PhoneCop

Cosign on all of the above. Though I will say that it's better than The Summit, which squandered a potentially fun premise with nonsensical twists and excessive production meddling. Didn't bother finishing that one; I might make it to the end of this one, even if it's a stretch to say I have a horse in this race.

Episode 5 preview: So the teams and cuisines will be: Tristen and Bailey, Greek (both have immunity) Henry and Shuai, Filipino Vinny and Lana, Indian César and Katianna, Thai Kat and Corwin, Portuguese Paula and Massimo, Caribbean

Well, that was...an outcome. I respect the chops; I'll just have to hit mute and read the captioning during her interviews. I don't love that she'll have immunity in a challenge where two chefs go home, though, given that I don't dislike anybody left. With the packs starting to separate, there's a few I could stand to lose in a twofer, but I'd hate to lose any of the rest that way.

As someone who doesn't do well with heat and humidity, I could kind of relate to Jonathan on that level. But man, what an object lesson in how not to conduct myself no matter how frazzled I might get. Being received at the mat not only by Phil and a greeter but a mini-kecak performance would make up for a lot, though!

Regarding Jeff and his fixation on BALLS:

The display cases of Jamaican patties had me whimpering, like Gimme gimme gimme. I loved the variety of interpretations we got and would've been happy trying even the less successful ones. There's nobody left I really dislike, so I knew the cuts from here on would mostly be brutal. Katianna and Anya had me pulling for them from early on, so it was interesting to see one successfully adapt at the last minute and the other...not. Anya's culinary perspective is a really interesting one, so hopefully she can fight her way back.

A glimpse of shooting and cast members (Nick and Callum) meeting set visitors, with hints about Series 6's timeframe: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/all-creatures-great-and-small-series-6-filming-in-grassington-with-nicholas-ralph-callum-woodhouse-and-anna-madeley-5043425

Siegfried left the door so wide open that I wouldn't be the least surprised if Carmody eventually resurfaces, at least for a visit. Probably easier than showing him in London—other than the opening scenes in Glasgow, have we ever been outside the Dales on the show? I can't remember where James was stationed. Topic: Callum posted this on his Instagram. Since COVID's making the rounds again, IDK if this is a current photo and he's ditched the mustache or it's old and he didn't want to give anything away about Season 6. (Might be current; the preceding photo is from three weeks ago and has him sporting scruff but not the mustache.)

Man, it feels like ages since last season. This seems like a solid group—some who are off to a rockier start than others, but no outright duds like last year’s David Murphy. And I want to be optimistic—not counting all-stars seasons, there’s been a long alternating pattern of winners I like and winners I…am less enthusiastic about, so I’m due for a good one. (Not that I disliked Danny as such, I just liked others more.) Kat having worked for Billy Corgan means it’s gonna be a struggle for me not to make Smashing Pumpkins dad jokes for however long she lasts. (“So, Kat, what did you make tonight, tonight?”)

The good news for David is that a 1-in-15 chance of winning $1M is better than the odds of rolling a Natural 20. The bad news is that instead of a 5% chance, it's still only a 6.67% chance. And he doesn't exactly strike me as a strategic genius who's likely to go to the end anyway. Homie needs to see if Disneyland needs a backup Gaston actor.

Agreed. Put them in or don't. I don't get the interest in these weird shadow games.

And now another interminable wait. They seem to be advancing roughly one year per series, but I wonder if they’ll skip a little further this time, rather than waiting a full four years to tell some postwar stories. For those of us who developed a soft spot for Carmody, here's a fun little video tribute (that I can't seem to embed).

Easiest fan-casting ever: WOMEN Shan Genevieve Carolyn Angelina Noura Reem Sue Smey Applebee's Liz MEN Q Rome Andy Bruce Jelinsky Bhanu Gabler Zach, just to see if he lasts longer than his brother ...then we throw away the key.

I knew Carmody would be exiting, but I’m hoping there’s a time jump or something that allows him to return eventually, especially since Siegfried left the door wide open for him. I don’t think the show necessarily needs somebody in the trainee role at all times, but I’ve enjoyed him as the younger-brother figure Siegfried might have chosen and wanted more of him playing the foil to Tristan. And he’d come such a long way—inviting Doris for drinks, learning how to drive, winning over Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki. I guess like Mrs. Hall, I like it when the house is full, and now it's going to feel a little emptier despite Tris being back. Speaking of Audrey, they certainly seemed to be nudging her closer to Bosworth, along with Siegfried and Miss Grantley. IDK about the latter, but I have a hard time believing the former is endgame.

Carmody and Tristan's bed-to-bed banter had me wishing Richard can harness that energy the next time he runs into Doris.