'MasterChef' recap: Pulling legs, pull out the knives

‘MasterChef’ recap: Pulling legs, pull out the knives

By Rene Lynch

May 30, 2013 12 AM PT

This season of “MasterChef” is only three hours old, and we’ve already got a rivalry: Krissi vs. “I’m Awesome!” Natasha.

Actually, we have a few rivalries brewing, because Krissi has it in for some other competitors, too. Not unexpected given her big, bold personality. But both competitors need to remember something.

This is TV, folks. And if you are trying to use this as a stepping stone to stardom, it’s generally a good idea to make the audience like you. Instead of root against you. Not always. But most of the time.

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It’s too early to call who will win this battle of the wills. Krissi can make a frittata that reminds Joe Bastianich of mamma -- high praise when you consider his mother is the legendary Lidia Bastianich!

But if Natasha can keep churning out dishes that not only taste great but look as stunning as that decadent chocolate-lemon tart, she’ll survive many a showdown.

Not to mention that she’s already playing for keeps.

Savannah actually seemed to think Natasha chose to save her from the elimination challenge because she likes her or something. Nope. Natasha excused Savannah because she thinks she’s the weakest link -- leaving some easy prey for when the competition gets fiercer. Gotta love that move.

Now, what do you think about the leg pulling?

I hate myself for saying this: I love it. Actually, I hate to love it. But I love it, OK?

You know what I’m talking about, right? The roller coaster ride that the viewers are strapped into when the judges act like they are delivering bad news ... pregnant pause ... followed by good news! We’ve grown used to this over the first three seasons, but it hit a new high (or a low, depending upon how you feel about it) with Luca. Luca, mamma mia, poor Luca. This is his second try to get into a MasterChef apron, and he made it into the kitchen this time. But frankly his food has been kind of weird. He’s a restaurant manager, right? So presumably he knows food. And he presumably watches the show, right? So why does he keep falling into the same trap?

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Keep it simple, Luca! Luca thought he was going home for sure. Why? Because Chef Gordon Ramsay practically stamped it on his forehead, dragging it out...

“Do not let this be the end of your culinary dream,” the chef told Luca, something he tells many competitors right before he sends them home. “Let it just be the beginning...”

“Cause you’ve made it!”

Luca looked like he wanted to dial 911. “I lost like five years of my life,” he said.

Do you enjoy the leg pulling? What do you think of Natasha? And aren’t you sad to see Sasha go home? I thought those cheese grits looked good!

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