Saturday, August 20, 2011

MC Australia - Why I love Gary, Geroge and Matt.

I think whoever watched yesterday's episode would agree with me. For those of you, (Scarlett) who have already watched the entire season, I am referring to the elimination episode where they need to make Coconut Alaska Bombe.


The dish in itself is quite complicated. It has 4 different layers - cherry sorbet, ice cream, sponge cake and finally meringue. And all of it needs to come together, so that when you cut a slice, one can clearly separate out the layers.

Complex doesnt describe it - especially given that you have 2 hours and 4 different things to prepare.

So the people in the elimination round included Ellie (isnt she cute, a 75 mm smile she has!!), Billy (I like him too) and Alex. While Ellie and Billy got on fine with their recipes, Alex struggled to get it done.

In the first hour, Gary plodded along him, tasting his stuff saying things need to be done again. And so did Matt. Perhaps they helped the other contestants too, but they didnt show it on TV.

And finally in the last 15 mins, the judges couldnt stand it anymore. Gary started guiding Alex and helping him out , encouraging him to plate the dish. In the final 5 mins, all the 3 judges were standing behind Alex , trying to get him to plate up till the last second!!!

And plate up, he did. The intention of this post was not to give you a minute by minute commentary on the episode, but I just couldnt help it!! :)

Now compare this with any other show where the judges throw contestants food around, scream at them, throw tantrums, include our very own MC too. There is a reason why MC Australia is the most popular.

The judges are humane and genuinely encouraging. They want the contestants to put their best foot forward. They want the contestants to win. As badly as Alex wanted to plate up the dish, the judges wanted it more!! Never do you get to see such involvement, such passion, such desire in any show.. never ever.

In another previous episode, wherein an apprentice of a heavyweight chef competed with Hayden (MC contestant), the chef helped out Hayden much more than he did his own apprentice, even though his neck was on the line - if his apprentice didnt win on his dish, then it would be embarrassing!!

Maybe it is an Australian culture thing. Thats how the people are, maybe - believing in giving everyone a fair chance.

I recorded this show with the intent of watching it again later. A was home and was on a call. By the time it finished, he was still on the call. The minute he was free, I got him to watch the entire thing and I watched it all over again a second time. Such is the pull of Gary, George and Matt.

Scarlett, you had asked which of these 3 I like the best.. I still cannot decide. I like all of them. :)

And all the rest of you reality competition shows - LEARN from MC Australia, just how it is done.

8 comments:

Ru. said...

Did you say you arent sure whom you like the most? Well the food of course :D
I dont know these contestants but the photo you hv posted it absolutely irresistible!

Moonshine said...

@melee The food is the hero of this show.. and believe you me, that comes out clearly. And probably thats the reason it stands out from all other "food" shows.

Scarlett said...

OK, I missed this episode. I moved to Oz at the end of May, so missed an entire month basically. But I agree with you - the best part of MC Aus are the judges and their attitude towards the contestants. They genuinely believe in mentoring the contestants, they want everyone to do well. And it's not just the judges - even the guest chefs who come in for immunity or elimination challenges, even they help the contestants to the extent they can (given the rules of the competition). It's all very positive.

It could be an "Australian" thing. Aussies are a very chilled out, positive lot, and they believe in fair play (since their culture is heavily influenced by sports).

Scarlett said...

PS: Ellie IS very cute. I liked her too!

Moonshine said...

@Scarlett I guess thats the reason why MC Australia stands out even as compared to the rest of the MCs..be it India or US.

Ellie's smile is cute.. lights up the place!!! :)

moony said...

i agree absolutely, MC australia cannot compare with others!

Moonshine said...

@moony :D

Bluestocking said...

Like MC Australia too..though most dishes are non-veg and I am vegetarian, I still enjoy watching the show. I agree with you that the reason for show's appeal is its judges - encouraging and nice :-)