My Week in (non-premiere) TV

by Kelly Bedard

We've been pretty busy here at My TV trying to keep up with all the season premieres (and a couple finales). In all the hubub I haven't had the chance to mention a few of the other things I've been watching this week. Here, to rectify this, are a few thoughts on my DVD, online and mid-season viewing.

In "Reality" on CBS (and some other places)

by Kelly Bedard

The summer reality season has been winding down (thanks for an incredibly awkward summer, Bachelor Pad!) and the fall season is starting up (go Chaz Bono, go!), never more interestingly than on the network that undoubtedly rules the reality universe- CBS. We've still got a couple days to go before the new Amazing Race (Ethan and Jenna for the win!) but we've got more than a few thoughts on the end of Big Brother and the start of Survivor.

2010 in Reality TV: Top Chef

2010 was an up and down year for Top Chef. Coming off their best season yet in late 2009, the Bravo series started 2010 with a Washington DC edition. It was at once their kitschiest season to date, and one of the least interesting. The season did feature an engaging personality in Tiffany and an entertaining one in Angelo, as well as the hilarious "scandal" of the stolen pea puree (oh my!), but the contestants were generally less than interesting and the food generally less than impressive. To top it all off, the win went inexplicably to hot-headed Kevin (who was in the bottom no fewer than 5 times over the course of the season and won only 1 challenge). On a brighter note, even though Eric Ripert is not exactly an enthralling permanent judge, at least this season marked goodbye to the vile Toby Young.

Next came Top Chef: Just Desserts. In contrast to it's parent show's mediocre 7th season, the spinoff's 1st season was wonderfully entertaining. As a whole, the series lacked the heat and bad-assery of the original (which is what happens when you take away knives and fire and replace them with mixing bowls and piping bags) but it didn't need to be hot to be entertaining, because it was delightfully bitchy. Yes, apparently pastry chefs are more cliquey, snippy and divalicious than American Idol singers, Project Runway designers and Top Models combined. It was fabulous. From glittery Zac to bitter Heather to childish loner Danielle, the contestants were hilariously diverse. Early on, passionate lunatic Seth kept the audience riveted with fantastic outbursts like the instant classic "the red hots are for my mommy!" (though I still maintain that he's very talented and well-intentioned, he just needs a therapist, and to not be on national TV). Once he was gone, attention switched to the totally mature rivalry between the in-crowd: Zac, Yigit and Heather H (wonderfully named "Team Diva") and the outsiders/underdogs: Danielle, Morgan and Eric (they had no official name, though "Team Loser" was certainly thrown around as a possibility). Adorable baker Eric unfortunately left early-ish from the underdogs, but they ultimately triumphed over Team Diva when Danielle controversially beat out Zac for the 3rd finale spot. In the end it came down to the 2 best contestants of the season: Yigit, the adorable Turk with the baby face and the perfect technique, and Morgan, the manliest man ever to design a handbag made of buttercream. Despite the fact that Morgan had 3 elimination and 3 quickfire wins going into the finale compared to Yigit's 1 elimination and 1 individual quickfire, it was anybody's game (Yigit's technique and ambition had made him a front-runner from day 1, while Morgan had been a dark horse). Ultimately, Yigit took the prize (and the "fan favourite" title), which was deserved, appropriate and the perfect ending to a fantastic season. Also: Johnny Iuzzini... 'nough said.

Next up, the knives and fire came back... and so did a big pile of losers. Literally. It's All-Star season, so all the contestants are former losers. That means that we get some idiots that should have just stayed home (I'm talking to you Dale Talde, at least just stop talking), some popular contestants way out of their league (Fabio, Spike) and some great chefs who just flat-out didn't win first time around (Carla, Antonia, Angelo, Jen). We also get back my favourite contestant of all-time: Richard Blais (who HAS to win this thing). 5 weeks in there are 12 chefs left. Angelo's winning the win/judges' favourite count with 2 wins and 2 weeks in the top, though Richard's just one win behind after having been disqualified week 1 for going over time. Look for Jamie to go home next (she was my favourite in her season but I'm so disappointed with her in All-Stars) with Fabio close behind. Also I expect a dark horse like Carla or Mike to make their way to the finale against expectations. On the judging front, the permanent table is solid this season with Padma, Tom, Gail and the ever-entertaining Anthony Bourdain.

It may have had a rocky start in 2010 but the superb new spinoff and a solid-if-not-fabulous start to All-Stars has put the series in a good place for 2011.

We Have A Winner

Appropriately So. Thank You Just Desserts Judges (especially Johnny!)

A Quick Look at "Reality"

Pastry Chefs are Bitchy... and Paranoid. Yigit and Morgan may be near the centre of the drama but I love them both so it's fine. Heather, on the other hand, has got to go. (Top Chef: Just Desserts)

The Amazing Race will be a sadder place without my beloved A Capella singers. And I still think the doctors have got this season.

Mondo HAS to win Runway this year! If he doesn't, there's something wrong. Michael's stuff is beautifully wearable and I think the guy maybe should have his own reality show (his was really the arc of the season) but design ingenuity needed to triumph. And three cheers, once again this week, for the heroic Tim Gunn!

This Week in Reality

Top Chef had their uneventful reunion show this week. It served little purpose other than to put further salt in the wound of Kevin's unexpected (read: not really deserved) victory. What was great though was that they announced that in December they'll start their first ever All-Stars season. I love a good all-stars season. And while I'm sad that there'll be no previous winners in it (and no Brian Voltaggio), there will be such awesome people as Spike, Marcel, Antonia, Carla, Fabio, Jen (the great one from the terrible Hosea season), Jen (the pretty cool one from the awesome Voltaggio season), Tiffany and Angelo. Look for the amazing Richard Blais to finally top the competition. Cannot wait!

Top Chef: Just Desserts returned for a second episode. There is something kinda badass about the original Top Chef. It's trial by literal fire. Just Desserts is, well, fluffier, obviously. The chefs are certainly no less talented (they may even be more talented) and the skill set may even be harder (there's no tasting a cake before you serve it, it's chemistry and faith) but it just doesn't have the cool factor that its predecessor does. It's fun, but it's just a little less thrilling. That said, it does have a good batch of crazy. Early favourite Seth (who looks delightfully like Michael C Hall) busted out many many childish tantrums and breakdowns in this episode alone, a highlight being the tearful pronouncement that "The Red Hots are for my mommy!" during a candy quickfire. His cool-headed bro (aka only other straight guy) Morgan stepped up in my estimation by flat out calling him an asshole on camera when he was being, well, an asshole. That said, he's a talented chef and I feel bad that he's being so ostracized. Clearly he's got some screws loose and flipped out, treating people badly, but he apologized and tried to make up for it, and no one would let him back in- it was sad to watch. But bitchiness aside, these are talented chefs.  Zach's quickfire desert was incredible and I have a feeling I'll grow to really love Yigit and Erik the baker. It's a good cast, though Malika definitely should have gone before Tim, I do not like that woman. And Gail, my favourite Top Chef judge, is a fine host alongside pretty darn cool head judge Johnny Iuzzini.

Survivor eliminated the macho guy (ironically named Shannon) from the young team that previously thought themselves indestructable. Despite some crazy behaviour from lunatic Holly, the older team pulled together nicely in this one and a mini-alliance formed between Jill and Marty that seems promising. I don't know why but I'm looking for Yve to step up as a great player on that tribe. As for the youngins, they're already having serious unity struggles, NaOnka is clearly a lunatic who inspires me to throw things at my screen and Brenda seems like trouble. I'd say Alina and Kelly B seem like the smartest of the young lot but something about the way Jud (aka Fabio) comported himself at tribal council was strangely impressive; he doesn't seem that smart but he seems kind of smart, if you know what I mean, I like him.

Project Runway FINALLY eliminated their most obnoxious designer, Ivy. The woman was all attitude and construction skills without the design aesthetic to back it up, so glad she's gone. Michael C landed in the bottom for the first time for what I thought was a fairly pretty dress and Andy landed back in the top with a truly monstrous "high fashion" creation. Valerie, an early frontrunner, had a breakdown and basically solidified her slow descent from finals material. Super annoying and egomaniacal Gretchen got lots of praise for a hideous velvet dressing gown thing but likable Christopher and April were safe. Mondo, easily my favourite designer/character of the lot took another win including a great prize of money and exposure for an awesome "very Mondo" colourful creation. I'm predicting a Mondo/Gretchen finale with that third spot up for grabs (my controversial pick: Michael C).

The Amazing Race returned with a new season and all sorts of arrogance (lots of boyfriends who think they're boss, stupid blonds making up "mean girl" nicknames, etc...) and a couple teams worth rooting for (mainly the acappella guys, love them). I'm also going to make my prediction for this year's winner right here and now: I think the doctors have a shot at being the first all-female team to make it, I really do; they're athletic and smart with the type of relationship that's unshakable enough to guarantee success. It promises to be a typical but entertaining season.

My Week in TV

The Bachelorette: She picked the right guy. They rode off into the sunset. I got simultaneously jealous and then ashamed of myself. It was pretty standard. Except that she let the other guy go before the last day, causing the producers to have to scramble for a new dramatic ending. I kinda liked that, it was both humane and inconvenient- right on. I fear that The Bachelorette may have made me like Ali. Well, something new every day I guess.

Big Brother: I don't know who to cheer for. Rachel is a lunatic but Kristen is a bitch. The brigade is a bumbling alliance but Brendan has terrible taste in women. Kathy is a nothing player. Britney and Ragan aren't bad but I usually don't approve of low key players. I suppose my loyalties still lie with the smartest brigade member, Matt (who's supposed mishandled HOH last week actually took the target 100% off his back) and the so-called "floaters" Britney and Ragan whom I think are playing pretty well, just subtly (and are also each good for some solid quotables each episode). See the comments section on Tim's post from earlier this week for more of my thoughts.

Drop Dead Diva: a good episode this week proclaimed that Jane and Grayson need to grow into their soulmate-ness. It was a great scene, brilliantly acted by Brooke Elliott and well written. It's a sweet concept but exists entirely in TV land, somewhere I always credited Diva for not living.

Project Runway: It's back! That is good. That is all.

My Boys: Another solid episode this week gave us some brilliant quotes as Mike planned his own birthday celebration.

Top Chef: A decent lot of chefs completely pales in comparison to last season's. Kenny keeps proclaiming that he's the man but has yet to truly prove it. Angelo is a decently strong chef but the producers are trying too hard to frame him as a villain when he's not dynamic enough to warrrant it. Alex is kind of an interestingly sketchy character and Amanda is maddening but overall these people are blandly talented and boring. Once you go Volt you never go back. Though even without the brilliant brothers, last season still had lots of great going ons like the great characters and food of Kevin and Eli, the controversy of Robin and the tough gal persona of Jennifer. This season's got none of it. It's also the kitschiest yet, and that's saying something considering last season was set in Vegas.

Life Unexpected: I'm catching up through summer re-runs. Me like.

The Good Wife: ditto.

The Last Comic Standing: Still loving my first experience with the show. Go Tommy Go!

So You Think You Can Dance: Kent's got this. That's been obvious since the second Alex went down. However, Lauren did have a spectacular week this week and Robert's grown on me. But Travis (LOVE) choreographed one of the most upsettingly moving pieces of the series thus far and gave it to Kent to dance with all-star Neil (also, LOVE) so he's got this, there's no doubt about it. And deservingly so. I mean, it should have been Alex but he's hurt. It could have been Anthony but the producers didn't like him enough to put him in the finals. It could have been Billy, but America didn't get him (though he REALLY should have made it past Adechike). So it's Kent. He's sweet, he's charming and boy can DANCE! He can take the prize, I'm cool with that.

Bones and True Blood: My current DVD projects. I'm still in season 1 of both but hoping to catch up to the newest seasons come fall. Loving both, especially Bones (that Christmas episode is superb!)

Good and Bad This Week

The Good

- SYTYCD's earnest (annoying?) farmboy Kent is engagingly mature, almost (dare I say it) sexy, this week in a smooth Dave Scott hip hop with Comfort and a beautiful Travis Wall contemporary with Lauren. 

- Deserving Emmy nominees abound, especially Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler.

- Big Brother returns with a cool new twist that's nowhere near as stupid as last year's high school theme. The rock star/mensa member takes off as a My TV early favourite.

- Brian Voltaggio (among others) reminds Top Chef viewers of the high standards contestants can meet.

- My favourite female dancer in SYTYCD history, Katee,  returned this week to dance a wonderful Broadway routine with Billy. 

- Hot in Cleveland is funny, nostalgic and a hit on TV Land's first attempt at scripted series. 

- All the right people keep getting eliminated one by one on True Beauty until only the tolerable remain (go Taylor!)

- Faith Prince reprises her role as Jane's mom on Drop Dead Diva in a lovely and moving episode that had Jane singing again.

The Bad

- The reason Katee came back to dance was because the amazing All-Star Allison hurt her ribs.

- Grayson's Drop Dead Diva story was a little strained this week.

- The Last Comic Standing audition rounds are over: one of the few reality shows where the audition rounds are actually entertaining.


- The Bachelorette wasted half its episode on a pointlessly juvenile breakup interview with Jake and Vienna (artfully mediated by the excellent Chris Harrison) instead of giving us more time with Ali's wonderful remaining men like Roberto, Kirk and Frank (for whom previews show the days are numbered before he becomes the season's third major villain).

- There aren't very many episodes left of the superb fourth season of Friday Night Lights.

and (the most traumatic by far)

- Alex Wong, by far the most interesting, most sympathetic, most engaging, hardest working dancer on So You Think You Can Dance this year (oh, and the single greatest dancer the show's ever seen), was injured this week and taken out of the competition. If he does not return next year my heart will surely break.

My Week in TV

• I was bored, so I made my own version of TV University (a format I blatantly stole from something I saw on www.thetvaddict.com- please, no one sue me).

• This week I got the opportunity to participate in a conference call with Secret Life of the American Teenager actress India Eisley. Not being very familiar with the show, I thought the most interesting thing about this would be that her mother was Zeffirelli's iconic Juliet. But when I caught up with some episodes online to prepare for the call I quickly discovered that I would be speaking to the most interesting aspect of the show. Eisley's character Ashley is the beating heart and smart mouth of an otherwise lobotomized teen condescension fest. And when I heard what Eisley had to say on the call I quickly realized that it's her that gives Ashley the awesome factor. Smart, articulate, humble, sweet and honest, Eisley was thoroughly charming. And when asked what shows she watches and movies she likes I couldn't help but think about the Teen Choice Awards (currently accepting voting online). The nominees are all fluff, the sort of belittling stuff that tells teenagers that because of their age they are expected to actually consider Tristan Wilds (90210) the best actor in a drama on TV (not that I don't really enjoymany a CW show and think that the Emmys should get off their high horse and consider Ed Westwick next season, but still- Tristan Wilds?!). But when 16-year-old Eisley watches TV she chooses Weeds, True Blood and Nurse Jackie (much to the audible surprise of the reporters on the call); and her favourite movie? It's not Twilight, it's Bridge on the River Kwai. I was so impressed with the mature teen star that I may even begin to watch her show. (I'll post more from the interview in the coming days).

• After an uphill battle that's been raging since Christmas, I'm closing in on finishing The Sopranos as I finally embark on season 6. It's been somewhat unpleasant (least sexy show EVER, though I suppose that's the point) and I don't care much for any of the characters but I can see why it is considered so artistically meritorious. For every cartoon of a mobster that fills out the background there's a fascinatingly drawn character to counteract them. The whole affair reeks of filmmakers gone rogue on television: the blatant narcissistic rule-breaking works against the series more than one might expect but does lead to the occasionally inspired moment (like heads in bowling bags- for example!) That doesn't make it pleasant to watch, but it does make it interesting.

• This week I watched all of CBC's newest hit 18 to Life in one sitting. It was cute, it was sweet and I'll be back next season for more.

• When I finally watched CTV's weeks old TV movie Turn the Beat Around (starring forgettable So You Think You Can Dance Canada contestant Romina Something-or-other and awesome SYTYCDCcontestants Miles and Natalie in sadly smaller roles), it proved so unlikeable that I ended up fast forwarding to the dancing parts. Whose idea was it to make a Flashdance remake using disco?!

• Monday night trash TV continues to make me incredibly happy. I love to hate the horrible people on True Beauty (though I kinda actually like Taylor, go Taylor!) and am loving The Bachelorette (as shameful usual). Kirk is progressively becoming my new favourite, I still love Frank even if he is going crazy with jealousy, am counting the days until Craig and Chris N finally leave, still think it might be Roberto who breaks her heart and could not care less if people think Justin is evil, she's clearly not going to pick him anyway.

• So You Think You Can Dance kicked off the voting this week with a strong episode. The All-Stars create a mixed bag or results. Some, like Allison, Mark, Pasha and Anya, raised their competitor partner's game. Others, like Kathryn and Twitch, accidentally detracted by being so awesome themselves. One (namely Courtney) is a mediocre all-star who kinda got outdanced by her partner. Some showed off their partner nicely by supporting them and doing their intended job of just being a partner that won't leave the contestant undeservingly in the bottom 3 (Lauren, Neil, Ade and Comfort did exactly that). I'm not sure how this whole thing will play out but I do know that every new thing I learn about Alex Wong makes me love him even more.

• Drop Dead Diva continues to be amazing this season with an excellent second episode. Chad Lowe made a spectacular guest appearance, Tony and Jane each tore my heart out, Fred proved awesomeness once more, Kim is starting to bounce back as a non-villain and Jeff Rose started his arc as a lawyer in opposition to Jane's firm.

• My daily summer staples Jeopardy and The Daily Show continue to go strong (though I am tired of oil spill coverage- is that terrible?).

and

• I almost missed the Top Chef premiere until I noticed something on the ever-helpful (and sometimes sorrowfully spoiler-full) Facebook newsfeed. It's awesome to have that show back for the summer!

Is it Luck or Talent?

For the past several weeks Robin on Top Chef has somehow managed to avoid the axe. How? She is consistently in the bottom three; her dishes are deplorable; and her talent is sub-par compared to the rest of the contestants. This past week she outlived Mike Isabella. Sure, he's not the best chef on that show--but my problem is that the decision came down to Mike and Robin! Robin?!?! Robin has not demonstrated why she belongs on this show....Which leads me to this: is she really talented and we (the audience), due to editing, never see this talent? Or, is she just a victor in someone's misfortune?

Obviously, Robin is not going to win the show. It has been clear from the beginning who the top four chefs are going to be: Jenn, Bryan and his brother Michael, and Kevin. But how long are the judges going to keep her around if the audience never sees her produce anything worthy?

My belief: Robin is possibly one of the luckiest contestants that I have ever seen on a reality TV show. Hopefully, this streak of luck will end soon.

Best Restaurant Wars Restaurant EVER?!?

1) That quickfire challenge was COOL

2) I Love Restaurant Wars! It's always one of the best episodes of the season.

3) The splitting up of the teams was brilliant; putting the Voltaggios together on the same team as Robin (the weak link) and pitting them against Jen and Kevin (the other two frontrunners) was great. The concept of "picking teams" is always fun and competitive and to make the two team captains Michael and Jen really made for dynamic groups. It also meant that the top 4 (Michael, Bryan, Jen and Kevin), 2 let-downs (Robin and Laurine) and 2 middle-dwellers (Mike and Eli) were all divided equally, giving each team a solid chance at the win and guaranteed that one of the 2 worst chefs would deservedly go home.

4) The editing around the Michael Volt sequence was flat out mean. To edit in scenes of him yelling and stressing out around an interview where he declares the importance of calm leadership and decorum in the kitchen seemed like a blatant attempt by producers to cut down the obvious fan favourite (the younger/cuter of the two genius brothers). That said, it was kind of hilarious, in a sad kind of way. And they had a point, Michael's intensity is even getting to cool-headed big-brother Bryan.

5) Aww, Michael split the money with his team. The mean editing did NOT work- bah, he's awesome!

6) The right person went home. Laurine did the worst job this week. Even though the general consensus among the chefs is that Robin shouldn't be there anymore, she did well this week. Her dish was among the most successful of the night (though Michael V did help her out a lot), it didn't hurt, though, that she was on the better team (has Bryan ever been in the bottom? Ever?). But why was Kevin so upset? Did he think someone else on their team should have gone home? Or was he just upset about having screwed up at all?

All in all, fantastic episode! I think this may not just have been the best restaurant wars restaurant ever on Top Chef, I think this may just be the best season of Top Chef, period. It's certainly not hurting for talent, drama or character (three characteristics each Voltaggio has in spades on his own, put them together and you've got one hell of a TV show. Did someone say Food Network?)

Holy Ceviche Batman!

I can't recall the last time I saw an episode of Top Chef in which someone DIDN'T make ceviche (fish cooked by citric acidity). What is with these people and their ceviche? This week it showed up no less than 5 times!

PS: Bryan worked with dandelion! The Volt brothers are freaking awesome!

My Top and Bottom Chefs

4 weeks in, the Top Chef contestants stand as follows in my books:

The Best
Kevin
Michael V
Bryan
(the brothers are killing it this season-they're sure to face off in the finale)

The Worst
Michael I
Jen (amazing chef, cannot stand her- also, the only really notable woman)
Ashley

The Others
Eli & Ash (they seem pretty cool but hardly get any airtime)
Ron (I have no idea how I feel about him, he confuses me)
Robin & Laurine (step it up ladies, the boys are trouncing you)

Dinner is Served: August 26th

One of my favourite reality shows, Top Chef, finally has a premiere date set.

The new season starts August 26th on Bravo and is set in Las Vegas. Returning faces include amazing host/judge Padma Lakshmi, iconic head judge Tom Colicchio and fan favourite Gail Simmons. Unfortunately, obnoxious new judge Toby Young will also be making a return appearance. But 3 out of 4 ain't bad.

The date is perfect timing for me (soon enough that I don't have to wait forever but late enough that I'll be able to catch most of the season in the US since it doesn't air on schedule in Canada).

My mouth is already watering.

Typical

With only 2 wins in the entire season, Hosea Rosenberg took the top title in last night's Top Chef finale. All I have to say is... typical. More often than not, the person who wins whatever reality show you happen to be watching is one of the most mediocre of the lot. Much credit for his win has to be given to his sou chef Richard Blais (runner up and my favourite chef from last season). Does anyone else remember a couple weeks ago when Hosea couldn't cook fish? Good Grief!

Salty Celery?

Salty celery was the downfall of my favourite chef this week on Top Chef. Up against the Hosea the mediocre and Leah, who is not only horribly unpleasant but also can't seem to cook anything well, Jamie was sent home because her celery over-reduced and was left too salty. Worst decision ever! Padma and Tom I thought I could trust your decision making skills, why is Leah still there? If she's in the top 4 with Jamie gone I'll be so upset. 

So now I'm cheering for Carla and assuming Stefan will win. At this point I think it's inevitable that Stefan will win, he's simply the best chef there, he has won almost every challenge. Whether you like him or not, his not winning Top Chef would be absurd at this point. 

Bottom Chef

So this season's Top Chef candidates kind of suck. 

With only 9 contestants left, this was the week to step up their game (a game that already should have been way higher than it was). But no one did. In fact, this week there were 2 chefs who barely contributed at all. 

And this new judge is terrible. Toby Young contributes nothing helpful at the judges' table. He speaks in painful cliches, shows a lack of understanding of the contestants and is unfoundedly harsh. This week he made an off the cuff and unfair comment about Ariane, saying "she can't cook", to which Padma immediately responded by defending Ariane's previous work and subtly pointing out that the new guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Gail (whom Toby is replacing) was the complete opposite, always fair and helpful as well as tough. So not only are this year's contestants failing to impress, the judges panel is lacking as well. 

My thoughts on the 8 remaining underwhelming contestants are as follows:

Jamie: though a little full of herself, Jamie is one of the best of the lot. Too bad that the best of this season can't compare to the middle of the last pack. 

Stefan: even more full of himself than Jamie (and everyone else for that matter), he's so obnoxious that I don't care if his food is any good at all (and I don't think it's as good as he thinks it is anyway).

Carla: ok, so she's a little crazy but at least she's humble (a rarity in this group), and she makes good pastry.

Radhika: boring, mediocre, blah. 

Fabio: I think Fabio may be my favourite. He's consistently good, not too pushy, not too crazy and kind of amusing. 

Jeff: always overcomplicating, Jeff can't seem to form a coherent dish, but he often saves himself with inspired side dishes that the judges love (fried green tomatoes, vegetable sorbets, etc...)

Leah: ew. She's boring, mediocre and blah (like Radhika) but she's also conceited, immature, kind of bitchy and a little whorey. Again, I say ew. 

Hosea: and I thought I liked Hosea but then in this episode he seemed stuck in the mud and unwilling to accept blame or failure. Stefan didn't win the quickfire challenge because Hosea gave him an ingredient, he won it because his food was better; Hosea tells the story differently. Why are these people all so immature?

Where's the innovative Richard or the clam cool and collected Antonia or the fun and easy going Stephanie? All of whom were phenomenally talented chefs who could wipe the floor with this season's lot. 

Top Chef returns

I jumped on the Top Chef bandwagon last summer after watching an SNL rerun in which they made fun of last season's Chicago deep dish pizza challenge. At the time, the series (Top Chef, not SNL) was part way through airing its 4th season in Canada (the US run of the show having been finished months earlier). 

I was hooked instantly. Earlier in the summer I'd discovered Project Runway, the only way to improve on that great show is to forget about dresses and make risotto instead! and that's what Top Chef is. It has an effective format, engaging judges and host, diverse contestants, interesting challenges and the right balance between interpersonal and competition-based drama. 

In last night's season 5 premiere (available on bravotv.com), we were introduced to 17 new contestants who will be competing in this year's competition in New York City. Two were eliminated in the first episode, falling victim to an apple-based quickfire and a "cuisines of NY neighbourhoods" elimination challenge. 

There are some promising personalities, though there are also a couple people who will drive me up the wall (there's a crazy woman who consulted her "spirit guides" on how to cook Russian food). And though we're still at the point in the season when it's impossible to remember who everyone is, the dishes all looked good enough to instill confidence that this will be another great season of Top Chef. 

*the photos are the winning and losing dishes from this week's elimination challenge, respectively. 

Another late week for Obsessions

I apologize again and this time have no excuse for my lateness. Nevertheless, here are my obsessions:

Fred Armisen on SNL.

His Obama impression is dead on and his "political comedian" Nicholas Fehn is perhaps my favourite character on the show. SNL repeats- the perfect summer solution.

Dominic Cooper.

Not only is he the star of The History Boys (one of my all-time favourite movies) but with Mamma Mia, Dom Cooper proved that he can sing, he can dance, he looks great in a bathing suit and he doesn't take himself too seriously.

Top Chef.

I just got into it this week (after a sketch on an SNL repeat inspired me) and I am loving it.

The Cast of The Dark Knight.

The incomparable Christian Bale, the late genius Heath Ledger, the chameleon actor Gary Oldman (aka Sirius Black/Lt. Gordon) , screen legends Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, talented new addition Maggie Gyllenhaal and the perfectly cast Aaron Eckhart- GREATNESS.

Cat Deeley.

Almost every week SYTYCD makes it onto this list somehow. Cat may have been robbed of her Emmy nod but I've never failed to acknowledge her greatness. Tonight's results show, in particular, displayed her incredible skill as a host when she had to reveal a complete upset in the results and then coax a flabbergasted and distraught Twitch back from the edge of the stage to dance again. The woman not only exudes poise but also an amazing warmth.