http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/07/HELLS-KITCHEN-Episode-309-Season-Finale-Part-1.aspx Six weeks ago I started predicting the ouster of Bonnie. Instead of packing her knives and heading back to the purgatory of Personal Chef/Nanny-dom, she has come on strong and proven herself worthy of being one of the two finalists. Her palate has always been excellent, but lately she has gained a composure and clear mindedness that has helped her rise above the competition. She has earned my respect and it looks like Chef Gordon Ramsay’s as well. It’s unfortunate she isn’t going to win. That is the inevitable outcome if the first two seasons are any indication. Both had experienced, strong and uninspiring chefs pitted against wild cards, unlikely finalists. Both times the chef walked away the winner. I don’t believe Chef Ramsay wants a wild card. I believe he wants a loyal sergeant who will follow orders and make the troops do the same. In other words, he wants Rock. Not Bonnie’s palate. Tonight was the first part of the season finale. Rock and Bonnie had to conceptualize their half of the set/dining room in a style to match their personality and finale menu. Crafty editing showed a clear vision from Bonnie of a European funky bistro with mismatched china and hardwood floors. She seemed to know immediately what she wanted. Rock came off as overwhelmed, confused and misguided- especially when he suggested to Jean-Phillipe that the waitstaff wear jeans. JP curdled his cream at the very notion. Rock’s vision is a boring black and white china pattern and above all else uniformity. This is a set up to make us think Bonnie has the momentum and a real shot at winning. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/07/HELLS-KITCHEN-Episode-309-Season-Finale-Part-1.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/07/HELLS-KITCHEN-Episode-309-Season-Finale-Part-1.aspx#1138 I think you're right and Julia really nosedived in my estimation with that weepy, bitchy performance. I wonder if Ramsey felt the same way. He kept commenting on how "interesting" it was that Julia fell all the way to the next to last draft choice (not enough "upside") with only uber screwup Josh left to choose. ozzy http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/07/HELLS-KITCHEN-Episode-309-Season-Finale-Part-1.aspx#1138 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:02:44 GMT