Take Down That Million
The two hour finale started with a recap of the final four teams' performance on the Race so far: The Chippendales started out rocky but have persevered; Lexi & Ryan have had more first place finishes than any of the other teams and are growing more in love (Phil you ol' softy); the Twins are loud and upbeat, they have been in an a partnership with Trey & Lexi almost since the beginning and they drew the Chippendales into their alliance when they conspired to take out Ryan & Abbie; and finally, the Beekman Boys/Goat Farmers, they have been saved by non-elimination, faced a penalty when they couldn't swim and saved by the U-Turn conspiracy - they are as amazed as anyone that they are still there.
They start the leg in Mallorca, Spain - Trey & Lexi are the first out at 9:32am - they find out they have to fly to Barcelona, Spain, then take a train to the Loire Valley in France. When they arrive in France, they will find their next clue on the marked Ford Escapes (uh oh, does that mean more stick driving for the Twins?)
-Trey says, they do have an alliance with the Chippendales and the Twins but they are racing for the Million dollars and will do whatever it takes to make final three.
-Chippendales are the next team out at 9:46am - they feel like they've struggled through the ranks but they've had noble motivation to win, for blond Jaymes' Dad and his cancer situation and brown James wants to help out his Mom who has worked with special needs children all her life.
-Josh & Brent are the next out at 10:27am - Josh is happy to be heading to France, he speaks French - ah, tres bon! They have hung on by the skin of their teeth and now is the time to push forward and shock everyone (including themselves) by making the final three.
-Twins are the last out at 11:17am, they were saved by the non-elimination leg last week but they will face a Speed Bump at some point this leg. They are sure they can rely on their alliance friends to help them out. They feel they deserve to be there more than the Beekman's who have coasted through (not really) so hopefully there are some tough challenges coming up.
-All teams fly to Barcelona and get on the same train to France.
-The Dream Team of the Chippendales, Trey & Lexi and the Twins were having an unofficial powwow on the train. The Twins announcing the Beekmans are just taking up a space, the Twins want it more and Jaymes says six heads are better than two.
-Josh & Brent overhear them talking about their "dream team alliance" and Josh is demoralized - the other teams are all trying to cover, like they are all just a big happy family but the Beekmans are not stupid - they see through the fake nice. Josh & Brent have decided not to let it get them down, but to use it to spur them on.
Loire Valley, France
Now begins the Ford Escape commercial - they find the clues on the cars and read that they must pick up eight empty crates from a cafe, kick open the hands free lift gate, load the car, then kick closed the lift gate and drive themselves to Chateau De Villandry home to the worlds largest ornamental garden - where they must find a stone dog statue which has their next clue (in a messenger bag.)
-Everybody get started loading the crates... though Lexi ran into the road and nearly got smucked (you still have to look both ways, sheesh). They also all loved the hands free lift feature of the vehicles - Josh wants one - "If we win the million dollars [dear]."
-The alliance asks directions from a local and the Beekmans just waited in the car, they know the other teams are all working together so they will just follow them all and stay with the pack.
-Trey & Lexi are excited to be leading the pack. Brown James hopes he can win his mom a car. The Twins are grousing about the sneaky Beekmans trying to weasel their way up from behind like they do. The Beekmans are enjoying the Twins viewing them as a threat all of a sudden, they are going to stay slow and steady and let them stew in their paranoid juices.
And that's exactly what is happening, the girls never thought the gays would be a threat when they gassed Abbie & Ryan. Now they are there riding their coat tails and compromising their place in the race. (What the H-E-Double-hockey-sticks.)
-They all stop to confirm where they're going - Blond Jaymes has the map, tells Trey he's on the right track - Natalie yells they have to lose these guys (refering to the Beekmans... ah, they're right there.) They hear it but the Twins don't care, "At this point I'm willing to be a beyotch." (And you haven't been up to this point... stealing another teams money, remember that? They've been willing all along I think.)
-They all get to the gardens and are running around, they see a groundskeeper and none of them know what dog is in French, they start barking at him - then Josh strolls over, "Chien?" Oh snap! (Oh, Josh should have found someone else to ask and kept his French speaking to himself, he should be more strategic at this point... but then they are afraid to leave the group.) The fact that Josh speaks French scares Blond Jaymes (as it should.)
-The groundskeeper points them all in the direction of the dog statue (hopefully) and it's a foot race - Brent & Josh are holding their own, much to the chagrin of the others and Brent taunts the twins a little (ha. I can't help but root for the underdogs. Especially when the rest of them are being mean girls.)
-They all get the clue to find Di Vinci's final resting place - Chateau d'Amboise. Oh, except the Twins who find their Speed Bump - Brent taunts them more, "Bye-eye." Josh gives him heck. Brent, "If they can dish it, they gotta take it." Josh, "No, that's not nice." (Oh, you know what they say about nice guys and how they finish... )
Speed Bump:
The girls have to enter the Chateau and help fit a woman in an 18th century corset - once they get it properly done up, they'll get the next clue.
-As all the teams start running back to the cars, the Twins are yelling at them to lose the Beekmans - Josh says, "You don't have to lose us, you don't need to listen to these b*tches." Natalie just keeps yelling orders, "Don't let them ride your coattails, they are just using you guys." (Oh, put a sock in it already.)
-The Twins can't believe they are leaving them (seriously? Do you expect them all to wait for you two? It's a race for a Million dollars, and they all want to win it.)
-So, the Twins get up to the bedroom and, while lacing the corset, they are complaining that they didn't all just wait for them - the Beekman' wouldn't have gone anywhere (these two are seriously delusional).
-On the grounds, the Chippendales and Trey & Lexi are looking for someone to ask where Di Vinci's final resting place is, but they are not the brightest. As soon ask Josh shows up and can speak the language and gets the directions, Chips and Lex & Tex are more than willing to follow them. Brent is amused how quickly their little alliance broke down without the Twins there to be the evil ring-eaders.
-Lexi is worried to be following the Beekman's because they're not the best with directions (Really? I don't remember them getting lost). The Chippendales have no shame - you speak French and will lead us - come right on in then.
-Back at the Chateau, the Twins stick their knee in the poor lady's back but they get her cinched into the corset correctly. They have to run back to the dog statue to get the clue.
-Meanwhile, on the road, Lexi's fears are proving to be well founded as Josh has led them in a big circle trying to get to d'Amboise. Josh pulls into a gas station for directions and the other teams are not impressed.
-The Twins get the clue to find D'Vinci's final resting place - they hit the road for D'Amboise.
-Trey & Lexi figure they need to be at the chapel, not all the way up to the Chateau so they pull off - The Beekmans and the Chippendales keep going up to the chateau. Trey & Lexi are the first team to get the clue (by a couple seconds) to the DETOUR: Chow or Plow
-In Chow - they have to make the daily meal for a hungry pack of hunting hounds. They must sort, cut and weigh various cuts of meat to make a well balanced meal for the dogs, and serve it up in the feeding area. Once the food is ready for consumption - they get their next clue.
-In Plow - they must use a traditional horse & plow to till 4 furrows in a field. When the farmer has decided their plowing is good enough, he'll give them the next clue.
-The Chippendales decide they are going to do the plow and figure Trey & Lexi will do it too.
-They let the Beekmans know they are going to plow but Blond Jaymes also tells them only two can do it at a time.
-Josh didn't want to have to wait for the other teams to finish before they could start...
-Trey decides that they are going to do Chow - not Plow... uh oh, the dream team is going to be divided. And when Trey runs by the Beekman's and says they're doing Chow, the boys jump all over that - "Okay, let's do it together."
-Lexi says it's just in their nature to say, 'Okay, yeah we'll help you' but she's not too happy about it. They were waiting for the Beekmans to run and get their car but then her competitive side kicked in and they take off.
-The Twins are arriving at the chapel.
-The Chippendales hope they are losing the Beekmans.
-The Beekmans realize Trey & Lexi didn't wait but they know they can't trust anyone at this point in the Race so it's not a huge deal.
-The Twins decide to do Chow as well. They've made dog food before.
-Trey & Lexi have changed their minds and are going to try their hand at the plowing instead - they're from Texas, they are hoping it will help them forge ahead.
-Trey & Lexi are the first team to arrive (looks like parking for both tasks is in the same place.) They choose a farmer, a plow and a horse - the goal is to plow 4 straight lines... easier said than done. Lexi is leading the horse but Trey is having no luck keeping the plow in the ground... this could take awhile.
-The Beekman's and the Chippendales can't find the parking.
-The Twins drive by the field and see Trey & Lexi doing the plowing - they were tempted to do it but it looked too hard - still going to chow. Lexi saw them and was impressed they made up so much time.
-Chippendales finally find the parking and see the Twins beat them there - now the pressure is really on.
-The Beekman's pull up and the Twins are super excited - everyone is here. They head into Chow with the Beekmans right behind them. Josh, "We're going to lose this to the girls." Brent, "Who cares."
-The Twins start the trash-talking as they all start cutting up the meat - saying they are the evil gays, used to using knives to stab people in the back. Brent gives it back to them - You are the evil twins. "We've always been evil." (Well that is true. I just wish they were silent.)
-Trey & Lexi look to be on their 3rd row when the Chippendales finally get there. Brown James is trying to do the plowing and he is not a country boy - instantly his forearms are screaming and the plow is jumping all over the place.
-Brent & Josh are using their brains while the Twins are still running their mouths. They have searched out the cuts of meat that don't have to be de-boned and have filled up their two buckets way faster than the Evil Twins.
-Josh starts using logic on them - why align with two stronger teams, we are weaker, don't you think you'd get farther keeping us around? That confounds them, "we can't cut and talk." (right, you have been up til now.)
-Evil Gays are done first and they have to go set out the feast for the dogs.
-Twins, "If we lose to them again, I'm going to kill myself." (Now don't go making promises...)
-Chippendales are still plowing.
-Trey & Lexi are the first team through the Detour and they get the next clue - to find the Caves des Roches. They are off in the car.
-Chippendales are the next team to finish the Detour. (I guess the plowing was easier... though they were big guys doing the heavy lifting.)
-The Twins are freaking out as the one thing they didn't want to happen, happens. The Beekmans finish the task before them and head out for the Caves des Roches.
-Release the Hounds! We see the feeding frenzy. And the Twins grumbling, "The gays bloody beat us."
-Trey & Lexi get to the Caves and find the clue to the ROADBLOCK: Who's a fun guy? The underground tunnels created when the limestone was excavated to build the chateau has created the perfect conditions to grow mushrooms. They must look at 3 types of mushrooms, then by memory only, they must find the same three types of mushrooms in the subterranean tunnels. Once they return with 10 of each variety of mushroom, the champignonist (mushroom seller) will hand them their next clue. Lexi is going to do this one.
-Lexi heads into the cave and it's cold and dark... there are a lot of different mushrooms, some looked like the ones she needed but they were different colours. She gets to harvesting.
-The Chippendales show up and blond Jaymes is the Fun-guy for this challenge.
-Beekmans get lost.
-Twins finish the feeding and they Release the Hounds again.
-Lexi is lost in the tunnels - so dark - it's like a maze.
-Jaymes is the first one out with his mushrooms - but it's not right - he has to go back down.
-Lexi runs for the light at the end of her tunnel - she gets back to the shop and checks her mushrooms and she's right! Ahh! Most rewarding thing she's ever done! (prone to hyperbole this one.)
They get the clue to the Pit Stop, the Chateau di Chenonceau (the castle of the ladies) - asking directions of the locals, a guy, I guess, was complimenting her hair by grabbing it (ew) she was like 'okay, b-bye.' (Don't touch me creepy French guy.)
-Jaymes gets the right mushrooms on his second attempt and they head out for the Pit Stop too.
-Trey & Lexi stopped at a castle too early - they find out the Castle of the ladies is still 15 mins away.
-The Twins get to the mushroom caves and run right inside looking for the clue. The Beekmans get there right behind them but go to the store - they decide that Brent is the fun-guy for this one.
-The Twins run back out and find the clue - Natalie is going to do this one (did she even look at the mushrooms?)
-Brent is befuddled in the caves, especially with Natalie breathing down his neck.
-Natalie gets her mushrooms quicker though, Brent can't find the exit.
-The Twins get the clue to the Pit Stop. Josh hopes they're heading the wrong way.
-Brent emerges and at least he has the mushrooms right - they are about 10 minutes behind the Twins. They are wishing navigation issues on them. Then the Beekmans hit a detour. The Twins stop for directions and they find out they were heading the wrong way... OOOOOHHHH!!!
Here's How They Finished:
1) Jaymes & James - they each won a Ford Escape! Brown James is so happy to be able to give the car to his mom.
2) Trey & Lexi - they are the 2nd team in the finals. Hopefully they won't lose any friends over the last leg but you never know, they all want the money.
3) Josh & Brent - They were just shocked! That's awesome. It's up here (head) not here (arms) Brains over brawn take the day.
4) Natalie & Nadiya - ELIMINATED - and, though I found them entertaining, I can't say I'm sorry to see them go. Next hour will be quieter anyway :) They need to harness their energy into something good.
Final Leg:
Jaymes & James are the first team to head out at 1:33am - They have to fly to New York City, and they have a postcard of the Coney Island boardwalk where they will have to locate their next clue hidden in circus sign (Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard).
-Trey & Lexi are the next team out at 1:44am - They don't know Coney Island either. They didn't do any travelling before the race - didn't even know what customs was before.
-In the cab, the Chippendales have just realize that it doesn't matter if it's Sri Lanka or the Beekmans - both those teams are from NY - so they better be on their toes.
-3:06am - the Beekmans are the final team - they are very happy the final city is NY. If they won, they could pay off the farm mortgage and finally be together again - Josh wouldn't have to stay in the city while Brent is out on the farm - and they would also accomplish one of the biggest goals they have ever set for themselves (oh, they are getting verklempt.)
At the airport - Chippendales and Trey & Lexi get the big reveal when the Beekman Boys show up. Trey & Lexi aren't worried about them having the home field advantage - they feel like they've been battling with the Chippendales the last couple legs and figure it will stay that way this leg (oh, don't count out the gentle goat farmers... they'll cut you.)
-They all board the flight and the Beekmans are ready for their first and only win - it's the only one that counts after all.
-They land in New York City and they've all ditched their packs so they are running free for the cabs. They are all so excited to be back in the States. All racing to Coney Island.
-The Chippendales and Trey & Lexi find the view on the postcard on the Boardwalk but they can't find anything red & yellow... they are running around like chickens with their heads cut off.
-The Chippendales decide to head into the park... Trey & Lexi follow - they are walking among the rides - aimlessly.
-Josh & Brent get to the view on the postcard - Josh says he sees it but second guesses himself... eek.
-The Chippendales and Trey & Lexi head back out and Lexi finally notices the Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, she's writing it down, trying to be sly because the Beekmans are right there - but Brent notices it too which spurs Trey & Lexi and take off - why are Brent & Josh just standing there - they stop to write it down and bicker (UGH! JUST GO!)
-Chippendales see the Beekmans bolt and realize it must be right in front of them... but they're pretty.
-Trey is not happy the Beekmans saw them writing the clue down, Lexi discounts them, it is the Chippendales that are their main competition. (Oh, she's cursing them to 2nd place I'm predicting.)
-Jaymes finally figures it out - Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard - and they take off - at least 15 minutes behind the others.
-The full sign was of the Amazing Houdini - Lexi has no idea who that is (She doesn't know Houdini? Wow.) Trey tells her he was a magician - the Beekmans are also speculating if they'll be handcuffed under water - Josh says, "It's your turn." (Not It!)
Trey & Lexi get to the clue box - ROADBLOCK - Who's up for an amazing escape? (he said excape, but I won't hold it against him, too much.)
-OMG! They will be straightjacketed then hung upside down 15 storeys above the dry dock. If they don't panic and can figure out how to get out of the straightjacket, they will be surprised by a bungee free-fall (OH HELL NO!) Once they're back on their feet they'll get their next clue (and hopefully a change of drawers.)
-Lexi says it's Trey's turn - the only thing he's afraid of is heights... and being constrained - "I'm going to be alright up there right?"
-Brent is going to do it for the Beekmans - he's not afraid of heights but he doesn't know how to get out of a straightjacket.
-The Chippendales are the only team thinking "This is so cool." Blond Jaymes will do it.
-Trey is the first to go, the rest get to watch. And listen to Lexi scream at him, "I love you babe!" Trey stays pretty calm and gets out of the jacket rather quickly - then it lets him go and I don't think he liked that surprise. "I'm still very scared! Holy crap, I did not expect that." Trey & Lexi get the clue to make their way to the first pizzeria in NY (Lombardi's).
-Now it's Brent's turn and Jaymes isn't thinking it's so cool anymore - he's got loved ones.
-Trey & Lexi use the cab driver's cell phone to look up the first pizzeria in NY and they head for Lombardi's - Lexi just hopes they get to eat.
-Brent got to the edge of panic but he finally gets his arms over his head and the jacket comes off - and he drops.
-Jaymes knows he's got to do this fast! And he does - he's done as the Beekmans are reading the clue.
-They are all heading for Lombardi's.
-Trey & Lexi get there first and read the clue - they have to deliver 10 pizzas to three destinations on foot. First they must memorize the orders and addresses... ho boy. Once they do it correctly they'll get the next clue.
-Trey & Lexi split up the memorization - she did first two locations, he was to remember the third.
-The Beekmans get there and they did it differently - Brent had to remember the addresses and Josh the orders. Plus, they are from NY - huge advantage.
-The Chippendales had to wait for a taxi to be called for them so they are still at the docks - not where they want to be right now.
-Trey & Lexi get all their deliveries right.
-Josh & Brent get first right, 2nd & 3rd were wrong.
-Trey & Lexi get back to Lombardi's and the owner, John, hands them a blue badge with the United Nations symbol in it - "What the heck is this?"
-Chippendales show up just then and Trey & Lexi take off. They have to figure out they need to head to the UN headquarters... a passerby knows and they jump in a cab.
-The Chippendales get to memorizing the deliveries as the Beekmans get back - John tells them they made a mistake on the pizzas and they have to redo two deliveries, Brent is totally passive aggressive, "I remembered the addresses, that was my job." (Meow.)
-Bicker, bicker, Brent is not letting Josh live this down EVER. They get the right deliveries this time - bickering all the way.
-We'll see how the Chippendales do - They aren't as familiar with the addresses but they get the deliveries right.
-The Beekmans know the UN symbol and jump in a cab - Brent is still giving him grief about messing up the orders and Josh says he'd like not to hear of it anymore. Done.
-Chippendales finish the pizzas and head for the UN.
-Trey & Lexi get to the UN and get the clue to the ROADBLOCK - Who has a way with words? (This is the final challenge and it has to be other person than who did the straightjacket bungee challenge.) They have to remember how they heard Hello and Goodbye in all nine UN member countries they visited during the Race. (Seriously?) They must match the correct hello and goodbye with the flag of the country it's the language of (French, Chinese, Spanish... then I'd be sunk.) Once they have a perfect match they can raise the UN flag, which will lower their final clue.
-Lexi gets going, she knows Spanish. They are worried this is going to be very time consuming.
-Brent & Josh get there and Josh jumps in - he gets Spanish and French... apparently Josh is better at languages so they're happy he's the one doing this challenge.
-Chippendales arrive and it has to be Brown James doing this one - They are kicking themselves because they just thought the greeters were being cordial - they didn't keep track of the hellos and goodbyes. They all get Spain first.
-Lexi is starting to feel overwhelmed, there are so many combinations possible..
-They all start guessing and they are getting the rest of them wrong.
-Lexi smacks herself in the head with the flag frame and the waterworks starts - "We've done so well on the race and it comes down to fricken' hello and goodbye." Trey reacts like most men to tears - look of deer in the headlights - plus he can't do anything to help her, she's got to do it. (Pull yourself together woman! You're representing for all of us now.)
-Josh turned this challenge from a language problem to a math problem - he just started going flag by flag, using every single word on the pole until he got the right combination. And the Beekmans pull ahead.
-James is doing pretty well, he's staying calmer than Lexi - she's having a meltdown because she can't control this.
-Beekmans and the Chippendales are both down to their last countries and it's the Beekmans that get them all correct first. They get the clue to the finish line Gotham Hall and the other teams are both so gracious, congratulating them. But Lexi is a mess.
-James gets his last combination right and they also get the clue.
-The Beekmans demand a cabbie's cell phone to look up Gotham Hall.
-The Chippendales are right behind them in a cab as well.
Here's How They Finished:
1) Josh & Brent - That's Fantastic! I'm so proud of them - Yup, crying too much to type. Josh hopes they give people hope that are out of work or facing losing their home that if they don't give up, people will help and you can win. This race has literally brought them back together again because they can pay off the farm and physically start living together again.
2) The Chippendales - They congratulate the Beekmans and say they had an incredible experience. Plus James won his mom a car - for better or for worse, the world will have a different view of Chippendales from now on.
3) Trey & Lexi - She's still crying - it's been an amazing journey, just priceless. To have a solid month with Trey, it's made them stronger as a couple. She's definitely ready for that next step, just a matter of Trey being ready now.
The Beekman boys changed Monster Trucker Rob's life, made him realize it's not for him to judge anybody by their lifestyle. (That's great.)
Josh says he hopes they are a role model to all the underdogs to never quit, nice guys do finish first sometimes.
And with that amazing finish by the Fabulous Beekman Boys: Kim A, Drew C, Krista H, Denise R and Patty F are all winners of the Amazing Race pool. Congratulations everyone! (I'll contact you all personally.)
I hope you all have a very happy holiday season.
Coleen
The two hour finale started with a recap of the final four teams' performance on the Race so far: The Chippendales started out rocky but have persevered; Lexi & Ryan have had more first place finishes than any of the other teams and are growing more in love (Phil you ol' softy); the Twins are loud and upbeat, they have been in an a partnership with Trey & Lexi almost since the beginning and they drew the Chippendales into their alliance when they conspired to take out Ryan & Abbie; and finally, the Beekman Boys/Goat Farmers, they have been saved by non-elimination, faced a penalty when they couldn't swim and saved by the U-Turn conspiracy - they are as amazed as anyone that they are still there.
They start the leg in Mallorca, Spain - Trey & Lexi are the first out at 9:32am - they find out they have to fly to Barcelona, Spain, then take a train to the Loire Valley in France. When they arrive in France, they will find their next clue on the marked Ford Escapes (uh oh, does that mean more stick driving for the Twins?)
-Trey says, they do have an alliance with the Chippendales and the Twins but they are racing for the Million dollars and will do whatever it takes to make final three.
-Chippendales are the next team out at 9:46am - they feel like they've struggled through the ranks but they've had noble motivation to win, for blond Jaymes' Dad and his cancer situation and brown James wants to help out his Mom who has worked with special needs children all her life.
-Josh & Brent are the next out at 10:27am - Josh is happy to be heading to France, he speaks French - ah, tres bon! They have hung on by the skin of their teeth and now is the time to push forward and shock everyone (including themselves) by making the final three.
-Twins are the last out at 11:17am, they were saved by the non-elimination leg last week but they will face a Speed Bump at some point this leg. They are sure they can rely on their alliance friends to help them out. They feel they deserve to be there more than the Beekman's who have coasted through (not really) so hopefully there are some tough challenges coming up.
-All teams fly to Barcelona and get on the same train to France.
-The Dream Team of the Chippendales, Trey & Lexi and the Twins were having an unofficial powwow on the train. The Twins announcing the Beekmans are just taking up a space, the Twins want it more and Jaymes says six heads are better than two.
-Josh & Brent overhear them talking about their "dream team alliance" and Josh is demoralized - the other teams are all trying to cover, like they are all just a big happy family but the Beekmans are not stupid - they see through the fake nice. Josh & Brent have decided not to let it get them down, but to use it to spur them on.
Loire Valley, France
Now begins the Ford Escape commercial - they find the clues on the cars and read that they must pick up eight empty crates from a cafe, kick open the hands free lift gate, load the car, then kick closed the lift gate and drive themselves to Chateau De Villandry home to the worlds largest ornamental garden - where they must find a stone dog statue which has their next clue (in a messenger bag.)
-Everybody get started loading the crates... though Lexi ran into the road and nearly got smucked (you still have to look both ways, sheesh). They also all loved the hands free lift feature of the vehicles - Josh wants one - "If we win the million dollars [dear]."
-The alliance asks directions from a local and the Beekmans just waited in the car, they know the other teams are all working together so they will just follow them all and stay with the pack.
-Trey & Lexi are excited to be leading the pack. Brown James hopes he can win his mom a car. The Twins are grousing about the sneaky Beekmans trying to weasel their way up from behind like they do. The Beekmans are enjoying the Twins viewing them as a threat all of a sudden, they are going to stay slow and steady and let them stew in their paranoid juices.
And that's exactly what is happening, the girls never thought the gays would be a threat when they gassed Abbie & Ryan. Now they are there riding their coat tails and compromising their place in the race. (What the H-E-Double-hockey-sticks.)
-They all stop to confirm where they're going - Blond Jaymes has the map, tells Trey he's on the right track - Natalie yells they have to lose these guys (refering to the Beekmans... ah, they're right there.) They hear it but the Twins don't care, "At this point I'm willing to be a beyotch." (And you haven't been up to this point... stealing another teams money, remember that? They've been willing all along I think.)
-They all get to the gardens and are running around, they see a groundskeeper and none of them know what dog is in French, they start barking at him - then Josh strolls over, "Chien?" Oh snap! (Oh, Josh should have found someone else to ask and kept his French speaking to himself, he should be more strategic at this point... but then they are afraid to leave the group.) The fact that Josh speaks French scares Blond Jaymes (as it should.)
-The groundskeeper points them all in the direction of the dog statue (hopefully) and it's a foot race - Brent & Josh are holding their own, much to the chagrin of the others and Brent taunts the twins a little (ha. I can't help but root for the underdogs. Especially when the rest of them are being mean girls.)
-They all get the clue to find Di Vinci's final resting place - Chateau d'Amboise. Oh, except the Twins who find their Speed Bump - Brent taunts them more, "Bye-eye." Josh gives him heck. Brent, "If they can dish it, they gotta take it." Josh, "No, that's not nice." (Oh, you know what they say about nice guys and how they finish... )
Speed Bump:
The girls have to enter the Chateau and help fit a woman in an 18th century corset - once they get it properly done up, they'll get the next clue.
-As all the teams start running back to the cars, the Twins are yelling at them to lose the Beekmans - Josh says, "You don't have to lose us, you don't need to listen to these b*tches." Natalie just keeps yelling orders, "Don't let them ride your coattails, they are just using you guys." (Oh, put a sock in it already.)
-The Twins can't believe they are leaving them (seriously? Do you expect them all to wait for you two? It's a race for a Million dollars, and they all want to win it.)
-So, the Twins get up to the bedroom and, while lacing the corset, they are complaining that they didn't all just wait for them - the Beekman' wouldn't have gone anywhere (these two are seriously delusional).
-On the grounds, the Chippendales and Trey & Lexi are looking for someone to ask where Di Vinci's final resting place is, but they are not the brightest. As soon ask Josh shows up and can speak the language and gets the directions, Chips and Lex & Tex are more than willing to follow them. Brent is amused how quickly their little alliance broke down without the Twins there to be the evil ring-eaders.
-Lexi is worried to be following the Beekman's because they're not the best with directions (Really? I don't remember them getting lost). The Chippendales have no shame - you speak French and will lead us - come right on in then.
-Back at the Chateau, the Twins stick their knee in the poor lady's back but they get her cinched into the corset correctly. They have to run back to the dog statue to get the clue.
-Meanwhile, on the road, Lexi's fears are proving to be well founded as Josh has led them in a big circle trying to get to d'Amboise. Josh pulls into a gas station for directions and the other teams are not impressed.
-The Twins get the clue to find D'Vinci's final resting place - they hit the road for D'Amboise.
-Trey & Lexi figure they need to be at the chapel, not all the way up to the Chateau so they pull off - The Beekmans and the Chippendales keep going up to the chateau. Trey & Lexi are the first team to get the clue (by a couple seconds) to the DETOUR: Chow or Plow
-In Chow - they have to make the daily meal for a hungry pack of hunting hounds. They must sort, cut and weigh various cuts of meat to make a well balanced meal for the dogs, and serve it up in the feeding area. Once the food is ready for consumption - they get their next clue.
-In Plow - they must use a traditional horse & plow to till 4 furrows in a field. When the farmer has decided their plowing is good enough, he'll give them the next clue.
-The Chippendales decide they are going to do the plow and figure Trey & Lexi will do it too.
-They let the Beekmans know they are going to plow but Blond Jaymes also tells them only two can do it at a time.
-Josh didn't want to have to wait for the other teams to finish before they could start...
-Trey decides that they are going to do Chow - not Plow... uh oh, the dream team is going to be divided. And when Trey runs by the Beekman's and says they're doing Chow, the boys jump all over that - "Okay, let's do it together."
-Lexi says it's just in their nature to say, 'Okay, yeah we'll help you' but she's not too happy about it. They were waiting for the Beekmans to run and get their car but then her competitive side kicked in and they take off.
-The Twins are arriving at the chapel.
-The Chippendales hope they are losing the Beekmans.
-The Beekmans realize Trey & Lexi didn't wait but they know they can't trust anyone at this point in the Race so it's not a huge deal.
-The Twins decide to do Chow as well. They've made dog food before.
-Trey & Lexi have changed their minds and are going to try their hand at the plowing instead - they're from Texas, they are hoping it will help them forge ahead.
-Trey & Lexi are the first team to arrive (looks like parking for both tasks is in the same place.) They choose a farmer, a plow and a horse - the goal is to plow 4 straight lines... easier said than done. Lexi is leading the horse but Trey is having no luck keeping the plow in the ground... this could take awhile.
-The Beekman's and the Chippendales can't find the parking.
-The Twins drive by the field and see Trey & Lexi doing the plowing - they were tempted to do it but it looked too hard - still going to chow. Lexi saw them and was impressed they made up so much time.
-Chippendales finally find the parking and see the Twins beat them there - now the pressure is really on.
-The Beekman's pull up and the Twins are super excited - everyone is here. They head into Chow with the Beekmans right behind them. Josh, "We're going to lose this to the girls." Brent, "Who cares."
-The Twins start the trash-talking as they all start cutting up the meat - saying they are the evil gays, used to using knives to stab people in the back. Brent gives it back to them - You are the evil twins. "We've always been evil." (Well that is true. I just wish they were silent.)
-Trey & Lexi look to be on their 3rd row when the Chippendales finally get there. Brown James is trying to do the plowing and he is not a country boy - instantly his forearms are screaming and the plow is jumping all over the place.
-Brent & Josh are using their brains while the Twins are still running their mouths. They have searched out the cuts of meat that don't have to be de-boned and have filled up their two buckets way faster than the Evil Twins.
-Josh starts using logic on them - why align with two stronger teams, we are weaker, don't you think you'd get farther keeping us around? That confounds them, "we can't cut and talk." (right, you have been up til now.)
-Evil Gays are done first and they have to go set out the feast for the dogs.
-Twins, "If we lose to them again, I'm going to kill myself." (Now don't go making promises...)
-Chippendales are still plowing.
-Trey & Lexi are the first team through the Detour and they get the next clue - to find the Caves des Roches. They are off in the car.
-Chippendales are the next team to finish the Detour. (I guess the plowing was easier... though they were big guys doing the heavy lifting.)
-The Twins are freaking out as the one thing they didn't want to happen, happens. The Beekmans finish the task before them and head out for the Caves des Roches.
-Release the Hounds! We see the feeding frenzy. And the Twins grumbling, "The gays bloody beat us."
-Trey & Lexi get to the Caves and find the clue to the ROADBLOCK: Who's a fun guy? The underground tunnels created when the limestone was excavated to build the chateau has created the perfect conditions to grow mushrooms. They must look at 3 types of mushrooms, then by memory only, they must find the same three types of mushrooms in the subterranean tunnels. Once they return with 10 of each variety of mushroom, the champignonist (mushroom seller) will hand them their next clue. Lexi is going to do this one.
-Lexi heads into the cave and it's cold and dark... there are a lot of different mushrooms, some looked like the ones she needed but they were different colours. She gets to harvesting.
-The Chippendales show up and blond Jaymes is the Fun-guy for this challenge.
-Beekmans get lost.
-Twins finish the feeding and they Release the Hounds again.
-Lexi is lost in the tunnels - so dark - it's like a maze.
-Jaymes is the first one out with his mushrooms - but it's not right - he has to go back down.
-Lexi runs for the light at the end of her tunnel - she gets back to the shop and checks her mushrooms and she's right! Ahh! Most rewarding thing she's ever done! (prone to hyperbole this one.)
They get the clue to the Pit Stop, the Chateau di Chenonceau (the castle of the ladies) - asking directions of the locals, a guy, I guess, was complimenting her hair by grabbing it (ew) she was like 'okay, b-bye.' (Don't touch me creepy French guy.)
-Jaymes gets the right mushrooms on his second attempt and they head out for the Pit Stop too.
-Trey & Lexi stopped at a castle too early - they find out the Castle of the ladies is still 15 mins away.
-The Twins get to the mushroom caves and run right inside looking for the clue. The Beekmans get there right behind them but go to the store - they decide that Brent is the fun-guy for this one.
-The Twins run back out and find the clue - Natalie is going to do this one (did she even look at the mushrooms?)
-Brent is befuddled in the caves, especially with Natalie breathing down his neck.
-Natalie gets her mushrooms quicker though, Brent can't find the exit.
-The Twins get the clue to the Pit Stop. Josh hopes they're heading the wrong way.
-Brent emerges and at least he has the mushrooms right - they are about 10 minutes behind the Twins. They are wishing navigation issues on them. Then the Beekmans hit a detour. The Twins stop for directions and they find out they were heading the wrong way... OOOOOHHHH!!!
Here's How They Finished:
1) Jaymes & James - they each won a Ford Escape! Brown James is so happy to be able to give the car to his mom.
2) Trey & Lexi - they are the 2nd team in the finals. Hopefully they won't lose any friends over the last leg but you never know, they all want the money.
3) Josh & Brent - They were just shocked! That's awesome. It's up here (head) not here (arms) Brains over brawn take the day.
4) Natalie & Nadiya - ELIMINATED - and, though I found them entertaining, I can't say I'm sorry to see them go. Next hour will be quieter anyway :) They need to harness their energy into something good.
Final Leg:
Jaymes & James are the first team to head out at 1:33am - They have to fly to New York City, and they have a postcard of the Coney Island boardwalk where they will have to locate their next clue hidden in circus sign (Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard).
-Trey & Lexi are the next team out at 1:44am - They don't know Coney Island either. They didn't do any travelling before the race - didn't even know what customs was before.
-In the cab, the Chippendales have just realize that it doesn't matter if it's Sri Lanka or the Beekmans - both those teams are from NY - so they better be on their toes.
-3:06am - the Beekmans are the final team - they are very happy the final city is NY. If they won, they could pay off the farm mortgage and finally be together again - Josh wouldn't have to stay in the city while Brent is out on the farm - and they would also accomplish one of the biggest goals they have ever set for themselves (oh, they are getting verklempt.)
At the airport - Chippendales and Trey & Lexi get the big reveal when the Beekman Boys show up. Trey & Lexi aren't worried about them having the home field advantage - they feel like they've been battling with the Chippendales the last couple legs and figure it will stay that way this leg (oh, don't count out the gentle goat farmers... they'll cut you.)
-They all board the flight and the Beekmans are ready for their first and only win - it's the only one that counts after all.
-They land in New York City and they've all ditched their packs so they are running free for the cabs. They are all so excited to be back in the States. All racing to Coney Island.
-The Chippendales and Trey & Lexi find the view on the postcard on the Boardwalk but they can't find anything red & yellow... they are running around like chickens with their heads cut off.
-The Chippendales decide to head into the park... Trey & Lexi follow - they are walking among the rides - aimlessly.
-Josh & Brent get to the view on the postcard - Josh says he sees it but second guesses himself... eek.
-The Chippendales and Trey & Lexi head back out and Lexi finally notices the Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, she's writing it down, trying to be sly because the Beekmans are right there - but Brent notices it too which spurs Trey & Lexi and take off - why are Brent & Josh just standing there - they stop to write it down and bicker (UGH! JUST GO!)
-Chippendales see the Beekmans bolt and realize it must be right in front of them... but they're pretty.
-Trey is not happy the Beekmans saw them writing the clue down, Lexi discounts them, it is the Chippendales that are their main competition. (Oh, she's cursing them to 2nd place I'm predicting.)
-Jaymes finally figures it out - Race to the Brooklyn Navy Yard - and they take off - at least 15 minutes behind the others.
-The full sign was of the Amazing Houdini - Lexi has no idea who that is (She doesn't know Houdini? Wow.) Trey tells her he was a magician - the Beekmans are also speculating if they'll be handcuffed under water - Josh says, "It's your turn." (Not It!)
Trey & Lexi get to the clue box - ROADBLOCK - Who's up for an amazing escape? (he said excape, but I won't hold it against him, too much.)
-OMG! They will be straightjacketed then hung upside down 15 storeys above the dry dock. If they don't panic and can figure out how to get out of the straightjacket, they will be surprised by a bungee free-fall (OH HELL NO!) Once they're back on their feet they'll get their next clue (and hopefully a change of drawers.)
-Lexi says it's Trey's turn - the only thing he's afraid of is heights... and being constrained - "I'm going to be alright up there right?"
-Brent is going to do it for the Beekmans - he's not afraid of heights but he doesn't know how to get out of a straightjacket.
-The Chippendales are the only team thinking "This is so cool." Blond Jaymes will do it.
-Trey is the first to go, the rest get to watch. And listen to Lexi scream at him, "I love you babe!" Trey stays pretty calm and gets out of the jacket rather quickly - then it lets him go and I don't think he liked that surprise. "I'm still very scared! Holy crap, I did not expect that." Trey & Lexi get the clue to make their way to the first pizzeria in NY (Lombardi's).
-Now it's Brent's turn and Jaymes isn't thinking it's so cool anymore - he's got loved ones.
-Trey & Lexi use the cab driver's cell phone to look up the first pizzeria in NY and they head for Lombardi's - Lexi just hopes they get to eat.
-Brent got to the edge of panic but he finally gets his arms over his head and the jacket comes off - and he drops.
-Jaymes knows he's got to do this fast! And he does - he's done as the Beekmans are reading the clue.
-They are all heading for Lombardi's.
-Trey & Lexi get there first and read the clue - they have to deliver 10 pizzas to three destinations on foot. First they must memorize the orders and addresses... ho boy. Once they do it correctly they'll get the next clue.
-Trey & Lexi split up the memorization - she did first two locations, he was to remember the third.
-The Beekmans get there and they did it differently - Brent had to remember the addresses and Josh the orders. Plus, they are from NY - huge advantage.
-The Chippendales had to wait for a taxi to be called for them so they are still at the docks - not where they want to be right now.
-Trey & Lexi get all their deliveries right.
-Josh & Brent get first right, 2nd & 3rd were wrong.
-Trey & Lexi get back to Lombardi's and the owner, John, hands them a blue badge with the United Nations symbol in it - "What the heck is this?"
-Chippendales show up just then and Trey & Lexi take off. They have to figure out they need to head to the UN headquarters... a passerby knows and they jump in a cab.
-The Chippendales get to memorizing the deliveries as the Beekmans get back - John tells them they made a mistake on the pizzas and they have to redo two deliveries, Brent is totally passive aggressive, "I remembered the addresses, that was my job." (Meow.)
-Bicker, bicker, Brent is not letting Josh live this down EVER. They get the right deliveries this time - bickering all the way.
-We'll see how the Chippendales do - They aren't as familiar with the addresses but they get the deliveries right.
-The Beekmans know the UN symbol and jump in a cab - Brent is still giving him grief about messing up the orders and Josh says he'd like not to hear of it anymore. Done.
-Chippendales finish the pizzas and head for the UN.
-Trey & Lexi get to the UN and get the clue to the ROADBLOCK - Who has a way with words? (This is the final challenge and it has to be other person than who did the straightjacket bungee challenge.) They have to remember how they heard Hello and Goodbye in all nine UN member countries they visited during the Race. (Seriously?) They must match the correct hello and goodbye with the flag of the country it's the language of (French, Chinese, Spanish... then I'd be sunk.) Once they have a perfect match they can raise the UN flag, which will lower their final clue.
-Lexi gets going, she knows Spanish. They are worried this is going to be very time consuming.
-Brent & Josh get there and Josh jumps in - he gets Spanish and French... apparently Josh is better at languages so they're happy he's the one doing this challenge.
-Chippendales arrive and it has to be Brown James doing this one - They are kicking themselves because they just thought the greeters were being cordial - they didn't keep track of the hellos and goodbyes. They all get Spain first.
-Lexi is starting to feel overwhelmed, there are so many combinations possible..
-They all start guessing and they are getting the rest of them wrong.
-Lexi smacks herself in the head with the flag frame and the waterworks starts - "We've done so well on the race and it comes down to fricken' hello and goodbye." Trey reacts like most men to tears - look of deer in the headlights - plus he can't do anything to help her, she's got to do it. (Pull yourself together woman! You're representing for all of us now.)
-Josh turned this challenge from a language problem to a math problem - he just started going flag by flag, using every single word on the pole until he got the right combination. And the Beekmans pull ahead.
-James is doing pretty well, he's staying calmer than Lexi - she's having a meltdown because she can't control this.
-Beekmans and the Chippendales are both down to their last countries and it's the Beekmans that get them all correct first. They get the clue to the finish line Gotham Hall and the other teams are both so gracious, congratulating them. But Lexi is a mess.
-James gets his last combination right and they also get the clue.
-The Beekmans demand a cabbie's cell phone to look up Gotham Hall.
-The Chippendales are right behind them in a cab as well.
Here's How They Finished:
1) Josh & Brent - That's Fantastic! I'm so proud of them - Yup, crying too much to type. Josh hopes they give people hope that are out of work or facing losing their home that if they don't give up, people will help and you can win. This race has literally brought them back together again because they can pay off the farm and physically start living together again.
2) The Chippendales - They congratulate the Beekmans and say they had an incredible experience. Plus James won his mom a car - for better or for worse, the world will have a different view of Chippendales from now on.
3) Trey & Lexi - She's still crying - it's been an amazing journey, just priceless. To have a solid month with Trey, it's made them stronger as a couple. She's definitely ready for that next step, just a matter of Trey being ready now.
The Beekman boys changed Monster Trucker Rob's life, made him realize it's not for him to judge anybody by their lifestyle. (That's great.)
Josh says he hopes they are a role model to all the underdogs to never quit, nice guys do finish first sometimes.
And with that amazing finish by the Fabulous Beekman Boys: Kim A, Drew C, Krista H, Denise R and Patty F are all winners of the Amazing Race pool. Congratulations everyone! (I'll contact you all personally.)
I hope you all have a very happy holiday season.
Coleen
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