The latest season of Food Network Star is underway and the latest round of wannabe TV chefs have begun their quest. We’ve seen first impressions and heard what the judges think but what the world really wants to know is what I think. Let’s do this.

If you haven’t seen tonight’s episode STOP! Watch it HERE first and then come back. It’s a frickin recap, yo!

Last week’s episode was a complete waste of time.  Nothing, and I mean nothing was accomplished.  The producers brought a contestant, Lovely, who had already proven to be less than Star material and guess what?  She still is.  Stacey is still the clear favorite despite a rocky week.  I’ve seen this show enough to recognize when editing is manipulated to make a contestant look better or worse than their actual performance.  I don’t believe Stacey’s performance last week was all that bad but without the benefit of seeing all of the footage we have to take the Network’s word that it really went down that way.  Sorry FN, not buying it.

So with last week’s episode being totally devoid of entertainment this week’s couldn’t help but be better could it?  Wrong!  This week marked the return of what is traditionally the most moronic challenge each year – the use-Kellogg-cereal-in-something-other-than-a-bowl-of-milk-challenge.  This is never any good and more to the point does nothing to help establish anyone’s creativity or expertise.  It is simply an hour long commercial for Kellogg Cereal.  This episode can always be summed up in word – sucks.

Now for my take on each:

The person who will NOT be the next Food Network Star is…

Nikki

The latest season of Food Network Star is underway and the latest round of wannabe TV chefs have begun their quest. We’ve seen first impressions and heard what the judges think but what the world really wants to know is what I think. Let’s do this.

If you haven’t seen tonight’s episode STOP! Watch it HERE first and then come back. It’s a frickin recap, yo!

Last week Chad went home. I had him as an early favorite but the last few weeks he kind of fell off.

This week’s episode was one of the worst in the history of this series.  The “Star Salvation” curve-ball was lame.  If the “Salvation” winner is still around in the finale then it will be really suspicious.  After the first seven episodes it is clearly Stacey’s contest to lose.  This is as obvious as season four was when Kelsey Nixon was clearly the best which proves that when it comes to Star being the best doesn’t mean much.  Of course if the Network pulls yet another fast one on the outcome of this show then it likely will disappear.

After all, things are not as rosy at Chelsea Market as they once were.  The Network’s ratings have fallen off considerably, they are actually being beaten into the ground by HGTV right now.  The lack of quality programming is taking its toll.  Cooking Channel has by far the best line-up of shows.  Heck, I find myself watching PBS’ 24/7 food and lifestyle network Crave a lot more than I watch Food Network these days.  Last year’s Star winner, Justin Werner, finally got his series made and the Network has not aired it but rather stuck it online.  There is talk that Bob Tushman’s job is at stake.

Bob, if you are ready for me to save the Network just call.  You’ve got my number.

Now for my take on each:

The person who will NOT be the next Food Network Star is…

Lovely… again.