The Amazing Race 9, Episode 5 First Class and Cargo Class Awards

I was really excited about this leg. I’ve yet to make it to the country where my Papa spent the first 12 years of his life and this episode definitely added to my list of “must-sees” when I do go. If you don’t know what happened during the leg, stop right now and go read Jenn’s always-enlightening recap. For the rest of you, let’s get onto the First and Cargo Class Awards.

First Class this week goes to BJ & Tyler. Although they started this leg by waiting for Lake & Michelle (for a reason I have yet to figure out) they raced well from the moment they arrived at the airport. They saved time and ended up on the first flight to Palermo by searching online. Overall they performed well, worked well together, and finished the leg in first place. I really like this team! I loved their “BOWLING MOMS” T-shirts, and their attitude throughout the race has been great. They are patient with each other, and that showed on this leg too with the roadblock task.

One thing I would have liked to have seen Tyler & BJ do was use the yield on Eric & Jeremy to open up a little more distance between them. It didn’t affect them that much, and it may very well have saved them from a game of “turnabout is fair play” whenever the next yield comes around. So, while I would have liked to see them use it, I can understand why they did not. No need to create the potential for bad feelings where none exists at the moment. So, BJ & Tyler, step to the head of the line, board that plane first, and settle in to the comfy leather chairs. Put your feet up and enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

This week’s Cargo Class team came to me almost immediately as the leg began. Lake & Michelle made the cardinal sin of failing to ask if there was an earlier arrival time when they booked their tickets to Palermo. These two do not work together well at all. Lake is very condescending towards Michelle and she, for some reason I have yet to figure out, takes it. Throughout the beginning of the leg they talked about going from first to last, except they were never in first (starting in third), nor were they in last. If that’s Lake’s version of psyching his teammate up, it doesn’t work for me.

Michelle is far too willing to allow Lake to take control of their race. The Amazing Race is run by teams and each team member should take an active role in their race decisions. Michelle defers to Lake at every turn, for example telling him to make the decision whether to yield Double D. Although it was a good decision, it should have been made as a team. Michelle complained about not being able to use the Internet to find a flight to Italy. She blindly followed Lake to the mat, completely disregarding the roadblock that they had to go back to complete. She needs to step up at some point, and take some responsibility for the decisions of her team.

Finally, Lake shows a complete disregard for the other teams. He referred to Dave as “Fat Dave,” which just has no place on the race. Michelle tried to hush him but does anyone think it will have any effect in the future? All who do, stand on your head! So, Michelle & Lake, take your place in Cargo Class. I actually think that is too good for you, and wish I could just strap you each to a wing and make you ride that way. Dishonorable mention to Team Mojo for not being able to pronounce “Palermo.” No in-flight snack for you in Coach Class!

One last thought. I am so tired of yielded teams whining and crying and saying that team that yielded them isn’t playing fair. Listen to me, and listen good: THE YIELDS ARE A PART OF THE GAME! THEY ARE MEANT TO BE USED. DON’T ACT LIKE YOU WOULDN’T DO IT TO SOMEONE ELSE IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE AND IT MADE SENSE TO DO SO. OK, I feel better now.

So there it is. Next week, selling stuff in Sicily, temper tantrums, and large fish. I can’t wait! Join me for next week’s awards, and in the meantime stay with Reality News Online for all things Amazing Race. Ciao!

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Sandy Lamparello is an Assistant Editor for Reality News Online and a Legal Editor for a publishing company in Washington, DC. She is celebrating the return of The Boys of Summer to a baseball diamond near you! You may reach her at realitytvjunkie@gmail.com. She doesn’t care whether you agree or disagree, she just wants to hear from you!

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