Since week 6 was not an elimination round, let's take a look at both 6 and 7 combined to see what each team did right and wrong.
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Because of the non-elimination leg of The Amazing Race during week six, and because of the dwindling number of teams, I figured I would hold off my analysis of week six until now. Ultimately, it didn’t matter, because the teams finished in the same order in week seven that they did in week six. So, let’s look at the standings.
First Place Frank & Margarita Week 5 standing: Fifth Place *Used the Fast Forward pass
In week five, F & M made a statement: They weren’t going anywhere. In week seven, with the use the Fast Forward pass, they are likely sitting on the biggest lead in the game. Unless something catastrophic happens, they should make it into the final three. This week, I’ll take a look at key things each team has done right, and key things each team has done wrong.
RIGHT:
Using the Fast Forward pass in week seven. I’m surprised previous teams who have finished in first, like the Guidos, have not sought after the pass to gain a huge lead.
Keeping the bickering to a minimum. Although they almost lost it while searching for the Fast Forward.
WRONG:
They took the wrong mode of transport in week six, causing them to receive a time penalty for the second time this game. Read those clues more carefully.
Second Place Team Guido (or any of various other epithets) Week 5 standing: Second Place
Sadly these guys don’t take up the rear of this race. Joe & Bill are getting used to being on top, but they are also insecure about their standing in the race. I don’t think they will win the race, but they are also the only sure fire bet to make the final three at this point. And congratulations to Joe & Bill: With a popularity rate of 18%, you two are the most universally hated guys in the history of Reality TV! You guys earned it! One final note before I get to the rights and wrongs: The Guidos are shown neck and neck with Emily and Nancy in the preview next week, so either the family does very well or the Guidos lag behind a bit. Next week COULD be the week.
RIGHT:
They still have access to the Fast Forward, and with the team ahead of them and the two teams behind them having already used it, it’s pretty much at their disposal.
With the exception of the time the butterballs sabotaged them, the Guidos are the best team at completing road blocks and other challenges.
They decided to bike rather then take the Glider.
WRONG:
Like Frank & Margarita, they were penalized time for not following directions correctly.
Third Place Rob & Brennan Week 5 standing: Fourth Place *Have used Fast-Forward.
These guys are a total wildcard. They made some odd choices in week seven, but they still gained a huge amount of time. They’ve played the game well, but I officially predict they will be the next team to be eliminated.
RIGHT:
It’s not really what they are doing that has kept them in the game this long, but how they do it. They communicate great and they are patient when doing their tasks. It’s going to be a shame to see them go.
WRONG:
Using the Fast Forward during the first leg of the race was not very smart.
Forming an alliance so early in the game wasn’t very smart.
They took the Glider instead of the bikes.
Fourth Place Kevin & Drew Week 5 standing: First Place
They’ve made several mistakes over the last two episodes, and it reflects in their standings. Although they will still make it into the final three and ultimately win the game, they need to play the game smarter and not make decisions based on who you want to be standing around with while you wait for transportation.
RIGHT:
They bonded with a weaker team: Nancy & Emily.
They don’t give up when finding transportation.
WRONG
They took the glider instead of the bicycles, so that they would not be around the Guidos. It worked, but not in a good way.
Fifth Place Nancy & Emily Week 5 standing: Third Place
Previews for next week’s episode showed them relying on the Guidos to find their way around wherever the hell they are at. This means either they caught up, or the Guidos made a wrong move somewhere. Because they will start the next leg close to Kevin & Drew, I’m willing to bet they simply made up time. I don’t think they are going to be eliminated next, but they are still in trouble.
RIGHT:
They’ve gotten along much better since the start of the game.
They didn’t give up when they thought they were eliminated.
They took the bikes instead of the glider.
WRONG:
They are constantly trailing in the race because they have difficulty navigating the regions and they have poor communication skills.
They let their emotions get to them.
Sixth Place: Eliminated Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum (Lenny & Karyn) Week 5 standing: Sixth Place
Amazing Race, how sweet the sound Of Lenny and Karen fighting. They once were lost. But now they are found. On the Early Show bick-er-ing.
RIGHT:
Breaking up.
WRONG:
They did so many things wrong I won’t even justify it in a column.
