Halloween Wars Season 8 episode 3 recap: Good-bye broomsticks

In Halloween Wars Season 8 episode 3 recap, these wicked witches ditch the broomstick for a new, spooky modern way to travel.

Ready for Halloween Wars Season 8 episode 3 recap? As the competition gets fierce, the teams need to elevate their game for this spooky scenes. Combining cake, sugar and pumpkin into a huge Halloween inspired theme takes a keen time, smart time management and a lot of talent. Unfortunately, one team fell to an evil witch’s spell.

As this Halloween Wars episode opens, the teams learn that the small scare focuses on mutant animal. Each team must create a mutant animal that could frighten even the most ardent animal lover. It was quite surprising that each team had totally different takes on this mutant animal challenge.

For the most part, the small scare really showcased the teams’ creativity. Each of the mutant animals were quite creepy, yet visually compelling. Personally, the idea of a Lamma-dillo (half llama, half armadillo) was incredibly creative. Although this display wasn’t overly scary, it got my nod for creative animal.

The boldest small scare was definitely Candied Cadaver’s mutant pig. While this pig can’t fly, the sugar balloon was incredibly impressive. This display will definitely become part of Halloween Wars history.

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Winning the small scare was Zesty Zombies. This challenge makes three wins in a row. Their display had a clear, cohesive theme. Also, it was the first time that a carver used a banana. With the theme of a mutant spider monkey, the carved banana face was incredibly smart.

Moving onto the spine chiller, the teams had a huge task ahead of them. This theme for Halloween Wars Season 8 episode 3 was witch’s new ride. Instead of the tired, old broomstick, the teams had to create a new, spooky yet modern mode of transportation for the witches. Unfortunately, this challenge saw teams’ teamwork break down.

While all these teams have talented designers, the teams need to communicate well in order to succeed. This challenge showed that when teamwork breaks down, the team’s display does suffer. Even top teams can have a bad day and could be eliminated.

One aspect that struck me with all these teams was that no one really took a risk with the witch’s new ride. Boats, animals and even a hover board isn’t too over the top. While I don’t know what the new ride should be, I think that these teams might have pushed the creativity level a little more. But, with the limited time, it could be quite difficult to think outside of the box.

The top two teams were Candied Cadavers and Monsters of Mayhem. Looking at these two designs, these teams had the most cohesive designs. Each look filled the display table and was easy to understand. More importantly, each display had attention to the little details.

Candied Cadavers had beautiful sugar work. Their sea creatures were perfection. Although the dark colors didn’t show up from a distance, the details were impeccable up close. Overall, their display succeeded with the little details.

Monsters of Mayhem had the most exquisite witch. The witch’s face was a beautiful sculpture and really set the display apart from the other teams. Also, their idea to have the witch on top of another creature was inventive. Their display created a complete storyline.

While both top displays were impressive, the tasting element seemed to separate the winner from second place. Monsters of Mayhem’s magic mushrooms with candied peanuts and orange was innovative and delicious. While not a traditional flavor combination, it impressed the judges.

Lenny Calvin of Zesty Zombies starts carving a character out of pumpkin , as seen on Halloween Wars, Season 8. photo provided by Food Network

Scoring their first win was Monsters of Mayhem. This win broke win streak of Zesty Zombies. Could Monsters of Mayhem build some momentum going into the final Halloween Wars episodes?

Unfortunately, the bottom two teams, Zesty Zombies and Grave Expectations suffered from time management and communication issues. While parts of each of these displays wowed the judges, the issues infiltrated the overall feel and landed the teams in the bottom.

For Zesty Zombies, this spine chiller challenge was filled with issues. Unfortunately, their sugar artist burned herself while pulling sugar. This accident meant that a major part of the display couldn’t be complete as designed. While accidents happen, this issue could have been avoided if she had worn the correct protective gear.

Also, Zesty Zombies pumpkin carver didn’t finish both of his pumpkins. While his one pumpkin had amazing detail, the missing second pumpkin left the display empty. Also, his pumpkin and the witch didn’t seem like they were part of the same display.

Although there were disjointed aspects to this display, the design and construction was impressive. Since their pumpkin carver is also a carpenter, he was able to get the witch on the hover board to look like it was flying. This visual aspect was impressive.

Grave Expectations had major communication issues throughout the challenge. Their pumpkin carver used the wrong scale for their motorcycle themed display. Since he was adamant about including his pumpkin sculpture, the motorcycle looked disproportionate. Also, the piece was rushed and unfinished.

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While their display had issues, Grave Expectation’s tasting element was the most impressive bite from all the teams. The magic milk that changed colors should have earned them more creativity points. This tasting element worked perfectly into the witch theme. I would love to know how to make this special treat for Halloween.

Although Grave Expectations had the better tasting element, Zesty Zombies were safe from elimination. Grave Expectations, due to their communication issues and unfinished piece, were sent home. Since it isn’t the first time that Grave Expectations had time management and communication issues, it made sense that they were eliminated. Still, their tasting element was definitely a winner.

While the displays are always the main focus, it was good to see teams focusing on the tasting elements this week. This part of the challenge shouldn’t be overlooked. It can make the difference between winning and losing. Hopefully, the teams will continue to bring the creativity to the tasting element in the final two challenges.

Going into the final challenges, I think that Candied Cadavers and Zesty Zombies have the best chance to win. These two teams have been quite impressive throughout the season. Still, one small mistake can send anyone home.

What did you think of this week’s Halloween Wars Season 8 episode 3 recap? Did the right team get saved? Which team do you think has the chance to win the title?