First we had the malfunction, Aaron, whose constant weeping, fainting, moaning, and consistently bad work perplexed everyone. Although this incredibly fragile cowboy won over the hearts of many, it was clear that he was not meant for the fires of "Hell's Kitchen." Then we had the stoic-faced breakdown of Melissa, who epically annoyed the daylights out of the women's team (and Rock). Tragically, Melissa had rapidly transformed from one of the strongest cooks to the worst in the kitchen. Ramsay took pity on her for what she once was, and gave her a second chance by transferring her to the boy's team. And after the last episode, we had the extremely angry Rock waging war on the kitchen and giving a few choice words to Chef Ramsay.
Rock has obviously been the strongest cook in the kitchen, and the most popular with viewers. Perhaps the cause for his popularity is that he has followed his own agenda from day one, and he has consistently proven himself time and time again. Or perhaps people just find him identifiable, seeing as he has had rough beginnings yet he has pushed himself beyond that. Plus, I think Ramsay has never yelled less at another person before.
Whatever the case was, Rock finally lost his perfectly managed composure. Perhaps it was that Melissa was on their team, or maybe it was that he got beat out by a lobster bisk. I actually thought he might start fighting Ramsay there, and I noticed Ramsay didn't really needle Rock at that point, unlike Ramsay's usual style. I could understand Rock's anger, but I couldn't identify with the extent of his rage.
Thanks to him constantly mentioning it, I know now that he comes from the ghetto and that going through garbage would probably affect him more than the others. Still I think he over-reacted, after all he did elect to go into this competition... However, my stance on his anger management soon changed as Ramsay wreaked his vengeance on Rock. Ramsay purposefully sought out Rock, knowing full well that he was extremely ticked off about this particular punishment, and told him to come to the photo shoot to get the garbage there too! I really wanted Rock stick it to Ramsay, and I thought his well-timed clever retort was perfect. (Remember the look on Ramsay's face) Now, Rock is back to being my favorite cook again, but I wish he could just let go of his ego a bit.
Melissa and Josh surprised no one by doing a horrible job, and Brad sunk to their level as well. By the way, what was with Brad's running commentary on every mood fluctuation of Rock? I think that the viewers can 'view' for themselves. Thankfully Melissa didn't nag during dinner service, but she was still bad all the same.
Thanks to the removal of Melissa, the girl's team turned a new page and regained their former position as winners. Surprisingly, Bonnie was actually good and she wowed Ramsay so much with her grilled lobster that he actually put it on the menu. Contrary to my previous predictions, Jen apparently loves the pressure and stress of the kitchen....and I thought she always looked like she was about to pass out! It seems as though there is more than meets the eye about her, as she hinted about working for some renowned chefs in her past.
In the end, the girl's team obviously surpassed the boy's team. Although Chef asked the boy's to nominated two of their own for elimination, he didn't even bother to hear their choices as he immediately told Melissa to get out of the kitchen. (No surprise there) Then we got treated to an "almost" moment, as Ramsay told Josh and Brad to step up to the chopping block. Then he told them how bad they were, and he gave them a second chance. I sort of giggled when Rock nearly smiled when Josh was put up on the block, and then he resumed his frown when Josh returned. Why does Rock have this vendetta against Josh? Despite a lot of bad cooking, I give this episode a 9/10. This is the most consistently entertaining reality show of the year.
