Incidentally, when did they start LCK? Was it with the gawdawful Texas season? That was the one with Paul, Sarah, Heather and Beverly, right? I don't remember the Volts or the Kevin/Angelo/Ed seasons having to deal with it. Ugh. Texas.

I read a Vox interview (I think it was Vox) with Brooke and Shirley and they seem to get along great. Not only did they explain that they had discussed the pork belly (no matter what Brooke was getting the belly because there was enough to share), but that they'd been told there would be pressure cookers, but when…

I actually wish they'd add that to the show. Or that the LCK winner must win the first elimination or remain booted. Brooke would have been in regardless. but I don't think that's necessarily been the case in previous seasons.

I think Brooke didn't do herself any favors with the talking heads she gave before her ouster, but I can't really blame her for those because by that point I think they're all pretty stressed and worn down. I'm a little more annoyed by the ones she gave in Mexico because she was rested. Still. I can't imagine I'd be…

Right, but, if you look at my comment, I've always included highs and lows, mostly because I think with wins it can really come down to preference of certain flavor combinations so I think highs and lows covers that and is a fair barometer since I can't taste it myself (darn it). But certainly, Brooke is ahead of both…

I would love to try both. Brooke's oyster sounded like it might have too much going on, but from all accounts it was amazing and totally worked, which is a sign of the chef she is.

That's amazing! Good luck! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

I was including highs and lows.

I'll have to look for it. Thanks!

I just can't imagine it. I even like the American one because Mary.

Totally my thought!

I didn't because I don't remember those at all and wikipedia doesn't keep track of the highs and lows on that. Win wise with the quickfires though, Brooke pulls ahead of Shirley, but is still behind Sheldon. He really is amazing. Which isn't to say Brooke isn't also. I think she's great. I just don't think she was…

Actually, Brooke and Shirley each won 3. They were the winningest chefs, but Shirley had 1 more high than Brooke and far fewer lows. Sheldon, on the other hand, had only 1 win, but was the most consistent of the chefs in terms of highs.

I agree re: your opinion of Rounds 1, 2 and 4. I saw three differently in that they seemed to like the beans in Brooke's dish while they liked the whole of Shirley's. Unless I'm misremembering how that discussion went? It felt like they weighted the two Brooke won over the two Shirley won which isn't the same thing as…

I'd have lost it had I known what she said! That's hilarious and poignant and oh, it's dusty again!

I loved the Stephanie, Richard and Lisa finale though. That remains my favorite.

The old ones anyway. I can't really imagine it without Mary. Mel and Sue are great, but Mary made that show for me.

I think she's strong, but I agree she's not necessarily stronger than Sheldon and Shirley. She also has a problem with editing. Emily might've (definitely) been the weak link, but she wasn't the one who came up with that team dish they did. That was all Brooke. Emily totally didn't help, but all the ideas for the dish…

I mostly agree, and if he'd gone home just because his cocktail was boring, that would be complete bs (even if that did mean Shirley went home instead because of the vanilla (why, Shirley, why?!)), but if they have to take a sip and that sip means they can't taste his dish? It seems a little more reasonable.

I think the problem with John's cocktail might have been that it was so strong that they couldn't taste his dish after having it.