CBSThe poignant second episode of The Amazing Race 15 opened with a moving pit stop.
Literally.
The riverboat where contestants enjoyed their first mandatory rest period had traveled to a new destination: the Mekong Delta, which saw heavy fighting between Vietcong and the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. With that history, emotions were sure to run high during this leg. Read on to find out why this episode was also a touching tribute to fatherhood...
The first team to depart, Gary and his son Matt, were instructed to take a cab to a dragon water puppet theater in Ho Chi Minh City. Gary grumbled that Matt should respect his "older and wiser" perspective, but Matt resisted, saying, "It kind of irritates me when Dad uses that father figure" stuff.
Marcy, however, shared a totally different perspective of her pop, a Vietnam War veteran: "My father was shot down in '68 and rescued. He survived out of sheer adrenaline, will and determination. I've always thought that's what I'm made of." (That's our first Kleenex of the night.) She added, as she traveled through the Vietnamese crowds with partner Ron, "It makes one feel emotional about all the people who died here." (Kleenex no. 2.)
It was after vanquishing the adorable dragon water puppets that Matt acknowledged the wisdom of the paterfamilias. He had persuaded 47-year-old Gary that they should run to their next destination—"It's only 1 kilometer, and we don't have much cash!"—but of course, it turned out to be much farther. In the cab, Matt sweatily admitted, "I probably should listen to my dad more."
Matt could learn from the Harlem Globetrotters' Nathaniel, aka Big Easy, who cherishes his father's last words (get ready for Kleenex no. 3): "I lost my dad two days before the race...Last time I talked with my dad, he was like, 'Win the damn race.' " Big Easy's listening. In a footrace against Megan and Cheyne for first place of this leg, he said, "My dad just passed and away and that's who I'm playing for, so I gotta run hard"—and he did: the Globetrotters were team No. 1, winning a trip to Aruba. "I've never been there!" said Flight Time joyously, much to Phil's delight. (Kleenex no. 4.)
The race through Vietnam wasn't all about shedding tears, especially during the water puppet challenge. With Flight Time trying to grab the clue from the dragon's mouth, Big Easy reminded his partner they were only puppets, "Don't worry about it biting you!" he yelled. Engaged Nashville Mika and Canaan somehow believed they could use their beauty and questionable dancing skills to "charm" the clue out of the puppets.
In the Child's Play detour, devious poker player Tiffany surprised us by being a tough competitor—and gracious with Dan. (Verdict's still out on her teammate, Maria, though—she didn't seem to contribute much during this leg.) She also reminded us of something we'd forgotten: "Every other team has a man to lean on—we don't," making the physical challenges "stinkin' hard." Another highlight: Interracial couple Brian and Ericka praising the performance of their own "Team Zebra."
Oh yeah, Lance's bullheaded douchery and Keri's loud whining continued to annoy, but it's fun seeing them race like they're wearing paper bags over their heads. We won't cry to see them go, but, alas, this was not their time: Ron and Marcy were the last ones to finish. Are you ready for Kleenex no. 5?
"My dad was a general in the Air Force—he was shot down," Marcy said after their elimination. "He told me, 'You can't hit a run if you don't step to the plate.' I think going on The Amazing Race was stepping up to the plate."
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Did you cry like a baby tonight, too? Who are you rooting for to win? And how do these contestants match up against last season's faves? Sound off in the comments.