Amazing Race

Episode Report Card
M. Giant: B | 723 USERS: B
YOU GRADE IT
…And the Horse That Rode in on You
In a hurry? Read the recaplet for a nutshell description!

This recap, like the episode, is preceded by a shout-out to Chile. Although I think you can probably find other resources for helping out beyond just the CBS website.

And then we're in Chile itself, namely Puerto Varas. Phil talks about the "pristine lakes and snow-capped volcanoes," calling it "a picturesque town of monuments and parks like Gruta de la Virgen." Which was also the second Pit Stop, by a remarkable coincidence. Jet and Cord, who arrived first, are leaving at 11:20 PM. Which is not to say they arrived at 11:20 AM. Their clue begins, "Find the Gnome in the Wall Gang." Getting back to that non sequitur in a moment, it looks like they're facing another cross-country bus ride. But it doesn't sound as bad as the ride here from Santiago; this time it's "only" six hours, and they'll be traveling through the scenic Andes mountains. After they cross into Argentina, they'll have to drive to a place called "El Boliche Viejo," which sounds a lot more exotic than its English translation, "The Old Joint." It also happens to be where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out when they were in that country, and we even get to see a photo of the five members of the actual Hole in the Wall Gang (not the Gnome in the Wall Gang), with the leaders highlighted. They don't really look that much like Newman and Redford in this context. In keeping with this saloon's august history, Travelocity gnomes are now seated at tables with card dealers, with flat-brimmed hats impaled over their pointy red ones. So yes, it's this season's designated gnome-toting leg, but this time, the racers will also have to beat the gnomes at a hand of five card stud. So at least the gnomes are taking a more active role now. As Jet and Cord leave the Pit Stop, they talk about how their bus leaves at 8:30 AM. Cord interviews about Jet's intelligence, again saying, "Don't let the cowboy hat fool you." And again, I'm not, but you're going to have a hard time convincing me that the clear plastic condom stretched over said hat during that interview is not as dumb as it looks. When they look at the old photograph included in the clue, they recognize it on sight, having seen the movie anywhere from 20 to 100 times (I hear that on the 101st viewing, they get away in the end). They don't so much recognize the gnome that's been Photoshopped in, however. "The thing is we don't have to run like scalded dogs," Jet says.

Joe and Heidi are leaving the Pit Stop at 11:55. They also learn that only the first three teams will make it onto that first bus at 8:30. Carol and Brandy, who arrived at the mat at the same time, are leaving in third place, also at 11:55. They interview how their relationship is only five months in, so they're still learning things about each other. And bickering about what Carol calls "the stupidest stuff." Then we see them bickering about which way is north, which in the context of the race is not such a minor issue.

Amazing Race