Season 37 of The Amazing Race featured the team of Ernest Cato and his daughter, Bridget Cato, as they journeyed through various challenges. In the second episode, which aired on March 12, 2025, they encountered the Intersection twist, requiring them to collaborate with another team for a segment of the race. Ernest was paired with Mark Romain, while Bridget teamed up with Mark’s partner. After their elimination, Ernest reflected on this partnership, asserting,
“I think if I had to choose the same partner, I would choose Mark again.”
This moment sparked a discussion about their performance, particularly during a challenging Roadblock task where Ernest and Mark attempted a drumming challenge—an effort that greatly influenced their standings in the competition.
Insights from Ernest Cato on Partner Dynamics
Challenges of the Intersection Twist
In the second episode, Ernest and Bridget started strong, arriving at the Roadblock in first place. However, the Intersection twist required them to temporarily pair with another team, forcing Ernest to work with Mark Romain on a tricky drumming task. Mark later expressed the challenges of motivating an unfamiliar teammate, stating,
“I was struggling with trying to figure out how to motivate you, considering you were a complete stranger to me.”
Despite the challenges of this new dynamic, Ernest clarified that Mark’s support was not the issue. He noted,
“It wasn’t about whether Mark motivated me. Mark’s a great guy. I think I got more caught up in not wanting to screw up a great opportunity for Mark and his partner.”
Despite multiple attempts—over 15, to be exact—Ernest struggled to complete the drumming task, leading to a drastic shift in their standing from first to last place. Although they sought to recover in the mawashi Detour, they ultimately faced elimination.
Ernest’s Reflection on Team Choices
When questioned about the possibility of partnering with a different contestant, Ernest remained steadfast in his decision to work with Mark:
“I wouldn’t have changed my partner…It’s not whether or not who I chose. It’s whether or not I was prepared to catch that beat.”
He emphasized that the result was contingent upon his performance and not his teammate selection. Bridget echoed this sentiment, sharing how their relationships with other competitors influenced their partnership choices. She stated,
“We got really close, just being on that first flight with Mark and Brett and also Jack and Carson…So I think we wouldn’t have changed.”
The early connections, especially during their layover in Taipei, played a crucial role in shaping their race experience, with Bridget affirming their satisfaction with their Intersection selections.
Pondering Over Their Race Journey
Post-elimination, Ernest and Bridget took the time to reflect on their journey. Ernest noted that the drumming challenge was pivotal, asserting that the struggle to maintain the beat directly influenced their race outcome. He commented,
“I think with any partner, it probably wouldn’t have made a difference.”
This insight underlines that the challenge itself was more significant than the partnership. Despite their departure from the competition, they cherished the experience, emphasizing teamwork and growth as both father and daughter.
As teams continue to race around the globe, tune into The Amazing Race Season 37, airing Wednesdays at 9:30 PM on CBS.