BJ and Tyler finish LAST! But NOT eliminated

Amazing Race Season 9, episode 8

BJ and Tyler finish last – but NOT eliminated!

This is just one of the flip-flops for this episode. Not only did the typically number two team come in last, but Eric and Jeremy were second to last. And to top it all off, Fran and Barry were the winners!

The Hippies narrowly escape elimination when they are saved by being allowed to stay in the race but without possessions including money and clothes. Only what they kept on their back and their passports remained with them. More on that below.

Once again the teams had their staggered starts based on order of finish from the previous leg. Eric and Jeremy led the five teams, followed by Joseph and Monica, Ray and Yolanda, Fran and Barry and then the Hippies – BJ and Tyler.

All the teams quickly evened up on the bus to the airport to catch their flights to Oman – except the Hippies. And then at the airport, all of the four other teams caught the first flight, leaving BJ and Tyler about an hour behind. But what do you know? The teams again all tied up at the park adorned with the largest dang incense burners ever seen. So once again, it was anyone’s race from this point forward. I recognize both the logistical necessity of allowing the teams to tie up and the dramatic benefits of essentially reshuffling the deck – but I guess I’d like to see a few less opportunities during each episode.

The drama this evening was provided by Ray and Yolanda. What started as teasing ended up in some ugly bickering. I won’t call it fighting, but they were definitely tired of being in each other’s company. They managed to keep it together, and hopefully a good meal and some rest will soothe the frayed feelings of both.

Fran and Barry had their game-faces on from the beginning. They didn’t help Eric and Jeremy at the airport, but did hang with the hippies through the middle of the leg. Like always, they basically bumbled along, but were first to find the buried food and got the final lead. As the first to arrive at the Pitstop they won a trip for two to Rome.

But back to BJ and Tyler – I’m glad to see they survived by coming in last on the only non-elimination round for this season – but they were really disappointing. First, BJ completely pooped out on the dig for the food Detour, and even managed to whine a little as all of the other teams arrived later and left earlier. So much for hippie-happiness. But that wasn’t the worst part. When they came in last, and had to pretty much know for certain they were last, they didn’t even try to make sure they put on a change of clothes before finishing the leg and losing all their stuff. It was a real defeatist and rookie move. I expected more.

Ray and Yolanda and BJ and Tyler are in the worst shape for the next leg. Ray and Yolanda can get it together if they try - but we’ll see. The Hippies are tyring to convince themselves that without the burden of their things they’ll be a lean and mean competitive team. I wish them luck.

-nap

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