'The Amazing Race': Don't let the cowboy hats fool you

It's official: the cowboys are now my favorite team.

Referred to as "the most magical people ever," Jet and Cord have quickly become the team to beat. 

Perhaps it was their aw shucks accents or their choice of accessories, but the cowboys managed to get the other teams to fail to see them as a threat. In a game as fiercely fought as "The Amazing Race," that's the quickest way to get ahead, really.

This week's episode of "The Amazing Race" found the Stetson-wearing brothers taking an early lead, thanks to some swift thinking with regard to public transportation while several other teams reinforced certain preconceptions I had about them.

Did certain activities this week--milking cows, dressing llamas--play to their strengths? Certainly, but it was their decisive action as well as unflappable nature that kept these two ranchers at the front of the pack.

My question for those running the race: if you discover that your bus is about to leave at another terminal, do you (A) inquire if there's room on the bus leaving in a half an hour from the terminal you're at and wait around patiently or (B) attempt to race across town in a taxi to catch said bus? Most logical people would choose (A), I would think, but that's not what the Model Alliance of Brent and Caite and Jordan and Jeff did. Instead, they raced to catch the bus, only to discover that it had already left... and then turned around to come back to the original bus station, only to learn that that bus too had left without them.

The cowboys, on the other hand, simply stayed put and got on their original bus and got to their destination ahead of every other team. They also wisely sought a faster route by booking a trip where they had to change buses. It may not have been nonstop but it also got them there faster. That's thinking with your head. (It also helps to check your tickets.)

And the cowboys also seem to be having a blast. They're noticing the gorgeous environs that the race is taking them through, stopping to eat some cake (or kuchen in this case), and admiring everything around them with their homespun charm, which typically includes exclamations of "oh my gravy." (How could you not love them, really?)

They also seem to be playing their own game. In a season that's only two episodes old, we already have alliances forming, which I never understand. Besides for kindred spirits going on between Miss Teen South Carolina (Caite) and Brent and the "Big Brother" team, there's also another alliance underway between girlfriends Carol and Brandy (who seem to implode next week) and married couple Joe and Heidi. When will contestants learn to stop worrying about other teams and focus on running the race on their own?

This week, Joe and Heidi managed to irritate just about every other team by attempting to save spots in the bus queue for Brandy and Carol, a move that hasn't exactly earned them brownie points with their fellow competitors. I get that you're in an alliance, guys, but really saving spots? Is this fifth grade?

Some amusing moments this week: Caite's efforts to pronounce the word "adoration" (she's not exactly disproving her reputation); the Model Alliance nearly having a meltdown in an Chilean bus terminal; Cord sneaking a piece of kuchen during the Road Block (and not telling Jet that he had any); the awful looks thrown at Caite after she spit; and Jordan spelling San Jose as "San H-O-S-E." Aw.

I wasn't that surprised that iron-pumping grandma Jody and granddaughter Shannon would be the ones to get cut from the competition this week (though it could have just as easily been directionally challenged detectives Louie and Michael), but I was shocked when Jody was kicked in the head by that cow during the Road Block. (Ouch.) But like a true trouper, she picked up her now-empty mug and kept milking away. 

The cowboys, meanwhile, walked away with a first place spot and... a pair of sailboats. Not sure how useful they'll be for this cowboy and professional bull rider, but I'm happy for these guys. I always like an underdog, especially when they prove that they can surprise everyone. 

What did you think of this week's episode? Are you loving the cowboys? Sad that Jody got the boot? Wondering when Caite's lack of literacy will prove to be dangerous? Or when Brandy and Carol will get their comeuppance? Head to the comments section to discuss.

-- Jace Lacob (Follow my musings on television, food, and more television on Twitter at @televisionary)

Photo: Jet and Cord McCoy prove that you can't judge a book by its cover (or its choice in hats) on "The Amazing Race." Credit: CBS/Monty Brinton.

Related:
'The Amazing Race': Painting the town red
'The Amazing Race 16': Five reasons to tune in
Complete 'Amazing Race' coverage on Showtracker

Comments

[nova4ess]

I was surprised to hear Jody claim that she was racing with her favorite grandchild. I wonder what the reception will be like with some of her "unfavorite" grandkids when she returns home. Of course I don't know the whole story, but I always feel that kids and grandkids shouldn't KNOW who the favorite is. Oh well. After that, I wasn't particularly unhappy when Jody was eliminated. At this point, really not liking Brandy and Carol. Why not give the young Caite a chance to not be liked rather than letting your perceived notions of her to be your judge and jury. Seems they aren't very wise for their ages. The Cowboys and the brothers are cracking me up. And if I was ever being chased by the law, I would hope that I was being chased by the 2 dense detectives.

[Erica Stephens]

It has been my practice to wait till the game is well on it,s way before I choose my favorites,but I like you am in love with the cowboys.Finding a trash bag to cover his hat from the rain,then using that bag to carry the eggs...priceless.As for Dumb and Dumber,I don,t believe they are detectives,I think they work the night shift as security guards for a carpet wharehouse.I found the relationship between grandmother and grandaughter very sweet,and I wish they would have lasted longer....As for the others,I have no opinion yet.

[Eve]

Kudos to the cowboys, they played a good game - however I think the writer is somewhat biased. I don't think they deserve to be the major subject for show tracking. Last week the number 1, best playing team barely received a nod - but they sure got plenty of ridicule. Not cool. Favorites of the author or not - I expect to read a fair review. I can't even finish reading this...wow.

There's nothing more annoying than a yapping man, and Jet (I believe it was him) NEVER shuts up! Yikes! Not that a woman who runs her mouth constantly isn't equally annoying, but I suppose that it's more common and somewhat expected from the females. Sad, but true.

What I thought was amazing was; how the Caite/Jeff teams were able to catch up and put themselves in 5th and 6th place after such a huge setback! They deserved some praise for that.

Yes, Jody's comment about how she admires Shannon the most out of all her grandchildren really struck me as odd too. Damn, lady - way to snub the rest of kids. If the other grandchildren are old enough to comprehend what she said, there may be irreparable damage done. Pointing out that she is the closest to Shannon isn't a big deal - that very well may be apparent to everyone within the family.

The physical challenges were much tamer this week - they all needed that break after the tight rope walk of the season premiere. But those cows could have killed somebody - my gawd that was dangerous. What was the point of those chains??? Useless. Jody was lucky. Yet, one would think it's never a good idea to place your head behind the legs of an animal with hoofs. Common sense is handy in situations such as these.

[D]

I think Cowboys Cord and Jet are playing the game pretty smartly. Knowing Cord from the Professional Bull Riders, I hope people who watch this show will notice how often he has a smile on his face.
If he makes a great bull ride or even when he gets bucked off (and wins no money) he walks away with a smile from ear to ear. He's been through the ringer and almost lost his life in a roping accident...I think making it through recovery and physical therapy gave him a different attitude toward life and every adventure he takes on He's an all around good guy and I have to think his brother has a similar disposition.

I think some people who posted here need to go back and watch the part of the show in which the grandmother is talking about her granddaughter. She said her granddaughter is the one grandchild she "KNOWS better than the others"...she didn't say "I like her the best"...she didn't say she favors her over the other grandkids...

[Danny Stewart]

Yes, cowboys rule. I know them both well and they are two of the finest young men you will ever meet. By the way, Jet does not talk continually. He is actually the deep thinker and Cord never meets a stranger. Cord was critically injured when a horse that bucked him off kicked him in the side of head in an Oklahoma City rodeo. He was immediately taken into surgery and made an incredible recovery with a lot of rehab. Cord has travelled the world riding bulls in the Professional Bull Riders circuit (PBR). They are both college graduates and very intelligent, cool under fire, and, Oh My Gravy, they are extremely competitive. All of us Okies are cheering them on! Cowboys rule.

[O-town]

Yeah, last night's episode sealed it for me - the Cowboys are my favorites this season. The others are just poor examples of the characters they are supposed to be "portraying" this season. No offense to Caite, but yeah, not doing a good job of living down her lack of intelligence. The lesbian life partners, sorry, I think you could be competitive and not come across condescending. And no, alliances on the Amazing Race don't mean squat. It's like the family edition of the Amazing Race - the alliances just mean you gotta' wait for two more people to finish their tasks. Lame. The detectives....please tell me they're retired. Otherwise, I wouldn't want them taking care of crime. The gay brothers...Amazing Race crew, did you really need to pick them for this season? They know it's a race, right? As for the rest of the teams, somewhat forgettable. Good luck, Jet and Cord!

[253SA]

Nothing on the father-daughter team?

[nova4ess]

Went to the videotape as I wouldn't want to be seen as bashing Grandma without a good reason. Her words were, "...know and admire the most." Probably not enough to put the other grandkids in therapy. But spoken at the next family reunion.... "I always knew grandma admired you most!" ;-)

[OkieLady]

Amen D and Danny...having known Cord and Jet since they were young, I'd say you both hit the nail on the head. They're both intelligent, fine young men who learned at an early age how to handle big money business, be competitive and maintain their beliefs and integrity all at the same time. Go Cord & Jet!

[Lynda Best]

I know both Cord and Jet. Cord will soon be part of our family, and like anyone that's ever met him and his brother, they are the most genuine and personable people you'll ever meet. Very tough competitors and I hope they can continue to lead the pack! Keep up the good work guys!! Lynda

[Kendra]

I absolutely love the cowboys. I mean Jet and Cord, when are you ever going to hear cooler names then those. I think that they have a nice attitude and that they are in that race for themselves, but not in a selfish way. They seem like two respectful gentlemen. I LOVE THEM!!!! And I hope that they continue to do well. And if you find a reason to not love them, then you need to let me know cause that would surely be somethin' (kudos to my fav Cowboys).

[Sandy Green]

Nice gear!!
Love the hats!!

[John&Liz-Pauls Valley Oklahoma]

We have never watched the Amazing Race until our Oklahoma Cowboys were shown to be competitors..We love these guys , Jet and Cord. They are like myself and husband , show their cowboy and western heritage right in their hearts..
Tonight i was dissapointed to hear and see that our two favorite cowboys were elimininated ..Well i guess theres no need to continue watching..
Good going guys we are still very proud of yall!