The Amazing Race 33 Season Wrap-up


The Amazing Race 33 Episode 11

I will admit, last year, I honestly didn’t care if season 33 ever finished filming or not. I had a bit of Amazing Race fatigue or maybe, more accurately, a case of Amazing Race apathy. And I absolutely believe it had to do with how annoyingly horrible season 32 was and how exhausting (and also annoying) Amazing Race Australia 5 was. I was all Amazing Race-d out.

Also while in the middle of COVID, I was confused why fans were so eager to get teams running around the world so soon. Like, we’re being put under all these restrictions and are told we needed to lock ourselves at home, yet you want teams and TAR crew to go running around random countries? I thought it was so odd.

But at the same time, a bit of potential jealousy as well. TAR teams get to travel and have fun once again while the rest of us have to navigate the COVID craziness at home? Hmph. lol

But by the time this season finally premiered, I was pretty ready to watch it. Fully vaxxed and a bit of more free, I was feeling less annoyed by the lingering cloud of COVID. And distance certainly can make the heart grow fonder. So having The Amazing Race mothership back was a bit of a welcome treat.

Last year when the TAR sleuths discovered the charter plane, I thought it was an interesting idea. First, interesting because I never though TAR would get back to Racing so soon. But also interesting because it felt like the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

COVID is here to stay. And when it comes to The Amazing Race, you’re going to have teams and Leg design affected by the new normal. No hopping into random taxis or squeezing into trains and subways. Less talking to local people for directions, especially without a mask. And a bit of a limitation on the types of tasks and locations teams can safely compete and run around in.

That said, Season 33 felt very refreshing. Even if all the COVID-induced tweaks and hindrances were very noticeable.

The season’s saving grace was its cast. Pretty much every team, even those who weren’t able to return post-shutdown, were very distinct characters. It’s been a long time when we’ve had a complete cast like this. Plenty of contenders, plenty of underdogs. Interesting characters, fascinating backstories.
And most importantly, teams who were actually here to COMPETE! Not to spoonfeed grown adults. It says a lot about the sad state of the franchise when you’re just happy to see teams actually completing tasks and not dragging each other around like babies.

But aside from the well-rounded cast, this season of the Race was actually quite solid. It’s hard to just ignore the fact that this season was filmed during COVID. That grading curve is fair to think about here. Yet, even so, the season was a lot more enjoyable than many recent seasons. Most especially the last one of course. And maybe that’s part of why this season felt much better.

The other reason is that the Legs felt more competitive and exciting. Even with watered down tasks and barebones Legs, seeing teams going head-to-head was a different feeling from recent seasons. They kept things simple. (VERY simple.) But with the help of the strong cast and a bit of craving for a world to open up after two years of being so closed off, this season was perhaps better than it even should have been.

Is this season one of the best? Definitely not. Is it one of the worst? Far from it. Does it deserve appreciation? Absolutely.

The Amazing Race is already a difficult series to produce in normal times. How much more during COVID? The cast and crew all worked hard to make it work and it resulted in a pretty above-average season.

So what will The Amazing Race look like moving forward? That will be interesting to see. For now, it’s wonderful to have just finished a season where you aren’t just relieved that it’s over, but actually enjoyed it.

My Final Subjective Team Rankings

The Amazing Race 33 Lulu & Lala The Amazing Race 33 Arun & Natalia The Amazing Race 33 Kim & Penn The Amazing Race 33 Raquel & Cayla The Amazing Race 33 Ryan & Dusty The Amazing Race 33 Akbar & Sheridan The Amazing Race 33 Michael & Moe The Amazing Race 33 Caro & Ray The Amazing Race 33 Connie & Sam The Amazing Race 33 Anthony & Spencer The Amazing Race 33 Taylor & Isaiah

Lulu & Lala are definitely my favorite team from this season. They were a lot of fun and they had some really great moments on the Race. Definitely underdogs, but they had been stepping it up and making it work all while being a fun, entertaining team. Really one of the most fun teams in a few seasons. I really enjoyed watching them.

If you want to talk about underdogs, then look no further than Arun & Natalia. They are definitely one of the luckiest teams ever on TAR. And luck is certainly one aspect of the Race. This father and daughter had a lot of it and they made the most of it. It’s too bad they sucked with directions. But they were otherwise motivated Racers who never gave up. That’s more than can be said for other teams from the past.

I’m happy Kim & Penn won the Race. I also think they’re one of the best teams to Race in the last couple of seasons. Not only were they one of the best, Race-wise, but they were also huge characters during the season. Really fun and interesting personalities. I don’t think we’ve seen a team like them before. I honestly never heard of them until they got cast on TAR. But I can see why they have a lot of fans. Really nice, down to earth people who were able to speak personally about themselves without making the show about themselves, if that makes sense.

Basically, they weren’t camwhores like many teams of the past who were only looking for their 15 minutes of fame. And that is definitely a big plus. Well-deserved win.

Raquel & Cayla were very close to winning the Race and it would’ve been a well-deserved win as well. They were able to ride their strong momentum to the finale. And while they weren’t always perfect, they were still one of the strongest Racers this season and maybe in recent seasons too.

Ryan & Dusty are the same. A strong team who had some bumps in the road. Their story (Ryan’s particularly) is also very fascinating. But that was only one aspect of their characters. They were nice guys who Raced well too. And they too would’ve been a worthy winner.

I never would’ve expected Akbar & Sheri to fit the dysfunctional couple mold this season. But I guess with Ray & Caro not returning post-shutdown, they stepped up, so to speak. lol They had a great story regarding their real lives as well. Everyday heroes as they help and guide children. But boy did they have a tense Race. It was fascinating to watch. But I do think they were eliminated at the right time.

Michael & Moe seemed like nice, fun guys. It’s just too bad they weren’t able to pull everything together in their two opportunities on the Race.

I was looking forward to Caro & Ray. In their short time on the Race, they had some fiery confrontations. But also some nice moments too. Their budding friendship with Kim & Penn could’ve been a dominant pairing had it continued post-shutdown. But oh well.

As for the other teams who weren’t able to return, Connie & Sam, Anthony & Spencer and Taylor & Isaiah feel like they were on a whole other season. I almost don’t remember much of them during their short time on the Race. And it’s unfortunate they were not able to return.

(My Messy) ALL-TIME RANKINGS

The last major update as December 11, 2015, unless otherwise noted. Otherwise, I simply add in the current season to the list without changing any other rankings.

OVERALL SEASONS
1. TAR3
2. TAR5
3. TAR17
3. TAR8
5. TAR11:AS
5. TAR12
7. TAR2
7. TAR4
7. TAR10
7. TAR1
7. TAR6
7. TAR25
*GAP*
13. TAR9
13. TAR14
15. TAR18:UB
15. TAR13
17. TAR15
17. TAR19
17. TAR27
20. TAR21
20. TAR16
20. TAR20
20. TAR30
20. TAR33
25. TAR7
26. TAR29
26. TAR22
26. TAR23
29. TAR31
30. TAR28
31. TAR26
*GAP*
32. TAR32
32. TAR24:AS
FINALES
(regardless of winner)
Not updated until a full rewatch of each finale
1. TAR3
2. TAR12
3. TAR21
4. TAR8
5. TAR30
6. TAR5
7. TAR2
8. TAR1
9. TAR16
10. TAR15
11. TAR14
12. TAR25
13. TAR29
14. TAR20
15. TAR6
16. TAR19
17. TAR17
18. TAR22
19. TAR23
20. TAR27
21. TAR33
22. TAR11: AS
23. TAR4
24. TAR26
25. TAR31
26. TAR18
27. TAR9
28. TAR13
29. TAR10
30. TAR28
31. TAR7
32. TAR32
33. TAR24
GROUP of TEAMS
(Updated 2/21/18)
1. TAR3
2. TAR5
3. TAR4
3. TAR8
5. TAR11
6. TAR6
6. TAR10
6. TAR17
6. TAR12
10. TAR25
11. TAR33
12. TAR1
12. TAR2
14. TAR9
15. TAR18
16. TAR14
16. TAR13
16. TAR15
16. TAR16
20. TAR20
21. TAR27
22. TAR21
23. TAR19
24. TAR30
24. TAR31
24. TAR22
24. TAR29
28. TAR7
29. TAR32
30. TAR23
31. TAR26
32. TAR28
*GAP*
33. TAR24
MY ALL-TIME TEAMS
1. Charla & Mirna (TAR5/11)
1. Teri & Ian (TAR3/11)
1. Ron & Christina (TAR12/18)
4. Ken & Gerard (TAR3)
4. Kelly & Jon (TAR4)
4. Brook & Claire (TAR17)
4. Meredith & Gretchen (TAR7)
8. Michael & Kevin (TAR17)
9. Brendon & Rachel (TAR20/24)
9. Linda & Karen (TAR5)
9. Kris & Jon (TAR6)
9. Dustin & Kandice (TAR10/11)
9. Gary & Mallory (TAR17/18/24)
9. Nancy & Emily (TAR1)
9. John Vito & Jill (TAR3)
9. Dave & Margaretta (TAR1)
9. The Paolo Family (TAR8)
9. The Gaghan Family (TAR8)
19. Natalie & Nadiya (TAR21/24)
19. Rachel & Elissa (TAR31)
19. Joseph & Monica (TAR9)
19. David & Mary (TAR10)
19. Erwin & Godwin (TAR10)
19. Michelle & Victoria (TAR32)
25. Janelle & Britney (TAR31)
25. Jaime & Cara (TAR14)
25. Brian & Ericka (TAR15)
25. Amy & Maya (TAR25)
25. Tim & Te Jay (TAR25)
25. Max & Katie (TAR22)
31. Dan & Jordan (TAR16)
31. Ernie & Cindy (TAR19)
31. Pam & Winnie (TAR22)
ELIMINATED TOO EARLY
updated 12/11/15
1. Charla & Mirna (TAR5)
2. Rachel & Elissa (TAR31)
2. Janelle & Britney (TAR31)
4. Michelle & Victoria (TAR32)
4. Lena & Kristy (TAR6)
4. Linda & Karen (TAR5)
7. Teri & Ian (TAR11)
8. Ron & Christina (TAR18)
9. John Vito & Jill (TAR3)
10. Joseph & Monica (TAR9)
11. The Gaghan Family (TAR8)
12. Erwin & Godwin (TAR10)
13. Gary & Mallory (TAR17)
14. The Paolo Family (TAR8)
15. Michael & Kevin (TAR17)
16. Dustin & Kandice (TAR10)
17. Nancy & Emily (TAR1)
18. Tian & Jaree (TAR4)
19. Meredith & Gretchen (TAR7)
20. Nathan & Jennifer (TAR12)
21. Bopper & Mark (TAR20)
22. Natalie & Nadiya (TAR21/24)
23. Pam & Winnie (TAR22)
24. Tiffany & Krista (TAR27)
25. Tim & Te Jay (TAR25)
26. Amanda & Kris (TAR13)
27. Shelly & Nici (TAR25)
28. Misa & Maiya (TAR20)
29. Dennis & Isabelle (TAR25)
30. David & Mary (TAR10)
31. Jim & Marsha (TAR5)
32. Mark & Mallory (TAR24)
33. Hoskote & Naina (TAR23)
MOST DESERVING
FINAL 3 TEAM (NON-WINNERS)

1. Charla & Mirna (TAR11)
1. Teri & Ian (TAR3)
1. Ron & Christina (TAR12)
4. Brook & Claire (TAR17)
5. Brendon & Rachel (TAR24)
6. Ken & Gerard (TAR3)
6. Kelly & Jon (TAR4)
6. Dustin & Kandice (TAR11)
6. Kris & Jon (TAR6)
10. Gary & Mallory (TAR18)
10. Brendon & Rachel (TAR20)
10. Kristi & Jen (TAR30)
13. Max & Katie (TAR22)
14. Frank & Margarita (TAR1)
15. Blake & Paige (TAR2)
16. Colin & Christie (TAR5)
17. Eric & Jeremy (TAR9)
18. Brian & Ericka (TAR15)
19. Jaime & Cara (TAR14)
20. Henry & Evan (TAR30)
21. Trey & Lexi (TAR21)
22. Raquel & Cayla (TAR33)
WINNERS (subjective, as a team)
(updated 3/3/22)
1. Amy & Maya (TAR25)
1. Nat & Kat (TAR17)
1. Ernie & Cindy (TAR19)
4. Rob & Brennan (TAR1)
4. Dan & Jordan (TAR16)
4. Chris & Alex (TAR2)
4. Flo & Zach (TAR3)
4. The Linz Family (TAR8)
4. Colin & Christie (TAR31)
10. Kim & Penn (TAR33)
10. Tammy & Victor (TAR14)
12. Uchenna & Joyce (TAR7)
13. Chip & Kim (TAR5)
14. Tyler & James (TAR10)
15. Kisha & Jen (TAR18)
*GAP*
16. Freddy & Kendra (TAR6)
16. Meghan & Cheyne (TAR15)
16. Nick & Starr (TAR13)
16. Rachel & Dave (TAR20)
16. Brooke & Scott (TAR29)
16. Jason & Amy (TAR23)
16. Bates & Anthony (TAR22)
16. Matt & Dana (TAR28)
16. Kelsey & Joey (TAR27)
*GAP*
25. Reichen & Chip (TAR4)
26. Eric & Danielle (TAR11)
27. Cody & Jessica (TAR30)
28. Laura & Tyler (TAR25)
29. Josh & Brent (TAR21)
*GAP*
30. Will & James (TAR32)
31. TK & Rachel (TAR12)
32. BJ & Tyler (TAR9)
*GAP*
33. Dave & Connor(TAR24)
WINNERS (with respect to final 3)
Winning Team
> > Who I Wanted to Win
1. Colin & Christie
> > Colin & Christie (TAR31)
1. Amy & Maya
> > Amy & Maya (TAR25)
1. Ernie & Cindy
> > Ernie & Cindy (TAR19)
4. Dan & Jordan
> > Dan & Jordan (TAR16)
5. Uchenna & Joyce
> > Uchenna & Joyce (TAR7)
6. The Linz Family
> > The Linz Family (TAR8)
7. Tammy & Victor
> > Tammy & Victor (TAR14)
8. Nat & Kat
> > Nat & Kat or Brook & Claire (TAR17)
9. Rob & Brennan
> > Rob & Brennan or Frank & Margarita (TAR1)
10. Chris & Alex
> > Blake & Paige or Chris & Alex (TAR2)
11. Chip & Kim
> > Chip & Kim or Brandon & Nicole (TAR5)
12. Tyler & James
> > Tyler & James or Lyn & Karlyn (TAR10)
13. Jason & Amy
> > None (TAR23)
14. Flo & Zach
> > Teri & Ian or Ken & Gerard (TAR3)
15. Brooke & Scott
> > Tara & Joey, Brooke & Scott or London & Logan (TAR29)
15. Kim & Penn
> > Kim & Penn, Raquel & Cayla, Ryan & Dusty (TAR23)
17. Kisha & Jen
> > Gary & Mallory (TAR18)
18. Meghan & Cheyne
> > Brian & Ericka (TAR15)
19. Dana & Matt
> > Sheri & Cole (TAR28)
20. Nick & Starr
> > Nick & Starr or Ken & Tina (TAR13)
21. Reichen & Chip
> > Kelly & Jon (TAR4)
22. Freddy & Kendra
> > Kris & Jon (TAR6)
23. Rachel & Dave
> > Brendon & Rachel (TAR20)
24. Bates & Anthony
> > Max & Katie (TAR22)
25. Kelsey & Joey
> > Chris & Logan (TAR27)
26. Dave & Connor
> > Brendon & Rachel (TAR24)
27. Will & James
> > Hung & Chee… maybe (TAR32)
28. Tyler & Laura
> > Hayley & Blair or Jenny & Jelani (TAR26)
29. Cody & Jessica
> > Kristi & Jen or Henry & Evan (TAR30)
30. BJ & Tyler
> > Eric & Jeremy or Ray & Yolanda (TAR9)
31. Eric & Danielle
> > Charla & Mirna or Dustin &Kandice (TAR11:AS)
32. TK & Rachel
> > Ronald & Christina or Don & Nicolas (TAR12)
33. Josh & Brent
> > Trey & Lexi or Jaymes & James (TAR21)

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