Educational, but Sad

Littlelep

This series of programs highlights how really difficult it is to be a competent cook and is mildly educational, but it truly encapsulates the sad side of all reality shows. The competitors may not be the very worst cooks in this country, but they are true novices and the viewer learns more about how not to cook than about techniques that can be helpful in the ordinary home kitchen. Furthermore, there is hyped tension between the chef-instructors and among the competitors that is not as dramatic as on other reality shows, but that makes the viewer uncomfortable and is not entertaining.

One may empathize with the pitiful people that are being humiliated, but there is nothing satisfying in their performances to offset the depression gathering over the weeks. These are like simple children who have been denied a mother's example for their whole lives -- not just in the kitchen, but in life. The chefs are somewhat interesting; but at the end of each hour, the viewer feels cheated. The idea may have seemed good on the planning board; but in reality, it is a true dud!

score 3/10

Littlelep 1 February 2010

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2200888/