The Amazing Race 9, Episode 7: First Class and Cargo Class Awards

No longer stuck in Sicily, our teams got a taste of another Mediterranean country. If you missed it, check out Jenn’s always thorough recap. For the rest of you, on to the awards!

First Class this week goes to Eric & Jeremy. Yes, they won it for the last leg, and their excellent racing continued on this leg. The Frat Boys started and ended this leg in first place, and had fun along the way. I agree with Jenn that it will be pretty anti-climactic if they win, but they are one of the teams that has shown good race strategy this season. So it wouldn’t be like they haven’t earned it.

Jeremy & Eric have been the beneficiaries of a great deal of luck and they have not done anything to erase that luck. Although they were not the only team to attempt the fast forward, they were the first to find the clue. (Incidentally, was this the first time a fast forward could be performed simultaneously? I don’t recall two teams being able to go for the fast forward at the same time in past seasons.) Once the found the clue, they took a minute to have some fun, then headed for the pit stop, checking in first for the second leg in a row. So, Eric & Jeremy, for using your heads and having fun, go ahead and take your places in the comfy leather seats.

It took me less than 10 minutes into the episode to turn to my dog and say, “There goes this week’s Cargo Class award.” Once again it has to go to the Philiminated team of Lake & Michelle. The only thing keeping me from renaming Cargo Class “Lake Class” is the fact that this team will no longer be darkening my TV screen. Phil began the episode by wondering if Michelle & Lake would continue fighting. You know that can’t be a good sign. And right away they answered that with a resounding “YES!”

Yes, losing the clue as soon as they stepped off the mat was stupid and could have set them back, but there was no reason for Lake to call Michelle a name that gave her every right to haul off and hit him. And he continued to berate her through the whole episode. Then, they got off the metro at the wrong stop and instead of getting back on and following the clue, they decided to follow the other teams and take a bus. Although it did not directly contribute to their Philimination, it very well could have if they had arrived at the mat less than 15 minutes ahead of a team that did not incur the time penalty.

Finally, Lake & Michelle just could not get past their tendency to bicker over every little thing. Yes the race is stressful, and yes getting lost or losing the clue can provoke some anger, but the constant fighting prevented them from ever truly working together as a team. I have to say I was not sorry to see this team Philiminated. So, for the last time, Lake & Michelle, head up the conveyor with the luggage and get comfy with your favorite duffel bag. No peanuts or beverages for you!

And one last thing. SHAME ON YOU CBS for turning this great show into nothing but a big commercial for The DaVinci Code! It was extremely tacky and as Jenn said, the movie is getting enough publicity. I watch The Amazing Race because I love the show and want to see the teams dealing with the tasks. I don’t want to have to endure endless promos for a movie. I hope we’ve left that behind forever. So there you have it folks. Next week, the Middle East, blazing sun, and perhaps a non-elimination leg. I know I’ll be watching! Join me for next week’s awards, and in the meantime 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. 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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