LAist: Top Chef Final Tonight: Win Or Lose, We Like to Watch

Elise Thompson

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:03:17 -0800

I like how they have to wait during deliberations in a prison cell built of Gladware.

charmon

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:41:37 -0800

i wish i had your essay 10 weeks ago when i had to explain to my man why i was completely dedicated to this show (and PR). my short response to him was a summary of what you've described - Top Chef is one of the few reality shows that doesn't get all caught up in the "who's-sleeping-with-who" crap. the shit-talking is limited to how people perform in the kitchen, which is the only part that's important. i just want to see people make food. it's better than emeril (is he even on anymore?)

guest

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:11:45 -0800

The product placement on TC comes with the territory. The only time I thought it got out of hand was with the Bertolli challenge with Rocco Dispirited. As for tonight, I lost much interest when CJ was booted. I'll still be watching the finale, but my stomach just won't be in it.

guest

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:10:46 -0800

Regina Schrambling is bitter because she can't boil water. Rainlillie

Lindsay William-Ross

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:07:02 -0800

really well said, carrie. you did an amazing job of articulating everyone's viewpoints, as well as your own, which i happen to share, so thank you. people these days seem to forget that television, and its predecessor, that old dinosaur called radio, operated their programs under the heavy hands of their sponsors from the get-go. the "name of product" playhouse or comedy hour were the cornerstones of broadcast once upon a time, so i find it hilarious that people are acting like an overt product plug ("so we hopped in the highlander" or "we're putting everything in our gladware storage containers") is this offensive new idea. you know what was edited out for re-broadcast when "I Love Lucy" went into syndication? all the times ricky offered lucy a Phillip Morris cigarette. and he said it, just like that. the horror.

polaroidgirl

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:08:29 -0800

If the show had to pay for the Toyotas, the professional ovens, the condo accommodations, the knives, the pots, the dishes, the food, etc. the show would be too costly to produce. DUH. DO I cringe every time someone say "So we hopped in the Highlander and headed off to buy our ingredients?" Of course, but it's a lot less annoying and distracting then the GIANT promo ads networks put in the lower third of the screen advertising their other shows. As you mentioned, the primary function of television shows is to provide filler between the ads. It really is all about selling soap. That being said, I think your predictions are correct although after last week's episode I am kinda pulling for Dale!