Can Seniors win the race?
It seems that nearly every season of The Amazing Race has some adorable elderly couple that you can't help but root for. Last season had lesbian ministers Kate and Pat, season 9 brought us Fran and Barry, and season 7 had Meredith and Gretchen, just to list a few examples. One of the great things about The Amazing Race is that people of any age can compete, but let's face it: The old folks never stand a chance. Though some of them have made it into the top five, an elderly couple has never won the competition. When creator Bertram Van Munster recently announced that the upcoming thirteenth edition of the reality series would feature a married hippie couple in their 60s, I had to wonder if there's any point to having them on the show.
My favorite elderly contestant in the history of the series is probably Donald, who teamed up with his grandson Nick last season and made it all the way to third place. Donald was 68-years-old, cantankerous and short-tempered, but still managed to bond with his grandson and make it to the final leg of the race. He even got a permanent tattoo just to win a Fast Forward! Donald was awesome, but alas, he was beat out in the end by the much younger TK and Rachel.
Are older couples naturally at a disadvantage in the fast-paced, cutthroat world of The Amazing Race? I don't like to think so, but some of the seniors on the show have been less than impressive. Take season 7's Meredith and Gretchen for example. They made it all the way to fourth place, but they did so in the most incompetent way imaginable. They bumbled like Inspector Clouseau during every leg of the race, but through sheer luck they nearly made it to the final three. Kate and Pat also did a pretty terrible job, and were the second team to get eliminated last season. These contestants are all likable and entertaining to watch, but I often get the feeling they're cast only to cater to a certain demographic.
After 12 seasons of The Amazing Race, I think it's about time an older couple won the competition. I'm tired of the fresh faces running away with the million bucks every year, and I'm ready for some folks with gray hair to be truly impressive competitors. Maybe the hippie couple in their 60s can turn the tide next season, but I won't be placing any bets on it.