Food Network Star – Episode 7-9 Review

Reviews, Shows

The top five got to make their own Best Thing I Ever Ate segments, then had to serve dinner to a panel of celebrity comedians. Elimination turned out to be mildly surprising when Whitney was sent home instead of Mary Beth.

I like Best Thing I Ever Ate, so it was interesting to see the contestants attempt their own segment. It was a great test of on-camera personality since guests on that show are way over-the-top with their descriptions. As expected, Jeff won the challenge, and Mary Beth took second place. Susie and Vic had trouble talking about the food. But Whitney lost the challenge by a mile because she was so worried about going after Mary Beth when they inadvertently chose the same Chelsea Market menu item.

For the star challenge, contestants had to each make and present a dish in front of the judges, along with a panel of celebrity comedians who would supposedly “roast” the contestants. Note sarcasm. The comedians barely made jokes, and if they did, they weren’t funny. So that was a big disappointment. Meanwhile, none of the contestants really messed up their dishes. Vic got in trouble a little for not having a solid point-of-view yet, but it was more like a discussion than a roast. And Whitney instantly cried when she brought up her supportive parents.

Now, there’s been some controversy over the Whitney issue. Many fans are annoyed that she got sent home for crying, while Susie was applauded for it. But to me they’re completely different situations. Susie’s break down was natural, a vulnerable moment in the privacy of evaluation. Whitney’s instant tears were her attempt at showing emotion, and she picked the absolute worst moment – during a challenge when she was supposed to be impressing guests with her sparkling personality.

True, I thought maybe Mary Beth would go first, however I’m not sad that Whitney was eliminated. Her food was decent, but I have a feeling her show would have been boring and awkward, with her not knowing how to fill airtime as she focused on preparing the food.

At this point it’s too close to even pick the top two, though I suspect it might be Jeff and Vic, so I’ll just list the contestants.

Jeff: He’s on top of his game right now, and I think he’ll probably make top 2. He’d have to really mess up in order to be sent home before Susie or Mary Beth. He’s likeable, funny, and his concept seems interesting, so his show is probably the only one I’d watch.

Vic: Nope, still don’t like him. Now the Mama’s Boy concept annoys me too, as generally that’s not a favorable term. I would be happy if he went home next week but the judges love him too much to let that happen.

Susie: It’s so hard to predict how much longer she’ll last in the competition. Some challenges she really excels, then others she doesn’t do well for one reason or another. As long as she’s her charming, bubbly self next week, she’ll easily make top three.

Mary Beth: Thanks to getting advice on cooking duck from the butcher, her food was good this week. But will it be up to par on the Iron Chef challenge? She’ll most likely do well on the commentary, so I’d say she has a chance of making top three if Susie isn’t at her best.