‘The Amazing Race 24’: What happened to Mark & Bopper? Mallory Ervin steps in for Bopper Minton

On Sunday night’s new episode of “The Amazing Race 24″ (or “The Amazing Race: All-Stars,” if you prefer the longer name), we had something that has never happened in the history of the show: A team who were stopped before even getting to start the race.

So what exactly happened here? It all came down to a surprising health concern on Bopper’s part that nobody saw coming before the race, and apparently even folks behind the scenes were surprised about. It was a pancreas ailment that struck him right before leaving on the race, and the medics told him that he was not going to be able to enter the competition. It was a devastating moment for him, and that is something that we will have to discuss a little more as the season goes on.

But what was interesting about this was that the show handled it in a way that still allowed Mark to compete. He was joined by another team member in Mallory Ervin (of Gary & Mallory) who also has ties to Kentucky. The show did not really explain very well just how Mallory was chosen, but we imagine it probably involved Mark and producers figuring out who they would want to see him race with, and also how they would work together (in addition to someone they could get last-minute). Mallory is a very good choice in that she is entertaining, and may also at least be fairly familiar with Mark. However, early on it was pretty apparent that the two really were not good friends, and are going to have to get to know each other better if they wanted to win.

Are you disappointed that Mark & Bopper weren’t able to race this season, and are you bummed at CBS at all for promoting the two as a pair throughout the preseason when they weren’t really racing? Share your thoughts below, and click here if you want to read our review of “The Amazing Race” premiere.

Photo: CBS