-- First and foremost, we (usually) like it and want to help keep it on the air. We figure that sharing what happened last week on the day a new episode is about to air may prompt viewers to tune in.

-- Well, we suppose there's a chance one of the ousted contestants will see our review and go semi-coherently ballistic in the comments section (yes, Emily, we're totally jealous). However, since these cheftestants probably sign some kind of NDA, we don't see that happening.

We needed to remind ourselves why, because we found last week's episode pretty disappointing. Another list to explain:
-- Contestants we enjoy watching keep getting knocked off--and this time, right after we hyped him (yeah, Mikey went home, details below).
-- Guys we thought were cool are progressively turning into total dicks (Ilan in particular. Also see below).
-- The main challenge just lacked a certain . . . well, it lacked a lot. Effort on the part of contestants and producers, we think
-- While it was cool seeing a San Francisco guest judge, Mike Yakura of Le Colonial, he seemed like a bit of a poser and a schmuck, particularly in the Elimination round.

One good thing: The outcast Astroboy, Marcel, on the rooftop, rapping about what a wonderful chef he is?

Another good thing: the Quickfire Challenges, while no longer providing immunity to the winner, do seem to have a prize of some sort always attached to them. This time, the top two in the Quickfire got to serve as captains for the team-based Elimination Challenge. Not so good: more overt corporate shillery: the Quickfire required the six remaining contestants to use various Kraft products (mayo, dressing, BBQ sauce) to create a snack. Lots of cheftestants on camera explaining their respective love or hatred of mayo, for instance. Dullsville, in fact.

Marcel (lamb kabobs) and Sam (tempura sandwich) were the winners, and got to be captains for what last season was an awesome challenge -- each team was to open and run a temporary restaurant.

So why did it stink this season?

Priceless.