Hall of Shame

Tom Colicchio: "I won't pretend I'm not disappointed by the behavior I witnessed in tonight's episode. I lost a lot of respect for Cliff, Ilan, Sam and Elia after what they did (or didn't do.) Not as cooks, necessarily, but as people -- and thereby as chefs. Chef means "chief" in French, and “chief” implies someone who leads -- not by bullying or even popularity, but by example."

To that, I say, hear hear.

Hall of Shame

For leaving me to wonder why the producers and the film crew didn't stop Cliff from manhandling Marcel. Why even show the incident on t.v.? I felt myself squirming as I watched it. Why did Bravo choose not to edit the story differently and concentrate more on the cooking? If Ilan, Sam, and Cliff are right about Marcel, why not show the incidents where Marcel did or said things that legitimately ticked the chefs off? If the close living quarters and heat of the competition are getting to them, why not have a counselor intervene during the show and work with the chefs to relieve the stress?

This show is supposed to be about COOKING? Isn't it? Not about some fraternity hazing that lasts for 12 weeks. We don't even know which wines the chefs chose in Santa Barbara, that's how little air time was spent on the competition itself.

Next time, Bravo. Edit in more cooking. Give the chefs some healthy activities to do during their leisure time. Drinking seldom brings out the best in people. I agree with Harold, who said in his blog:

"I watch a cooking show because I like to sit at home and think about my taste palate, I like to wonder if what they’re making is a flavor profile that I’m going to like. I want a cooking show to educate me. And this hasn’t been so much the case."

Other Hall of Shamers:

Ilan, Sam, and Clif (who was punished.)

Elia, not as innocent as she seemed.

As for Marcel, he didn't come away from this show smelling like roses either. The dude couldn't even be bothered to help the others. He's totally out for number one. His behavior did not deserve violence, but I don't think he's Top Chef material either. He doesn't inspire others to follow him.

Bring back Carlos, Mikey, Betty, Josie, and Mia. Hell, bring back Suyai! Bring back TIFANNY from Season 1. They're more deserving of the title of Top Chef than any of this season's contestants left standing.