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I think that Michelle's Quickfire win may have also played a role in her staying over Rasika. In the first episode, when Kristin was talking about not winning immunity in the Quickfires, I swear there was mention of them being factored into elimination decisions.

And this is where "TMZ" comes from, because they were originally reporting from the "Thirty Mile Zone" around Hollywood.

Me, too, but I cringed when she jumped up on him at first - didn't he have pretty severe back issues in the finale of one season?

I agree about the chess sets, although some were beautiful I didn't think they were playable. I assume that, like Bake Off, the contestants are given the parameters of the main make well in advance so they can design something. Whether or not they are allowed to practice it, I'm not sure (on Bake Off they are expected to practice), but they are certainly not coming up with their concepts and drawing their plans at the last minute.

The public elects the councillors, knowing that one of them will be mayor at some point. It's not like they have no say at all in who it could be.

I agree the judges are so flat, even though the male judge's clothes and mullet make me feel like there has to be some flair in him somewhere. I was also gutted for Jackie :-(

Steven is also an art teacher, so Donna is not the only one with an edge on that front. She got a degree in ceramics but has said she didn't touch clay for 20 years while raising kids so yes, she has the knowledge but she still needs (and has) the skills to build things well. I still like her, but it does seem a bit of a foregone conclusion with her winning so many challenges.

Pretty good first episode! Seth's stoner laugh was getting on my nerves by the end, and I assume he won't always be the one judging the second challenge. Loved quite a few of the potters and was happy with who won and who left.

I may have to go back and check, but I believe he has also called the men "Lovey." My dentist used to call me (and other women patients) "sweetie" and it really bugged me, to the point where if I didn't adore my hygienist I might have found another dentist. I mentioned it in a post-appointment survey and I must not have been the only one because he stopped doing it.

Agree about Donna and Jan - I have loved all of their pieces. I also feel the same about Shani, she was hard to watch. My mom had dementia, and I was a bit worried about the "Lovey" for that reason, but when he and Rich are discussing everyone's makes, he has no trouble recalling names and details so I'm just not sure why he keeps up with "Lovey" in the pottery.

Keith calling everyone "Lovey" this season is driving me up a wall. That is all.

Awwww I like Clare. Leo was nice but I think he was the right choice to go. I tend to like Jen's designs but she is a bit annoying. I agree that Wolfgang and Nathaniel should make it to the end.

I agree 100% with this. I really haven't been able to warm to Cristy and I'm not really sure why.

I guess I'm in the minority because I don't mind the judges or hosts. I did see one season with the other judges and they were better, but these two are OK. The hosts' humor is better than most of what Noel and Matt came up with, and I know it helps ease the tension in the shed. I'm happy with all of the final 3 and can't wait to see what they all make in the finale.

On the one hand I understand that, but on the other hand I was so annoyed when Paul went to help Carly finish (and she didn't want him to, she said she wanted to finish with dignity getting it done herself).

*Dancing a little jig* Not off my screen, but out of the running.

I already didn't like Paul, but going over to "help" Carly finish the job was the ultimate arrogant prick move. Would he have done the same if his rival was a man? I sincerely doubt it.

I was so hoping Paul would have to punch out and shut his smug mouth....

Same here - I majored in French but started learning Russian my junior year and my brain went Russian -> French -> English and back. I'm happy with the finalists, and glad that Sara won that challenge with her soup. Can't wait for the finale!

No, it was Charbel who won the first elimination challenge with the onion dish.

I do like Tom's message about sustainability, but I am so glad he is out. His "humor" has a real mean streak, and I don't appreciate trying to be funny at someone else's expense. When he jumped on Gabri's freshly-made bed I was so annoyed, and then he said something later that I thought was also really biting but supposedly funny (I'll have to rewatch to remember). Yes, his trompe l'oeil was effective in design, but the almond cream wasn't as good a match for the caviar as he thought.

I was surprised Esme didn't comment on the bow! Overall a lovely episode and great start to the season.

I am one who doesn't love Buddha - I didn't warm to him last season and it hasn't changed. Yes, he's a very technically proficient chef and very savvy about the game of Top Chef. But I agree with those who don't see any heart in his food. Everyone made fun of Carla Hall "cooking with love" in her original season but then Bryan Voltaggio was scolded for not putting his heart on a plate in the LA All-Star season. I feel that way about Buddha - his dishes feel more calculated to win the competition than to feed your soul. As for Sara, I have no problem at all with her trying to adapt each challenge to tie in with her Southern cooking. I think that's a solid point of view and don't see any reason why that cuisine should be seen as "less than" classical French or other traditional fine dining food. She clearly elevates it to a sophisticated level and the judges have mostly loved her food, so much so that it really showed in the quickfire when she went away from it.

They are judging the Great American Baking Show, premiering on Roku Channel on Friday, May 5.

THANK YOU!! This drives me (wal)nuts!