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The Amazing Race 13: One Raised Eyebrow, 11 Teams, 33,000 Miles
Episode 1 Commentary by Jessi K.
September 29, 2008
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After having watched every season of “The Amazing Race,” I realized this evening I still cannot help but feel pure giddiness at the sight of Phil Keoghan after what seems like a very long “Amazing Race”-less existence. When he appeared on screen, I actually waved hello.
I also realized that in 13 seasons, I have yet to learn how to properly pronounce his last name.
Fresh off of its Emmy win, the Race is back and in antique fashion nonetheless. As the contestants arrived in classic cars to the Los Angeles Coliseum, host to the Olympics games not once but twice as Phil so dutifully pointed out, I curiously cocked my head to the side and wondered if they’d all be donning pinstripe suits and fedoras. Had producer Bertram van Munster made the contestants trade in their fanny packs for flapper costumes?!
But alas, my fears subsided when the matching neon and camouflage outfits came tumbling out of the vehicles. And donning them were the stereotypical Amazing Racers who have graced our television screens for years now and who have at times made us scratch our heads as to why they be allowed a passport in the first place.
There’s Ken and Tina, a separated couple looking to save their marriage by letting cameras film their every move around the world. Ken, a former football player, cheated on Tina is hoping that the race will allow Tina to trust him again, as nothing builds trust quite like a roadblock. I especially look forward to Tina holding this bit of information over his husband’s head during the “Who’s really hungry?” task.
Also looking for a fix in their relationship is Anthony and Stephanie. Stephanie wants a ring and her George Michael look-alike boyfriend has promised her one if they survive the race. I can’t imagine a more romantic proposal than sweaty, un-showered, and sleep deprived on the “Amazing Race” mat. The only way that would at all be wonderful is if Phil was the one proposing and well, I was the one he was proposing to, but I digress. Have faith, Stephanie. Have faith-a-faith-a-faith.
Aja and Ty, a couple dating long distance, as made clear by showing them speaking on telephone via the split screen, seem quite happy to be on the race to spend time with one another. Ty sweetly claims he and Aja are “made for each other,” but as everyone knows, we the audience will be the judge of that.
At first glance, newly dating couple Terence and Sarah seem adorable. In their background video package, Sarah sits in the kitchen clad in her business suit feverishly crunching numbers on her laptop for her job on Wall Street while Terence stands behind her at the oven in his running shirt and shorts preparing a meal. But the way Sarah claims Terence a “free spirit” seems to be foreshadowing just the opposite.
Rounding out the couples are the interesting tie dye wearing, beekeeping Anita and Arthur, who seem as sweet as—well, honey. I must admit that I want them to make it to the final three only because Phil’s accent causes the ending “a” in Anita to sound like, “Aniter,” which makes me smile with delight.
Representing families this season are Toni and Dallas – a mother and son team from California. I enjoy this relationship for the same reason I enjoy Ken and Tina’s: Toni has the ability to hold the “life card” over Dallas’ head. “What do you mean you don’t feel like milking a camel?! I gave you life.”
Brother and sister team Nick, an off-Broadway actor, and Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, Starr, will most likely toe-touch their way across the globe.
Of course, without a blonde team “The Amazing Race,” wouldn’t be amazing at all. Southern belles Marisa and Brooke provide the platinum and pretty for season 13. And in their background video we learn that they aren’t all about fashion and pearls, oh no—these pink sweat suit wearing darlings also bake cupcakes. No mention was made of eating said cupcakes, however.
Also providing “cupcakes for the eyes” this season are recently divorced beauties Kelly and Christy, who are determined to be the Race’s first all-female winning team. The two have remained friends through the demise of both of their marriages and will be a great asset at pit stops to the crumbling relationships the Race leaves in its wake.
Arizona State University frat brothers.....
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Jessi K. is a freelance writer from Iowa who has a penchant for reality TV, carbonated beverages, and boybands. She can be reached at unrestrainedawe@gmail.com.
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