I actually don’t believe anyone who claims that they’ve never heard, at the very least, “Shake It Off.” That was everywhere.

Yes you have.

Yeah same. The ten songs (or whatever) that I’ve heard on the radio I mostly like! “Shake It Off” is a fuckin bop! “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me” is a great line! And that is about the extent of my opinion of her.

I think last season the international competitors said that the shopping was unique to the US version. I don’t always mind it - I like it when they do stuff like the Quickfire and throw the contestants into a local farmer’s market or specialty store. But agree that the Whole Foods trips do nothing for the show at this…

The chefs this season are just really disappointing so far - there are maybe two to three chefs that seem like they should be vying for Top Chef. There are always a few chefs who seem to have issues with basic things like cooking meat correctly or balancing spices but it seems like it’s 80%+ of the contestants making…

Honestly I don’t think either thing is an issue. Kristen has been very solid as host and I think it’s great that she brings her own experiences to the show. And Wisconsin is no worse than some of the other cities the show has been in. The issue is that the chefs just plain aren’t up to snuff compared to past seasons.

Pointing out that Michelle gave up some of the pineapple she had to tenderize the chicken was also something which should have come up; I suspect her answer would have been a bit less diplomatic had elimination been a possibility. It always bothers me in a team challenge why the chefs don’t do more to set a budget for…

Padma gone and the location this season are both dragging down the show.

The name’s Akechi Mariko. Remember it.

Laura is lucky so many of the contestants are nice and polite because she absolutely should have been chewed out for taking up so much of the budget.

I’ve been shamelessly gushing over this show and she’s a huge reason why.

Even the online water-cooler that replaced real ones is dry and desperate for a new convergence point with a few less “M Y P U S S Y I N B I O” bots.

That was your takeaway from the interview?

I can’t think of a show I enjoyed more while understanding less. Just this week, I’m totally lost. Who were the invaders? What was their purpose? Which side is Yabushige on? 

Dang, that was a hell of an episode. Of course the big scenes all landed, but I’ll say that the flight choreography in Mariko’s big showdown at the gate was the best yet on the show. It felt epic, like a Zhang Yimou scene, but never cheesy despite it being one woman against a ton of soldiers. Great stuff!

I’ve loved that, and her stoicism. The original lady in the original Shogun was quite good, but Anna Sawai is definitely better.

This entire show she’s done that!  And she definitely gives the best “you need to shut the fuck up” look while barely moving her face that I’ve ever seen.

Holy shit this show is amazing.  I know he’s supposed to be slimy, but Yabushige steals every scene he’s in and is an absolute delight to watch.

Loved how much Anna Sawai was able to convey with just her eyes.

Damn it, Shogun! You got me. Tears were welling up when Anjin stepped up to second Mariko. I was about to lose it but then she was spared. Then you bastards hit me with the gut punch right at the end of the episode. I’m still giving you an A grade, but just know I’m upset with you.