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Needy Brooke takes this opportunity to wish that Maya, currently in first place, falls off the tightrope so that Brooke could surpass her. The fact that Maya would have nightmares about that for the rest of her life is much less important to Brooke than a quickly forgotten moment in first place. For no apparent reason, not-too-swift Robbie (as stated on his hat) says that Maya has to get the clue and come back. Brooke all but curls up in the fetal position on this announcement, having failed to realize that this is a round-trip tightrope walk.

After Maya easily finishes, Brooke makes it about two steps before complaining. She also notes that she should be able to beat Maya, because she “kicks people for a living.” Fake-kicking people is not the same as kicking them, Brooke. They are paid to let you do that.

Cut to Adam and Bethany going for the Fast Forward. Kym & Alli had better be perfect. They probably have about six chances before the professional surfer arrives. The first attempt ends in a face-plant for Alli, which is a metaphor for the entire Fast Forward. She lasts 19 seconds out of the needed 120. During this period, Kym shouts instructions about bent knees and the like, which only seems to irritate and distract her teammate. For her part, Kym looks like she could do this while eating a hearty lunch and possibly juggling. Alli does express growing optimism that she can complete the challenge.

What happens next is simply bad luck. Alli appears to be getting the hang of the process. She struggles a bit at first. Still, she looks focused and determined. A hilarious clock display reveals the impending danger. At the 1:53 mark, the camera cuts to outside, where the soul surfers have arrived at the building. Kym and Alli pretty much have to complete this heat if they want to win the Fast Forward. And if they don’t win the Fast Forward, they are mega-screwed.

At the 1:30 mark, Alli almost wipes out but saves herself at the last moment. At the 1:15 mark, Adam and Bethany arrive. Kym notices immediately, and let’s just say that she has the crazy eyes when she does. As long as they surf for another 75 seconds, the soul surfers will have arrived just in time to discover that they have badly miscalculated. It feels like we are looking at the loser of tonight’s leg. The question is which team.

Alli also notices the arrival of the competition. She clearly has a sinking feeling, but she does not lose her balance. Meanwhile, Bethany freaks out in frustration, because she thinks she has caused her husband’s elimination. She has not. At 1:02, Kym is the one who briefly loses her balance before recovering. The commotion of her shout causes Alli to lose her balance. She falls on her face again, 58 seconds short of winning the Fast Forward. Had the soul surfers hit one more red light, the entire season of The Amazing Race could have ended differently.

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