Episode 6 of The Amazing Race Season 37, titled “It Smells Like the Desert,”aired on April 9, 2025, and showcased an exciting array of challenges set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai. As the competition heats up and the number of teams dwindles, this leg of the race demanded contestants to display adaptability and composure under pressure.
A pivotal moment in this episode was the chance to secure a Fast Forward, enabling one team to leap ahead in the race. Carson McCalley and Jack Dodge triumphed, clinching the Fast Forward reward and gaining a notable edge in the competition.
Fast Forward Victory for Jack and Carson
Kickoff of Leg 6
The adventure began as teams departed from Bali, Indonesia, heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the sixth leg of the race. Upon landing at Dubai International Airport, all competitors experienced a setback due to unexpected delays at the check-in counters, giving them a moment to contemplate their journey up to this point.
During this downtime, Carson and Jack took a moment to clarify their past U-Turn decision to Ana and Jonathan Towns, who felt slighted by their vote. Jeff Bailey also shared heartfelt insights about his father and the impact on his character. Teams later made their way to the Platinum Heritage Desert Gate, where they selected their departure times for the following day.
Carson and Jack, along with Ana, Jonathan, Han, and Holden Nguyen, as well as Alyssa and Josiah, opted for the early 5:10 AM slot, while the remaining teams chose the 5:20 AM departure. This decision created a divide among the contestants for the upcoming challenges in the desert.
Skydiving Challenge
Upon arriving in Dubai, teams faced a crucial choice: skydiving or waiting at Palm Jumeirah Island. The first cohort, which included Carson, Jack, Ana, and Jonathan, decided to skydive, while the second group, comprised of Brett, Mark, Jeff, Pops, Melinda, Erika, and Nick, stayed behind.
Carson and Jack were the first to leap from the aircraft, receiving their next instruction upon landing. Their clue revealed the coveted Fast Forward opportunity, allowing them to bypass the forthcoming Roadblock if they reached an orange luxury car first.
As the first team to touch down, Carson and Jack successfully secured the Fast Forward, moving ahead in the race without facing the Roadblock. Han and Holden closely trailed them but were unable to claim the reward, although they persevered in the competition.
The Roadblock Experience
The remaining teams tackled the challenging Roadblock, which involved intricately decorating pastries for an afternoon tea, with Executive Chef Christophe Devoille judging their efforts. Alyssa and Josiah proved to be remarkably quick, followed closely by Ana and Jonathan, Han and Holden, and Brett and Mark.
While these teams moved through the task, others, such as Pops and Jeff, faced setbacks as their pastries failed to meet the chef’s standards and required significant rework.
Meanwhile, Carson and Jack, unhindered by the Roadblock due to their earlier advantage, advanced to the next challenge, while the remaining teams labored to complete their pastry decorations with precision and speed.
Final Outcomes
Following the completion of the Roadblock, teams rushed to the second challenge, which involved eSurfboarding. Many competitors, including Josiah, Jonathan, and Han, struggled to master the sport. In contrast, Carson and Jack smoothly made their way to the Pit Stop, greeted by host Phil Keoghan. They finished this leg of the race in first place, earning an exciting reward: a seven-night cruise through Alaska.
Other teams continued racing toward the Pit Stop, with Jeff and Pops alongside Mike and Nick competing for the final positions, with Mike and Nick ultimately achieving better standings.
Ultimately, Carson and Jack’s victory in the Fast Forward and their adept task management solidified their lead and assured their success in this leg of The Amazing Race.
Don’t miss out on the ongoing excitement of The Amazing Race Season 37, airing every Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET on CBS.