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

This leg began with the two teams most often found at the front of the pack lingering at the back. It felt like the world was turned upside down. I thought I’d have a hard time coming up with awards since things were so mixed up. However, as the leg progressed and events unfolded, the picture became much clearer. By the end I had no doubt who should receive this week’s awards. By now you’ve read Jenn’s recap, so you know what went on. Let’s get to the First and Cargo Class awards!

This week, BJ & Tyler earned First Class. They started with nothing, but never once complained about it. They were grateful to the teams who left money in their car at the start of the leg, and laughed off the notes left by the other teams. They joked about using the yield (I agree with Jenn that their “threats” were made in a joking manner) and saw the opportunity to travel the world with only the clothes on their backs as the fulfillment of a childhood dream, or at least Tyler’s childhood dream.

When I first watched BJ & Tyler pick up hitchhiker Abdul Hamid on their way to the airport, I thought it was a bad move and that it would do nothing but waste time. However, that turned out to be one of their smartest moves on the leg. Abdul was able to get them free food and gas, which was invaluable in any event, but especially on a leg where they started with no money. Tyler & BJ have been wonderful American ambassadors throughout the race and their interactions with Abdul added to their efforts. As Jenn so aptly stated, “Tyler & BJ may be goofy and use accents and sometimes annoy people, but they’re the epitome of what this show wants to do.”

BJ & Tyler managed to make $300 on the flight from Oman to Australia, and thus were set for the rest of the leg. They performed their tasks well and avoided falling victim to the stress to often sets in for teams who find themselves racing at a disadvantage due to a last place finish in a non-Philimination leg. Yes, getting on the same flight as the rest of the teams was a HUGE stroke of luck, but they did not sit back on that luck. They put their all into this leg and pulled themselves up to a solid third place finish. So, BJ & Tyler, head onto that plane before the other teams. Grab a hot towel, kick off your shoes, and get your dinner order in. You’ve earned it!

Cargo Class this week is going to Monica & Joseph, Team Mojo. These two are fast becoming the team I love to hate. Anyone who has watched The Amazing Race knows that the non-Philiminated last place teams ask their fellow racers for money at the start of the next leg. In the past, most teams have realized that handing over a little bit of money won’t kill them, and may come back to them in a little bit of kindness when it really counts. Not Mojo. They acted appalled that BJ & Tyler would ask them for money, and went so far as to pretend they were leaving money for them. Even if Tyler & BJ were serious about yielding a team who didn’t give them money (and that’s a BIG if, because I can’t see them being so vindictive), Mojo should have just ignored them and done nothing. They acted like children by pretending to leave them money, and didn’t even fool the other team who saw them do it.

Mojo became progressively more annoying throughout this leg. At the detour, they did not read their clue and only brought one crawfish to the collector. They then had to go back to complete the task. Although it didn’t end up harming them because they still finished in second place, mistakes like failing to read and understand the clue fully before beginning the task are easily avoided, and should not occur this far into the race. When Monica expressed fear while diving for a crawfish, Joseph wasted valuable time by yelling at her and insisting that she dive down instead of just getting it himself to complete the task and allow them to proceed to the next one. However, like Jenn, I can’t get upset about Joseph yelling at Monica because she has become unbearably annoying. So, Mojo, head under the plane and take your place in the cargo hold. I hope the flight isn’t too bumpy for you!

So there it is. We’re down to the final four teams. Next week we have crocs and an intense rivalry. I can’t wait! 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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