Masterchef is enjoyable

[mangaman]

In response to Arch's dislike of the new format of masterchef I thought I'd start a thread in case anyone (like me) likes it

The old Lloyd Grossman and some pompous middle class people preparing dinner party food was appalling

I agree Greg and John are a bit shouty, but they do seem to care about the contestants. They are the least rude judges in any reality series I know when they actually taste the dishes and do try to provide constructive criticism.

I think the 1st round with random ingredients is genuinely tough and would be a challenge for anyone, so is discriminatory. The pro kitchen round does seem a bit of a waste of time as it never seems to really contribute to the result.

Overall - I hate "reality TV" but masterchef is at least celebrity free (except obviously celebrity masterchef), doesn't have the contestants pointlessly confided to living in a house together, have footage of them being trained or have a public vote and often showcases really interesting food/cooks.

It's the best programme on TV IMHO as a keen amateur cook. (I love to pause the TV when the mystery ingredients are revealed so I can plan what I would have done).

So up against Arch - a formidable opponent on this forum I realise - any other mastercef addicts?

 

[Tim Bennet.]

The old Lloyd Grossman and some pompous middle class people preparing dinner party food was appalling

I agree with you entirely. That version was like watching performing seals - they were so good at doing their 'party piece' that you forgot to ask if they could actually cook.

However, I'm not that keen on the two current presenters, but worst of all it's the production that I find repetitive; same links, same camera angles, same stupid pauses, same script, etc.

So I'll ignore the first umpteen rounds while they separate the wheat from the chaff, and watch the last few rounds where genuine talent does emerge via some pretty demanding tests.

 

[wafflycat]

However, I'm not that keen on the two current presenters, but worst of all it's the production that I find repetitive; same links, same camera angles, same stupid pauses, same script, etc.

I can't abide the programme for the above reasons. In particular the egg is odious.

 

[Hacienda71]

I don't mind it and think John is quite good, my only gripe is that Greg unless forced by going first tasting the food, tends to just copy what has already been said, normally pretty much verbatum which does call into question his ability to judge, this i think allows John to dominate the decision process. A more experienced food critic like Jay Rayner may give it better balance.

 

[Landslide]

It's a big hit at Landslide Towers, particularly 'the egg'!

 

[Arch]

The old Lloyd Grossman and some pompous middle class people preparing dinner party food was appalling

This explains my preference for the old style. At heart, I am pompous middle class... And, apparently, formidable - I think I'm becoming Lady Bracknell.

Last night after I logged off here and paid attention to the telly, it occured to me that there is one 'talent' show I do like - Mastercrafts. Last night was Blacksmithing. Monty Don, now, there IS a chap who's unerringly nice to the contestants.

I think you can have too many masters on telly though. Last night there was Masterchef, -mind and -crafts.

 

[Theseus]

I think you can have too many masters on telly though. Last night there was Masterchef, -mind and -crafts.

Aye, there are plenty of masterb{CLICK ... no carrier}

 

[Landslide]

-uilders?

 

[Debian]

I'm with the OP. I like the format but I see it mainly as an educational program - I've picked up many hints and tips to use in my own cooking.

I only got interested in Masterchef once LG buggered off.

Masterchef does showcase genuine talent and the judging is fair and constructive; this is directly opposed to the vast majority of "talent" (I use the word very loosely indeed) shows such as strictly and X-F where hype and "style" (again used loosely) take precedence over talent and the "judges" simply have self-aggrandisement in mind.

I agree that the pro-kitchen round is a bit pointless though but I have seen it used in judging where two otherwise equal candidates have been judged on their capability in the pro kitchen.

One of the few (maybe even the only) reality competitions on TV worth watching IMHO.

 

[rich p]

Aye, there are plenty of masterb{CLICK ... no carrier}

master baiters?

Theclaud, perhaps

 

[Kirstie]

Masterchef the professionals is brilliant.
Everyday punter masterchef is a bit painful but I do like it when they do well!
It's a much better format from the original, I agree, and John Torode and Greg Wallace are fast becoming caricatures of themselves and so I find their bellowing pretty funny. I don't like the style of the voiceover though.

 

[Debian]

I have yet to see this year's Mat or Emily.

Not impressed with the general standard of cooking so far.

 

[telesonic99]

I'd like to boil Greg's head and dip my soldiers in.

 

[Debian]

I'll tell you the one thing I don't like about masterchef, or any other cooking show for that matter.

They all touch the food after it's cooked, and I've even seen them taste the food and then put the spoon back in the mix, saw it twice tonight on MC!

In my book it's OK to handle raw ingredients but once they're cooked it's cutlery and serving spoons only. And it's certainly a no-no to put the tasting spoon back in. This puts me right off restaurants.

 

[Watt-O]

Master Chef is a load of boring, formulaic drivel, presented by a revolting little barrow boy tosser, and a smug Australian w@nker, with a voice over made in hell.