Unlike some reviewers I think Kal Penn is pretty good at hosting this show. He's likeable and adds a touch of humor to an otherwise excruciating experience.
Before I get into my thoughts on the show, let me clear up a few things written by previous reviewers. The show is not an all-or-nothing affair; Penn offers each contestant $5,000 once they've guessed correctly a certain number of times, although I don't recall how many (perhaps it's halfway through the cloches). The contestant can then decide to take the money and walk away or go for the big prize. So far, none have taken the five grand.
To insist Penn is rigging the game is absurd. He doesn't make the food, nor does he control the pace. In fact, if you've watched the show you'd know that he allows contestants to talk their way through the process and seemingly gives them all day to do it. And therein lies the problem.
Having dealt directly and indirectly with game show producers, I can tell you they're the ones who control the pace and encourage contestants to talk through their thought process. That's why you'll never see an episode of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.where a contestant just blows through the answers even when they're 100% certain of the answer.
Unfortunately, in this case, the contestants can be extremely annoying as they describe what they're smelling, tasting, and touching. They throw in personal experiences--"my husband once made me eat alligator and I'm pretty sure that's what this is" (or something like that). Next thing you know, we're hearing about their vacation, their kids, meals they cooked over the years, where they first learned about an ingredient, etc. And by the time they finally "lock in" an answer, it's hard to care anymore.
Lastly, I disagree with those who don't think the viewer can participate, albeit I might be in a different situation. Because my girlfriend cooks and bakes so much, she does an excellent job of guessing the dish, the procedure, the spices, and I've learned a lot just by watching it with her. No, we can't taste the food or see how it was cooked and what ingredients were used, but it's still fun to make guesses.
That said, I can only give the show five stars. When contestants start hemming, and hawing, and going back and forth, and thinking they have the answer before changing their minds, I find I want to punch myself in the face.
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