Unlike the group team challenges, squaring off in teams of two requires a much more intimate working relationship—one where patience and good communication will make or break you. It’s not so easy when the most disliked competitor of the crew is selecting your partner for you—especially a competitor who knows just how much she is hated.
Even a strong and experienced twosome can crumble under the right amount of pressure. I saw it often during the filming of my new show Restaurant Startup (premiering on CNBC tonight!). Guys who have been working alongside each other for years, who have dreamed of going into business together, can suddenly fall apart under the weight of competition (not to mention the cameras in their face). But then again, that’s what everybody here signed up for.
Courtney’s strategy was decent even if it didn’t quite pan out as she’d hoped, but even she could not help but feel good about Ahran and Leslie’s budding civility. Their successful coupling in the kitchen actually makes sense. Ahran really can’t handle authority of any kind, and Leslie truly excels when given clear and direct orders.
Though I think he could have handled the situation a bit more intelligently, Cutter had his work cut out for him with Dan as a partner. A talented cook Dan may be, but what a poor communicator! Shutting down at the slightest opposition to your idea is childish and clearly unproductive. I don’t agree with Dan’s comments about Cutter’s performance being a debacle. The real shame in their twosome was Dan’s blatantly checking out of the task at hand when things didn’t go his way.
Letting Francis go this early was a letdown for me personally; initially, he looked much better than he turned out to be. Nevertheless, making it to the top 15 is not exactly a breeze, and I think he is truly grateful for all he gained during his time with us.
Don’t miss next week as our remaining 14 try their hand at running a diner. Just because it’s not a Michelin-starred establishment doesn’t mean it will be easy! Thanks for reading. MasterChef airs Monday, July 14 at 8/7c on FOX. Also follow me on Twitter @JBastianich.
Watch episode 7 HERE!!
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