'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Amazing Race season 37 aired its Italy leg episode on April 30, 2025. It featured the teams racing in Naples, Italy, while encountering several obstacles on their way to the Pit Stop. From making pizza from scratch and mozzarella twists to delivering groceries using a bucket, the contestants had to complete a series of challenges before reaching the finish line.
Moreover, they needed to determine the route to each location without risking getting lost. Even a small mistake at this stage in the competition could jeopardize their chances of winning and leaving with the $1 million cash prize. Consequently, each team strived to put their best foot forward and ensure they maintained a safe position in the race. That was not the case with Han and Holden, who were consistently in last place throughout the race.
Trending
As a result, they arrived at the Pit Stop after all the other teams and prepared for their elimination. However, The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan surprised them by announcing they were safe because it was a non-elimination leg.
Disclaimer: This The Amazing Race article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.
While many welcomed the twist, I felt conflicted. In my opinion, during a season of twists, non-elimination was an unnecessary addition because it undermined the purpose of the race. I firmly believe it defeats the efforts of the winning teams and makes the decision seem unfair. From a viewer's perspective, it renders the whole race meaningless since the team in last place does not get eliminated.
Although fans may argue that it adds an element of surprise and tension to the race, making it more interesting to watch, I feel otherwise. While it creates suspense and builds on the drama, it defeats the essence of a race by allowing the losers to remain in it. In my view, it becomes unfair for those who came before them and those who were eliminated in previous legs due to unlucky circumstances.
The Amazing Race's non-elimination legs defeat the purpose of a race
It goes without saying that competitive reality TV shows need elements that create drama and suspense for viewers, making for an overall engaging experience. However, during a season that was billed as the season of twists, in which multiple unexpected hurdles were introduced for the players to tackle, non-elimination was the last thing I expected the producers to implement.
Non-elimination legs essentially spare last-place contestants by giving them another chance to race. This approach allows The Amazing Race to create underdogs that fans support and root for to win. At times, the twist also saves fan favorites, enhancing the show's engagement and value. However, when viewed solely from a competitor's perspective, the twist can seem unfair, particularly for those who finish the race with a significant lead.
In season 37, unlike previous seasons where non-elimination saves incurred a disadvantage for the next leg, The Amazing Race stars Han and Holden were simply allowed to continue without any penalty.
It makes the twist even more unfair as it puts them on par with the rest, giving them the same playing field despite finishing in last place. Watching Han and Holden get saved by the twist was disappointing, especially because they had consistently delivered underwhelming performances in previous weeks.
It further reinforces my belief that the non-elimination twist is unfair, allowing teams with a poor performance record to continue in the competition. While anyone can have a bad day, they must also be prepared to face the consequences; otherwise, it defeats the race's purpose, rendering the whole episode meaningless.
The twist also seemed unfair at times because, rather than providing the last-place contestants a chance to redeem themselves, it appeared to serve as a tool for producers to extend their episode orders.
I firmly believe that by eliminating one team at the end of each leg, The Amazing Race keeps the implicit promise to its audience that the show values and rewards skill, teamwork, and performance rather than free passes.
It not only weakens the show's competitive aspect but also undermines the efforts of those who put in everything to ensure they were not in last place. Meanwhile, those saved by the twist are saved by pure luck. Instead of saving contestants in that manner, if players were given an opportunity to win immunity and use it later to save themselves, that would make for a more logical yet fair solution.
Stream The Amazing Race on Paramount+.
