The Amazing Race 37: A Thrilling Journey Through Kyoto
As we dive into week three of CBS’s The Amazing Race 37, the excitement is palpable. Eleven teams are still in the race, each vying for the ultimate prize as they traverse the globe. This week, the contestants find themselves in the picturesque city of Kyoto, Japan, known for its stunning temples, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant culture. The journey begins with a high-speed adventure on Japan’s famous bullet train, setting the stage for a thrilling episode filled with challenges and surprises.
The Quest for the Express Pass
The stakes are high this week, particularly for Carson and Jack, who feel the pressure of being perceived as a target among the remaining teams. With the coveted Express Pass up for grabs, they are determined to secure it, knowing it could provide a significant advantage in the competition. As the teams board their respective trains, the race to find the first clue begins. Jonathan and Ana, along with Lori and Scott, are the first to depart, followed closely by Alyssa and Josiah, who share a train with Carson and Jack. The remaining teams follow suit, each eager to gain an edge in this leg of the race.
The Fortune Telling Challenge
Upon arriving in Kyoto, the teams must purchase a fortune-telling paper known as Omikuji. This unique challenge requires them to place the paper in water to reveal their next clue, leading them to the Shiramine Jingu Shrine. The teams scramble to complete this task, with Jonathan and Ana emerging as the first to reach the shrine, closely followed by Carson and Jack, who are still strategizing about the Express Pass.
The Roadblock: A Test of Skill and Teamwork
At the shrine, the teams face a Roadblock challenge that tests their coordination and teamwork. They must play a traditional Japanese game called kemari, where participants kick a ball to one another in a circle. Both members of each team must successfully complete the task to be in contention for the Express Pass. While Jonathan excels, Ana struggles, creating tension as they work to finish. Meanwhile, Carson and Jack also face difficulties but remain focused on their goal.
Scott and Lori arrive shortly after, with Scott completing the challenge swiftly while Lori inexplicably opts not to participate. This decision raises eyebrows, as the Express Pass could have provided a crucial advantage. As the teams continue to navigate the challenges, Jonathan and Ana finally complete the Roadblock, securing the Express Pass and leaving Carson and Jack to regroup and move on to the next location.
The Detour Dilemma
The next stop is the Yasaka Koshin-Do Temple, where the teams face a Detour challenge. They must choose between two tasks: "Fold It," which involves creating an origami crane, or "Fling It," where they must hit targets with various objects. The choice proves pivotal, as many teams initially opt for "Fling It" but quickly realize the difficulty of the task and switch to "Fold It."
As the teams work through the Detour, Pops and Jeff finally finish the Roadblock and head to the next location. Meanwhile, Courtney and Jasmin struggle with the initial clue, falling behind as they fail to realize they need to wet the paper to reveal their next step.
The Race to the Pit Stop
As the teams complete the Detour, Scott and Lori emerge victorious, racing to the Pit Stop at Komyo-Ji Temple. They check in first, earning a $5,000 prize, followed closely by Carson and Jack, who capitalize on their strong performance. Jonathan and Ana secure third place, while other teams continue to battle through the challenges.
The competition intensifies as many teams struggle with the "Fling It" Detour, leading to a collective shift towards "Fold It." Han and Holden, along with Nick and Mike, form a strategic alliance to gain an advantage over the other teams.
As the episode progresses, Alyssa and Josiah finish in seventh place, followed by Nick and Mike in eighth. Han and Holden secure ninth, while Bernie and Carrigain come in tenth. The tension mounts as Courtney and Jasmin find themselves in last place, ultimately leading to their elimination from the race.
A Season of Surprises and Strategies
This week’s episode of The Amazing Race 37 showcases the blend of strategy, teamwork, and cultural immersion that defines the series. With the introduction of the Express Pass and the various challenges in Kyoto, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable. As the teams continue their journey, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next leg of the race and the twists that lie ahead.
