The Amazing Race 9, Episode 2: First Class and Cargo Class Awards

I’m really enjoying this season of The Amazing Race! The first two episodes have reminded me why I fell in love with this show to begin with. It seems like we’ve seen it all already, and there are still so many more legs to go! By now you’ve read Jenn’s always enlightening recap, so let’s get to the First and Cargo Class awards, shall we?

I struggled with the First Class award this week. Ultimately I decided to give it to the first team who came to mind, BJ & Tyler. From the start of this leg, these two showed smart race behavior. They realized that a friendship with another team could come in handy, so they formed a bond with Eric & Jeremy. While I question their choice of friends, I can’t fault this strategy. The girl-crazy team certainly has performed well thus far, and barring a serious mistake or extreme bad luck, they should be around for a while.

BJ & Tyler - specifically BJ - showed more smart race behavior during the fire escape roadblock. There were three ladders to choose from, yet only BJ chose the third. I’m still baffled by this. I can only surmise that the other teams were so anxious to get started they just started running up the first staircase they encountered. BJ, on the other hand, stepped back for a second and considered his strategy. Being the only person to choose that fire escape enabled BJ to start rappelling down as soon as he got to the top. Although he finished third of the first group to rappel, he was still in the top three and able to get a seat on the first bus.

Finally, BJ & Tyler are just enjoying their race experience. I don’t recall them getting frustrated about anything, and they even found pleasure in driving an old VW bug. At the detour they performed quickly and efficiently and completed the task in first place, which is of course where they finished the leg. So, Tyler & BJ can take their backpacks right to First Class. Enjoy the ride boys!

I found myself with a dilemma this week. I want to give another team First Class. Checks Reality News Online award rulebook… You know what, I write this article, I am going to do it! Fran & Barry, head right onto that plane with BJ & Tyler! Yes, I know this team finished one spot away from Philimination, but they persevered through some real misfortune and kept their pleasant attitude and appreciation for each other and the race.

Up on the roof, Fran comforted Danielle and encouraged her to face her fears and complete the roadblock. She may very well have made a friend who will come in handy later on in the race. During the detour, Fran was struggling, but Barry didn’t get frustrated with her. He instead advised her to watch Michelle and try to copy what she was doing. This allowed Fran to complete the climb in a much faster time than she otherwise would have. AND, they had a car stall, had to wait for a replacement, and STILL beat the last-place team. So, for their great attitude that should be a lesson to everyone, and because I can, I’m giving out two First Class awards this week. You have a problem with that? See my e-mail address below.

Now for Cargo Class. This week I am giving this award to the Philiminated team of Lisa & Joni. They whined and bickered through this whole leg. No matter what they were faced with, they found something wrong with it. The driving, the tasks, getting directions to their next destination—all of these things are to be expected when a team signs up for The Amazing Race. However, instead of making the best of them, Joni & Lisa made everything into a big obstacle. When the frustration started to build, neither sister did the smart thing of taking a deep breath, getting the other calmed down, and focusing on the task at hand.

As I noted above, Lisa & Joni managed to get Philminated even though the team finishing just ahead of them had a car break down. Just what exactly were they doing that whole time? Surely if they were at least even with Barry & Fran they should have finished ahead of them. So, Joni & Lisa, into the cargo hold you go. I hope you have some warm blankets in your backpacks, because you won’t be getting any during this flight. Dishonorable mention, and a spot in the overhead luggage bins, to Eric & Jeremy for their obsession with sex, and their demeaning comments and attitude towards women.

So, there you have it! Great job BJ & Tyler and Fran & Barry! Lisa & Joni, at least you don’t have to worry about landing here again. And I do have to say, after reading Jenn’s interview with the sisters, I’m sorry we won’t get to see more of them. I think they had a bad day, and unfortunately it cost them the race. Join me for next week’s awards, and stay with Reality News Online for all things Amazing Race. Ciao!

Sandy Lamparello is an Assistant Editor for Reality News Online and a Legal Editor for a publishing company in Washington, DC. She wishes her father a very happy birthday! You may reach her at realitytvjunkie@gmail.com.

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