Hell's Kitchen Season 8 (Episode 13)

Well Episode 13 is over and there were a few surprises.

We are seeing a kinder, gentler Chef Ramsay.  He took Jillian asside and gave her a straight up talk from the humanitarian side of Ramsay.  Also Trevor got treated to generous amounts of compassion when he panicked. 

Nona won the challenge and selected Russ to accompany her on her day to the spa.  This was a political move since Nona would rather feed the bears than have it rip out her throat.  Jillian got a little chilly about this and made a 'pact' with Trev to vote for Russ and Nona.  Unfortunately, by Jillian's maturity level 'pact' just means 'if I feel like it I will'.  Nona had a terrible service.  Russell had a not-too-great service.  Trev...well...I think I'm just going to nick name that poor bastard 'Bullseye'.  

Nona...if you want to be a good chef, you have to be able to cook Risotto.  I don't really have a whole lot against you.  You screwed up a few times but who hasn't in this batch of cooks.  You gave Russ a bone to keep him from biting off your hand.  Jillian got a little frosty for it but at least you still have your hand.  Ofcourse risking your alliance with Jillian by taking Russ along to the spa was a risky move.  Your luck is not insubstantial.

Jillian.  You would be #1 in 5 years of growing up time under your belt.  Ramsay had a heart to heart with you this episode and got a fire lit under your inspiration.  Looks like it did some good.  I'm slightly miffed about the choice to throw Trev under the bus after your 'agreement' with him.  I would have too if he had a bad performance that stood out obviously from the other two.   The point is; he didn't and your word was not even a speed bump in your decision making process. 

Trev.  Nothing is easy here for you, my friend.  Chef has shown compassion and has taken the time to help you out.  Russell went out and threatened you directly.  You kept your cool.  Jillian blind sided you.  Not surprising.  She has about as much maturity as she does eyebrow hairs.  I'm rooting for you for the simple fact: the rest of these guys aren't people that I respect.

Saving the best for last.  Russ.  I appreciate that it is people like you who make reality TV so addictive.  You are the kind of person that people either love or hate...mostly the latter.  You are a great cook, a decent leader and an incredible thug.  You are the product of an environment of pure self-interest.  There is no way in Hell you are winning because there is no way in Hell anyone is going to want to work with you.   Threatening Trev?  Well that's just the cherry on the tombstone.

Ramsay did a family ambush on you this episode.  Later, when you and your girlfriend are watching this episode, she can see you hitting on the spa lady during reward earlier.   Real classy.

This is why Reality TV is great.  Hollywood simply cannot create characters like you.