If there was one thing that stood out during the premiere of "Top Chef Masters" Wednesday night, it is that Suvir Saran may be one of the most entertaining contestants on a cooking reality show ever. He spent most of the episode in the confessional room talking about what it means to be a "master" almost as if he was the great Aristotle of reality show titles, often passing on specific axioms and teachings that better showcase his "mastery." It also helps that he's delightfully funny and can cook like nobody's business. So thank you Suvir -- you have replaced Fabio from "Top Chef All-Stars" as be key entertainer this season.
Elsewhere, the show's premiere largely felt like an episode of "Top Chef" more than ever with this show -- which is both a good and bad thing. What makes it troublesome is just that there are only really to "critics" (or judges), and it is almost weird sitting there and hearing Curtis Stone's opinion when he ultimately (in contrast to Padma) has no say in who goes home. It was also strange to see Restaurant Wars pop up so early -- it works better once we know a little more about these chefs, and as popular as some of these experts may be they're not exactly Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to the common viewer.
The people who clearly stood out this week were Suvir, Naomi Pomeroy (who proved herself with a tasty dessert after coming across as a tad annoying), and Alex Stratta (who actually won the first elimination challenge thanks to a brilliant first course). Overall, it still looks like a fun season, and really the only concern is going to be if these people (minus Suvir) manage to remember that this show is for entertainment first and foremost.
What did you think of the premiere?
Want more TV news? Check me out on Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter. To receive email updates, be sure to subscribe.
Comments