Suvechha Sarkar
Season 15 of Fox’s ‘MasterChef: Dynamic Duos’ is going to serve something that has never been done in the culinary showdown. The season begins with the returning judges – Gordon Ramsay and Joe Bastianich. Episode 1, titled ‘The Audition Battles,’ kicks off with the former introducing a thrilling twist in the show’s history – two home cooks are going to walk away with the title of the winner and the grand prize of $250,000. This season is all about teamwork, chemistry, and culinary synergy, as this time in the kitchen, there will be duos ranging from married couples and best friends to coworkers and even divorced couples. Although the contestants are going to compete as a duo, they are going to be judged individually.
The Season Premieres With a Surprising Twist and a New Judge on the Panel
This season, the dynamic duos are not the only surprise. In a dramatic reveal, Gordon announces that a new judge with 30 years of culinary expertise and a celebrated restaurateur is joining the panel. It is none other than the renowned Tiffany Derry. She started her journey as a server at just 16 years of age and considers managing and owning her restaurant to be something truly special. With the introductions out of the way, Gordon now informs the contestants that although they may think that competing in duos is going to be smooth sailing, it is not the case. For the auditions, each duo will face off against another, only for one of the duos to win the ‘Masterchef’ aprons. Joe further explains that each battle is going to have 30 minutes on the clock to create amazing dishes.
The first two duos for the culinary cook-off are Jessica and Jesse, and Zack and Michelle. While the latter have been married for 4 years and came closer as fans of the show, the former have been in a long-term relationship and are absolute foodies. As the clock begins ticking, they jump right into action. Tiffany asks Gordon what they are looking for this season. He explains that they are awaiting incredible platings, trust, and communication. After obtaining insights on Michelle and Zack’s preparation of chilli-spiced chicken leg, they reveal that they have a one-year-old baby. Their relationship grew gradually from a friendship. On the other hand, Jesse and Jessica are cooking crispy skin salmon and came closer while bartending together. Joe points out that cooking a chicken leg in 30 minutes is challenging.
When Tiffany points out that cooking salmon needs technique, Joe adds that searing it in the right amount is crucial, and it seems Jesse and Jessica are pushing it. Gordon observes that the duo is truly communicating with one another. With 15 minutes gone, Tiffany approaches them and notes that they are a true team. Returning to the panel, she expresses her concern about Zack and Michelle’s polenta since they may be short of time because the water is not boiling yet. As the judges notice the nervousness creeping in, Gordon adds that it may be tough to get the flavors in. With 10 minutes left on the clock, he approaches them and asks to ensure the polenta is flavorful. With the last few seconds gone, it is now time for the judges to taste the dishes.
Cultural Roots and Culinary Risks Take the Center Stage as the Battle Continues
Upon tasting Zack and Michelle’s dish, the judges compliment on how juicy the chicken is cooked. All in all, they find their preparation to be quite excellent. Although Gordon and Joe note that Jessica and Jesse’s salmon is prepared beautifully, Tiffany states it could’ve been seared for a longer time. After careful consideration, Joe announces that although both the duo excelled in their cooking, one of them edged out the other. It is none other than Zack and Michelle, who express that their son is going to be proud of them. In their exit interview, Jessica and Jesse note that this is devastating for them, and they feel disappointed by the results. The next turn is for Tina and Aivan vs. Asa and Shanda. The former duo is Aunt and niece, with Tina being a retired fishing boat owner and Aivan being a general contractor.
On the other hand, Asa and Shanda are cousins who belong to a family of talented chefs. As the clock begins ticking, Gordon turns his attention to Aivan and Tina to get insights on their preparation. The latter reveals that they are making her grandmother’s steamed bass. It is further disclosed that her grandmother immigrated to the country in 1975, so coming on the show to represent their culture is quite special. Asa and Shanda are cooking pistachio risotto with duck breast and divulge that they have four uncles who are chefs. Hence, they hope to bring the twist of their professionally trained uncles to their dish. Joe quickly notes that their preparation is quite risky since it is going to take a lot of time. However, Asa expresses his confidence, stating that they are going to prepare it for the judges on time.
With 10 minutes remaining, Gordon observes that preparing a sea bass is tough. Similarly, Joe expresses his concern that preparing a risotto with duck breast is challenging within 30 minutes. As Gordon approaches Asa and Shanda to check how they are doing, he points out that it is undercooked and asks them to ensure it is properly prepared. The last 5 minutes on the clock start ticking, prompting him to note that Asa and Shanda must hurry up to avoid running out of time because their rice is dry. The ticking clock sets in the tension for Shanda, who is worried about lifting the lid since the rice is still not properly cooked. As time comes to an end, the judges get to taste the carefully prepared dishes. While Gordon and Joe find Tina and Aivan’s sea bass delicious, Tiffany expresses that she wishes the dish had a little acid.
An Intense Battle Ensues as the Newlywed and Divorced Duo Compete With Each Other
Upon tasting Asa and Shanda’s preparation, Joe observes that it has used many techniques. While Gordon loves how beautifully the duck is cooked, he finds the risotto too rich and heavy. Similarly, Tifanny compliments how well the duck is seasoned and flavorful. Joe adds that the flavor of the dish is rich and intense, but the risotto is undercooked. After an intense deliberation, Tifanny finally announces that Tina and Aivan have cooked the best dish in the battle. While congratulations are in order for this duo, it is not the case for their opponents. Tifanny reassures Asa and Shanda that they should be proud of their dish since it was flavorful. In their exit interview, Asa expresses that although it is disappointing, they have much to improve. Meanwhile, Tina delightedly declares that she is going to wear the apron until the day she dies.
The next battle is between Azu and Javier, and Athena and Timothy. The latter introduces themselves and reveals that the competition is indeed their honeymoon since they have just gotten married. Timothy revealed how he proposed to her in Huntington Beach, California. On the other hand, Azu discloses that the duo has been divorced for years. However, they share their love for food and the love of their life, their son. It is further revealed that since their divorce, they decided to remain friends for their son’s well-being. As the two opposite ends of the extreme begin their cook-off, the judges discuss who has the advantage. While both Gordon and Joe think that the couple with the history is going to have more advantage, Tifanny perceives otherwise.
Tifanny believes that the newly married duo are in rhythm now, while history may repeat itself for the other. She moves on to inquire of Athena about their preparation, and the latter reveals that they are preparing curry lamb chops. On the other hand, Javier and Azu are preparing chicken breast with Oaxacan sauce. With 15 minutes already gone, Gordon approaches them to check the Oaxacan sauce. As five more minutes pass, he notes they have no reason to worry since they have plenty of time. In the meantime, Joe asks Athen and Timothy to ensure their dish is seasoned adequately. As the time starts ticking for the final 5 minutes, Gordon observes that although Azu and Javier are not speaking among themselves, the sauce she is preparing is truly commendable.
Bold Flavors May Not Be Enough For the Contestants to Win the Aprons
When Tifanny discovers Javier is cutting the chicken breast and searing it in the pan again, she is increasingly concerned. Joe adds that at this point, if the competitor is second-guessing whether he should sear it again on the pan, the protein may become dry. Meanwhile, Gordon notices the duo conversing animatedly, prompting him to wonder if they are in an argument. The contestants hurry to plate their dishes as the time on the clock finally ends. On tasting Athena and Timothy’s curried lamb chops, Gordon compliments the rare technique they used to cook their lamb perfectly. While Tifanny loves the dish, she points out that the dish only lacks sweetness in the asparagus.
Joe remarks that their dish truly represents the unity and love they have between them. As Gordon tastes Azu and Javier’s preparation, he notices that the stew is firm. To clarify, Gordon asks Azu if it is intentional, and the latter confirms it is. The judge remarks that although he loves the sauce, he would prefer it to be more liquid. Tifanny reveals that she had been worried when the duck breast was again put into the pan, but she is impressed that they pulled it off. Similarly, Joe complements the overall flavor profile of the dish. After carefully considering the prepared dishes, Tiffany finally announces that the best dish cooked in this battle is by Timothy and Athena.
Gordon remarks that although both Azu and Javier bring passion to the kitchen, unfortunately, their preparation has been too stiff. In their exit interview, Azu expresses how this has been a great experience with Javier, and it is already an immense gift that did not happen. As the episode ends, Gordon notes that there are only five more duels to go for the audition. He adds that he has been thoroughly impressed with the chefs. It is time for the audience to set their eyes forward to see who will step into the competition and who will say goodbye.
