Episode Report Card M. Giant: N/A | 77 USERS: B- YOU GRADE IT Istanbul, Not Constantinople
By M. Giant | Season 21 | Episode 6 | Aired on 2012.11.04
The race finally leaves Asia, but just barely, as everyone gets on the same flight to the European side of Istanbul. But even before that happens, Ryan trash-talks everyone from the very beginning, like he's not the obnoxious one in the race. At the travel agency, Natalie and Nadiya snag James & Abba's wad of dropped cash, and make Trey & Lexi accessories after the fact by offering to split it with them. Team Metal are reduced to begging for cab fare to the airport on the street as a result. So congratulations on making Bangladesh poorer, twins.
When the teams reach Istanbul, they race via taxi (and, in the case of the Chippendales and Team Monster Truck, the Metro) to the ferry terminal, where they cross the Bosporus right back into Asia. Jaymes & James ditch the train partway, but Rob refuses to be a follower, unaware that he and Kelley are quickly falling to last place. Despite their money troubles and Abba's injured leg, Team Metal takes an early lead and, along with Lexi & Trey, are the first to find the clue for this week's Detour. They have to either carry large trays of Turkish bagels all over town or submit to a Turkish bath, so obviously the second proves more popular. Josh and Brent face a Speed Bump where they have to undertake the onerous task of eating ice cream cones. But they can't even do that right, getting their first pair of cones from the wrong stand. That only drops them to fifth place, however, because the Chippendales and the monster truckers are still behind them. The goat farmers and the monster truckers are the only two teams to schlep bagels, and Brent quickly grows impatient with Josh from under a heavy tray of baked goods. Even more impatient than usual, that is.
Meanwhile, the lead teams proceed to a Roadblock in which they dress up as local vendors to sell cups of Turkish sherbet to bazaar shoppers. Lexi's cheerleading skills come in handy here, so she and Trey are the first to reach the Pit Stop. Ryan has a better attitude on this occasion when he and Abbie come in second, even though his precious record is effectively out the window. James & Abba manage to come in third despite everything, and Natalie & Nadiya are team number four, with no penalty to be seen. Jaymes & James come in fifth, and Brent & Josh have to direct traffic themselves in order to make it to the mat in sixth place. And thus Rob & Kelley bring up the rear and are Philiminated. How does he feel about staying on that train now?