‘The Amazing Race 24’ preview: When it Rome, battle scary gladiators

Since there was no new episode of “The Amazing Race 24” on Sunday to enjoy, how about a preview for the next new episode a little early to tide you over?

We’re excited about this next chapter of the race, and for a variety of different reasons. First of all, the show is going to Rome for the first time in ages, and we have fond memories of this from the very early days of the show. It’s also nice to see locales visited that have great historical significance, especially since there have been a few legs this season that have been a little less specific to a particular country.

Also, a battle with a terrifying gladiator! The best challenges on the show to us are typically with locals who seem to be in on the fun, and this is what this gladiator seems to be. He’s like the angry, sort-of-buff version of the “pencils down” guy. Teams will have to get through him if they want to advance forward.

At the end of the day, though, one of the biggest struggles the teams may run into is just navigating the busy city. After spending a few episodes in areas that couldn’t be more different, they will now be in a highly-congested area where it can be very easy to get lost. Luckily, Rome should have a decent percentage of English-speakers and tourists around to keep them from staying lost. There is just one reason we can imagine a team not wanting to stop and get help right away: every time you do, the locals have to sign away a release form, and this can be time-consuming.

Excited to see what transpires next on the race? Then be sure to share some of your thoughts below, and race over here to get further TV updates from us via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: CBS