PamelaMaeSnap

I'll go back and check to see if I can find stray crumpled hair on the photo! And I'm the same, where I am NOT that observant and I went over to the link thinking it would be legit pix so I did a double and triple take.

Does ANYONE here who clicks on this and looks at those two pictures think for even a nanosecond that those photos are not TOTALLY photoshopped by Paul? The one of him and Karine, her hand seems to be growing out of an unseen limb and the lighting on each of them is completely different. DEFINITELY her photoshopped into his picture ... The other one, I think, is her and her family and who knows who with Paul photoshopped into it. Funny if the network made Paul take it down when it's so obviously not them and him just still laboring under some sort of creepy delusion. Just me?

And, for the win, singularly unattractive. And to avoid the dreaded double post ... re: the "leftover scraps" comment, my immediate reaction was "but leftovers are my FAVORITE thing to eat in the morning!" And drop the mic

I keep thinking Jesse's dad reminds me of Mark Hudson of the Hudson Brothers ...

Harkening back to the early-season coming attractions, if Father Karine is not the person chasing Paul into the woods with a machete, I will be SO disappointed.

Kealani always looks so miserable and bitter that I have actually wondered over the past few shows whether she has not been subtly (or maybe not so subtly) passive-aggressively trying to work her way out of this situation by not being in the kind of shape she should be in ... It seems that her dancing has devolved in direct relation to her figure. I don't mean this to sound judgy. I just noticed that she had been really good and strong and hard-bodied, and now she seems to be kind of "over it" and logy (sp?) and flumpy. I bet given the choice (which judging by her horrible mother she is not), she'd rather be doing anything than dancing right now. Maybe she just needs a break or to be out of the spotlight (which I'm sure Kira would not allow unless she actually got booted off the show).

... is going to be the name of my next rock band.

Wait, Ben has a dog? (Sorry, I have severe short-term memory loss issues so if he said it, oh, 20 or 30 times during one show, I wouldn't remember it the next day.)

Well, the talk of an upcoming makeover sort of answers a question I had while bingewatching all of this trainwreck over the last week or two (I was hooked on the Investigation Discovery shows et al but Mr. Snap was convinced it was what was causing my nightmares so he thinks this stuff is harmless. Ha!) ... I was wondering if she had already HAD a makeover of sorts, as they keep flipping back and forth between Dani with the dishwater hair parted on the side and Dani with the red sort-of-bob with bangs and, I THINK, new glasses. I'd say she looks marginally better in the latter look (slightly a cut above troll) and assumed it was a makeover, or at least the best they could do with what they had to work with. Oh, trashy reality shows, I just can't quit you.

I have pretty much assumed that if Jason DID win this, that's exactly what he'd be doing ... I confess I don't watch the channel 24/7 or enough to know if they already have a glut of baking or dessert shows, but it seems as if the winners of this show that have indeed gotten their own shows (or areas they specialize in), they've been based on that chef's speciality or strength rather than just shoehorning them into something that already exists. Unlike some of the cooking reality shows, where the contestants have to be able to pretty much do everything, FNS seems to look for a variety of cheftestants with different areas of expertise (and occasionally pitting a few with the same ones head to head, kind of like southern boy meat cookers Rusty and Cory, I guess), all of whom could be going after a different show. Also ... in the past, around Top 4 or 5, didn't they used to sit down with each cheftestant and talk to them about where they felt they needed to improve ... usually before pilots, IIRC ... I didn't see them do that this year. I'd have figured they would ask Jason to tone it down just a smidge ... not enough to lose his charm (I do find him charming) but enough that he wouldn't overdue it when he is under pressure. He seems to take direction well and have a real comfort zone with the camera, and I think he could totally fit into a slot they could use, either with a regular show, or maybe guesting on shows that need desserts and for all their holiday shows, party shows, etc. For me, Eddie has been the lone winner who I think could really do ANYTHING. I bet Gordon Ramsey is kicking himself for booting him in Top 8 on MC.

I think Cory is probably an excellent chef and he's handsome and manly and all that if you like his type (I find him forgettable and bland) and I don't think they have anyone really like that on the FNS ... well, at least no one in his specific "slot" because <3 <3 <3 my secret heart Eddie <3 <3 <3 is handsome and manly AND chock full of personality). I suspect they want him to win it (I know people here can reel right off to me who has won after being eliminated, sent to Salvation Station or whatever it's called and coming back at the last minute but offhand I can't recall -- I know Kristen Kish did it on Top Chef). I still think Cory is a deer in the headlights waiting to happen. A chef who wants to get famous but maybe a TV show isn't the right venue for that. He should have done Top Chef or something (to clarify: I mean HAVING a TV show of his own maybe isn't the right venue, as opposed to being on TV to get famous ... with Top Chef he'd have his more famous restaurant. Clear as mud?) I'm still Team Jason, even if may have been a tiny bit over the top with this Jasonisms this week ... because I think he's real and funny and that's his true personality, like it or lump it (my mom's term), PLUS I absolutely love what he COOKS. I also love that he's a school cafeteria manager in "real life." I can't see Rusty winning. I can't believe he keeps making it through. I think, as others have said, that they keep him around so that if one of their chosen falters they can always go to the Rusty bin and find many reasons to cut him instead even if he wasn't technically the worst that week. I'll accept it if Cory wins but I can't imagine watching a show with him. Eat in his restaurant, yes. Watch him? Not unless I'm sleepless at 4 a.m. and out of Ambien. He makes a good substitute.

EXACTLY my theory as well! I think they finally realized how much pure hatred there was for Matthew among their potential viewing public and as he WAS improving, they couldn't take the chance that he would outshine Cory and Jason (I just CANNOT see Rusty making it to final two ... actually, can't remember if there even IS a final two or they just go right to finals with three).

Theatremouse, will you accept this hunk of burrata? Also, alihgkdjhgfkjsjvbdagcdva about my secret boyfriend Eddie coming back. One of my all-time favorite reality show stars and one of the only ones on ANY reality show that I ever picked/rooted for to win from the get-go (Chip and Kim on Amazing Race being the others) ... way back to being brokenhearted when he fell at No. 8 on Master Chef (best thing to happen to him, though, really! Do winners of that show ever do anything afterwards?) Plus, hopefully, seeing what a real FNS winner looks like and sounds like may remind B and G that it's not enough to not be the worst (I'm looking at Matthew, who probably looks better and better when they see the motley crew they chose for this season, Jason not included IMHO) ...

Probably an unpopular opinion but the more we saw of Cory, especially down the stretch, the more Mr. Snap and I realized that he's just ... not ... that ... good ... a ... cook intuitively/instinctively, plus he's really not someone who should be an "air personality." He tends to look like a deer in the headlights half the time. (Ditto Amy ... two people that I can't figure out why on earth they thought THIS would be the reality food TV show for them ... I could see them on Master Chef much more easily.) I couldn't stomach watching Rusty and I've already made my opinion clear on Matthew, but at least in their cases I can see why this would be their chosen dream goal ... For me (for you), Jason is the only one who I think brings a unique personality, a real comfort with the camera, and food I'd want to eat all in one package. I didn't know it was all done and I will trust those who think, by reading Twitter etc., that Cory is the lock for the win but I just don't get it. He's really forgettable. Even his handsomeness is forgettable. And he's only the second or third best southern cook on this season. Jason is an absolute DOLL on twitter, by the way. Very responsive and adorable. Maybe I can friend HIM on Facebook ;)

Has there ever been -- other than possibly Lenny, and we know how well HE did post-show -- a winner of FNS who was so overwhelmingly detested by the fans? Do they (as in the powers that be) care? I will not take away from him that he did a perfectly fine job this week on his standup. But his POV does absolutely nothing for me, I don't think he's particularly creative in his cooking, and he's just a complete asswipe. I'm not sure how you market a show with that to work with ... If he could do something really amazing in terms of a show from a culinary standpoint, something no one else brings to the table, that would be one thing. You could just edit down his bravado and shut him up and let him cook. Or if he were a weak cook but was so likeable and funny and charming, he could co-host with someone because people would want to watch him. But he's already got a huge groundswell of UNsupport from the viewers and he's been extremely mediocre on all of the challenges that actually entailed, you know, FOOD. (Though I will give him this ... I totally disagreed with the judges this week re" mozzarella vs. blue cheese ... I actually thought the pizza pockets looked good with that gooey cheese. And while, yes, blue cheese is the dipping sauce you associate here, blue cheese itself in the pocket would just be nasty). For whatever they want to claim, this show has been going more and more and more towards the "network STAR" side of things and more and more away from the "food" part of the equation. I can't figure out how on earth Matthew could fit into a show that people would want to watch unless it's something like "Beat Bobby Flay" except it would be "Beat Matthew Grunwald and you get to beat him over the head with a baseball bat as your prize." Glad that Rusty really imploded this episode as well. And man, his teeth are fugly. He's gross and always looks a little dirty and I don't think I'd want to eat anything he made. And Amy is just a hot mess. Please do the right thing, FNS nation. I'm ready to set up my DTV to tape anything and everything that Jason is on right now. Lord honey, bring me that maple bacon syrup.

Boo. Boo boo boo boo boo ... Seriously, if Jason doesn't win this in a landslide I may never watch this show again because the only other even palatable contestant for me was David. The others are a completely motley unlikeable and untalented crew with any combination of terrible personality, visible discomfort on air or just boring cooking chops. OF COURSE Matthew did well this week. He could wipe up the floor with everyone from here until the season ends and I would HOPE it would not matter because he's already so hated I don't think many FNC fans would ever watch his show. My guess is that he's done something that Scaramooch would accuse someone of with glee and as such HAS to go far enough to be given some sort of show somewhere (the good cooker you love to hate or something) but NOT be the winner/representative of this brand with his own show as reward when so many fans have spoken.

I didn't watch but since Addie went home and Trace the week before which meant it was Addie, David and Cory cooking, I'd guess David and Cory (I thought Cory was destined for F3 or the win but he's SO lost in the headlights on this show that I wonder if they've changed their own minds?) Does anyone on here know when this stops and the "winner" rejoins the active competition? Is it after they're down to Top 3 or Top 4 on the real show? IMHO it's all about Jason and anyone else is just the runner-up but still ... PS ... Hope this is not inappropriate place to write this next question but I don't see ANY other thread that is a spoiler thread, and actually though I've pretty much been staying spoiler free, I am curious/need memory jogged ... they don't actually record the ENTIRE show (including winner) in advance, right? Isn't at least the finale closer to real time (not live maybe but not done until the very end?) ... Has ANYONE seen any shots of a finale or anything where they've been able to suss out who might be in it to the end? I know we're stuck with Matthew and I'm guessing Amy might have made so much improvement (from the nowhere to go but up department) that she'll stick around since they have to have some estrogen. I find Rusty annoying but he seems like contender material. And AFAIK if Jason doesn't win this the fix really IS in because he's far and away the best single contestant they've had since Eddie (my secret heart). I'm just curious, really, who will be the person to lose to Jason LOL. Matthew? Maybe they have a deal with the devil with him and want to get him far enough to make him the decent food source host that you love to hate. Cory because he's pretty if you like that sort of look? Amy so they don't look sexist? Rusty because Lenny was a disaster and they need a big ol' boy?

This made me so happy. Loved San Junipero.

I can't believe I never posted in this thread ... I loved the crap out of this episode. It made me cry like a baby and really stayed with me. Thrilled and shocked by the Emmy nom!

Maybe I missed it ... and clearly it doesn't matter since he's a front-runner ... but I don't think Rusty had any idea what a garden party is. And obviously no one clued him in ... I missed what someone said that he did mention not being dainty, but the fact is that a garden party doesn't mean using a bunch of items from your garden; it means a luncheon or afternoon tea IN the garden for snooty biddies LOL with little sammies and tea cakes and stuff. If he did indeed refer to not being dainty, then I guess he did understand that ... and I agree that what he made looked good and everything ... but he came nowhere NEAR what the assignment was and NONE of the judges ever mentioned that, even in passing (something like "well, I guess maybe a big ol' Louisiana guy doesn't know what a garden party and this doesn't mean what you think it means but we'll give you a pass on that"). I am sure had a less favored contestant made such a gaffe Giaaaaaaaada and Mr. Eyebrows would have harped on it big time. For me, right now, the current remaining six (and whatever person comes back from Salvation Station or whatever it's called) is the biggest collective trainwreck I've ever seen on this show. Jason and David are the only two who, for me, have been making consistently delicious-looking/sounding food. Cory tends to get very deer in the headlights when the pressure is on but I think his good looks will make him a lock for Top 2. They clearly have deck stacked for a male winner. I also have to assume Matthew will go far because he is so universally and deservedly detested that they would not have chosen him of all the possible also-rans had they not planned for him to be Top 2 or 3.

First time I have watched this and clearly I am late late late to the party but ... I didn't think the fire was explained either ... I expected the dad to commit suicide after he was "set free." He seemed lost without anywhere to go or anything to live for. LOVE LOVE LOVE that they used the Spring Standards' epic "Unravel Unwind" in that final scene where they're painting the apartment. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. (They also used one of my husband's songs in the scene where Albert and his dad are at the restaurant having dinner which is why we watched to start with LOL.)

Just re: "Paradise Hotel" ... I think the main reason I watch BIP these days is so I can enjoy the PTV rehash threads afterwards ... And may I say, with a small genuflection here, that there were very few threads on PTV's predecessor, Television Without Pity, that were more awesomely hilarious than the "Paradise Hotel" thread ... good times, my friend. Good good times.

HOLY MOLY do I owe you guys a HUGE thank you ... when I went over to Amazon to find you a link to the book I found out that she wrote a SEQUEL to the original following the next 30 years of the main character's life ... WHO KNEW? I DIDN'T? Just got it for my Kindle and I suspect it will be the first thing I read on my upcoming vacation! SO THANK YOU! And here is a link to Amazon and the book ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VUI2162/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 ETA: OMG there are SIX sequels ... one for each main character and I guess a few reunions. I know we talk about bingewatching on here a lot but I just bingebought.

Starting with a few mentioned here, though they probably couldn't be any different from one another, they're all at the top of my list: The Stand, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and A Tree Grows In Brooklyn ... and, of course, I've reread "The Handmaid's Tale" a few times and did a recent reread right before the series started airing. From my childhood, I adored a series I called "the Jennifer books" by Eunice Young Smith and also (kind of surprised not to see them here, though maybe I missed them?) the Betsy-Tacy-Tib series, especially the later ones when they're teens ("Betsy In Spite of Herself" was probably my favorite) I think the author is Maud Hart Lovelace? ... The two series are not dissimilar, both about girls growing up in the midwest around the turn of the century. As an adult, I've been sort of obsessed with a few of the James Michener books, especially "The Source" which I have reread several times despite the fact that it's over 1000 pages. But probably my favorite read-reread-reread is a book that was my friends' and my obsession in high school (I graduated in 1977 to give a basic time frame) ... I've never heard of anyone else being familiar with it ... it's called "The Cheerleader" by Ruth Doan MacDougall. Written in 1973, the cover (and the cover blurb) makes it look like soft porn ("What was it like before the sex revolution? A bittersweet novel of lost innocence") but it was ... well, a little risque but just a great novel about high schoolers in the 50s in New Hampshire. I think it's time for a re-read now, in fact! ETA: Oh, HOW could I forget ... also ALL of the Amy Tan novels ... have them stacked up to go through them again this summer (hey, I'm unemployed and have a lot of time on my hands). She is overdue for a new one ... I also love Lisa See's books.

Who am I missing? Edmund, Henry Stafford, Lord Stanley ... I may not have gotten to the fourth because I'm still a little behind (much more up-to-date on the Tudors from HVIII on, but my late mom was a member of the RIII society and I've been unemployed and I missed WQ first time around, so am in the midst of a blitz of bingewatching WQ and reading the whole Gregory oeuvre in chronological order and will pick up with White Princess when I get there in the books). So far, Stafford is pretty much my favorite character in WQ (assuming I have name right ... Stafford being Margaret's long-suffering husband who did NOT father her baby and looked on while she made googoo eyes with Jasper, yes?)