Hello again! It’s Christy, ½ of those feisty divorcees from Season 13, back to talk about the incredible season finale of the Amazing Race, Season 14. I have a particularly interesting perspective this time, as I was fortunate enough to spend my time watching the episode with the cast of Season 14, some fellow racers from Season 13 and even a few from seasons past, like Nate and Jen and Tom and Terry, at a CBS sponsored party in NYC this past weekend.
First and foremost, I have to say that it was so surreal watching this last episode surrounded by the extended Race family. The bond that comes from sharing such an unbelievable experience is indescribable, and the sincere longing for each team to win the million is something I just can’t begin to explain.
This episode was rock-solid from the very beginning. As luck would have it, the flight situation caused all three remaining teams to blast off the very same plane neck and neck once they landed in Hawaii. The race to the wave runners and ensuing battle to find the “needle in the haystack” at the buoys was so stressful, but it looked so fun! As spectators, we were squealing with delight. The task involving the traditional, luau-style roasted pig was great; I loved watching each team struggle under the weight of the pig, working out the best way to take those steps to the roasting pits. Luke and Margie were the obvious front-runners in this task, and at this point I was positive they had what it took to win. Margie truly is the bionic woman, and I have to say that she is every bit as physically fit in person today as she appears to be during the Race; and Luke is such a phenomenal leader, despite his physical setback. I was in complete awe of their spectacular teamwork. They say only 10% of human communication is actually transmitted in the wording of expression, and this outstanding mother and son team proved that is true over and over.
Leaving first from the luau task provided a sizeable lead for Luke and Margie over competitors Tammy and Victor, who were close behind; and Jamie and Cara, who did an awesome job at completing the task in a great finish time, despite being the weakest physical team involved in the final 3. You go, girls! I’ve been so proud of them throughout the whole race. As they reached the wall of surfboards, I had complete confidence that Luke would finish the task in light-speed, and was warmed to see the faith that mom Margie had in her baby boy. Luke did such a fabulous job on that task, but became frustrated when he kept hearing that he didn’t actually have the puzzle figured out. I felt just awful for him, knowing that, were I in the same position, I would have stressed out, cried and would have been tempted to give up. There is that human will to fight and win that keeps one pushing towards that glorious million dollars, though.
Victor, as we all know, is extremely intelligent and is always calm and composed, and his personality proved true to form in this final task as he expertly navigated through the surfboards and swiftly placed each piece in the correct location on the wall he crafted. Jamie and Cara arrived shortly thereafter, and I could not have been more proud of Jamie as she hoisted those heavy boards, maintained sanity using humor and wit, and kept right up with the boys, moving along quickly in solving the puzzle.
In the end, Victor finished the final task first, and Luke and Jamie decided to work together to determine what the missing pieces were. Jamie showed true character and grace when, after quickly realizing that her first surfboard was incorrect, she took the time to stay behind and help Luke figure out his remaining surfboards. In a somewhat predictable, yet no less emotional ending, Tammy and Victor were the first team to land on the mat, and were pronounced the winners of the Amazing Race, season 14. Jamie and Cara rocked it when they landed as team number two, and Luke and Margie’s precious ending was just about too much to bear when they were awarded the third place finish.
Watching the final three teams’ expressions as the show ended was the most emotional thing I’ve witnessed in quite some time. The passion to win the Amazing Race is an indescribable one, and although each team should hold their heads high with pride, having run a very amazing race and having finished in the top 3 of a group of highly competitive teams, they were all emotional and somewhat sad in their own ways. As the show ended, I turned with tear-filled eyes to see Kelly wiping big crocodile tears off of her cheeks. There’s just something about that Amazing Race that keeps you wanting more….the highs, the lows and the unspeakable, indescribable experience whether lived out personally or taken in through another Racer’s eyes, is truly what makes it the greatest reality competition on earth.
I’m ready for Season 15. All Stars, anyone? Send those feisty divorcees. I’ll bet they’d be game!
XO - Christy
