[S02.E10: The Real Santa]

I was pleasantly surprised the writing didn't have Eddie take any of the credit for Emery's gift in the end. They ride the edge of Eddie being unlikeable at times, and I appreciate when they give him some balance. 

 

And while I know it was to set up Lao Ban Santa, it seemed odd that no one had ever heard a multi-cultural Santa explanation before. Non-white kids often experience Santa as sharing their race/culture, explained by magic (or sometimes not at all). 

 

P.S. Whoever provided the hint that the boys' names are in alpha order has made it possible for me to keep Emery and Evan straight! Thank you!

[S02.E09: We Done Son]

And his whole "it's called eBay"?  No, just no.  eBay's original name wasn't eBay and it was founded in California by a Middle Eastern - American.  I get that this whole thing was supposed to be played for laughs, but in the age of the internet, where facts are easily checked, it just doesn't work.

The "Frenchman" Barry said was the potential investor would be Pierre Omidyar, who founded eBay IRL! French-born Persian. Not sure why Omidyar would have been in New Delhi at the time, but it's so specific my guess is it would check out.

[S09.E12: Hell Bent]

After the Christmas special, I'm out. Removing a season pass is a difficult, highly unusual step for me after getting invested, but I'm not enjoying it anymore. The past two seasons have been a slog. Beyond the stories they're telling not appealing, I've never warmed up to 12 or Capaldi. I'll check back in with the next Doctor.

 

Recent companions have been The Most Important Person In The Universe. Could we get someone a little more ordinary next time? Rose and Martha became world-changing, but at least they grew into that role. On the other hand, Amy (who I liked very much) and Clara were both DESTINED to be TMIPITU. Meh.

[S13.E02: Pop-Up Pandemonium]

I seriously doubt whether that one woman really knew, all on her own, to rub down the meat with that particular spicy goo when her marinade didn't blast off.  

 

I believe you're thinking of Karen (red bangs) on the Korean team, who used a red pepper paste to save her short ribs after the marinade failed. She actually did know what she was doing -- she runs an Asian fusion restaurant and in her TH she said she uses Korean flavors all the time. Huge advantage! (Not that prior experience saved the Mexican team...)

[S13.E02: Pop-Up Pandemonium]

What is carne seca? 

I couldn't get a good look at what he put out so no idea if it's similar, but my ears perked up when I heard him say that. In Tucson, carne seca is a local specialty made by shredding beef and letting it dry in the sun. It concentrates the flavors and makes it saltier and chewier. If shredded beef and jerky had a baby, this'd be it. 

[S13.E01: Stop The Presses]

I can't help thinking that they have 17 chefs because they chose their usual 16 and then a producer forced them to take Grayson at the last minute. 

Or, it could be as simple as the producers wanting 4x4 teams for the popup challenge, so they had to start with the odd 17!

[S02.E05: And the Hollow Men]

I've avoided getting an account for YEARS because I know getting involved in conversations will quickly become an obsession (like I don't spend enough watching and reading about TV already!). What finally broke me? Needing to say this:

 

Someone's been watching Doctor Who! This took a page from The Doctor's Wife, where the Doctor meets his Tardis in female human form. Flynn being so giddy to be with his Library and wanting to keep talking as he vanished into gold dust, felt just like it. 

 

Not that I mind -- this show is already one part National Treasure and one part Warehouse 13 with some extra magic thrown in. All of which works for me. And bonus Christian Kane, who I'd watch in almost anything. :)