Damn you, Amazing Race, and your deft manipulating of my emotions. By opening Sunday night’s episode with the sad news of James’ dad’s stage four cancer (it was James and not Abba, right?) I’m now rooting for that team even more than before. They’d been creeping up the list of teams I’m rooting for, though I’m still all about the Beekman Boys.

James and Abba were departing this leg of the race first, which saw the teams staying in stressful Bangladesh. (Was that a shot of a dead dog laying in the road?)

Road Block – Heavy Lifting

The Road Block seemed pretty difficult – one team member had to erect a teepee-like scale, and balance items on it. If you were good at constructing things like James and Abba, it wasn’t difficult. But for some teams it was a much bigger feat.

Abbie and Ryan had the bad luck of being at the Road Block at the same time as Team Twinsies. Not only did Nadiya complete the challenge faster, but they had to listen to the constant shrieking of “Come on Twinnie!” I can’t help it. I hate them.

This is where the Beekman Boys fell way, way behind. Josh just couldn’t get the structure built, and the heat and dehydration really got to him. By the time they finished and headed to the Detour, I was really hoping this would finally be the first non-elimination leg.

Detour – Straw Dogs or Bamboo Jungle

In Straw Dogs, teams had to go through a long process to make an eco-friendly bag, and in bamboo jungle, teams had to transport some bamboo across town. The latter option sounded easier, but traveling through the crazy streets of a country like Bangladesh is always a gamble. For that reason, I might have chosen Straw Dogs.

The bamboo poles were so tall that I think the challenge ended up being more difficult than it sounded, especially in the extreme heat. People were smacking locals in the face left and right.

Exhausted, Josh and Brent struggled through the bamboo challenge. None of the teams went for Straw Dogs. Even though they knew they were in last, they dug deep and managed to finish the Detour.

Results

It was a little predictable since they spent the whole leg in the lead, but I was glad to see James and Abba hold onto their number one spot.

Abbie and Ryan passed the twins and managed to get second place, but Ryan wasn’t happy. He wants the record for the most first place finishes, and it’s a tough one to beat. The twins landed in third place.

I was surprised to see Rob and Kelley end up in fourth place. The Chippendales messed up the Detour and fell behind, and the monster truckers somehow snuck up into the top half of the pack. In fifth place were Trey and Lexie.

Eventually the Chippendales made it to the pit stop, but not before an epic wipeout as they ran up to the mat. It was kind of funny.

Luckily for fans of the Beekman Boys, this was the first non-elimination leg and they’re still in the race. I really like these guys, and I hope they can stay in the race next week despite whatever Speed Bump they’re going to have thrown at them.

This wasn’t the most exciting episode, but I’m definitely starting to develop favorites in the Beekman Boys and James and Abba. And next week, teams head to Turkey – a place I’ve always wanted to visit. What did you guys think?