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When I first read that The Amazing Race was issuing an apology, I immediately thought that it was because after the 15-minute mark when David & Connor withdrew from the Race, last week’s episode was utterly pointless and a waste of time. That wasn’t the case, though.

The apology centered on something much more serious. In a case of conscience, they apologized for insensitive content to Vietnam War veterans. The offending content could have been either the tactless use of a memorial in Vietnam that was the site of a U.S. B-52 crash as a clue site or the Roadblock that included a song praising the virtues of the Vietnam Communist party. Either way, it was a nice acknowledgement that they messed up and are trying to make it right.

Back at the Pit Stop, Pam & Winnie are raring to go and we are about to find out how little time separates all the teams. Since they are venturing to Africa (cue the Toto earworm: “I bless the rains down in Africa”), I fear that last place Chuck & Wynona will promptly be clumped back together with the others at the airport.

At 10:40 p.m., when the ladies open their clue, they find out that the city of Maun is their destination. Phil explains that when the teams arrive, they will take a spot on one of three charter flights that will deliver them to the edge of the Kalahari Desert. The only catch is that the travel agency security guard outside will only let them in if they know the name of the country Maun is in. With a quick jaunt across the street to a hotel to use the Internet, Pam & Winnie confirm that Botswana is their destination.

Almost an hour later, Cape Fear leaves the mat and Max takes the time to remind us that Katie is super smart and she adds that she has a doctorate, yet they have kept that to themselves. Only three minutes later, Sock ‘er Moms are off the mat, followed two minutes later by Bates & Anthony. That is how tight of a leg the last one was. Yet, all the racing to the mat couldn’t wring any drama out of that episode with David & Connor bowing out at the beginning of the leg. The Puck Brothers are more than happy to keep the pretty country crooners around for ogling (I assume). Speaking of the objects of their desire, Caroline & Jen leave about ten minutes later.

The wrinkle of having to know the country is the smallest of hiccups for teams as those that don’t know the name (like Cowboy Royalty and the hockeys bros.) get an assist from the other teams or just grab the nearest smartphone to browse the web.

Despite Joey & Meghan leaving the mat another hour later and last place Chuck & Wynona THREE hours after them, all the teams are on the same flight leaving at 10 a.m. that morning. Chuck reminds us that this was the third time in a row they have been in last place at the mat. This just makes me feel even more validated in labeling them the worst team on my power rankings.

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