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As the Masters finish up, we have two storylines to watch. First, Marcus has a lot of work left to do the next day, but says that his “youth” will help him get everything done that he needs to get done. Secondly, tomorrow is Jonathan’s birthday and he’s feeling depressed that he has to spend it without his family around. “I’ll be cooking by myself on my birthday,” he says disconsolately.

Well, crap, now I hope he doesn’t get sent home in this challenge.

As the Masters arrive the next day, Marcus’ back is really hurting him. He could barely get out of bed this morning (yeah, so how about that youth advantage, huh?). Rick is gleeful at the sight of Marcus in pain; this is nothing but good news for him.

When the Masters enter the kitchen, Kelly is standing there waiting for them. UH OH, we all knew that this challenge was simple, and it’s obvious that there’s gonna be a twist. We see suspicion in the eyes of each Master as they size Kelly up. What crazy curveball with be thrown at them?

“We have some business to take care of,” Kelly says to them.

The doors to the kitchen open and the Masters all start laughing. Two stage hands wheel in a gigantic birthday cake for Jonathan in the shape of the French Alps (Jonathan explains that he traditionally spends his birthday with his family in the French Alps each year). This was a wonderful gesture on the part of the show’s producers and really brings a warm atmosphere to this episode. I loved it.

Before we know it, the Masters are setting up their serving stations, ready to feed a group of hungry diners. Susan adorns her hair with a flower and some leaves to give her table an Aphrodite-feel. Likewise, Rick does nothing to keep his ego in check, an obvious attempt to make his diners feel like they’ve been sent to hell after being hit with his narcissism.

The judges arrive and start with Susur. His Dionysus dish is made up of roasted pork marinated in Chinese wine, plus a croquette with feta, and santorini olives. It looks absolutely beautiful. Jay calls it, “very Susur, very precise,” Gail likes the fact that Susur stayed true to himself by using Chinese wine, and Jay finishes by questioning the use of a warm olive.

Marcus is next with an Ares-inspired dish. He has cured beef with salmon, plus an apple broth and oyster foam. He drew the God of War, and notes that in Ethiopia, when they make war, they are not allowed to cook food for fear of creating smoke and thereby give away their position. Hence his abstinence from heat during his cooking process. Gael loves the texture of his salmon, Jay finds the flavors compelling, though Gail says that they’re “muddy.”

Susan is next, with a line 20-30 people long. Gael compliments her flowers/twigs, and Susan makes a point to mention that her goddess rules over love and sex. Thus, she has toast with coconut jam and sweet butter, plus a fried egg with white pepper and a soy glaze. “It’s good for the hormones,” Susan notes. Gail wishes the dish were hotter, though she LOVES the coconut jam. She even mentions that she wouldn’t mind spreading it over a loved one…

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