‘The Amazing Race 24’ episode 11 review: Misfortune strikes twice

Tonight on “The Amazing Race 24,”  we had an episode that was one part entertaining, and another part unfortunate given that we lost one of the most dynamic teams of the entire season.

From the moment that Leo & Jamal started talking early in the episode about how they went out in fourth place last year, you likely saw their exit coming a mile away. The two were very good racers two seasons in a row. They survived U-Turns, made some strategic moves that are worth commending, and also had big personalities. At times, we get that their self-awareness can be annoying, but we also feel like they really embrace the fun and the spirit of it all.  We do wish that the two were in the finale, mostly because they would be very competitive there.

Leo & Jamal went out in a way that at least was not luck-based by any means. They simply didn’t do a good job. They got lost repeatedly, and Jamal’s struggles with the Roadblock balanced out their success in the early going at the soccer stadium, which was their coolest challenge of the episode.

We also have to say that if the editing is this predictable when it comes to these two characters, we feel like they are giving a “Survivor: Redemption Island” – Boston Rob edit to both Brendon & Rachel. We get that they have bills to pay and they want to start a family, but how is it that no attention has been given to the fact that Rachel won $500,000 on “Big Brother”? That is already one dose of life-changing money. Then again, we also cannot really claim that any other team needs the money more, since Caroline & Jennifer are surely doing all right financially with their heritage.

Caroline & Jennifer are to us the biggest surprise of the race, and while they have at times been helped mightily by other teams, they earned their spot in the finals here by working hard and not getting lost. This is very important in a leg where you have to navigate yourself. Based on this and the lack of equalizers, we have to heap plenty of praise on this hour despite a beloved team going home. Grade: B+.

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Photo: CBS