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Who is oftentimes eliminated for such a mistake? Hint: it is never the sucky chef who has been hanging on for several episodes. Instead, the fall guy is frequently the executive chef whose tasting menu loses. Here is a quick Top Chef history lesson to reinforce the point. Marcel from season 8, Kenny from season 7, Radhika from season 5 and Dale from season 4 all suffered this fate. Yes, four out of the last six executive chefs on losing Restaurant Wars teams were eliminated.

Sheldon and Kristen were rewarded with a lot of money last week, which is great for them. Still, the reality is that based upon Top Chef trending, the safest players in the competition are the ones who were not eliminated (sorry, Micah) but are not the executive chefs. Unless Josie really spits the bit, a definite possibility, two of the best three remaining players are in danger of going home. I am of the opinion that Sheldon is better positioned because Kristen bit the bullet by having Josie on her team.

As the episode begins, I remember the other aspect of Josie’s presence that is problematic. She has a dominant personality. She is also not cursed with self-awareness. Josie’s natural tendency is to assume command in any situation. She struggles in taking orders from other chefs. Such behavior directly caused Bart’s elimination three episodes ago. Eliza almost suffered a similar fate in the fifth episode of Top Chef: Seattle. Josie’s erratic behavior is not only a detriment to herself but those surrounding her.

Right on cue, Josie presses Kristen for details of the impending meal service. Kristen has chosen to do a classic French menu; Josie wonders why Kristen is not adding any demonstration of her Korean heritage in the meal. Brooke touches upon another problem Kristen faces. As the youngest player this season, Kristen has less experience running a kitchen full of combustible personalities. How well she controls Josie while guiding Lizzie and Brooke will go a long way in determining the team’s overall reception.

Stefan, a non-factor all season, demonstrates that Restaurant Wars as a concept meshes well with his skill set. His cooking skill may be a bit rusty but his entrepreneur experience is invaluable. He understands how to create a menu better than any other remaining players. Not only does Stefan quiz Sheldon on the concept but, more importantly, he asks the right questions to enhance the product. The chemistry of the men’s team is exceptional.

A mere 32 hours before Restaurant Wars meals are expected, the chefs arrive at the cooking location. Confused looks are exchanged as none of the seven participants can find the kitchen. Those cheeky Top Chef producers are taking the Restaurant Wars concept to its logical extreme. The kitchen will be outdoors…and it does not exist yet. Everything in both restaurants is being built from scratch. Top Chef is to stress as McDonald’s is to Happy Meals.

Only five minutes into the episode, Kristen is already sick of Josie. I’m not even joking. Rather than be stuck in a car with someone whose personality is described as “complete opposites” to her own, Kristen sticks her with Brooke. I’m sure that was a whispered apology for this move. It’s the equivalent of forcing a friend to go out on a double date with your latest crush’s best friend, Rapey Homicidio.

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