(Let us state up front: it's only because this show can be, is often, and should always be so freaking good that these missteps get to us).

Let's give credit to some of elimination-style reality shows--we've seen episodes of and Rock Star where the judges weren't afraid to make a bold move and eliminate more than one contestant.

But never -- NEVER -- have we seen a show like this wimp out and send NOBODY packing.

This is crap for many reasons. First of all, when you know the judges have the power to not dismiss anyone, it really reduces the drama of the show. We'd rather see a miscarriage of reality TV justice than a cop-out like this.

Secondly, by not eliminating anyone, they totally discounted Carlos' Quickfire Challenge victory--his first positive performance on the show. The contestants were tasked with creating an amuse bouche using just a couple bucks in quarters' worth of product from vending machines. Carlos created a vegetarian loaf ("sunflower seeds & carrot loaf, with cilantro, sesame & Squirt"); not too sexy (well, we do love us some Squirt), but clever and evidently delicious. Guest judge Suzanne Goin pronounced him the victor.

Other notable entries were Frank's ham & swiss cheese quiche (with a glass of mint infused tea) and Ilan's deviled egg with corn nuts, deep fried salami, pear nectar & fig paste (which was evidently too sweet to be the victor). Notably bad entries? Michael's "cheeto snicker lollipop." Dude stuck a cheeto in some nougat. Good job by the pride of Stockton. Mia made a dessert, which was pronounced to be yummy, but an amuse bouche ain't no dessert! Silly chefs.

So, Carlos wins.

Now, if a nutritionist were brought in to verify the caloric value of your meal, would you change things the next day, when the monitor is gone? Umm, someone did.

The Apprentice