Hallelujah! The element of surprise has FINALLY returned to Hell’s Kitchen…sort of. There were a few genuine events on this week’s episode, including an actual surprise goodbye and an unexpected resolution to last week’s not-at-all-shocking announcement that Ramsay was shutting down Hell’s Kitchen. Oh, and Ben is still grating on my nerves like a screwdriver-in-a-pencil-sharpener. Still, I can’t complain too much considering that last night’s episode didn’t send me into a boredom coma.
The “suspense” from last week’s announcement wasn’t even given timeto sink in before Ramsay announced that the chefs weren’t actuallygoing home (say what?!), but instead were going to Atlantic City’sBorgata Hotel, home of the winner’s head chef position. I have toadmit, this was not the resolution I was expecting. The chefs wererather pumped, of course. So the next day, the chefs headed to Jersey;sippin’ champagne on a private jet. Danny, dressed like a hunter rightout of the backwoods of Michigan (holla!) in his wood-themed ball cap,seemed about as natural with that champagne flute as a PETA member in amink. And while we’re on the subject, Ben rocked (or not) a variationon the Miami Vice look, pairing a black T-shirt with a dress coat. Someone get these boys to Tyra Banks, stat!
The next day, the chefs ate with some restaurant big wigs. Then camesurprise number two. Shortly into the meal, Robert politely excusedhimself from the dinner and left the room. I was hoping the big guyjust needed a potty break, but I had a feeling that was wishfulthinking — and I was right. We cut to the poor guy sitting down,complaining of chest pains to the Borgata paramedics. While all thiswas happening, the show would intermittently cut to the rest of thechefs wondering where he went, and saying they hoped he was okay. Um, then go see if he’s okay.Doy. Not one of them moved. Robert could’ve been lying unconscious onthe floor for all they knew. Maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, butseriously, people who are genuinely concerned don’t sit around andposit about what bad thing may have happened. They check to see.Compassion folks, look it up.
The rest of the team headed back to Hell, while Robert’s hearttroubles kept him in the hospital. A few days later the chefs gatheredin the dining room for Robert’s return. Ramsay greeted him with anaffectionate “hey, big boy” (it sounds kinda naughty here…it wasn’t)and asked him how he was feeling. Turns out, Big Rob was diagnosed withpericarditis, a swelling of the sac around the heart, and would not becontinuing in the competition. Everyone said their goodbyes and Ramsaytold him “you had the potential to win this competition,” and then,never one to tiptoe, “now give me your jacket and leave Hell’sKitchen.” Oh Ramsay, you choke me up. And with that, we said goodbye toRobert. I, for one, have mixed feelings about his departure. At times Ifound him a bit too crude, but I was also drawn to his goofballpersonality. Either way, he definitely added something to the show andhe’ll be missed.
These two events took up so much of the episode that I was almostthrown for a loop when Ramsay announced the challenge. Oh, right. Thisis a competition. The chefs were required to create a signature dishand the winning meal would grant that competitor safety fromelimination. And thus began Ben’s second week of majorlymisplaced confidence. Before starting his dish, he bragged to thecamera that this would be “one for the textbooks.” Does he realize thatevery time he falls flat on his face, gaggles of viewers are watchinghim do it? So, of course, everyone’s dish was deemed delicious – exceptfor Ben’s. Ramsay picked Andrea (who had some face-plants of her owntonight) as the winner. Andrea was safe. However, I was alreadydoubting the likelihood that anyone would get the ax this weekconsidering Robert had already left us. But, I decided to keep myskeptic pants folded neatly in my closet and go with the flow.
Ah, dinner service…the murderer of dreams. The strangler of hope.People go in with spirit and pluck, and come out completely pluckless.Andrea had the roughest night. She served raw scallops, then overcookedthem. She fell behind on the salmon and dory (Finding Nemo!),and then when it did go out, it came back raw as well. I’ve noticedthat once Andrea screws something up and her confidence is shaken,she’s unable to regain her composure. She spends the rest of the nightin a flustery state of panic. Ben, however, mucked up the night butstill came out with an abundance of confidence. He sent out cold puree,which Ramsay spit out and then mocked him by bizarrely stating “I’mgood…I’m from Chicago.” Um, whoa. Leave Chicago out of it, man! TheWindy City is not to blame for its inhabitants. Anyhoo, Ramsay kickedBen out of the kitchen (yawn) and, if I’m not mistaken, called him adoughnut at some point. Haha, doughnut. Genius.
Come elimination time, the chefs argued about who would face theRamsanator and Ben had the gall to call himself talented. Andrea maysuck, but at least she’s aware of it. As expected, Ramsay toyed withthem a bit and then informed them that no one was leaving hell thisweek. Next week looks to feature more Ben/Andrea catastrophes, makingit abundantly clear that Danny or Paula will take the win. My money’son Danny. Who’s with me?
So PopWatchers, were you surprised by Robert’s departure? Are youhoping for Ben to go next? Or Andrea? Who do you peg for the winner?
Pericarditis, not paracarditis.
I hope Danny takes the win. He and Paula seem most consistent. Ben is so annoying and Andrea loses it too frequently.
First of all, a slap to those who sat around wondering about Robert. For him to wander off was uncharacteristic behavior. Yes, there are cameras on following the cast members. As a human being, get up off your behinds and GO FIND HIM.
I’m sorry to see him go. However, and I do not mean this to be a prissy, judgmental type of statement, his weight did him in. A guy with great personality and mad skills. But remaining obese nuked his dream. May he feel much better and stronger soon…..and trim himself down to a great fighting weight.
The winner will be Danny.
It should be obvious to all that Andrea is no chef. Cant believe Ramsey chose her stupid tuna wrapped in a leaf dish either.
Thank you for doing a recap. I’m getting so used to shows I like getting shafted…ahem, Heroes, Celebrity Apprentice…I like the recaps to reinforce things I may have missed, or to push things i thought were funny even further…
Funny thing here is that my wife said the same thing about no one checking up on Robert. I gave them the benefit of the doubt—perhaps that wasn’t shown or perhaps they weren’t allowed to go, ya know, being that they’re not family.
I can’t wait for Andrea to go home. Too full of herself.
I see Danny winning, but Paula is a damn good cook too. Here’s to a neck & neck finale.
It will be Danny and Paula for the final two they are the best!
Health issues aside, I wondered what Robert’s soon to be wife (the one that agreed to postpone the wedding so he could be on HK) felt about this episode. Specifically, Robert flirting with all of the women.
Hope Danny wins. Paula is too much of a wallflower, too quiet.
I too was annoyed how they kept wondering how Robert was but nobody took the time to get off their a** to look for him, how odd (maybe it was done this was for TV?). The show is getting a little tired though, same week after week, service ALWAYS goes haywire, Ramsay calls them names and humiliates them, somebody predictable goes home and repeat next week. They need to shake up the format a bit.
DANNY all the way! Robert was crude at times but was great for LOL soundbites! Kept thinking that his excess weight was a scary though, surprised actually that he is only hearing about a health issue now related to that. The stress of running a new fancy schancy restaurant kitchen would not be good for him until he gets that under control, so smart move to bow out.
It is too bad about Robert. He was a good chef, he had thick skin (no pun intended) good spirits and ade the show interesting. I wish him well! The 4 others are a bunch of phonies, if you’re THAT worried about Robert’s welfare, excuse yourself, get up and go look for him.
t is clear now (to me, at least)that Danny will win this. Andrea was good but lately has been disappointing. Ben is a pompous A S S. Paula is solid but not spectacular. I wonder what will happen next week?? I keep hoping that they will bring that Asian girl back (she twisted her ankle, left, but got to keep her jacket).
Holla right back atcha! Hell, while in Michigan (yep!), isn’t quite the backwoods. But Danny does have a bit of a Ted Nugent vibe going on doesn’t he?
You know, every time I watch a season of HK I am almost dumbstruck by the absence of culinary talent they have managed to assemble for the competition. Having worked for thirty years in New York City restaurants and caterers I have gotten to know quite a few chefs and cooks of various position. Those I’d worked with were among the best of the breed and the farther you’d get from Manhattan (and I guess this is true of the culinary capitals such as Philadelphia, Chicago etc.) the sloppier and more clueless the cook. Of all the cooks this season Paula always presents a beautiful looking dish which is always complimented as to taste. Danny while lacking some refinements as to plating also is consistently praised as to taste. You may have noticed that both Danny and Paula are totally serious and into the zen of cooking for a restaurant under it’s pressures. Andrea might find her niche in private service. Ben is just clueless. If Robert had a home cooking joint, I’d be first in line.
I don’t know who I’m more sick of Andrea or Ben. As long as one of them go home I’ll be satisfied.