By Jennifer Larson
Wasn’t that Michah in the promos saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen?” Well, on this episode of TOP CHEF, it appears she was forced to eat those words. Just three episodes in, Michah was the latest chef to be sent packing. While she definitely had a consistency problem — up one challenge and down the next — I think her attitude played a part in her departure as well; it’s not good to offend the American judges with comments that insinuate their palates are lacking. That said, Michah isn’t an awful chef; in fact, none of the contestants this season are. And, it was beginning to look like that could be a problem, because — let’s face it — there’s a part of all of us that loves to see other people fail. Luckily, the evil Hung we were promised early on emerged to save the day. In my view, every reality show needs a good villain. Time will tell if Hung can hold that title, or if Joey steals his thunder.
In this installment of TOP CHEF, the contestants have to fish for their own fresh seafood out of a tank and cook it up for professional chef and guest judge, Alfred Portale. Each contestant is given 30 seconds to scoop up as much as they can, and when Hung plows in like he’s digging for gold, we know the real competition has begun. Although, I felt a little bad for the poor crawfish that became his victim. Although, when it came down to it, Brian won yet again. Therefore, he had immunity in the elimination round, which had the chefs putting their own spin on traditional family favorites. One caveat: they had to make these high-fat, high-cholesterol foods in a healthier way for the Elks Club members they were serving. Note to self: look up these recipes on the TOP CHEF website.
Actually, considering the high caliber of cooking these chefs have been producing the past few weeks, I was surprised to see some very uninspired dishes in tonight’s episode. That tuna thing that CJ made; I don’t think I would even serve that to a cat. Although, I think he should get some extra points for being able to cook from that high up. I mean really, what is this guy, like seven feet tall? And, who wants to vote on whether Hung turned that oven off to screw everybody else up? Michah lost tonight for her twist on meatloaf, which I personally love smothered in ketchup. I’m sorry, but a slice of tomato just doesn’t cut it.
Howie was the big surprise of the evening. After failing to even complete his first elimination challenge and falling short in the second, he was redeemed with his take on pork chops and applesauce. I’m not sure, but I think it may have been the added flavor of sweat falling off his face that gave his dish that extra kick. At least he actually cooked all of his food, as opposed to the runner-up.
When Dale pulled out that box of powdered potatoes, I was sure he was a goner. Apparently, nobody
could tell his mashed potatoes weren’t fresh; at least that’s what chef Tom Colicchio said. I’m gonna go ahead and trust him on that because, for my money, he’s the star of the show. A simple look, smirk or twinkle in the eye of Chef Tom is all you need to see to know exactly what is going on behind those baby-blues. He has more charisma than Padma. I wonder how much longer it will take the suits at Bravo to realize he should be the host? Until then, I’ll keep watching, because not even the lackluster enthusiasm of Padma Lakshmi can dampen the appeal of great competition.
Have Tre and Hung fallen down the rungs of the TOP CHEF ladder? Is Brian really the one to beat? Has our underdog Howie begun to show his mettle? We all just have to stay tuned and find out!
Talent Names and Related Rants
More Movie, DVD, and TV Rant Backs
Buzz Byrne's Year-End Rant: Best and Worst Reality TV of 2007
WE WANT YOUR REALITY RANTS! Who's your favorite reality star and why? Whatreality shows rock? Which ones suck? Which hook ups were hot and whichmade you puke? Send us your video rants for our new TV pilot. AND KEEP ITUNDER 60 SECONDS TO BE CONSIDERED! Please send them to Realityrant@gmail.com
1/9/2008 2:08:04 PM |
realityrant |
TV Rants
Eureka — "Try, Try Again"
Skiffy still hasn't announced any plan for a second season of 'Dresden' so we've got a campaign going to get that second season. You're right, they need to keep some more light-hearted content. THat show was a little ray of sunshine in a sea of PKJ and wrestliing. Check us out over at dresdencity.org for news and things we can all do to get a second season!
7/18/2007 7:48:03 AM |
minerbabe |
TV Rants