I think he was just being an ass, he said he really didn't need the garlic but if he did wasn't in the mood to peel any and wanted something from John.

I think his food might be good outside of the competition, having time for all his ingredients to meld together into a final product. Some of his ideas are innovating.

Indeed, LMAO.

The look he gave John when he did not credit him after the win……. lol

Not bad at all; I am quite enjoying your thoughts on the show.

And whinny, as evidenced by the opening of the show where she is complaining that no one offered her comfort.

I think it was Amanda who undercooked her beans last week. I did wonder how come she didn't know not to salt beans until they are cooked.

I am thinking more along the lines of previous contestants who were sent packing within the first three challenges.
Those choices wouldn't be as "personality" driven as the people they usually bring back.

Really enjoyed this episode and surprisingly the gimmicky quick fire. Watching them stand there slightly puzzled, really worked for me.
The green team never stood a chance. Why they trusted a guy who runs a kosher restaurant with making pork decisions just boggled my mind.
I wish Katsuji would've been the chef sent…

OMG, yes.
I didn't think there could be someone who made Padma seem NICE.

Touché

Yes, Emily wasn't making any excuses in that moment, my earlier comment has more to do with her words earlier in the season. She has an element of pride about the times she's been dismissed due to her bad attitude.
I didn't think Brooke was going home because that would've meant two veterans leaving back to back and…

I don't think so, John was on not long ago and the kid did not seem to be a toddler.

At times it seems like Katsuji's personality is threatened by seeing someone who realized he was an ass and is actively working at changing that.
He needs someone else to be as bad as he is in order to deflect.

I like Jim too, his manner in the kitchen is a welcome break from some of the others.

You are right.
I wonder if Emily would've been as magnanimously deferential to Brooke if it had been a winning dish.

During the confessional, she had a very good read on Emily's state of mind and intent but, when you not knowin when exactly those are taped; we have no idea if her words have the benefit of hindsight.

I don't know if Brooke decided to just muddle through once she had a read on what Emily's intent was or if she produced a bad dish that she thought was good at conception.

See Nicholas ad infinitum

Then the judges would've shrugged in indifference while mumbling about judging ONLY what's presented to them or some other BS.