a fourth-place finish was impressive.
Alana and Leo (27): They are improving, with two third-place finishes in a row. He still seems devious, but he did help Will when he was stuck on a ramp.
Aparna and Eswar (29): Maybe they aren’t that strong a team. She took forever on a costume challenge that didn’t seem to rattle other teams.
DeAngelo and Gary (30): What’s with them? Take away one second-place finish and they would be bottom in the rankings. I can’t figure them out, though it was good to learn that Gary loves art.
Kaylynn and Haley (34): As engaging as they are, it’s almost as if they are trying to lose. Then again, they’re survivors. Maybe their luck will change.
Overheard:
Alana: The last time I was in Paris I had a crush on a guy name Stephen. Now I’m in Paris, and I have a crush on a guy named Leo.
Leo: Will and James are a plumbing issue. They clogged the ramp.
James: Be one with the car, my love.
Michelle: I don’t know where I’m going, Victoria.
James: Leo wasn’t nice at all. I mean no empathy.
DeAnglo (to Gary): You don’t really strike me as a Renaissance man.
Aparna: I think our family is the epitome of the American dream. Our dad came with here like $20 in his pocket.
Kaylynn or Hayley: I never thought anyone could screw up as much as us.
Order of Finish:
Riley and Maddison
Chee and Hung
Alana and Leo
Will and James
DeAngelo and Gary
Eswar and Asparna
Kaylynn and Hayley
Michelle and Victoria
No comments:
Post a Comment