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Appetite for Production

The Magnificent Seven

January 3, 2007

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I want Debi Mazar to be my new BF.

This is the kind of dinner party I've always wanted to go to -- sometimes I get to live my fantasies vicariously through the show. I've always wanted to meet Debi, too. You just kinda know she's going to be cool -- and she sure is. So, for that matter, are her super-groovy friends.

From a production point of view this was a pretty simple one -- at last! Once we had the idea of the seven deadly sins and had convinced Debi (over a couple of glasses of chilled prosecco and some cherries -- she really is a fantastic hostess) to come on board, it was pretty plain sailing.

During the dinner the production team was mostly based outside the house. It was another steamingly hot day in LA so everyone desperately wanted to go swimming but of course we couldn’t 'cause we were on duty. That didn’t stop the chefs who all made a bee-line for the pool the moment the dinner party was over -- followed in hot pursuit by several sound recordists trying to take their microphones off before they hit the water. Marcel dove in to the shallow end and cut his head open. Tom and I both inspected the wound and announced that he would definitely need stitches. The medic took one look and pronounced that he would be fine without, so we headed back to the kitchen for judges table and the show went on.

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There are eighty-five comments so far. Add yours! Permalink

Comments

Mia wrote:

Amen. Even if Marcel were just as objectionable as Ilan (which he isn't), Ilan's willingness to use such petty tactics makes him look like an insecure little twerp.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:03 AM

kris wrote:

"If anyone else had asked Betty to hold on she would've alright with that". That's so true, which just goes to show all the Betty lovers out there that she's got some kind of disorder. I too think Ilan is threatened by Marcel. Be a man Ilan. Don't react to Marcels comments so vehemently. Sam too! The three of them (Betty, Ilan and Sam) took me back to grade school. If Ilan or Sam (my ex-faves) win this show I'll stop watching it next season. Then again, I'd probably watch it to see if those types of characters don't win. Elia is our only female. How strange, but if you look at the other gals, they deserved to go. Kris

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:07 AM

Charles wrote:

Who made the decesion to interupt the season run of top chef. If I were the show sponsors I would demand my money back and sue the producers for failing to meet their commentments.

Please Fix this show soon or you will have no viewer for season 3. Also please fire the person responsible for cast these people. They are not trying to exceed season on they are walking under the bar. I am so dispointed in this season watching the high school antics and the way there are treating Marcel. It is rediculas!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:59 AM

Charles wrote:

Your attitude about Marcel that he is the one to blame is not only unacceptable it flat out makes me mad. (And I was one of the people who voted his as a villain that first night, but now YOU have made him into a hero.) I fully understand you cannot interfere in the contest, however, your thoughts that “Man is a social animal…” and that Marcel was responsible for the abuse he endured is equable to a rape victim being responsible to the rapist. Are you sure that this is what you are meaning to portray? Go ahead ask your co-workers I am betting they will come to the same conclusion. Lets face it, Season 2 has problems, please fix them. Oh and you may want to send flowers to Marcel with your apologies.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:45 AM

jimmy wrote:

Please tell me that you've got a production surprise for us somewhere and that there will be peace and reconciliation between Marcel and the others sometime before the end of this show. This episode was hard to watch. It would really be deflating to see Marcel sent home and no one offering to shake his hand or give him a hug.

But the food was great, the themes were brilliant. I would love to see episodes like this every week. The color idea had my mind working with the chefs. The Seven Deadly Sins idea worked on America's Next Top Model, and it worked equally well here. Great job!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 4:46 AM

Irma wrote:

Good Morning Shauna,

I enjoyed this episode very much. It might be my favorite regarding the challenges. However, the behavior of the cooks is very disturbing. It makes Marcel look like a bigger person than the rest of the gang. He was able to stay in the game in spite of being the brunt of vicious jibes throughout the contest. The personal attack by Ilan was particularly troubling. It should have sent him packing in addition to Battling Betty.

I absolutely, love, love, love Tim Allen as a judge. He is objective with a dash of humor. Why not add him to the judge pack permanently? There could be 4 regular judges plus 1 guest judge (to break a possible tie). 'Just a thought...

posted on January 4, 2007 at 9:25 AM

Patrick wrote:

Again, your comments on Marcel aren't actually indicated on the show, which either means you're a really crappy producer (something which becomes more and more apparent as the episodes continue), or you're a liar. I saw nothing that showed Marcel was being annoying...just that he was being picked on. And since you yourself said a few blog posts back that production had no idea why Marcel was being picked on, I think you're involving yourself in some revisionist history.

Go get a job where your "talents" (whatever they may be) might do you some good.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 9:56 AM

June wrote:

I too am disappointed in how Ilan, Sam, and Betty were treating Marcel, refusing to help him serve, singling him out to be picked on in mob fashion. Even if he is selfish and inconsiderate, lecturing and calling him names, making fun of his sex life and excluding him is not the way to turn him around. It only makes them look bad. Each one has gone down in my estimation--because they are not foucsing on the food at hand and allowing themselves to be sidetracked by personality issues.

The only people who are not ganging up on him are Elia and Mike. Mike and he worked well together during the Thanksgiving challenge. Cliff is iffy here because he did make the comment about "punching him in the head," a few episodes back. The term "Chef" implies leadership, not being part of a gang or mob.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 11:40 AM

Tad wrote:

after having a break from top chef for a few weeks, i was hoping that this show would return to the airwaves in style - it did not. i am so tired of the petty drama between the chefs being the focal point of this show, and i seriously hope that next season you consider editing the footage to create a more intelligent, insightful, and educational show focused on the challenges and the cooking. in part, i watch top chef because i like to cook, and i like to explore new ideas, and new methods of cooking. this season has taught me nothing new because of the continual focus on petty drama.

furthermore, making marcel out to be the bad guy is not only getting old, but embarrasing. in this last episode, marcel not only helped his teammates plate and serve their dishes, but he also asked cliff if he could help him pick out purple items for the quickfire challenge - all of which was totally glossed over in a mere few seconds of footage. marcel might be annoying, but he also appears to be a team player who is not receiving proper credit for his willingness to help others in the kitchen.

in short, i want marcel to win now more than ever. sam and ilan i have no respect for, and i felt the way the show was edited in a such a way to reward their childish outbursts. disapointing to say the least!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:50 PM

Jean Graves wrote:

Totally disappointed in this years show. The language is horrible and the "CHEF'S" need to get out of nursery school before they could come into my kitchen.

Betty needed to go home,plus two other's and I am so without anyone to root for, Sam was a let down last night with his public out burst at Charlie's.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:29 PM

SB wrote:

I am glad that someone finally says what is true about Ilan. But saying it and doing nothing about it, is hardly praiseworthy. You are a producer. This is a show about being a top chef, which encompasses professionalism. Why is this not being addressed.

Sam is not far behind either, saying pretty much the same thing earlier on. Ilan and Sam are both threatened by Marcel.

I know that many viewers would have liked to have seen Ilan and Sam being called on for their attack. Ilan was called on it but he was allowed to skate by in that he said he was just "goofing around" and that was unjust. He is very much threatened by Marcel. Sam was not called on it at all. Sam has instigated before with Frank to get Frank and Marcel going at it and Frank bit.

If the chefs in any good restaurant acted the way Sam, Ilan, Betty and for that matter Clif (who said nothing) and Ilana who also said nothing, although she did help him serve - they would have all been fired and I believe you know that. So they should have been called on it.

Would you think about addressing it in an upcoming show?

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Chris M Bird wrote:

I think I can speak for many when I say that I am totally worn out by seeing Marcel picked on and abused by those so called Top Chef wannabe`s. I even read one viewers comment that stated she got “sick to her stomach watching Marcel getting humiliated like that” I know exactly how she feels because I feel the same way. And as far as your comments go.. What in the world are you thinking? When you write that it is totally unacceptable when Marcel says that he doesn`t care what they think of him. That`s a common defense and reaction that most people will have when their feelings are hurt. Of course he cares. What the hell is happening to Top Chef? Last season was great! I watched it over and over, but this season stinks. Watching the Marcel bashing mob is not entertainment that I want to see. Last season had Chef`s that I wanted to see and hear about even after the show ended, but this season`s bunch, I don`t care if I ever see any of them again.. Whether due to editing or what you think I should see, I don`t want to tune in just to witness the ugliness of certain people. And I don`t want to see Marcel endure one more mistreatment. To bad we as viewers are not given the choice of what we would rather see aired. If it were left up to me, the scenes of the chef`s at the swimming pool would have been much more enjoyable then seeing Marcel fed to the lions. You need to read the boards, and comments posted. The majority of viewers feel the say way I do. Enough is enough already... Lucky for you that this season`s airing was not the first season`s airing, I don`t think that Top Chef would have been renewed if that were so. You can count me as a former Top Chef fan.

Chris

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:44 PM

N'muakolo wrote:

1. Possibly my favorite challenges of both seasons. Interesting, fun to watch, and the contestants got the chance to cook delicious-sounding stuff!

2. I like the idea of Tim Allen as a permanent judge too. Maybe make Padma/whoever next season's host should be just a host, not a judge. Or make the Padma role have more culinary expertise.

3. I also found this episode disturbing. And not in a "good TV" kind of way. I know it's eliciting a lot of buzz on the TC blogs, but I don't think it's good for the show. If that's what TC's about, I'm not sure I want to watch TC. And I'm no longer hoping for Ilan or Sam to win (and am glad Betty's gone), which someone lowers my interest in the show (had been hoping for Ilan, Sam or Cliff). I don't like TC2 quite as much as TC1 (although I am THRILLED that Billy Joel's wife is gone), and I think partly that's because the contestants don't seem as qualified, and partly because there seems to be more "drama" time and less cooking time. (Although I do still love TC.)

4. Why did you take away the immunity? I liked that aspect. Poor Mike didn't get a prize either!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 5:08 PM

wayne wrote:

As a highly-paid, used-to-stress reality teevee show producer, Shauna, you should be able to deal with the occasional "duh!" question --- so deal with this: What's the BF mean? As in the position you'd like Debi Mazar to be? --- wayne who believes curious duh-mies need answers too ... uh, thankew in advance.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 5:25 PM

gg wrote:

Sticking up for you!
Its apparent that some readers of your blog do not know what a producer is or does.
They do not understand how you are the a needed balance between the immediate cast and crew , the sensors, and of course where it all comes or stems from. (THE NETWORK>>>)
Chill out readers, your acting like the so called mob at Marcel. What you need to do is realize for yourself, why you watch the show in the first place. One is to see the cooks, Two is to learn something, and 3 the most important is to let your feelings & emotions be toyed with for good or bad.
Great show...
G

posted on January 4, 2007 at 5:54 PM

Melanie wrote:

The producers have a responsibility to the contestants to ensure they have a decent environment to live/work in free from harrassment. The behavior of four of the remaining contestants on this last episode was disgraceful. Marcel should not have to put up with that level of harrassment in order to stay in the competition.

I hope that after this challenge, someone stepped in and told those middle schoolers to shape up or they were shipping out.

Here's an excerpt from an article on workplace violence:
Here is an excerpt about bullying from an article on workplace violence:
--------------------------------------------------------
Psychological Violence

Not all violence is physical. In recent years, new evidence has emerged of the impact and harm caused by non-physical, psychological violence. Such psychological violence includes bullying and mobbing.

Workplace bullying is one of the fastest-growing forms of workplace violence. It constitutes offensive behaviour through vindictive, cruel, malicious or humiliating attempts to undermine an individual or groups of employees through such activities as making life difficult for those who have the potential to do the bullys job better, shouting at staff to get things done, insisting that the "bullys way is the right way", refusing to delegate because the bully feels no one else can be trusted, and punishing others by constant criticism or removing their responsibilities for being too competent.

Research carried out in the UK found that 53 per cent of employees had been victims of bullying at work and that 78 per cent had witnessed such behaviour. The impact on those concerned can be severe. A Finnish study on the effects of bullying on municipal employees indicated that 40 per cent of bullied workers felt "much" or "very much" stress, 49 per cent felt unusually tired on the job, and 30 per cent were nervous "often" or "constantly."

Read more at : http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/magazine/26/violence.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
This will be the last season I will watch Top Chef because of the immature and cruel behavior that has been exhibited to Marcel throughout the season. I don't want that much drama in a cooking show, and I definitely don't want to be an intentional witness to abuse—certainly not for entertainment purposes.

Perhaps TC producers will take notice of the anger and disgust so many viewers have expressed about this last episode and make some much needed changes for Season 3, but they've already lost at least one viewer--me. Once Marcel leaves the show, I'm tuning out.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 7:53 PM

Erik wrote:

How did it become "not acceptable" to not care what others think of you? A lot of people who felt that way are now called visionaries. I shouldn't be surprised however, given that this network pushes a fashion show as well (an industry based entirely on getting people to care abut what others think of them so they will wear the newest hideous creation and therefore be cool, hip, etc).

I don't have to like people I work with, I just need to be able to act like an adult- something that your cast seems largely unable to do.
Attacking someone's sexual experience, denigrating their dish to the diners, refusing to help serve after being helped earlier in the meal, threatening bodily harm for placing a toothbrush in a bag and setting it on the floor- these actions have NOTHING to do with how irritating Marcel may be personally and EVERYTHING to do with Marcel being the chosen pariah for an ugly group of people.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 10:12 PM

Sue wrote:

Sounds like Patrick is related to Ilan ...
Please keep Tim Allen as a permanent judge! He is hilarious!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 12:25 AM

tommy wrote:

disregard the hater, your show is fun.
being a professional in the kitchen myself, i run across people like marcel all the time. these people are overly stressed about their own importance without regard to those that surround them. as for sam going off on marcel this episode, it is totally understandable when living and working with someone who is always right and quick to point out anything that is wrong about anything. so in short keep up the good work, and no more cooking on beaches, its just not fair.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 12:57 AM

Elizabeth Cronin wrote:

My husband and I have watched each episode and we think that since you have hours of discussion at the judges' table and it is a cooking competition it would be interesting to hear more of those talks. Certainly more interesting than the soap opera drama of the living quarters that have nothing to do with food. I realize that there is alot of editing, but I would like to know if you only put in certain sides of people, even if it is a side shown briefly. I really felt for Tiffany last season as viewers seem to forget they are watching a show that is a competition. A show that is edited for public consumption.
Don't let the blasts get to you...you can't please all the people all the time.
Have a Happy New Year and continued success with the show.
P.S. In the editing or advising to the contestents is it possible to cut down on the cursing...a couple of my boys love cooking, but with the salty language I wouldn't let them watch this week.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:08 AM

Nick wrote:

**It's not acceptable to say you don't care what other people think of you.**

If I were in Marcels shoes by this stage of the game I wouldn't have gave a rats behind what Anyone on the show thought of me. And I agree with the posters here who say you are perpetuating this ridiculous idea that Marcel is annoying. It's people like you that caused this problem in the first place!! Any chance You were picked on in school? Cause thats what these so called adults act like, school children. :((((

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:26 AM

Bob wrote:

Good column!
I think many are wondering where this Marcle hatred thing that is being unleashed in this and other episodes comes from. Though you ( and LeeAnn and Padma) may be right about this Lord of the Flies-group mentality thing. Great TV but very unprofessional for a Top Chef who will need to work with and for all kinds of people.
You guys need to post Mike's carrot chip recipe!!
Great show, one of the few that i follow and the only one that i go to the Website and read the columns and post in. Ize a FOODIE!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 7:21 AM

connie wrote:

Its one thing to address a behavior in your blog re;hatred towards Marcel, but what really needs to be done is to , at the very least, level the playing field, as its not that way right now.

I, as well as several others I know, am on the verge of turning Top Chef off, never to watch again. The animosity in the kitchen, towards Marcel, is just too painful to watch, and I'll not stand by and support Top Chef, by even tuning in.

The situation is not fair, abusive (yes, its verbally abusive) and producers, judges, need to "step up", and have a talk to the contestants about their behavior, and what it actually shows, and how it plays out on t.v. I do commend Elia, Michael, on not "jumping on board" with the mob mentaility.

I expect the same to continue unless producers, judges, get this mess cleared up. Its not even a show about cooking any more. Its about abusive, rude, hatred type of behavior, by chefs?, that is just getting too tiresome to watch anymore.

Connie

posted on January 5, 2007 at 10:52 AM

karen wrote:

I too and sick of this behavior on chefs part, Betty was my favorite till I saw her true behavior towards Marcel, and how the others treat him because of her actions, I was so glad to see her go and hope she never comes back! Big Bitch Betty is now how I see her, and this is my first season to watch, and its not about food its who can pick on Marcel and it too awful to watch, if it continues I will tune out, I wanted to see more on the food but your out for ratings not good food, so as I'm reading here everyone who's writing on here agrees with me and wants the same thing, so fix it, tell the chefs to lay off Marcel and do what they signed up to do- cook good food! Not be bullies, hated that in school and hate it here! I didn't like Marcel but I do now, but think you need to stop the crap on him and get to what the show is suppose to be about FOOD!! PICKING THE NEXTTOP CHEP! And from this bunch you don't have a top chep but top bully! NOT KOOL! I don't need to go back to school and see this kind of meanness, and hope it stops!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 11:33 AM

Anne wrote:

Hi, Shauna;
Due to the fact that the majority of the last episode was filmed in a very beautiful home, it was a pleasure to the eye for that reason and for the dishes prepared by the chefs for the quickfire and the dinner party, however; I think that it is really a sad state of affairs when the majority percentage of people writing in are having to comment on the behaviour of some really immature individuals in this series, instead of on the cooking.
Unless I am watching Top Chef or PR or some of the other digital cable channels, my TV is almost exclusively set on Food Network. I LOVE to cook. I LOVE to watch people who LOVE to cook and who know how to do so with expertise and flair. The best episodes of Top Chef this season have been the ones that excluded most of the bickering and in-fighting, and included a lot more cooking. I will give the cases in point being the Social Restaurant episode and the Malibu episode. Sure, some things will always be said that shouldn't be by some of the contestants, but by and large these shows kept the chefs so busy trying to figure out how they were going to create a successful dish that there wasn't time for the rest of the bs. OR it was left out of those episodes.
There HAS to be a lot more of the cooking footage that we are not seeing as the viewing public. Maybe it is assumed that the cooking footage is too boring and that the arguments and outbursts are more entertaining to watch, but that is not the case for the majority of us, based on the huge and negative response to this last 7 Deadly Sins episode. I was going to watch it again last night when it was re-played and I just couldn't. It is embarrasing to watch people behave the way they do, and I don't much care what their excuses are. There is most definitely a lot of rage and ugliness in this fine old world of ours. Just turn on the news. I think most of us like to watch shows like Top Chef as overall it is entertaining and we want to see something that will take us out of our mundane everyday world. I enjoy watching highly creative people do what they do best, and that is what I would like to see more of in these programs. Leave out the hassling and yelling and show us more of what we tune in for: the food and the cooking and the talent. After having watched season one and then having watched every episode of season two, I too find the contestants sadly lacking in much skill in the kitchen. When I hear that these are "America's most talented chefs" I think to myself, My God I don't want to see the worst ones!
I love to watch Ina Garten, Tyler Florence, Bobby Flay, Sam Choy...these are people who are smiling the whole time they are cooking. Granted, they are not "volunteers", they are being very nicely paid for what they do, but I'd be willing to be they didn't get where they are by being a pain in the ass to everyone around them. It doesn't work in the real world of working with other people. If someone said to me, you can have a wonderful meal prepared for you by Sam Choy, who is always laughing and smiling as he works, or you can have a meal prepared for you by Ilan or Sam from Top Chef, who are a couple of somewhat angry guys, what do you think my choice would be? I would rather eat at someone's establishment that truly loved what they did and prepared my meal with interest and care.
I know that this season is done and there is someone walking around out there in the world with the title of Top Chef, whether they truly deserve it or not. But please, next season, give us some REALLY talented people, who enjoy what they do and want to be better and better at it. Please give us more of the cooking and the technical side of being a chef and leave out all of the garbage that seems to have come with season 2. It isn't necessary to keep the attention of the people who enjoy this show for what it could be.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:02 PM

Wendy wrote:

**but they've already lost at least one viewer--me. Once Marcel leaves the show, I'm tuning out.**

Ditto that!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:24 PM

Q wrote:

**Top Chef who will need to work with and for all kinds of people**

After all of this I can no longer hold my tongue on this issue. From day 1 everyone keeps saying they need to work with and for all people, well I'd be willing to bet a years income on the fact that ALL of the contestants work very well for their bosses and get along fine with their co workers in real life. In the context of this show I think it is a disgrace to be called out for not being able to work well together. (I'm not lumping Marcel into this, he seems to work together well in whatever situation they've put him in) This is a Competition, they are Competing, they are not cooking with virtual strangers and they are doing it in very high heat, close quarters, etc..... How on earth should they rightfully be judged for their abilites or non abilites to be able to work together well? That's one aspect of this show that is just soooo off base to me.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:30 PM

Grace wrote:

I was delighted to see some of the comments to your blog because I have been wondering, after the last, very painful show, what you perceive the responsibility of the producers to be? I'm not a professional chef, but I manage a very large division in a company with a lot of staff, and I have to say that I would put an end to the harrassing behavior that was exhibited on this show immediately. I watch this show, and similar shows, because I enjoy people being inventive and creative with their respective crafts, whether cooking, designing or decorating. If the meanness, such as Jeffrey's comments to a fellow contestant (blanking on her name) is kept to a minimum, I can sort of gloss over it to enjoy what is really interesting and fun, seeing people who are semi-amateur but talented, truly being stretched and growing in a creative field. This last episode should have been the most interesting--what could be more fun and inspiring than the seven deadly sins, in a decadant, Dante sort of way. But I agree with other contestants--it is simply too painful to watch a second time. Also, it reminds me why I find most reality shows uncomfortable--there is always the sense that the producers behind the camera are snickering at the contestants--keeping chairs in the wing for them to hurl at each other. The creative shows seemed to be different--more about teasing out the talent in a bunch of competitors through exciting challenges, such as a good teacher would throw at an advanced class. TC seems to have taken an alarming turn and trying to combine fear factor with a skills-based challenge show. It's not working. I don't know if you have mistaken your contestants (although if I were Marcel, I'd be studying my SAG contract right now, because I think he could probably sue for the harrssment). I know you have mistaken your audience. This is not the Jerry Springer, Fear Factor, or even Survivor crowd. Most of us are watching Iron Chef, where the courtesy the chef's show each other is amazing, when we are not watching TC. I doubt that anyone is watching the Bachelor, or Real Housewives, or Breaking Bonaduce--not based on the comments in the blogs anyway. I would suggest (1) monitoring the behavior of your contestants better, letting them get a little sleep and a little normalcy--this is a competition, not boot camp or fraternity hazing;(2) doing a better job selecting contestants (more for talent, less for oddball. I'd like to see TC discover the next Bobby Flay, not the next Carrot Top), and above all (3) editing the show to focus on the cooking and the creativity, as you mostly have done with the hugely successful Project Runway. You need to do some serious demographic research, because you are really failing your core audience with this season. I watched the preview where everyone is snickering about the idea that Marcel is up on the roof committing suicide or crying, while Marcel is upstairs, clearly trying to go to some "happy place" reciting poems to himself. My stomach turned over and I thought to myself, no way am I watching that. Even news shows recognize that television is entertainment. i know that bullying and hazing, like traffic accidents, happen every day. But I either try to fix it or avert my eyes and hurry past if there is nothing I can do. I don't consciously set out to watch it. I know the season is over and what we are seeing is in the past, but, seriously, can't you fix this stuff in editing?!?

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:48 PM

Grace wrote:

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:49 PM

jimmy wrote:

Could it possibly be that all this Marcel bashing is leading up to Marcel being named Top Chef??? Wouldn't that be the biggest hoot, not to mention, vindication for Marcel?

No Sam (who ripped off Harold's idea of a ceviche and popcorn), no Ilan, no Cliff in the finals please!

And oh yeah, let's replace "Please pack your knives and go" with "Please pull yourself out from under the bus!"

posted on January 5, 2007 at 3:23 PM

sarita wrote:

This should have been a really fun episode. The elimination challenge was really well thought out and interesting, and having Debi and her friends on the show was brilliant. And that horrible woman was finally sent packing. But, all of the good elements of the show were completely overshadowed by the cruelness exibited by Ilan(Yuck!!!), Betty, and Sam towards Marcel. I was especially disgusted with Ilan's bullying behavior and can't for the life of me comprehend why he was not eliminated.
Season 1 had "villains" I "loved" to hate, but more importantly it also had a group of decent individuals that were fun to watch. This season simply has a bunch of bullies I hate watching. I really hope Marcel and Elia are the final two since any other scenario would be incredibly disappointing. Oh, and why is Marcel any more annoying than any of the others contestants, and why is that a justification for the treatment he has received?

posted on January 5, 2007 at 4:43 PM

Kristi wrote:

I came here today to vote for my favorite Top Chef contestant.....then realized I don't have one. The nice ones don't have the talent, and the talented ones aren't nice. I'm afraid I have to echo what others said - cut down on the drama and get rid of the immaturity or lose the viewers.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 7:36 PM

Michael wrote:

I would like to say I don't blame the judges for what's been happening in the back of the house. They usually don't know what's going on because they're not there. However, you as the producer are not setting a balance and creating the right atmosphere.

This season is all about ill behavior on the part of most of the chefs. Where did you find them? the local schoolyard?

I'm not seeing any of the class or style of someone like Dave, Lee Ann or Harold. I just don't see any of these people deserving of the title Top Chef. Unless you include the word juvenile in there this season's winner is really pointless.

I'll keep watching only if in the hopes that the juvenile behavior and excessive profane language will end soon. Somehow, I doubt it.

I do like the challenges this year. I think that's the best part along with some of the recipes but the incessant bickering and schoolyard behavior is starting to take it's toll. My wife will no longer watch your show because of it.

Shauna, if you are the Executive Producer next year and this type of behavior shows up, please pack your knives and go!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 8:42 PM

Sharla wrote:

People: the substitute judge in Gail Simmons' place is TED Allen, not TIM Allen.

Tim Allen is a comedian, of *Home Improvement* and *The Santa Clause.* He is NOT the fellow we all have enjoyed taking Gail's place the last couple weeks.

That said, I echo those who have appreciated Ted's presence on the program.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 10:19 PM

Cindy wrote:

I must say you have the most disappointing point of view i've read to date.. re: whats happening on your "out of control" show. Really... your judgments and analysis.. for the treatment of Marcel is appalling... are you for real????? all the judges have addressed this issue with the same judgements against this man to whom YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW? How do you think you'd feel if you were in HIS SHOES.. how long would it be before YOU lost it? i'm amazed over his strength of character.. most people would have broken by now.. i love Marcel and have felt actually heartfelt pain.. over watching such disgusting behavior.. Ilan must be removed from the show.. and he should have gone based on his "antics" and Betty with him... Two eliminations were in order.. to set an EXAMPLE that this behavior won't be tolerated on TOP CHEF>. Stand up for heavens sake.. stop feeding him to the wolves.. to get ratings.. i find your show this season very very disturbing.. and that's not a compliment! If Sam or Ilan win.. i will no longer be watching top chef.. for then i know.. this isn't about finding a True Leader. If i was Marcel.. i'd get myself a good lawyer...

posted on January 6, 2007 at 12:23 AM

Tommi Whitfield wrote:

Thanks to you and your crew for the hard work you put into each of these shows. And for bearing up under all this hate-mail! Goodness!

For me the episodes are crisp and diverting - a nice balance of business and pleasure. I always try to figure out how I would meet the challenges and you guys do a good job of letting us in on the processes the contestants go through in meeting these challenges.

Keep up the good work!

posted on January 6, 2007 at 9:02 AM

Melanie wrote:

Tell us the truth, Shauna--these shows ARE scripted, aren't they? When you're searching for the contestants, their acting skills (or should I say 'acting out' skills) are the primary consideration for picking them, with just enough cooking talent to make the show somewhat believable, that's what I'm beginning to think. This last episode was so over the top; I can't believe adults would behave like that and that the producers are just willing to sit by and watch, popcorn in hand, as a Lord of the Flies scenario* plays out--oh, the drama!

And it wasn't like you didn't see it coming. You wrote this in your blog after the Thanksgiving episode:

"It was during the shooting of this episode that we on the production team started asking each other, "Why do
they all hate Marcel so much?" This question has been the subject of much speculation behind the cameras. Now don't get me wrong -- you have seen that he can be cocky and annoying, but it just doesn't seem to correlate with the level of hatred directed at him. Now even Sam is getting in on the act -- winding up Frank to have a go at Marcel, and Betty is accusing him of ruining her crappy creme brulees. What is this all about? My theory is that living communally under the strict control of the production team has reduced the chefs to a bunch of kids in camp egging each other on to bully the unpopular brainiac. Pretty soon they'll be flushing his head down the toilet ... mark my words."

Pay attention to that last sentence. To me, that shows the producers' intentions to let this thing play out as far as the contestants chose to take it. No one was given warning to prevent the harrassment from escalating.

This last show is making me doubt that the intention is really to find a Top Chef--it's all a ruse. Too bad. At one time, I really liked this show when I thought it was about quality and professionalism.

And if it's not a manufactured show, then shame on you all for allowing Marcel to be mercilessly victimized for entertainment purposes. These 'adult' cheftestants obviously need authority figures to intervene and provide guidelines for their interpersonal behavior. Let them blow off steam like normal people and have some time away from each other each day--they really need it.

And good luck trying to find serious chefs wanting to come on board for the next season--who'd want to be subjected to that environment and notoriety? All of these Season 2 contestants who have exhibited such juvenile and cruel behavior are marked for life by it in the minds of those who have witnessed it. They are not people most of us would ever look up to.

Kudos to Grace, one of the earlier posters on this blog entry, for her well-written explanation of what is wrong with this show and what a tremendous disappointment it is to the audience this season.

(* funny, how so many of the Top Chef blogs mention this book--could it be because it was used as part of the premise for how the script was written?)

posted on January 6, 2007 at 12:01 PM

Chris wrote:

I have one more comment to make. If my criticism of what has become of a much loved TC can be misconstrued as hate mail, so be it. But for me, my honest criticism is the same as so many others, not hate mail but a plea to please fix the problem that TC2 has perceived to be what the viewers want to see, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA. I have to agree with so many here. Yes, a little drama is good. And TC1 found the perfect combination of ingredients to make it a hit show. It had some drama, comedy, suspense, lightheartedness, and so many memorable moments. Most of us were rooting for Harold, Leeann, and Dave and couldn`t wait to see Tiffani get the axe. Not once was it cruel. And not once did I or any other viewer want to turn it off. We wanted more, we craved it and even watched the repeats till the newest episode would air on Wednesdays. I called family and friends and raved about it. I said “you gotta watch this show, you`ll love it as I do”. Never once were we subjected to seeing the ugliness that is being aired now. It may sound extreme, but I liken it to a puppy getting hit by a car. I would feel sick about that and I feel sick about the treatment of Marcel. Sadly, if this is what the producers think we want to see, then TC will soon be in the trash like the garbage that it has become. I sincerely hope that the producers are not taking the advice of some of the comments made here to either ignore or disregard the so called (hate mail) we are after all in the majority of opinions. No, they cant please everyone but they better consider pleasing most. TC2 is leaving a bitter taste in all of our mouths, where it once was sweet. And our disappointment can clearly be read, comment after comment. To be told we`re haters is just wrong. We`re not haters we`re just so unhappy with the direction the TC2 has taken, we feel the need to leave comments like these to let our voice be heard. No longer do I look forward to the next episode, I now dread what will happen to Marcel next, or any other cruelty that they choose to air. This show once had many praises, now it is being described by words like Appalling, Disturbing, Shameful, Sick, Sad, Alarming, Embarrassing, Very Painful.
I could go on and on. I loved TC1 and I still do. But TC2 has taken on an entirely different entity and I and many, many others will no longer watch it if it continues in the same direction. I agree with another comment made here... I think Marcel has every right to sue for harassment and mental cruelty. I too saw the video of Marcel on the roof and the uglies in the kitchen joking about him crying and committing suicide. Did I include in the list of words abhorrent? It should be included here....

posted on January 6, 2007 at 4:20 PM

Mark wrote:

Great blog, as always.

I'd just like to say that I was disappointed that Michael did not receive a special prize for winning the elimination challenge. I have the impression that they are more or less personal gifts from the guest judges, and I guess you can't expect all of the guest judges to hand out special gifts. But maybe the producers could fill the gap. If some of the winners get special prizes, I think it would only be fair for all of them to get special prizes. Lee Anne made a little fuss in her blog when Betty won the Kyocera limited edition ceramic sushi knife since no one had received any special prizes in Season 1, but I think it's a good idea to give out prizes for every elimination challenge.

posted on January 6, 2007 at 4:55 PM

April wrote:

I, too, find watching adults turn on another person in the vicious mean ways demonstrated by your chefs extremely upsetting. I think you have a responsibility to monitor your employee's (in this case the other contestants) behaviors and eliminate those who create an untenable working atmosphere. I would definitely eliminate Ilia and Sam immediately. If you had stepped in when Frank showed his ugly nature (I shudder to think that he is parenting more like him) the baiting would have stopped and made for a much better show.
With that said, I also enjoy Ted Allen and would love to see him judge on a regular basis.

posted on January 6, 2007 at 5:04 PM

Matt wrote:

According to Mike in an interview on another board, Marcel "ratted him out" to the producers when he tried to get drunk while on painkillers. Mike was explicitly prohibited from getting drunk because he's on Vicodin, but Sam, Cliff and Ilan tried to sneak him some beer anyway. This is a potentially lethal combination, so I don't fault Marcel even if tattling is uncool.

Mike called Marcel Templeton (after the rat from Charlotte's Web) in this interview. And Sam called Marcel Ratboy before his blow-up at Charlie's. Based on this I can only conclude Marcel's merciless hazing on the last episode stems from Mike's reckless drug and alcohol abuse, which makes it even more reprehensible than I initially thought.

Things have really gotten out of hand here. I'm dreading the finale at this point because I've lost all respect for the remaining chefs, save Marcel and Elia.

posted on January 6, 2007 at 5:46 PM

Cindy wrote:

Everyone.... have you seen the rerun of Top Chef this week.. they've EDITED THE ATROCIOUS BEHAVIOR OF ILAN.. their now NOT SHOWING.. how he told everyone NOT TO HELP MARCEL.. during the plating and other things.. don't you all find that a bit interesting??? What's the point of not showing the show in its true presentation???? What a racket... I just really hope the two people standing are Marcel and Elia.. Mike by the way.. threw Marcel under the bus as soon as he had his interview.. all he could talk about was how he wants him to go home.. so sadly.. MIKEY doesn't hold the character i had hoped.

posted on January 6, 2007 at 8:17 PM

RWM wrote:

My wife and I have watches since episode 3 of Season 1. We both love to cook and entertain. There were weird points in Season 1 but they were explained by Chef Tom in his blog reasonably well (Dave really did come in #2 if you actually look at the comments of the judges). This season is getting to be more and more of a disappointment. Chefs with more training? Really, doesn't look that way and the judges comments really don't support that either. Yes, it should be about the food - but the editing is making that really REALLY hard for the viewer. Is Marcel the problem? No, he's an arrogant, apparently somewhat talented chef. Is the bickering the problem? Yes, but it doesn't HAVE to make it onto the screen now does it? Hours of discussion at judege table? Wow, it sure doesn't show from the viewers perspective at ALL. All those issues seem to be production problems. So what seems to be lacking in this show is quality in the production process. Hmmm...and who would be responsible for that component of this show?

posted on January 6, 2007 at 9:24 PM

Lynette wrote:

I'm so glad that someone else finally sees that Marcel is intentionally and sneakily inciting everyone to anger. I do not feel sorry for him at all. If you'll notice everytime someone goes of on him, he grins because that was his intention. Besises Sam's little slip today, I think he has what it takes to be Top Chef. He is a true leader who listens to input, he is an amazing and creative culinary genius, and in most cases he is smart, quiet and gets the job done. My hats off to you Sam!!!!

posted on January 6, 2007 at 9:41 PM

Cindy wrote:

While Top Chef is absolutely my favorite show because I love to watch what the chefs conjure up each week, I must also agree with several others who felt this past week's episode difficult to watch. The actions and words of Sam, Ilan, and Betty were absolutely unforgiveable, ridiculous, and immature beyond words. Adding insult to injury was Betty's exit interview video where she tells us that she worked with integrity and was always helpful to her fellow contestants. What??!!

Oddly enough, I thought Stephen from season one was far more irritating, arrogant, and condescending than Marcel has been to date this season. Does anyone remember how Stephen dressed Candace down, "You will fail . . . horribly"? Yet his fellow contestants kept their eyes on their own game. This season has become a soap opera; and in this episode it spilled right into the kitchen. I think Marcel probably has something to learn about personal interaction, but he's still green. Betty, on the other hand, could have chosen the higher road - instead of ostracizing him from the beginning, she could have tried to be the house mother, giving the younger chefs the benefit of her experience. But, alas, for all of Betty's many years, she may be exceptional in the customer service department, but truly sucks in the personal relationship department. I would hate to have a friend that I knew could blow up like that at someone else.

Ilan turned into a sniveling little coward. I was his number one advocate from the beginning because he truly seems to love his craft, but I'm hoping he's packing his knives come this Wednesday. As far as I'm concerned, Elia is the only one who has presented herself with any kind of integrity throughout this entire season. Even Marcel swallows an awful lot that comes his way without response. I think it takes a lot of backbone to keep your mouth shut sometimes.

So, I also agree that there should be some kind of reconciliation between the contestants. This is just painful and heartbreaking.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 12:54 AM

Jeannie wrote:

I, too, have been in a close quarters situation where there was a "victim-du-jour". In my experience, however, the victim changed pretty regularly, thus the "du-jour" part. I don't know exactly what it is about Marcel, but he inspires contempt in others. This quality, unfortunately, makes him less of a candidate to be the Top Chef, in my mind. A successful chef must be able to inspire others to follow his lead. Marcel only inspires contempt in others. I agree that the others are acting immaturely, but I also believe that Marcel's sheer unlikability will always be a liabilty to him.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 10:35 AM

Erika wrote:

Bravo, Top Chef!

You've just lost another viewer. The treatment of Marcel in the last episode in particular was grotesque, and there is absolutely NO excuse for it. Your staff should have stepped in. I agree that Marcel should be looking into his contract re: workplace harrassment if he hasn't already.

I agree with the posters that say that the viewing audience is interested in the *food*, the creativity and the skill, not in watching low class trash behave like animals. I'm done.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 2:36 PM

Mia O. wrote:

I don't like Illan. Did anyone else notice that Elia yelled right before her food went out, but none of the other contestants were offended by her yelling. But they jumped all over Marcel. Glad Fake Betty is gone. Hopefully Sam, Ilan or Cliff is next. They are all too conceited. Go, Marcel!

posted on January 7, 2007 at 4:21 PM

Sandy wrote:

I have to say that I have become quite turned off with this show. I loved in last year and have watched all episodes this year. However, the personal insults and bullying - regardless of whatever annyoing behaviors there are - are ruining the show for me. I know that the drama can make for "good television" but this stuff is over the top IMHO. Additionally, I would like to see someone in a mentor like role (similar to Tim Gunn on PR). This person could have interactions with the chefs designed to give SOME insight into how they take their initial thoughts and implement them with highlights of the process all the way to the final creation. This part of TC is way too fragemented IMHO and a mentor could help both the chefs and the viewers with focus and insight into the experience of being a chef and how creations come into being. I am sorry to say that the show seems more about the bickering than the food.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 7:02 PM

Lily wrote:

Add me to the bunch disgusted by this group hate towards Marcel. I don't want to see a pack of bullies pick on a weaker kid and get rewarded for it. I want to see cooking, some information, some good humor. I don't want to see something that sickens me.

I won't be watching again. Shame on you for encouraging this behavior amongst the contestants.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 7:28 PM

Lynda I wrote:

It is great to be rid of Bleach Blonde Bimbo Betty! It is no wonder she is a "has been" in the movie business. Her acting skills were obviously never honed to a method actor level. Her phoniness was evident from the start... Challenge after challenge, her food spoke for itself (i.e. disasterously in the bottom 3). Now, she can go back to her Grubby restaurant, lament her latest failure while slinging her hash!

I guess the group is whittled down to the "Beastie Boys" (i.e. Ilan, Sam & Cliff), "Dumb little brother" Mike (who is so unkempt) and "Mr. Wizard" Marcel (who cannot lead anyone anywhere) and "Ms." Elia (who has followed her poor instincts). It is really slim pickings on who to root for at "Top Chef". Take your pick of the losers, all... It is really a disappointment. I really no longer care, actually.

posted on January 8, 2007 at 8:17 AM

lisa wrote:

I just saw videos on brilliant but canceled of contestants that did not make it to season 2 of top chef. boy, i think it would have been a much better showwith some of them on it. Danilo would have been much more interesting to watch than some of these losers you had on this season. Why were alot of these people not chosen? were they too normal and to professional to be on a reality tv show?
lisa

posted on January 8, 2007 at 10:29 AM

Once-A-Fan wrote:

Hello Shauna,

Your blogs are improving. However, it appears that by the time you are where you should be, the season will be over...
That said, I sincerely hope that the season 3 cast is a vast improvement over this "ship of fools" on season 2. Now that the challenges are more focused and clever, the group's personalities are disintegrating. It is discouraging to view.
Maybe I should just watch "Iron Chef" to relax instead of "Saturday Night at the Fights"!

When I was much younger, I worked my way through college in a number of very nice restaurants. I have seen many professional kitchens along the way. The head chefs and supporting cooks were clean, quiet and kindhearted. There had never been such a display of bad blood anywhere as there is in the microcosm environment you producers have created. You and your colleagues have created a monster! The removal of Big-Mouth Betty was a good start. It is time to take out the rest of the garbage...

posted on January 8, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Tad wrote:

[i]Marcel -- the sin of being annoying. Is that a sin? Kinda. It's not acceptable to say you don't care what other people think of you. Man is a social animal and it's really hard to be successful in life if you make no effort to understand your effect on your fellow man.[/i]

i have already posted on this blog, but i wanted to comment on this particular quote. first off, nobody, regardless of how annoying they might be, deserves to be bullied in the way that marcel is being bullied on your show. as adults, we have choices in the way we respond to behaviors we don't like, and instead of acting like adults, the other contestants seem to relish in turning marcel into some sort of pariah. if i were in marcel's shoes, i wouldn't care what those bullies thought of me either. i have been a victim of a bully before (as i am sure many of us have) and there comes a point when not caring is the smartest thing a person can do.

yet, having said that, it is clear that marcel is a thinking person who does care, or at least has been affected by the behaviors of the other cast members. on the preview clip for the next episode, it shows marcel writing a poem/rap by himself on the roof as a way to deal with his feelings. as producer, you should be responsible enough in your blog to acknowledge that marcel has, at least through a creative outlet, dealt with how the others think of him.

regardless, i fail to see how being annoying is a sin, and if it were, i fail to see how marcel is guilty of said sin. out of all the footage you have filmed for the last episode, the most annoying thing you put into the episode was marcel not wanting to take his eggs out of the pan for ilan until his toast was ready. yet, ilan threw a tantrum over it: why? if i were making eggs, i would want to keep them warm until my toast was ready too. i wouldn't stoop to questioning the sexual prowess of my competitor simply because he wanted to eat warm eggs. that sort of harassment and degradation of character should not be allowed on your show, and your production team should be hold the contestants to a higher standard of behavior and ethics.

i am giving this show one more episode before i throw in the towel. i hope you listen to us viewers who are upset over the antics and petty drama of this season and ready to switch off the show. yet, the skeptic in me says you wont because i recently read that ratings are up this season, and as long as the numbers are good...

posted on January 8, 2007 at 1:57 PM

Wookie wrote:

Marcel is like Chinese water torture. One drop is a just a minor annoyance, just slowly but surely, over time, he becomes unbearable. In a situation like this, it's only a matter of time before the other contestants snap. I don't think Marcel is evil. I just don't think he ever learned any social skills so everything he says is slightly annoying (like a gnat in Sam's words). It's naive to assume that the other contestants are just childish haters who are ganging up on Marcel. As TV viewers, we only get a glipse of the weeks of Marcel's annoying behavior that everyone else is putting up with, but we see the entirity of the freakouts when the other contestants finally snap (which are much more dramatic).

posted on January 8, 2007 at 5:34 PM

Pam wrote:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO TO TOM COLICCHIO'S BLOG & READ MELANIE'S POSTING ON JANUARY 7TH @ 8:25pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEN GO TO THAT WEBSITE:
http://bloggingtopchef.blogspot.com/

JUST KEEP TABBING DOWN UNTIL YOU SEE "CHEF MIKEY IN THE KITCHEN" - THEN READ WHAT LITTLE MIKEY SAYS FROM HIS OWN MOUTH!!!!!!!!!!

Chef Mike: As far as Templeton goes, Marcel...I call him that because he is a rat. He told on me for drinking when I was on my meds. Sam, Cliff and Ilan had beers stashed so I could have a few and Marcel rated me out. That was it for me. I gave that little rat the most chances and he blew it, so let people hate him. It's awesom

SAM, CLIFF & ILAN COULD HAVE HELPED LITTLE MIKEY TO AN EARLY GRAVE, AND DID EXPOSE BRAVO TV & TOP CHEF TO A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARCEL DID THE RIGHT THING AND EXPOSED THIS OUTRAGIOUS SITUATION!!!!!

SO, THAT'S THE REAL REASON THESE MORONS ATTACKED MARCEL AS THEY DID!!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK SOMETHING ELSE MUST BE GOING ON THAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT....THERE IT IS!!!!

HEY BRAVO TV.... HEY TOP CHEF..... WHAT KIND OF A CRACK HOUSE ARE YOU RUNNING???????????????

I CANNOT BELIEVE THESE LOW-LIFE WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN ON THIS SHOW!!

MARCEL, TOO BAD YOU DIDN'T JUST LET LITTLE MIKEY MIX HIS BEER & DRUGS... MAYBE HE & HIS "BUDDIES" WOULD ALL BE GONE... SPARING YOU AND ELIA FROM WASTING YOUR TIME IN THIS HALF-BAKED COMPETITION!!!!

posted on January 8, 2007 at 7:20 PM