In looking at the previews and the press photos, the tasks looked pretty hard, so that got me excited because I love it when it really feels like the final 3 earned their spot. The episode also featured the downfall of the most polarizing team in TARC's history. All of the elements are there for a great episode but it didn't come together mostly due to leg design. The tasks don't need to be changed but the order needed to be flipped around. We also didn't get a great downfall because it happened at a Detour and Dave & Irina were only with one team. There wasn't a moment of all the teams leaving one after the other and them realizing their situation. We didn't get a moment like Rob & Amber knowing they were on one of the last boats before finding themselves alone in a post office or a Justin & Diana struggling with Leg 11 and stuck with a penalty with the other teams watching. It's sad because I was hoping for an epic downfall fitting for Dave & Irina. I didn't want them to win the Race but for sure I was very entertained by them. Of course I had my gripes like Irina not caring about some of the tasks but they brought needed drama. The "cheating" allegations were a crazy through-line in the season and in the fandom. Their arrogance was a fun aspect because despite their great record they stumbled several times. That arrogance needed a big fall but that didn't happen. While a lot of Canadians hate them, I'd love to see them again because I'd want to see their personalities clash with other all stars. This episode could have been epic but it fell flat. The past two episodes saw the two most dominant teams go out, so I hope this leads to an unpredictable finale.
Sniffs sets to a waltz leading to a fall.
Hockey physical comedy.
Joanne's old lady driving.
Jam: Very reminiscent of the beer task from season 5 and seemed to be frustrating to the teams.
Puck: The Detour did have pros and cons with this side being the more physical one that required some time to get aquatinted with.
Apples: The task that took down an invincible team. I quite liked this one because of how hard it was.
Farewell to NS: This task should have been in the front of the leg and it would have been fine. Placing it at the end was not a good idea.
2/5