Amazing Race 9 Tidbits
CBS' The Amazing Race 9th Edition
Thoughts on Episode 9
Episode 9 ended with the elimination of the fifth place team, the likable Fran and Barry. BJ and Tyler recovered nicely to third place after starting with no money or possessions, as the team most likely to succeed in those dire straits. Eric and Jeremy recovered initially from their miscues in Episode 8 with perfect execution on Rottnest Island, only to be stuck for a long time searching the prison in Fremantle. Team MoJo recovered from a near meltdown on the island with perfect strategy and great luck to get the prison second, and almost pass up Eric and Jeremy. Joseph demonstrated great initiative by personally arranging a taxi to pick the couple up at the Fremantle ferry dock.
Barry had the same idea, but was shielded from personal involvement when he asked the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre to arrange for a taxi after the ferry ride. Fran and Barry were slower in the bike riding and chose the longer Sand detour since Fran does not dive or swim underwater. As a result, they were not in position to truly compete with BJ and Tyler for second. Still, The oldsters had quite a lead on Ray and Yolanda on the island, only to have that lead negated getting off the ferry in Fremantle when the only taxi at the dock was for Joseph. Ray and Yolanda restored their communication with each other well enough to be in position to beat Fran and Barry in a footrace to the Pit Stop--the third time their fast feet have saved them.
Sea -- search 50 crayfish traps, many of which are empty. Each team member has to retrieve one crayfish and return it to a man on the beach.
Sand -- move 40 large branches from one marked area to a corresponding marked area 126 yards down the beach, in action called brushing the beach, used to prevent erosion.
Episode Nine Detour |
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|---|---|---|
Members |
Detour Selected |
Result |
| Fran and Barry | Sand | Second to finish brushing the beach, third overall |
| BJ and Tyler | Sand | First to brush the beach, second overall |
| Joseph and Monica | Sea | Second to find both crayfish, fourth overall |
| Eric and Jeremy | Sea | First to deliver crayfish, first overall |
| Ray and Yolanda | Sand | Last to arrive, third to brush beach, fifth overall |
One team member had to search Old Fremantle Prison for a flashlight and batteries in cells in a cellblock known as No. 4 Division. Then they had to find a door in another building that provided access to a tunnel system once used to provide water for all of Fremantle. The team member had to search through tunnels, located deep underground, to find the next clue. Some tunnels were dry, and some were wet, requiring a canoe to traverse.
Episode Nine Roadblock |
||
|---|---|---|
Team |
Team Member |
Result |
| Fran and Barry | Fran | Last to arrive, fifth to leave with clue |
| BJ and Tyler | Tyler | Third to arrive, third to leave |
| Joseph and Monica | Joseph | Second to arrive, second to find clue |
| Eric and Jeremy | Jeremy | First to arrive, first to leave with clue |
| Ray and Yolanda | Yolanda | Fourth to arrive, fourth to find clue |
The race to the Pit Stop was won by Eric and Jeremy when Joseph and Monica could not quite catch up, even though MoJo had a cab to the sailing club and the Frat Boys did not. BJ and Tyler were sure they had found a quicker way to Old Fremantle Prison when they took the ferry to Hillarys. When that did not happen because of so many traffic lights, Monica and Joseph were able to reclaim second. Ray and Yolanda recovered from being last on Rottnest Island to edge out Fran and Barry for fourth place.
Analysis
The four remaining teams have somewhat diverse backgrounds. 7 of the 8 individuals are in their twenties, and only two women are in the mix. Each of the teams has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses.
Comparison of Teams in AMAZING RACE 9 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Place |
Members |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
| 1 | Jeremy and Eric | Very athletic, Jeremy has traveled a lot, fast in footraces, quick in physical tasks, think well on feet | Jeremy does not take criticism well, not paying attention |
| 2 | Joseph and Monica | Athletic, Joseph has built a house, intelligent, savvy, good dancers, excellent climbers | Communication with locals, Monica gets stressed out and is afraid of some live animals. Joseph can get angry under stress. |
| 3 | BJ and Tyler | Lots of experience overseas, languages, BJ has the brains, resourceful even after loss of money and belongings | Offbeat, not the fastest or strongest team, mental miscues |
| 4 | Ray and Yolanda | Yolanda is athletic, and good at finding things, Ray has quick wit | Not mechanically inclined, driving and navigation, Ray's intensity scary to locals, Ray is slower and not that strong, Yolanda is afraid of heights, fighting and bickering, not in sync with each other |
Outlook for Episode Ten
Episode Nine pretty much reestablished the normal and expected order of teams. The only surprise was Ray and Yolanda rebounding from their battles and being able to edge out Fran and Barry.
The Race is down to the crucial episodes, with the fourth place team on the chopping block. The next round might be a non-elimination one, if this edition follows the pattern of previous races. That means the fourth place team would have to face being penniless and without possessions in the succeeding episode. Of the four teams, Ray and Yolanda might well be the weakest. Still, it looks like any of the teams could win with a good day. The question is can Ray and Yolanda beat one more team in a footrace to the Pit Stop. To get to that point, they have to retain their focus and ability to communicate that they rediscovered in western Australia, and catch a break at the crucial time. Eric and Jeremy and "Team MoJo" are really tough to beat. BJ and Tyler are the third strongest team overall, and performed very well on Rottnest Island in Episode 9. Faced with adversity by having no money and no possessions, the Hippies performed up to their full potential. They are resourceful and resilient!
As shown on the preview, the crocodiles look scary enough that Fran would want to jump out of her skin, were she and Barry still competing. They might shake up Monica, maybe Yolanda, unless this is a part the gals can pass on. The producers may be inserting a lot of thrills and chills to put a little "Fear Factor" element to shake up the composure of the teams. The next round might be a non-elimination one, if this edition follows the pattern of previous races. In any case, it will set the stage for a tough fight to stay alive.
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