The Amazing Race 10, Episode 4 First Class and Cargo Class Awards

Vietnam is really a beautiful country! Although the pace of the race has really picked up, I hope the teams are taking the time to appreciate their surroundings. If you haven’t already done so, click on over and read Jenn’s recap (go ahead, I’ll wait…). All done? Good. Now, it’s time for some awards!

I had a bit of difficulty deciding who earned this week’s First Class award. I didn’t think any one team really excelled throughout the whole leg and considered not awarding First Class at all. However, upon further reflection I decided that David & Mary deserved this week’s First Class award. Mary’s ankle is apparently causing her a lot of pain, and though it did slow the team down a few times on this leg, she did not let it discourage her. She kept going, taking advantage of the chances to rest whenever she could, while at the same time remaining very much in the race and every bit an equal partner. When David was climbing the wall during the Roadblock, Mary offered encouragement and repeatedly told him how proud she was of him. They exited the Roadblock in second place and really weren’t in danger again on the leg.

When their initial choice for the Detour task proved to be too difficult to reach, Mary & David made the very wise decision to switch tasks. They worked very quickly and finished the Detour without trouble. This allowed them to pull themselves up two spots and finish in a very solid fifth place. Order of finish is starting to become more important as the number of teams winds down, and any opportunity a team has to finish closer to the top is a huge bonus. David & Mary are now solidly in the middle of the pack as the next leg begins, and if they can continue to perform well they have a very realistic shot at being serious contenders.

One last note about David & Mary. They are probably more out of their element than any other team on the race. They are admittedly meeting people and seeing places they never dreamed they would. They are doing it with class and kindness, and I for one feel that they are getting everything they can out of their race experience. Mary & David have shown a real appreciation for every place they have visited so far, all while keeping the purpose of the race in mind. So, David & Mary, head on in and settle down in the comfy leather chairs. Get a heating pad for Mary’s ankle, relax, and enjoy the in-flight movie. You’ve earned it!

Cargo Class this week was more clear cut. Tom & Terry started the leg in last place but were equalized when all the teams had to wait until morning for the bus to Ha Long Bay. Terry had a bit of trouble with the Roadblock, but once he got going he finished up towards the front of the pack. That’s when the bottom dropped out for Terry & Tom. Unlike many of the other teams, they chose to do Under for their Detour task from the start, even announcing how skilled they were at rowing. Not so much. They wasted so much time getting to the Detour task, but to be fair, they were not alone in their difficulties. Many teams had trouble with the currents, which is what caused some to switch tasks.

Rowing problems aside, once they arrived at the Detour task, Tom & Terry began working at it as if they had all the time in the world. Did they forget they were on The Amazing RACE? They pulled the oyster baskets in so slowly it was like watching paint dry. Teams were moving MUCH faster than they were, which they should have been aware of, yet they continued at their leisurely pace. When they finally did complete the Detour, they once again had rowing problems, which led to incessant whining. Then, for some inexplicable reason, on their way back to the junk to head to the Pit Stop, Tom decided to PULL the sampan through the water. I’m sorry, but where was the logic in that move? Clearly there was none.

Tom & Terry narrowly avoided Philimination last week but this week found themselves on the mat in last place. They knew they were in last place, yet they didn’t even try to load up on clothing in case it was a non-Philimination leg. I know, I know, you’re sitting there saying “The non-Philmination legs NEVER come this early.” Remember Bilal and Sa’eed? Have we ever had a team Philiminated in the middle of a leg before? They’re changing things up this season, and it was not out of the realm of possibility that Tom & Terry would survive to race another week despite their last place finish. So, Tom & Terry, for failing to take advantage of an equalizer, for performing badly, and for whining along the way, you’ll be riding in Cargo Class. I hope you have some warm blankets because I hear it gets cold down there.

Next is alligator week it seems, and I’m hoping along with Jenn that Sarah will beat Peter over the head with her leg. Either way, I’ll be back to hand out First and Cargo Class again, and make sure you stick with Reality News Online for full coverage of The Amazing Race 10!

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 a Legal Editor for a publishing company in Washington, DC. She sends her thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Cory Lidle. You may reach her at realitytvjunkie@gmail.com.

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