springbarb

Exactly. He needs to stop saying things like, "That lemon would knock a hog out of the mud!" I had hoped he might have toned it down, which I remember him doing for another competition show, but that's not the case. Does something need salt? Does one flavor highlight or subdue another? Say that. Stop making odd comparisons and trying to sound folksy. I know that's his brand, but I really, really dislike it.

Jason continues to bother me--I just can't take him seriously, even when he's giving serious comments. Carla needs to continue keeping it toned down. I do continue to appreciate the level of baking in this show. I'm so used to the season competitions; this group is clearly more skilled, and I appreciate that. I also don't mind the format of the show, though I think they should give the first round more time and focus less on the second round.

It would've worked better if Leif had shut up, but DMD spilled it to Zoey. Was very glad to see Simon be the one to initiate the breakup. He deserves better; Zoey was never invested. If the show continues, I hope to see him in his new role at Sprqpt. That was the highlight of the episode for me. I don't think we're supposed to think Zoey was ever platonic about Simon; I think the problem is actually the opposite--she was very much attracted to him physically, but was never emotionally there. I was surprised at the ending, because I had assumed that Max would be gone for the between seasons break--he shows up a few months later, and he and Zoey are ready to commit then. I'm glad that Zoey seems all in now, but she needs time on her own, I think.

Agreed. Some of these ingredients seem unique enough that I don't think a typically stocked competition kitchen would have them. Carla's theatrics were so cringe-worthy. That was awful.

I agree--I think the comment about drip cakes was more that she was expecting more from potential best bakers in America than drip cakes, which are overdone and, in this case, didn't connect at all to the actual dessert.

This setup is very reminiscent of Zumbo's Just Desserts--all the bakers compete, and in that, the bottom two battle it out to avoid elimination while the safe bakers watch from the side. (Zumbo's at least gave the other bakers chairs to sit in.) I actually don't mind it; it beats a preheat that doesn't seem to matter except for the advantage given to the winner, which at times could be very helpful and at times was...not. I do think it'll get better as we get to know the bakers more and are more invested.

Jason is still a bit too much for me, though he's not quite as bad as he's been on other shows. He and Carla both need to take it down a bit--though neither is as bad as they've been elsewhere. I was amused at the other chefs watching, like on Zumbo's Just Desserts. As always, it's refreshing to see a group of really talented bakers. I enjoy the season/holiday baking championships, but this really shows the differences in talent.

I do wonder where the show will go from here. Presumably Martin will wind up back in jail; him just calling Malcolm every week while he's on the run doesn't really work. But I can't imagine Martin in jail being allowed anywhere near the privileges he currently has. It seems early in the show's run to go this route.

Loved Jessica defending herself, but I was so annoyed at the situation. There is zero chance that Jessica would've been wandering the halls by herself. Mr. David took Martin to the infirmary and someone else would've escorted Jessica out, particularly because there's an emergency. Have hated all the stuff with Dr. Capshaw, and she was dumb for following Christian Borle into that room with the rats--but good on her for her defense, too. It was nice to see Malcolm proactively trying to distance himself from his father.

There are times Nancy REALLY annoys me--the over-the-top alcohol love, the weird hand gestures when she's happy, the constant "This just doesn't say 'spring' to me!" when the challenge doesn't really allow for spring elements. However, she's been less annoying the past few episodes. I definitely prefer Kardea to Lorraine.

I wasn't surprised at Keya's win after they raved about the taste of her cake, but I am disappointed that it was really only half decorated. I'm glad they brought it up in the judges' discussion, because it wasn't mentioned to Keya (at least, on air). I was very surprised that Derek came in third, though--I guess banana chips were more egregious than incredibly dense cake. Disappointing, though. Didn't miss Lorraine at all.

With Natalie, I was blown away by the hamburgers and churros she made, but was underwhelmed by the roller coaster itself, which took up most of the display. The judges were more complimentary about it than I was.

I was glad the Derek took the win today, and think Veruska was the right choice to go. I was concerned that they'd give her design a pass--they've been so inconsistent about that this season. I feel like this is a really solid final three; whoever wins is a strong baker. Keya is probably the most consistent, but I think it's anyone's game.

If literally nobody does the twist well, the problem is the twist, not the contestants. That said, this twist was fairly innocuous. Some have been much worse.

I still think of Alan Cumming primarily as Creepy Sean Walsh. I, too, was surprised that the Endicott murder was wrapped up so quickly. I'm not complaining, and I guess we'll see the continued effects on Ainsley. But it just seemed abrupt. And we didn't really get a reason for the courier to be killing everyone off. Bizarre.

The judging in this season seems particularly random. How in the world did that opera cake evoke chocolate chip cookies but Keya's black and white cake didn't evoke her cookie? Most of the desserts didn't look "spring-y". It all seems so arbitrary. I couldn't believe Veruska won--though her preheat win seemed well deserved.

I also didn't like the Zoey's Brother/band plot. I did appreciate that he was actually good at playing keyboard, but his immediate assumption that it was an audition and just everything made me wince. Although it was amusing when the band members were talking about David looking old; the one who said it looked at LEAST as old as David does. I'm glad Max is getting a new love interest, but I'm annoyed that they're setting Simon and Zoey back up. Let her just be on her own for a while! Plus, of course, the power differential at work, which they won't begin to address. Just. Be. Single. I don't think she is ready, but the show needs the lead to have romantical problems. And then in a few months, Rose will need to go back to New York and will Max move and Zoey is so upset at the thought etc., etc.

I enjoy Derek, though I don't think he's going to win. I loved his "I have cats" in response to whether he has kids. Followed by the "...I was a child once."

The criticisms of the decorating continue to confound me. I was sure the macaron tower would get dinged for not being spring-y enough, but apparently the blueberry inside was enough. Whereas the other "Twinkle twinkle little star" tower was fab, but not baby enough? Though it would look find in a nursery to me! So bewildering. Poor Jamahl. Even great flavors couldn't save that 100% decorating fail, especially after the fail in the preheat. (In the preheat, I liked that Duff appreciated what he was going for, even if Nancy didn't at all.)

I agree about Jonah and Amy; he's not over her, but he and the lawyer are good. I can't remember Sandra's involvement in the electrocution, but even if she wasn't involved at all, Carol probably wants that because she's still upset about Jerry.

I have to assume it was against the rules, but that was my first thought, too. I actually didn't mind the challenge itself; it's something different and the cakes largely turned out better than I thought they would. I was really impressed with how close the purples were on the geode cakes.

I understand why the bakers do this, but so many of their combinations just don't sound at all appealing. I also tend to prefer simpler cakes, though. (And generally I don't like fruit in my cakes, so clearly am not meant to be a judge on these shows.) And agree on thinking the bohemian cake was the worst-looking of the bunch.

Honestly, I'd be OK with that, too.

Yeah, was absolutely bewildered by Chantai staying. I wonder if Laurent's poor presentation in the preliminary round fed into it at all? It was good seeing them do something different. I feel like these challenges have been a bit more mixed up, and I've enjoyed the cute flourished--I don't really want to see some branded tie-in character, but I'm enjoying the cows and bunnies and chickens.

Agreed. I really hope Jonah ends up with the lawyer.