It was pretty dramatic. Here’s the play by play.
Jill & Thomas, Brook & Claire and Kevin & Michael led the teams to the first Detour at a Russian circus. The circus was closed so the teams all caught up to each other, as is often the case.
The Detour: Circus Band or Circus Clown
In Circus Band players had to learn three parts of a Russian folk song and repeat it back to earn the clue.
In Circus Clown players had to spin plates on sticks, and keep ten spinning, to get their next clue.
All but Nat & Kat and Gary & Mallory headed to the big top to spin some plates. Seemed like the easier task. It was for some, namely Brook & Claire. Imagine that! Team HSN are great at clowning around and working with dinnerware.
Nat & Kat got through the folk song in great time though, so the race was still on. Then there were others really struggling with both sides of the Detour. Jill & Thomas left the plate spinning to attempt the song, which did not work out for them either and they went back to the plates. Chad & Stephanie didn’t have the patience for plate spinning (who didn’t see that coming?) and headed for the song. Chad did manage to ride on Stephanie’s musical ability for a finish there.
Teams came out of the Detour in this order:
Brook & Claire *kissed a Russian man for kiss #9 if you are keeping track*
Nat & Kat
Nick & Vicki
Gary & Mallory
Kevin & Michael
Chad & Stephanie
Now they all were headed for a big twist in the game. The clues to the next Roadblock were given in the form of several clues hidden around the city of St. Petersburg. The key to the clues was the part about “walking” to find the different parts of the clue. While most teams followed instructions. Michael & Kevin chose to pay their cab driver to lead them to the first clue, while they ran behind (apparently illegal). Then they took the cab from one part to another later in the trek. Chad & Stephanie also took a cab before they were allowed and would be penalized (told you it got dramatic!).
Brook & Claire were following Kevin & Michael to the Roadblock when they discovered that they too had taken an illegal cab ride. They did the exact right thing in telling their cabbie to turn around and take them all the way back to the foul. They ran through the steps in record time and got to the Roadblock in plenty of time to be competitive.
The Roadblock was a game similar to bowling, except with a stick. Players throw a long stick down an outdoor alley at five pegs stacked in different ways. You have to knock all five sticks out of the area marked in two tries. Michael took the reins at this one... and it cost the team. I don’t think Kevin’s constant whining helped any.
Kat did the Roadblock like a champ and got the ladies out the fastest of all the teams. All that was left was the Pit Stop. Brook did the Roadblock and found a rhythym (literally dancing for those willing to watch), she got Team HSN out in fast time too.
Nick decided he would play the bowling game... and was a pro. He appeared to knock down all three sets in four throws, but that may have been editing. He didn’t cuss anyone out, so he obviously did well.
Stephanie chose to do a challenge likely meant for Chad. It started off well enough, with Chad cheering encouragement. It quickly devolved into Chad kicking dirt and nearly swearing in frustration. Stephanie screaming at him to calm down and let her focus. A perfect match.
Thomas took to the Roadblock game like a fish to water. Storming through it past Michael, still struggling after arriving second, and Chad (who was turning purple).
The teams came to the Pit Stop in this order:
1. Nat & Kat - won $5000 each for winning the leg
2. Brook & Claire - Phil commented on them correcting their mistake
3. Nick & Vicki *no Speed Bump was shown during the airing, hmmm*
4. Gary & Mallory
5. Jill & Thomas
Okay, here’s where it got interesting. Chad & Stephanie actually barely beat Michael & Kevin to the Pit Stop, but they did not follow the directions in the clue and pay the cabbie and get their bags (Chad’s idea). So Phil told them they had to do that before he could check them in. Michael & Kevin showed up as Chad & Stephanie headed back to the cab. Thinking they were saved, Phil told them of the two penalties they had incurred (using the cab twice) and gave them two half hour penalties.
Chad & Stephanie came back up the walk to stand on the mat in front of Phil, and saw Kevin & Michael sitting there obviously being penalized. Phil then told them of their own penalty. The gins faded from the two, as Phil said they took an illegal cab. Chad & Stephanie would incur a 30 minute penalty, so they were pronounce safe in 6th place tonight.
Now what did I miss? Hmmm, seems like Nick & Vicki were supposed to incur some sort of penalty (like a Speed Bump) for landing in last place last week. Nothing was even mentioned. Either there was no Speed Bump or penalty for landing in last place, or it was left on the editing room floor in place of the final drama.
We are officially down to six teams on the Amazing Race 17, and I’m having a tough time choosing a single favorite. I like both Nat & Kat and Brook & Claire. I’m not a big fan of any of the rest of them. Who are your favorites on this season of Amazing Race?
Copyright @ 2008 TV Review
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