This episode saw some really interesting dynamics unfolding, particularly over a car horn… Unfortunately, Kellie and La’Vonne were sent home, and we’re down to 9. It looks like some rivalries are already brewing.
9. Kaylynn & Haley- So here’s my theory. Because the preview showed Leo & Alana AND Jerry & Frank struggling, I don’t necessarily think that means elimination for them. I think Kaylynn & Haley, who struggled this round, may also be in danger. They seem to have a bond with Leo & Alana now, but I do think between the two, Kaylynn & Haley need Leo & Alana a lot more than Leo & Alana need them. I could see them struggling in the next leg, as I’m not convinced they would have made it through this leg without the help from Leo & Alana.
8. Leo & Alana- Alana seemed to be the only person to truly struggle with the tightrope task, which doesn’t exactly bode well for them in future physical/athletic challenges. In the preview, we see them struggling with the next leg, though I feel like anything they show on the preview shouldn’t be taken THAT seriously. I do think helping Kaylynn and Haley would’ve been a much better move if Kaylynn and Haley weren’t near the bottom half of the placements both weeks. It’ll be interesting to see if that comes back to bite/help them and how that relationship works throughout the season (if it lasts past next week).
7. Jerry & Frank- Jerry & Frank didn’t even seem to run into any drama, but still ended up near the bottom, fighting for their spot on the finish mat. I just think Jerry’s age is going to keep slowing them down. The thing is, they’re not doing anything wrong, and while the preview was a bit concerning, I don’t think they’d give too much away in the preview. With a double u-turn next week, I truly think nobody will waste a u-turn on a weaker team, and Jerry & Frank should see that as their saving grace. Near the bottom, but I do think the other couples are more vulnerable.
6. Will & James- I was shocked that these two didn’t just read their clue! I do think they’ll learn from this mistake going forward, though it did diminish their look in my eyes, and I’m sure many audience’s agreed. They had momentum, lost a bit of it, but still remain one of the most prominently featured and promising teams.
5. Eswar & Aparna- I was down on them, but they really impressed me. They cruised in the middle, not getting in much drama, and getting a nice 4th place finish. I think they learned from their mistake, and I was being a bit hard on them. I think they’ll actually go further than I said last week.
4. Michelle & Victoria- Slightly worse than the last leg, but they are still pretty impressive, and keep showing super useful skills that have allowed them to pass through some tasks seamlessly. They’re continuing to stay near the top.
3. Riley & Maddison- Two third place finishes in a row is really impressive, and I think they deserve to stay toward the top because of it. A little more killer instinct, and they’ll get a first place win, but 3rd isn’t anything to cry about. Really impressed by them.
2. DeAngelo & Gary- Well done guys! They bounced back, as I predicted. They REALLY bounced back. I’m very happy to see them use their skills to their advantage. They’re back in the contenders race after a real impressive leg.
1. Hung & Chee- First place again? Wow, I’m impressed. My pre-season winner picks are still holding strong at the top.
The previews are deceiving, and Leo & Alana and Jerry & Frank are shown to struggle, but I do think another couple may get the boot. We saw Kaylynn & Haley struggle, and had it not been for Leo & Alana, they may have been going home. That's why I think they'll be the next to head home.
1. Hung & Chee —
2. DeAngelo & Gary (+5)
3. Riley & Maddison (-1)
4. Michelle & Victoria (-1)
5. Eswar & Aparna (+5)
6. Will & James (-1)
7. Jerry & Frank (-1)
8. Leo & Alana (-4)
9. Kaylynn & Haley (-1)
Biggest Rise: DeAngelo & Gary and Eswar & Aparna (+5)
Biggest Drop: Leo & Alana (-4)