A new episode of The Amazing Race airs tonight on CBS. Read our live recap and join the discussion below.
The leg opens with Liz and Michael admitting they are homesick. Michael, who hasn’t spoken to his daughter in days, becomes emotional. Liz agrees she misses home but urges Michael to reset and focus on the race.
At the starting line, teams learn they must travel to Venice. The itinerary includes a four-hour bus ride to the city followed by water taxis to Piazza San Marco. Buses allow a maximum of three teams each, so boarding is first-come, first-served. Becca & Floyd, Matt & Redmond, and Tara & Joey secure places on the first bus; Liz & Michael, Brooke & Scott, and London & Logan end up on the second. Redmond says he’s determined to take first today.
Upon arrival in Venice, teams split into water taxis bound for Piazza San Marco. Tara & Joey are first to spot the man with the broom holding the clues. Their clue reveals a Detour choice: Sing It (perform on a gondola) or Bring It (deliver suitcases). Tara & Joey and Matt & Redmond opt to Bring It, while Becca & Floyd choose Sing It.
Tension builds as the next three teams reach the square. London & Logan locate the clue-giver before Brooke & Scott and Liz & Michael. They decline to help the trailing teams and even send Brooke & Scott briefly in the wrong direction. Brooke, Scott, Liz, and Michael eventually find the clue, but the interaction sours relations: Michael feels his team often helps others and is frustrated by London & Logan’s refusal to reciprocate. London & Logan explain later that helping would have been risky because they’re already near the back of the pack.
Detour scenes alternate between performances and logistics. Becca & Floyd rehearse their song on the gondola while the Bring It teams navigate winding streets delivering luggage. Several suitcases fall from carts as teams make tight turns. Becca & Floyd’s first attempt at the Sing It Detour is rejected; the instructor urges them to be “more together.” Meanwhile, Matt & Redmond finish Bring It first and receive a clue directing them to Ca’ Zenobio.
Becca & Floyd’s second singing attempt also falls short; the instructor again asks for better synchronization. Tara & Joey complete Bring It next and move into second place. At Ca’ Zenobio, Matt & Redmond discover a Roadblock: one team member must create an exact replica of a theatrical mask worn by an actor in the studio. The chosen racer must paint a new mask to match the original precisely.
Redmond begins the mask Roadblock as Becca & Floyd finally pass Sing It and assume third place. Liz & Michael and Brooke & Scott both struggle with the singing Detour; Brooke & Scott ultimately pass, while London & Logan finish the luggage task and slot into fourth.
Finding water taxis to Ca’ Zenobio becomes a test of luck. London & Logan manage to share a taxi with a friendly family, while Brooke & Scott and Liz & Michael face delays—Brooke even jokes about jumping into the canal in frustration. At the mask Roadblock, inspectors scrutinize paintings for detail and polish. Redmond’s initial mask lacks the necessary shine; he adds a final glaze and completes the work just as Tara & Joey arrive to begin the Roadblock.
Floyd takes on the mask challenge for Becca & Floyd and succeeds by closely following the instructor’s technique. Tara struggles with color blending and is told to start over after not meeting the exacting standards. Liz attempts the Roadblock for her team but needs to redo portions of her work after the inspector points out blending errors. Outside the studio, Michael vents to other competitors about feeling taken advantage of by London & Logan’s earlier behavior.
Teams cross the finish line at Campo San Vio in this order: Matt & Redmond arrive first and claim the prize trip to the Caribbean. Becca & Floyd check in second. Tara & Joey come in third. Brooke & Scott and London & Logan work together to find the Pit Stop, get briefly lost, but manage to reach the mat ahead of Liz & Michael. Finally, Liz & Michael sprint in behind them.
Episode Summary
- 1st place: Matt & Redmond — win a trip to the Caribbean
- 2nd place: Becca & Floyd
- 3rd place: Tara & Joey
- 4th place: Brooke & Scott
- 5th place: London & Logan
- 6th place: Liz & Michael
- Eliminated: No one — this was a non-elimination leg; Liz & Michael will face a Speed Bump in the next leg
The episode blends competitive strategy, teamwork struggles, and the unique challenges of Venice’s canals. Conflicts over whether or not to help other teams, tight technical tasks like mask replication, and the pressure of performing under scrutiny all shaped the leg’s outcome. Tune in next week for another leg of The Amazing Race and more drama, strategy, and scenic destinations.