Still smarting after seeing Chewy and Happy eliminated so early on The Amazing Race Canada, I hoped my remaining favourite teams would stick around a little longer, and perhaps win the whole shebang.
Leanne and Mar, who placed first last week and scored a trip for two to Tokyo, tore open the Route Info envelope and revealed the remaining teams were headed to Dawson City, Yukon. Not only would the Leg celebrate the gold rush but three Express Passes were available, meaning some pairs would have a distinct advantage over others and possible partnerships were in play.
Martina and Phil proved to not only be a savvy team but thoughtful too. Realizing they were faster if Phil carried all their gear, they put everything in his knapsack … and gave hers away to someone in need. How can you not cheer for a team who does that? Meanwhile, Â Akash and Joseph seemed determined to turn their luck around.
Everyone was on the same plane, so who got into their sponsored vehicle first was key. Well, that and the speed to set up a Woods-themed campsite. The duo to manage that would score $5,000 from the tent company. Todd and Anna led the charge to the mining camp followed by three teams. Courtney and Adam were confident their outdoor background would serve them well. As for Akash and Joseph? They forgot their tent back at the airport. Todd and Anna completed the task first, collecting the next clue and $5,000. Kwame and Dylan were done next, followed by lovebirds Courtney and Adam and Mellisa and Nancy.
A modern-day gold rush experience was next, as teams used GPS to navigate to nine locations in Dawson City, collect five gold coins and return them to the bank to cash in their next clue. Of the remaining four locations were three Express Passes. Nancy and Mel snagged the first Express Pass. Anna and Todd’s strong effort was paid off when they got the second Express Pass and were first to cash in their coins. I have a feeling Anna and Todd are going to be sneaky tough this season. A flurry of gold coin-carrying teams rolled through the test. And Mar and Leanne’s perseverance paid off when a long walk netted them the final Express Pass.
A Detour had squads choosing between dealing blackjack or dancing the can-can on stage in burlesque costumes. (I would have done the latter.) Anna and Todd opted for blackjack and he sped through his half thanks to playing online and with his friends. Anna’s math skills let her down the first time but she succeeded in try No. 2. Courtney and Adam chose to dance, meaning he had to squeeze into an orange and black outfit. He was, predictably, terrible and the smooching twosome switched challenges.
The Leg’s Pit Stop was located at the top of Midnight Dome where Jon welcomed Todd and Anna and awarded them with a trip to France. A flurry of kicking legs and dealt cards followed as the rest of the teams checked in, with Mellisa and Nancy coming on strong, followed by Taylor and Courtney, Mar and Leanne and the rest. Zainab and Monica just couldn’t get out of their funk and arrived on the mat in last place … only to be informed this was a non-elimination Leg. The pair will have to complete an extra test in the next Leg and should be thanking their lucky stars the producers gave them a break so early in the season.
Who do you think has the best chance to win this season? Who are your favourite teams? Let me know in the comments below.
Here’s how the teams finished this Leg of the Race:
- Todd and Anna (Express Pass and won a trip for two to the south of France)
- Nancy and Mellisa (Express Pass)
- Taylor and Courtney
- Mar and Leanne (Express Pass)
- Dylan and Kwame
- Martina and Phil
- Adam and Courtney
- Joseph and Akash
- Zainab and Monica (non-elimination Leg)
The Amazing Race Canada airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. MT on CTV.
