The Amazing Race 13, Episode 1: Brazil Nuts

We’re once again in Los Angeles to kick off the 13th season of The Amazing Race, with help from Phil Keoghan. The teams are arriving at the Los Angeles Coliseum in classic cars. You can read about them in my preview, but here’s a short refresher:

• Aja & Ty – dating long-distance
• Nick & Starr – brother and sister
• Mark & Bill (Team Mythbusters) – friends
• Kelly & Christy – friends
• Anita & Arthur – married
• Toni & Dallas – mother and son
• Marisa & Brooke – friends
• Ken & Tina – married but separated
• Andrew & Dan – friends
• Sarah & Terence – newly dating
• Marisa & Brooke – friends

Toni tells us that she’s loved being a single mom, and she’s proud of the person Dallas has become. Dallas interviews that his mom has sacrificed a lot for him, so he wants to work hard to not disappoint her. Starr says that she and Nick are close, and they’re blessed to be siblings. Nick says that they always go after what they want. Ken admits that he cheated on Tina (you will hear about this many, many times in the next hour). Tina says that by the end of the race, they’ll have decided whether to work on their marriage or just stay apart. Aja says that the distance between her and Ty actually makes them stronger, because they don’t take their time together for granted. Ty says that Aja is the sweetest person ever and he’s confident that they’re made for each other. Actually, I think that makes him the sweetest person ever.

Brooke says that she and Marisa are classy and always wear pearls. Have fun with that. Andrew says that he and Dan are used to parties, girls, and booze. This is a family show, guys. Stephanie tells us that she wants to get married, and if she and Anthony don’t feel that they’re moving in that direction, that’s it for them. Anthony says that with Stephanie, it’s her way or the highway. Arthur tells us about the farm where he and Anita are beekeepers. Anita assures us that they’re strong because of all the work they do on the farm.

Christy tells us that she and Kelly have both been through horrible marriages, and now they believe they can get through anything. Sarah calls Terence a free spirit while she’s a leader. Terence says that he does what makes him happy. Sarah thinks their differences will either be great or kill them. Yep, I guess those are pretty much your only options. Mark says that he’s proud to be a geek. Bill calls The Amazing Race the ultimate game played on the biggest game board imaginable.

As always, Phil wonders if the teams can live through the stress and come up with the right combo of brains, brawn, and teamwork to win a million dollars. He heads down to the coliseum to greet the teams. The race will have 11 legs, 8 of which will have elimination points. The teams’ first clues are on their luggage at the top of a flight of stairs. It will most likely send the teams to an airport, where they’ll have to drive themselves. Phil reminds everyone that a million dollars is at stake. Probably also some dignity in there at some points. Phil gives his “the world is waiting for you” spiel, then, with a lovely eyebrow pop, gives the cue to go.

Starr & Nick and Dallas are the frontrunners up the stairs. The teams’ clues tell them to go to Salvador, Brazil. Nick & Starr get out in first place, followed by Sarah & Terence and Andrew & Dan. Toni can’t believe they’re actually in the race and going to Brazil. Dallas quickly starts to endear himself to me by singing, “We’re going to Brazil.” Not afraid to look like a dork on TV, and in front of his mother? That’s a plus.

Terence knows L.A. traffic as he grew up there; he and Sarah are taking side streets. Andrew & Dan see that an American Airlines flight is scheduled to leave first, and it stops in Miami, which Dan says is close to Brazil. He adds that he worked in the airline industry. Toni interviews that Dallas has taught her patience and perseverance. Dallas sings more. Dallas, you’re trying to seduce me, aren’t you?

Tina tells Ken not to let anyone pass him. She interviews that his affair was traumatic for her. She’s forgiven but she hasn’t forgotten. It’s my experience that people who say that haven’t actually forgiven, at least not completely. Team Mythbusters celebrate being in the race. Anita & Arthur won’t let their slow start get to them. He interviews that the other teams won’t see them as competitive, but that’s not true.

Terence & Sarah are the only people taking the route they’re on. Too bad, because Andrew & Dan have moved into second place. Ken & Tina pass Toni & Dallas, then Andrew & Dan. Aja tells Ty to take the carpool lane. Ken & Tina approach Nick & Starr; Nick calls them Mom and Dad. Starr interviews that she and Nick hope to be adopted by them because they haven’t traveled much. Aja sings the praises of the carpool lane as she and Ty pass Ken & Tina, moving into first place. Starr & Nick miss the turn for the airport parking lot, and Andrew & Dan do as well since they’re following “the cute chick and the guy.” Aja & Ty get on a shuttle by themselves and maintain their lead. Inside the airport, Aja worries because they don’t see any flags.

Ken & Tina, Team Mythbusters, and Kelly & Christy (when did they sneak in there?) arrive at the airport. Everyone misses the flag indicating the right airline until Team Mythbusters and Ken & Tina find it. Toni & Dallas and Anthony & Stephanie get to the airport, as do Andrew & Dan and Marisa & Brooke. Team Mythbusters are first on the American flight. Terence & Sarah arrive and meet Team Mythbusters and Ken & Tina. They wonder where everyone else is.

Nick & Starr finally arrive at the airport. Aja & Ty learn they’re in the wrong place, and Nick & Starr and Kelly & Christy run off after them. Toni & Dallas and Dan & Andrew decide to follow them as well. Nick & Starr’s speed pays off once again. Dan can’t believe how dumb he and Andrew were. Marisa & Brooke are happy to meet Anita & Arthur. Everyone meets everyone else. Ken & Tina are second on the American flight. Dan & Andrew aren’t happy about their place in line, but they note that the first flight could be delayed. Ty good-naturedly tells them not to be negative. Dan blathers about stuff and says he worked in the airline industry. Nick notes to Starr and the camera that he obviously wasn’t in customer relations. Heh.