seacliffsal

I was underwhelmed by the appearance of so many of those dishes. But, I was overwhelmed by how many participants there were. So, maybe it all balanced out? I like the idea of duos but think there are way too many participants. Hard to keep track. I think they should have split them into two groups (similar to Crime Scene Kitchen) and then rejoin the two groups when the numbers are lower. Nevertheless, I am glad the show is back. On the total plus side, I felt like all 3 of the judges had very good critiques of the dishes. As for the conspiracy theorist in me, I find it very 'coincidental' that the contestant from Masterchef Junior had the exact same cut accident that she had when previously on the show. Ok, I'll take off my tin foil hat now... Although I don't think they will win (or even last that long), I really like the Asian mother and daughter and especially the mom's excitement of being in the top three.

IMO the problem with doing 'all-stars' at this point is that Survivor no longer dominates the pop culture discussion like it did in its earlier seasons. The names that most people recognize from this show are from the earlier seasons. I can barely remember who even won these last few seasons (except I remember Gabler because it seemed they finally voted for the 'goat'-BUT, I couldn't tell you which season he was on). Therefore, the survivors a lot of remember may have aged out of participation in the show or are not interested in participating as game chance has replaced game strategy which makes it an entirely different show and experience. And others, such as Cirie IMO, have been on so many other shows that some of us are just fine not seeing her again (that travesty season of Big Brother that she was on really killed any 'like' that I had for her).

When the husband in the Seattle to London episode kept talking about being near the night life, etc., I was so 'not going to happen with 3 young children...' At the end it changed more to having other people over which is a whole different vibe. Overall, they seemed like a nice family and I liked the house they chose.

I'm so sorry, but I just can't... Watching the maze and croquet isn't entertaining enough for me to put up with the endless bus scenes and the nonsense of some of these clues. I'm taking it off my DVR, may still watch some of it 'live' but maybe not. The best part of any show is reading everyone's comments and insights. Thanks everyone!

For those wondering about an episode without a murder, last week's take on the 'bad seed' was just that (the gerbil was 'murdered' but not a human). It was more about who framed the magician boy and the blackmailing of the school director.

It never fails to amaze me that no matter how short of a time someone appears on a show they are then referenced as a 'star.' Jonah as a star? Come on now...

My mind boggles over the fact that none of them seem to be getting 'bus sick.' I've been on buses going through Switzerland and the Alps and I would really have to work on not getting 'bus' sick. Those curving roads are nothing to sneeze at. I would never be able to doo it without being able to look ahead. The bus they are on is so enclosed it's claustrophobic to a degree. Would they even needs clues to realize they are somewhere in the Alps with all the altitude changes and curving roads?

Okay, I'll admit it-I had some tears in my eyes when Auggie died and at his funeral. But, the ending gives me some kind of hope. I really like the bartender so am glad it seems like he'll be around if there is another season (which I hope very much). I think they are working too hard to convince us that Luke and Susan are now in separate and happy relationships. I think Zoe went overboard in her attitude/tone with the priest if she was asking a favor. I wouldn't want to help her if she approached me in that manner for a favor. But, I guess they needed a way to get Susan and Lomax into nun garb...

My biggest nikpik with this episode was that all three of them walked into the tomb and then, surprise! surprise! the door slammed shut. They already knew they were dealing with booby traps, so why that blunder? I agree with others that Rita's character was more developed. I appreciated that she just went with it when the ghost revealed himself. Oh, and so very creepy that Tyler just pushed himself into Luke's mom's house.

Here I am!!! I may be a bit late to viewing these episodes (have been sick but am now caught up!!!). No fear, I am here with you. However, I am a bit disappointed that you missed an opportunity to see Gordon!!! (my nephew was a day late in seeing Gordon not too long ago at his D.C. restaurant). We can't keep missing him! Maybe we need a Gordon tracker or something... Oh that would have been fabulous! I hope you had a good reason for not going...

At least in the 24 hour show we saw the restaurant's cooks practicing the new recipes with the mentors. In the new version of Kitchen Nightmares as well as this show, we really don't see the cooks learning how to handle the new menu and recipes. So, that in and of itself is a 'recipe' for disaster (see what I did there?).

I liked the family who was moving to Germany. He has an interesting job and they had a nice "meet cute" story. The only negative of the episode for me was having Sarah there. Yes, I get that they were close to the Netherlands, but I just don't care for her and her antics. Fortunately she seemed a bit toned down, but she still had to jump on the sofa, etc.

I've seen a few references about contestants trying to appeal to Mike White to be in one of his projects, etc. I think it's really Jeff who wants to be in one of Mike's projects. Jeff seems to be bored with the Survivor he has created from the OG Survivor (and it's all his fault). So, he's looking to extend himself into acting via Mike White IMO.

I didn't know what to really expect but I was hoping it was going to be more along the line of old school Amazing Race in which they would have to figure out clues to get to Destination X. But this, with them all traveling on the bus and only brief glimpses of where they are, doesn't appeal that much to me. I'm also not a fan of JDM and his style of hosting. Will give this another try, but it seems too centered on the interactions on the bus and not enough about where they actually are IMO. Was so glad that Josh was first gone-that was the most positive thing about this episode for me...

This was by far my most favorite episode of the season. I thought the directing by Adam Arkin was great. Opening scenes focused on the children and their perspectives (kind of like the old Peanuts specials). And, oh, how delightful to meet a young 'bad seed.' I thought both of the key child actors were tremendous. Was sorry Charlie still lost her job as there could be so many future adventures with the students. Also, Iliked her friendship with Elijah's father. I guess 'Good Buddy' is the framework through which we get Charlie's narrative/exposition. I just enjoyed this episode so much, especially after being disappointed in some of the season 2 episodes.