Celebrity 2024 - Episode 4 Recap

As the teams raced from Brazil to Argentina I think we saw got all the classic cliches of Race Across the World somehow stuffed into one crazy leg.

The route map was very open from the start, with the checkpoint having multiple approach options with an expensive but easier route through Uruguay, a cheaper less-traveled route through Paraguay or a direct route crossing into Argentina directly from Brazil.

Jeff & Freddy wanted to work at a camp site to make good use of the tent they’ve been hauling around so went for the route through Paraguay. Their bus was cheap but limited options meant waiting 6 hours for a bus almost immediately killing their lead.

The father and son remained my favourite team, as Freddy spoke of his low qualifications and poor abilities in school “I wasn’t bad - but I weren’t good” while Jeff’s unwavering confidence shone through saying he’s always know Freddy can do great things – “I see it – I look forward to him realizing it”

Jeff’s highlighting Freddy’s skills at navigating the unfamiliar cites and gentle ribbing of Freddy checking out his biceps was the classic supporting parent role of the series and their work at the campsite also got us a ‘bonding with strangers’ moment as they joined their employing family for a birthday celebration. They also got a late ‘translation problem’ scene as their plan to cross the border in a taxi, nearly ended up with them at a Buddhist temple!

Kelly & Jeremy showed how to bring the race and relaxation together, taking the direct route to suit Jeremy’s preference for speed while also stopping by the Iguazu waterfalls for a moment for them as a couple.

In the face of the 80m high falls Kelly was waxing poetic on the beauty and power of the falls, and even Jeremy managed to get a “it’s amazing” line in briefly.

But it did show them genuinely enjoying their time together, and despite a slight hiccup after where Jeremy picked a cheap room much to Kelly’s misery - as they entered Argentina we saw them take a tango lesson together and learned more about them as a duo.  Kelly presented a classic Celebrity RATW moment as she talked about the pains of being in the public eye, and it became clearer how much this is outside her normal experiences or really options.

Kola also had a small ‘riches to rags’ bit – summing up one moment as “A few weeks ago I was in Hollywood – now I’m in a toilet in Brazil washing my feet with a flannel”

Kola & Mary had other things on their mind though, having an almost text book terrible leg, starting with an ill-fated plan to go via Uruguay to join a party for St Patricks day.

While it might have seemed like just another party-plan from the fun-loving-cousins, Kola expanded on his mothers Irish roots, both him and Mary keen to celebrate St Patrick, and seeing the opportunity to work and have fun. Unfortunately their bus suffered a breakdown and long delay on its way to Porto Alegre, and their missed the festival entirely. They then got a bus through Uruguay to a vineyard job, which saw Kola join the ‘loses passport club’, both stressing him out and limiting their time to work as he sought to get it back.

The passport incident also had some uncharacteristic tension between him and Mary, although in a leg where little went right for them it was hard too judge harshly. Kola’s dejected checking of the various information desks to see which might have his passport was heart in mouth stuff, and I really hope next week turns out a lot easer for this duo.

Meanwhile taking a similar path through Uruguay Scott & Sam had almost the classic brilliant week! Their train trip on the Serra Vede Express was breathtaking, especially if you looked down at the valleys beneath the train!

They also took the classic ‘insanely-long-bus-ride’ heading out at 5:30am for a 27hour bus, and worked for a barbeque restaurant rushing around a looking very well worked for minimal pay.

They also hit a classic race dilemma – pay nearly £200 for the ferry, or take much longer to travel around the River Plate? They spent the money a move that worked out well for them – and also meant we got a cliched ‘walking around a boat with a hitchhiking sign’ scene as they tried to keep their next steps more low budget!

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Then finally the ‘foot race’ into Tigre – which was an excellent boat race bit! Scott & Sam arrived early, with Scott’s delight at the water taxi being hilarious to watch. The teams had to issue the captain somewhat complicated instructions which lead to teams feeling lost very quickly and made for a very tense guestbook reveal.

To their absolute delight Scott & Sam managed to nab their first first place! Jumping two places from a nearly 15 hour delay you can really see the incredible trajectory of the engaged couple since their low point at checkpoint two:

This chart isn’t complete yet though as while Kelly and Kola’s teams managed to make the checkpoint despite the trials of their trips, Jeff & Freddy took their two-week streak and squandered it, leaving a yet to be revealed fall in their time – although their (estimated) funds suggest they have the money for a solid revival attempt, holding nearly 25% more then Scott & Sam and Kelly & Jeremy and nearly 50% more then Kola & Mary!

1st	Scott & Sam	-	29%
2nd	Kelly & Jeremy	+6h 40m	30%
3rd	Kola & Mary	+10h	19%
4th	Jeff & Freddy		41%

So what does that all mean for next week? Will Jeff & Freddy pull the classic ‘last place to first’? Will Kola and Mary have to withdraw because of funds? Will Scott and Sam do the two in a row?

Get your predictions in before the show airs tonight!