The 20th season of The Amazing Race got off to a flying start in more ways than one. In a jam-packed episode we met the 11 teams that will be traveling the world in pursuit of the $1 million prize. The first clue, hidden in mini hot air balloons above a California vineyard, directed the competitors to fly to Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, Argentina, that is. The first six teams to arrive at the airport would snag spots on the fastest connecting flight, and the rest would follow two-and-a-half hours later. By the first commercial break, all the teams were in Argentina, and those who made the early flight were already onto the second clue.
There would be no baby steps for this group. The very first road block required one member from each team to take a 10,000-foot skydive, a prospect that had some competitors ecstatic and others terrified. Their partners (ironically, the team members who were actually the ones completing the road block) had to figure out where the skydivers would land and drive there to meet up with them before moving on.
The next task was less daunting but more detailed. Teams had to make 120 empanadas by hand, noticing the differences in crimping styles, and have their work inspected and approved by the reigning empanada champion.
Army major Dave and his wife, Rachel, were the first team to land at the Pit Stop and were awarded the coveted Express Pass, which can be used through the eighth leg to skip any challenge of their choice.
While sisters Maiya and Misa had confidence (“There will be no crying,” professional golfer Maiya declared in her introduction), things weren’t looking good for them right from the start. They took almost two hours to find the first clue then made a series of costly errors, including getting their car stuck in sand, not bringing their bags with them to a challenge and, finally, completely missing Phil at the Pit Stop when they were mere feet away from him. This last mistake turned out to be fatal, giving self-proclaimed Guidos Joey “Fitness” and Danny just enough time to overtake them and secure the final spot to continue the race.
Not surprisingly, Maiya cried.
Notable Quotes from Episode 1:
• “This goes against all laws of nature.” — JJ preparing to skydive
• “My uterus is in my throat.” — Vanessa after skydiving
• “She was like the empanada Nazi.” — Art and JJ, referring to the food-making judge
• “This is the first time I have ever made a piñata.” — Bopper, while making empanadas
• “That was, honestly, one of the worst feelings. Like, they’re freaking clowns.” — Joey “Fitness” after being overtaken by married professional clowns Dave and Cherie
• “Where’d they go?” — Phil watching Maiya and Misa running away from the Pit Stop
The Amazing Race airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV/CBS.
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