The Amazing Race 4: We Loved, They Lost

From the moment I first saw Debra fall down in the airport, I was in love. I mean, sure I felt sorry for her on this, the first of many falls, but she was so sweet about it. She was even cute, telling Steve, “I would like to say somebody tripped me, but I can’t.” Smiling all the way, even as she fell over her two left feet, left Debra endeared to not just me, but to many viewers.

Steve had his share of heartwarming moments too. Who can say that they weren’t touched by the love he felt for Debra? He kept insisting that nothing really matters except her and that his main focus was her. That kind of love is so strong and special. It was exemplified when he felt the disappointment of letting her down in the hotel. He was crying, she was crying, it was sweet. Sure, that’s a pretty strong reaction to not booking a hotel (and I’m just curious why there isn’t a single other hotel in Milan), but it showed his caring for her. That’s what we love, people.

One reason I was pulling for Debra and Steve throughout the episode was their sweet, kind nature, but also because they were the underdogs. I mean, admit it, nobody expected them to be able to win this thing. Many people even expected them to leave as early as they did, but I didn’t want to come to terms with that reality. I was screaming at my television, “Please let them beat Tian and Jaree. They are so stupid. They stopped for COFFEE!”

Alas, even my constant tirade against my television couldn’t stop the inevitable. And although I was sad and disappointed, I think that somewhere in my heart, I knew. Perhaps it was because they were older. Perhaps it was because they were so out of shape. But I had to come to terms.

Even in the face of defeat though, Debra and Steve showed through as the truly wonderful people they are. Steve was just so ecstatic about the great adventure that they had. Debra was beaming with love for Steve, for getting her to do things she never thought possible. I was sad to be losing a team so beloved, so quickly. Debra and Steve, we will miss you.

But as this episode ends, the race is just beginning. We have to look forward. Who will fill this void in our hearts left by Debra and Steve? I have a few possibilities and a few that don’t have a chance.

So who could be our team this season? Well, Millie and Chuck came across as pretty sweet people in the first episode, although they were pretty driven as well. Millie is trying to keep the other teams amicable, an admirable strategy. Chuck says Millie inspires him, and that’s sweet in itself. They did seem to team up with Chris and Amanda, whom I like as well. Unfortunately, Amanda’s foul mouth and Chris’s bickering is keeping them from this lovefest, for now at least.

Kelly and Jon seem to have that funny, quirky element about them. I found them to be fun to watch. Speaking of, did Kelly remind anyone else of Lucille Ball? Kelly seems to be having fun and has that joy for the race that makes her endearing. Jon seems a little intense so far, but maybe we’ll be able to feel him out a little more as the race progresses.

My final pick as a sentimental possibility is Reichen and Chip. They seem sweet. They have their own element of adversity to overcome (telling the other teams of their sexuality). Plus they let Debra and Steve share a hotel room, and not sleep in the cold. They did try one power play by lying at the airport, but if they promise to play nice for the rest of the trip, they could become a favorite.

Anything’s possible, but here’s my pick that I don’t see making it anywhere near the hearts of the viewers: Tian and Jaree. These girls seem like whiners. Well, let me clarify and say Jaree, in particular, seems like a whiner. They don’t make good moves, and they just kind of grate on the nerves. I’m still trying to look at all of the other teams with an open mind.

But of course, we won’t find out who will endear themselves to us until Debra and Steve are long gone, and the other teams have a chance to shine. As I sign off, I say a final goodbye to Debra and Steve. Join me for more teams we love, next week.

Brad Stevens is an aspiring actor in Edwards, CA. He loves to hear from you, so email him with your thoughts. He can be reached at bradstevens_22@hotmail.com.

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