The Amazing Race 33: Season Premiere Blog Party

Good evening! I hope you're ready for two hours of whirlwind world travel! I am. I have a few adult beverages and plenty of snacks on hand. I will be doing my best to update this blog with the major events as they air on the show here on the East Coast. I say "doing my best" as it takes a few weeks to get used to what team is whom. Or, within a team, which one is whom if they're same sex!

Before we get into the show, let's talk blog pool. Because there was a low turnout, we did add in some stragglers who climbed the fence after the cut-off time. Now, I can't guarantee that we will always do that. PLEASE, when you know I cover a show you watch, check in on the blog in the days leading up to the season premiere! Another pool-related thing -- as we know that Covid caused a break in filming this season and two teams were unable to return once it picked up again, anyone having either of those teams will be reassigned. Unlike some previous seasons, the first Philiminated will be out of the pool but, of course, welcome to hang out on the pool deck in the lawn chairs.

Without further ado, here are the random pool picks compliments from our beloved Lifeguard SueGee:

Kim & Penn - chrob61, Donna in AL
Akbar & Sheridan - Indiana Jane, Nickelpeed
Mike & Moe - Michelle C, Jackie
Raquel & Cayla - Brenda, Skyriverblue
Lulu & Lala - Debbie, Judi Sweeney
Dusty & Ryan - Mike Barer, Willie J
Taylor & Isaiah - Jennifer, Krysta
Arun & Natalia - Glenn Allen, Jennasmom
Caro & Ray - Marlo L
Connie & Sam - SueGee, PDX Granny 
Spencer & Anthony - Sharon N 

Are you READY? Let's GO!

Phil tells us they had to suspend the filming at the end of the third leg due to Covid. But then they picked it up again.

We see new people packing and Phil tells them their first clue is in London. The teams leave from their homes to the nearest airports. Penn and Kim try to sing the theme song. Yes, it does sound like "oatmeal."

Now we're getting team introductions -- I covered the same or similar intros on earlier posts in the blog.

Teams must head to Trafalgar Square and search for a red box phone booth walking around. Each box has only a few clues. They have to go on foot to Buckingham Palace. There they will find their next clue next to Canada Gate.

Raquel and Cayla make it first to the Detour clue. They have to post a piece of original street artwork. Or ... they have to find a bobby by Big Ben, Little Ben (?) and lastly DigiBen. We break for commercial with Connie and Sam in last place, still a bit lost looking for the red box clue. So far, I'm finding all the teams likable.

Heh. The flight attendants don't know what a "bobby" is. I might be misspelling it. It could be Bobbie. But I know it's a cop. Ah, it is bobby. 

Some teams are working together but it seems more of a matter of on the spur of the moment rather than any strong bonding at this point. Akbar and Sheridan are dragging. Apparently, she rests too much according to him. Oh my, I'm not pleased with how critical he's being to her.

Spencer and Anthony are now in the lead followed closely by Dusty and Ryan.

From Digiben, their next clue has to do with Boris Johnson having a gnosh with the Queen. (Obviously imposters!) From there they have to head to London's Natural History Museum for the pitstop. Phil says the last team "will" be eliminated.

Pit Stop

1. Anthony and Spencer - won a trip to Turks and Calcos
2. Ryan and Dusty
3. Raquel and Cayla

4. Kim and Penn

5. Caro and Ray

6. Akbar and Sheri

7. Connie and Sam

8. Taylor and Isiaih

9. Arun and Natalia

10. Lulu and Lala

11. Mike and Moe - Philiminated.

Oh noes! They were my blog pool team! Plus, I wanted them to do well.

Teams are remaining in London, albeit this leg is in the daylight. They are heading to Royal Mail in West London (?) for the next clue. Clarkwell? Teams are having problems catching taxis.

Mail Rail is snail mail and it's a Roadblock. The teams must ride the rail to the loading dock then search mail for the "perfect envelope." It's an Amazing Race envelope. Ryan found it first. He and Dusty are the first ones through with the Roadblock. Raquel and Cayla next. Heh. Penn and Ray don't trust Anthony that they had the correct clue. He goes on and they continue searching. They waste a half-hour before deciding the clue was the clue.

Lester *misspelled!* Leicester or something like that Square Detour. Dart players. Club Victoria -- hit a specific target. Each team member throws three darts, if both hit a bullseye, clue. The other part is decorating a cake depicting a flag with fruit toppings. It must be a flag from the EU. Cayla and Raquel forget that England dropped out of the European Union. Anthony and Spencer know but don't tell them.

Dusty and Ryan finish the dart Detour and are heading to the Pitstop on a double-decker bus.

Pitstop

1. Dusty and Ryan - won nothing? Hmm
2. Connie and Sam

3. Arun and Natalia

4. Cayla and Raquel

5. Anthony and Spencer ?

6. Kim and Penn

7. Caro and Ray

8. Akbar and Sheri

9. Taylor and Isaiah

10. Lulu and Lala - non-Philimination

I might have the order a bit off as I somehow missed Anthony and Spencer arriving.

Teams are heading to Scotland.