The Amazing Race 4, Episode 11: Read the Directions!

The Clowns arrive at the detour and choose Face First. They head down the building with Jon completing it quickly. Al is a little scared and you can tell. On the way to the next route marker, Reichen & Chip realize they forgot their map and may be lost. They have to ask for some directions. Kelly & Jon realize they are almost there. At the detour, Al is finally on his way down and Jon is cheering him on as usual. These guys are a great team; they never fight or let one another do something without support. They get their clue and head to Underwater World.

Speaking of Underwater World, Kelly & Jon are there, followed very closely by Reichen & Chip. Jon & Kelly hit the route marker first and find the Roadblock. Jon and Reichen choose to do it. They must put on gear and find an underwater treasure chest with their next clue. The tank is huge and there are sea creatures everywhere, including 100 sharks. One of the men suiting up Jon tells him not to stand on the sharks or touch any of the animals in the water. Reichen is not far behind Jon. Kelly sees Jon in the tank and is so happy. Jon gets the map first and is quickly headed back to the surface. Reichen is looking for the chest and having balance problems. He looks very scared as well. Kelly says he is more nervous than Jon was. Reichen confirms this by moving ever so slowly. Chip is yelling to him as a shark is creeping up right behind him. Reichen is scared of sharks but Chip encourages him to get there. Jon surfaces at this point while Reichen finally gets the clue. Kelly reads the clue and it tells them to race to the pit stop on foot, the yacht club. The last team will be eliminated. Kelly & Jon, followed by Reichen & Chip, are both on their way.

The Goats get to the pit stop at this point and find out they are team number one. They are in the final three. They also won a trip to exotic Mexico! Life is good for these two! Kelly & Jon are asking people for directions as they look for the pit stop. Reichen & Chip seem a little lost and frustrated and get in a car to DRIVE! They didn’t see that the instructions say to go on foot. Apparently, they aren’t familiar with a team from last season: Heather & Eve. Those two buxom law babes decided to drive to the pit stop when the clue said “on foot.” Their 30 minute penalty ended up getting them eliminated – and also earned them a Reality TV Hall of Shame Moment. Anyway, Kelly & Jon get more directions and continue to run. At this point, the clowns get to the roadblock and Al does it. Rather fast I might add. When a shark gets in his way, Jon tells him to go under it. I laugh again.

Kelly & Jon see the pit stop and start running. They also see Reichen & Chip pass them in a car and Kelly says they are not on foot! Chip & Reichen see the pit stop and check in as team number two. Phil tells them they are the second team to arrive. However, he says they didn’t travel on foot and will get a 5 minute penalty for the time they gained, and a 30 minute penalty for not following the route instructions. Kelly & Jon check in the pit stop and are told they are the third team to arrive. Phil lets them know about the penalty Reichen & Chip received and that they are in second place.

At this point, the Clowns have 30 minutes to stay in the race. Al gets the roadblock clue and they run to the pit stop. Reichen & Chip hope the Clowns move slow enough to keep the penalty from eliminating them. The Clowns get there, check in, hear they are the fourth team to arrive and about the penalty that was given to Reichen & Chip. However, it was not enough time to put them ahead. They are eliminated from the race. Al says Jon is fantastic. Jon has tears in his eyes. Both of the Clowns say they are better friends because of the race. Jon says it was all positive attitude and giving 100%. Their family and friends will be proud. As we fade out with all the teams hugging the Clowns, I realize how much I liked them – a lot.

Reichen says from this point it’s going to be severe. Kelly says she is watching Chip because she knows he will play dirty. The Goats both say they are ready. Let’s hope their sense of direction is as well. Next week, it’s down to the final three! A race to the States will fuel a heated argument with Kelly & Jon and Reichen & Chip. Certain steps and turns may lead to disaster! I’m guessing this is the last non-elimination leg before the finale. I say this because the finale is only an hour this year as opposed to the traditional two hours. I’m sure it will still be exciting!

Well, I guess I’m not psychic, but I came pretty close! I guess we all know that I want Kelly & Jon to win this thing, followed by Reichen & Chip. If the Goats won, I wouldn’t be mad, but they have no sense of direction and I really don’t see it happening. However, they could be the sleeper in this competition. Next week, even though it’s probably non-elimination, will be the most exciting episode yet, I guarantee it. Keep on the lookout for an RNO Roundtable discussing who may win, and a future article by myself on the impression I have from the other eliminated teams.

Phil Kural is a senior at Temple University, and can be reached at pkural@temple.edu.

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