What If Our Parachute Doesn't Open? is the season premiere of The Amazing Race 3.
Synopsis[]
In the premiere episode, 12 diverse teams of two set off on the first leg of the Race starting in the remote Florida Everglades and quickly make their way to the crowded streets of Mexico City. One team teams begs for money at an airport, and tensions escalate quickly when another team leaves their belongings in a taxi. Some embrace the thrill of skydiving, while one team must overcome an extreme fear of heights to stay in the Race. Several twists occur as teams confront major obstacles on the way to the Pit Stop.[2]
Story[]
Route Markers[]
The race begins at Everglades National Park, Florida, United States.
Teams must choose a marked Mercedes-Benz M-Class and then drive themselves to Miami International Airport. They then have to book a flight to Mexico City, Mexico, their first destination, with two provided flights available. The first seven teams would be on the earlier American Airlines flight, while the last five teams are on the Aeroméxico flight leaving 50 minutes later. Once in Mexico, teams must find the Angel of Independence statue to find their next clue.
Teams are given a picture of a man named Pablo and must use the picture for reference in order to figure out that the clue's location is at Zócalo.
Teams must make their way to the Hotel de Cortes where they had to find the desk for Mexi-Mini Charters and sign-up for one of three charter buses leaving the next morning to an unknown destination. The first four teams departed at 8:00 am, four more at 10:00 am, and the last four at 12:00 pm.
The Fast Forward instructions were given to teams after receiving their clue at Zócalo. Teams will have to go to Plaza Santo Domingo and find a typewriter shop. There, one of the shopkeepers will have a special message for them, the Fast Forward pass. Ken & Gerard won the Fast Forward.
Choice A: Wings
Teams must board a plane, climb to an altitude of over 10,000 ft (3,000 m), and have each team member skydive in tandem with an instructor. When both team members have landed, an instructor would give them their next clue.
Aaron & Arianne, Derek & Drew, Flo & Zach, Gina & Sylvia, Heather & Eve, John Vito & Jill, and Tramel & Talicia chose this task.
Choice B: Wheels
Teams must choose one of the donkey-drawn carts and, using a supplied map, direct a driver who speaks no English 7 mi (11 km) through a Mexican village to receive the next clue.
Teams must drive themselves to the Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas in Puente de Ixtla to check in.
For coming in first place, Ken & Gerard won a seven night Caribbean vacation on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas cruise ship.
Leaderboard[]
First Place • Eliminated • Last placer on a Non-Elimination Leg or continue racing on a No-Rest Leg • Season winner • Season 2nd place • Season 3rd place • ► Used the Fast Forward
Ken & Gerard
Brothers |
Flo & Zach
Friends |
Aaron & Arianne
Lifelong Friends |
Michael & Kathy
Long-Distance Dating |
John Vito & Jill
Dating |
Heather & Eve
Law School Roommates |
Andre & Damon
Cop and Fireman |
Dennis & Andrew
Father/Son |
Teri & Ian
Married Parents |
Tramel & Talicia
Brother/Sister |
Derek & Drew
Twins/Models |
Gina & Sylvia
Soccer Moms |
Trivia[]
- This episode marks the first time that the country of Mexico is visited.
- Thus, it also marks the first time a North American country outside of the United States is visited.
- This episode's title was said by Eve Madison, who was worried about skydiving.
- This is the last season to have its premiere air in the month of October until "One Million Miles".
- With Gina & Sylvia's elimination, Heather & Eve are the last all-female team remaining.
Reception[]
- Rob & Brennan (10/03/2002): "Season 3 Premiere Thoughts"
References[]