‘The Amazing Race Canada’ review: Did the new adaptation deliver?

If you have been reading this site for a while then you have likely figured out one thing about us: We’re quite the fans of “The Amazing Race.” As someone who has seen all of the U.S. version, both seasons of the Australian version, and even pieces of “The Amazing Race Asia,” we were thrilled to see what happened with the new “Amazing Race Canada” on CTV. Was there disappointment about the show staying within the nation’s borders? Sure, but there is at least enough geography across the country to make it still interesting.

All in all, this was an entertaining way to start the season, even if there were elements that were somewhat of a disappointment. With the Australian version or even “Big Brother Canada,” we saw some effort made to differentiate one show from the American version, and that is much appreciated. Here, they pretty much did nothing save for take everything from the original, including some of the useless things like the Express Pass (and even the double-Express Pass twist that we saw last time).

The challenges this week were definitely “Amazing Race” worthy in that they involved major fears (in diving underwater and also jumping from a high point down to the ground), but we do like our scares mixed with something more skill-based challenges that actually forces the teams to think. Luckily, a few of the characters made this entertaining. You have a team in Jody & Cory that has to account for one of them having prosthetic limb, and father-and-son Tim & Tim have to handle the elder Tim’s Parkinson’s Disease.

You have to love that the first leg of the race was a photo-finish in British Columbia, leading to gay rodeo enthusiasts Jamie & Pierre being in last place. However, they ended up being saved due to a technicality: Twins Treena & Tennille not following instructions properly at the start of the leg near Niagara Falls. Do we understand the mistake they made? Definitely, since you’re so accustomed with only getting one clue on this show that it feels weird to grab two. However, this once again proves that the #1 rule on this show is always “Read Your Clue.” Hippie dating couple Kristen & Darren figured that out and then some, which is why they are in first.

We’re sad to say it, but the part of this show that really needs the most work is host Jon Montgomery. He takes his job as a host a little too seriously, and you miss some of the fun that Phil Keoghan subtly has from leg to leg. Granted, he is more from the athletic world than that of TV, so hopefully he will loosen up over time.

This was still an entertaining hour of TV, and while we’re going to wait a week or two to really pass judgment on the show, we will be tuning in again.

Want to read more “Amazing Race Canada” news? Then be sure to check out the story over here.

Photo: CTV