DramaChef

MasterChef should focus more on truffles than tears to satisfy the audience’s appetite.

The Channel Ten hit show MasterChef has all the ingredients to be a leader in showcasing the cream of the food world. But it’s selling itself short through over-dramatisation and tantrums a la Bold and the Beautiful, with some food thrown in for good measure. And some not-so-beautiful judges.

But that’s beside the point. The real pickle is we hear more on how much the contestants miss home than about Heston Blumenthal. Not to mention the rest of the star-studded lineup of chefs including David Chang, Anthony Bourdain and Marco Pierre White. Yes, it’s sad that they pine for their families. But through their tears they’re missing what culinary dreams are made of.

It’s a pity because some truly legit talent is featured, which we can’t take that seriously since half the airtime is devoted to Ellie cutting her finger. They’ve even jetted off to New York, one of the world’s food capitals. Gastronomically eye-opening, yes, but the editing is still too watery. A bit like Billy’s soup that sent him into lockdown (cue dramatic music).

Another soapie-esque moment was Matt’s exit from the contest due to his sneaky smartphone behaviour. You’d think he had committed a criminal offence. He most likely just dialed a mate, but fellow contenders probably thought otherwise. To them, Wikipedia-ing the number of eggs needed for a soufflé could quadruple his chances in being crowned THE MasterChef.

“I really hope I’ve done enough” is only one of the countless catchphrases contestants utter each episode. The audience may weep into their dinner if they hear “food means everything to me” again. Less video diary time, more food footage please. Plus, you feel like you’re back in primary school when contestants exclaim “I mixed the ingredients together with a spoon.”

Let’s not forget the unnecessary cliffhangers that occur every five minutes. And the over-the-top music. Whenever there’s a big bang it’s like you’re watching a thriller, when it’s just to signify a crumb falling off the top of a cupcake.

Perhaps producers should take a dip into slick shows like the American Top Chef. With polished editing, the talent trumps the clichés and tantrums. Sure, it features actual chefs as opposed to amateurs, but they have feelings too just like the budding MasterChefs.

MasterChef= too much drama, not enough chef.

At least Matt Preston’s Handee Ultra paper towels must be getting a good workout on set.

But let’s not get started on product endorsement…

By Jenna Chaitowitz

Image: Flickr