The Amazing Race 9, Episode 11 First Class and Cargo Class Awards

This week our teams were in Bangkok. (You knew there had to be a reason for that intro, right?) Before I hand out my awards, can someone tell me if the temple our Amazing Racers visited this week is the same one where Mt. Everest trekkers stop on their way to Base Camp? I know I have a reader out there who knows. Drop me a line or two at the address below.

I’m sure you’ve all read Jenn’s monkey-filled recap so you are all up-to-date on what occurred during this leg. As I watched the leg, I didn’t get a strong feeling for either of my awards. That did not change as the leg progressed, so I decided to change things up a bit. It’s my article, so I can do that.

First Class this week goes to… the monkeys! That’s right, the monkeys. I didn’t really think any one team stood out. Yes, BJ & Tyler went from near-Philimination to the front of the pack, but that was due to the fast forward. Sure, Ray & Yolanda realized very quickly that they should not attempt the fast forward, but that was kind of a no-brainer. I know Eric & Jeremy gave BJ some shoes so he wouldn’t be at too much of a disadvantage, but the argument could be made that this late in the race that might not be the best strategy. Yes, Mojo used good race strategy by not giving the hippies any money or clothing, but that didn’t rise to the level of First Class. So all of our teams get honorable mention, but as I said, my First Class Award is going to the monkeys.

How could you not love the little guys? They tried to intimidate Eric & Jeremy by climbing all over them, they stole food while the racers were trying to complete the roadblock, and their presence led to what has to be the best line ever spoken by Phil on any season of The Amazing Race. While explaining the roadblock task, Phil stated, “The racers must then present their offering to the monkeys.” I literally rewound my DVR three times to hear that line. As Jenn said in her recap, monkeys make for great TV. And they did not disappoint in this episode. So, much to the chagrin of the other passengers, the monkeys are taking over First Class this week! Bananas and strawberries all around! For an added bonus, all our teams must prepare the feast that the monkeys will snack on in First Class. And yes, the monkeys can run back to Coach and steal the fruit as they prepare it!

Just as I had trouble finding a First Class team this week, I had an equally tough time finding a Cargo Class team. So, I decided to hand out Cargo Class moments instead, and let all our remaining teams ride in Coach.

BJ & Tyler’s Cargo Class moment came when they decided to go begging for money before getting their tickets to Bangkok. Even though it didn’t end up affecting them, it had the potential to put them completely out of the race even with the fast forward on this leg. Since it doesn’t seem that the teams need to actually purchase their tickets using money, it would have made much more sense for them to secure their place on a flight and then deal with collecting money. This especially puzzled me because they had such success getting money on the last flight where they found themselves broke.

Eric & Jeremy’s Cargo Class moment was harder to find, because they raced a fairly clean leg and could have finished first were it not for the fast forward. It admittedly had no effect on their race performance, but it merits a mention. There was no need for Jeremy to mock BJ’s clothes. This is a race for a million dollars. If they told BJ to race in a pink tutu and ballet slippers, I bet he’d do it. And I bet Jeremy would too. ‘Nuff said.

Ray & Yolanda’s Cargo Class moment was also hard to find. They also raced a clean leg, but Yolanda took too long at the roadblock. They were already a bit behind because they had tried to go for the fast forward, and although she had to be accurate she should have given up some perfection in order to make up some time. Again, it didn’t end up affecting them too greatly, but at this point every second counts.

Finally, Mojo’s Cargo Class moment came at the bus station. They missed the midnight bus and arrived after the ticket counter was closed, but instead of staying at the bus terminal, they went to a hotel and ended up on the last bus to the temple. I’m still confused as to how exactly they missed the bus that the hippies got on, but they did. This, coupled with Monica’s meltdown on yet another detour, led to their Philimination. (Honestly, I don’t think Mojo would have done well on either of this week’s detour tasks. I don’t see them having enough patience for Altar It, and as we saw the strength/coordination of Move It proved too much for them to complete in a timely manner.)

We’re down to the final three teams. I can honestly say I am glad to see these three particular teams still in it, because I think they have all raced well and overcome some difficulties to get to where they are. This week it’s the big finale, where our remaining teams apparently must visit some kind of amusement park, head to the Far East, then back to “frigid North America.” On the way they’ll face all the things that make The Amazing Race great. Full flights, poor directions, language barriers, and a race to the finish. 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!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Amazing Race 9 articles:

Sandy Lamparello is an Assistant Editor for Reality News Online and a Legal Editor for a publishing company in Washington, DC. 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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