The Amazing 10, Episode 1: The China Syndrome

Phil kicks us off in Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve already learned something! Phil doesn’t mention that they’re in Gasworks Park, which incidentally was the finish line for the race in season 3. Look, there’s Flo, throwing a hissyfit (and a helmet)! This year we have 12 teams, and they’re arriving in seaplanes. If you want details on the teams, you can read my preview article, but for now I’ll just go with the show’s intros.

Peter & Sarah are triathletes from California and are both one of my sentimental favorite teams and my pick to win. They have been upgraded from “friends” to “newly dating.” Interesting. Sarah explains that they’ve been friends for seven years. They’re also training partners and trained for the Hawaii Ironman together. Sarah was born with one leg shorter than the other and has worn an artificial leg her whole life. She admits to having had a longtime crush on Peter, who builds artificial limbs. She finds him attractive because he can take care of her in a way most men can’t. Peter says that Sarah is the first woman he trusts with his heart.

Bilal & Sa’eed are best friends from Cleveland. Bilil says they’re Muslim, Americans, fathers, and friends. We see them praying together as he says that their religion comes first. There’s no question that when it’s time to pray, they’ll pull over and take five minutes to do so.

Rob & Kimberly, from L.A., are dating. Rob says they’re at that point where they either move forward and get married or they don’t. Oh, they’re one of those couples. Why do so many couples come on this race to see where they stand? Kimberly wants to see how they handle pressure and make decisions. Rob says Kimberly is controlling but he can’t be controlled. Sheesh, there’s already trouble there.

Dustin & Kandice are “beauty queens” from New York. Please do not ask me which one is which. Right now I have a vague idea, but I’m not sure I can hold on to it. Kandice says they met this year at the Miss America pageant, where she was crowned Miss New York and Dustin was crowned Miss California. Dustin says Kandice is one of the most competitive people she’s ever met, and for some reason that’s the glue of their friendship.

David & Mary, my second sentimental favorite team, are a husband and wife from Stone, Kentucky. David feels that they’re tougher than most people because he’s a coalminer. His job causes him to fear for his life. Mary tells us that they’ve been married for nine years as we see them jump on a trampoline with their two adorable kids. She says that she wasn’t sure he’d want to have anything to do with her since he’s so cute and she’s just “normal.” David continues that he actually had to “just about beg her” to talk to him. “And it was really cool,” she finishes. They are so sweet.

Erwin & Godwin are brothers from the San Francisco Bay area. Wow, I didn’t realize how long Erwin’s hair is. Godwin tells us that when people look at them, they probably just see meatheads. We see them working out at the gym, and it’s the first time I notice how muscular they are. Godwin says that he actually studied at NYU for his master’s. Edwin went to UC Berkeley and Harvard. Dude. He doesn’t think there will be a problem that they can’t solve.

Duke & Lauren, our first father/daughter team since season 6’s Gus & Hera, are from Rhode Island. Duke (who at 52 happens to be the oldest competitor this season, though he doesn’t look anywhere near 52) says that they haven’t spent quality time together in a while. He loves her, but he’s a little disappointed in her. He can’t even finish the interview because he’s crying. I’m sure Lauren loves sitting there and hearing her father is disappointed in her. She clarifies that she’s gay and came out shortly after college. They didn’t speak for months, and now they’re trying to work on their relationship. In some home clips, we see Duke hanging out with both Lauren and her partner.

Vipul & Arti are a married couple from Orlando. Vipul says they’ve been married about two-and-a-half years and are looking towards building a family. Arti says that they follow a lot of Indian cultures and also try to live an American life. Being on the race would let them get the adventure out of their systems before having kids. I hope they don’t let it all out because you need some adventure when you have kids. Also, I’m completely straight, but Arti is HOT.

Kellie & Jamie are best friends (and cheerleaders) from South Carolina. Kellie (the blond) says that she and Jamie probably entertain each other more than anyone else. You could put them in a cardboard box and they could have fun. Jamie adds that they could probably have a conversation with a doorknob. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

Tyler & James are models/recovering drug addicts (there’s a combo we haven’t seen!) from Hollywood. James says they met in recovery and became friends. They started modeling together and did a 180. Tyler says addiction has taught them they have a fight inside them and won’t give up. If they had to put more models on the show, I’m glad they at least have other background that makes them interesting.

Lyn & Karlyn are lifelong friends and single mothers from Birmingham, Alabama. Faithful reader Joanne (thanks, Joanne!) has provided me with my first nickname of the season, which I will gratefully give to this team: Team Dublyn. Karlyn says they’re both very independent; it’s easier to be a single mom when you don’t need other people so much. However, it would be nice to have a spider-killer around the house. Hee!

Last but not least are Tom & Terry (no, not Tom and Jerry), boyfriends from New York. Tom (the one with the higher hairline) becomes the first racer to state that they’re not there to make friends. That was quick. He says they’ll be friendly, but at the end of the day, it’s a competition and everyone wants to win. The other racers shouldn’t expect Christmas cards. “It’ll be, ‘Bye-bye, see ya later,” Terry adds. At least they understand that it’s a race, though.