Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9 preview: Tensions boil over

In Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9, the kitchen is getting a little heated. Could those brash personalities cause dinner service to go up in flames?

In Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9, the nine remaining chefs need to up their game to earn the ultimate prize in this cooking competition. As the veterans seem to drop one by one, the rookies are still looking to find their voice in the kitchen. Could this week be the turning point in this season’s competition?

According to FOX, Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9 synopsis states:

"The nine remaining chefs must prepare authentic Chinese dishes; chef Shirley Chung is a guest judge; the winning team earns a trip to Las Vegas; a dinner service."

HELLÕS KITCHEN: L-R: Host/chef Gordon Ramsay and renowned chef Shirley Chung in the ÒWhat Happens In VegasÓ episode of HELLÕS KITCHEN airing Friday, Dec. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. © 2018 FOX Broadcasting. CR: FOX

The first challenge is a very hard one. Authentic Chinese dishes aren’t the recipes that you find in your local Chinese restaurant. These dishes have nuanced flavors and special techniques. While it seems unlikely that the chefs will be making their own noodles, this challenge is a lot harder than it seems.

More from Food TV

• Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 6: Holiday messages gone awry
• Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 5: Wrapping up holiday designs
• Kitchen Nightmares Executive Producer shares the real impact of the show
• Hell’s Kitchen Season 22 tests the chefs’ business acumen in a new challenge
• Struggle Meals hits 100 episodes and simple solutions keep viewers engaged

With Shirley Chung (formerly on Top Chef) as judge, she could be hard on these chefs. She understands the pressures of a television cooking competition. Plus, she has a plethora of food knowledge from her own tenure as a chef. Simple mistakes shouldn’t be overlooked. In a way, she could be quite demanding.

Thinking about this first challenge, I would give the edge to the ladies. That group seems to understand flavors better than the men. Also, they are more adaptable. Given that this challenge focuses on a cuisine that none of the chefs really cook, they could find a way to adapt.

Of course, the first challenge is only part of this week’s episode. Check out this exclusive clip from Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9.

Looking at this clip, it is clear that the men’s team is in trouble. Fighting on the line between chefs results in poor service and bad food. It is real and simple. If you can’t communicate effectively with the people around you, you can’t make good food.

The tension between Trevor and Scotley has been high. It is clear that they don’t like each other. While some of the comments might border on the bullying side, the tension isn’t good for the men. It is time for someone to go home.

This situation is somewhat difficult. Should the person going home be the worst chef or the chef with the personality problem? It may not be the same person.

Truthfully, I would choose to send both Scotley and Trevor home. Neither chef has been effective in the kitchen. Also, if both leave, the men should be able to get back on track.

Additionally, it would be nice to see some of the chefs who have been less vocal get more appreciation. Jose has been quiet, but cooks effectively. The same can be said of Motto. Maybe if the bickering stops, the food will start to improve.

Ready to watch Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 episode 9, “What Happens in Vegas?” Here’s how.

Date: Friday, December 14, 2018

Start Time: 9 p.m. ET

Episode: “What Happens in Vegas”

TV Channel: FOX

Live Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on FOX’s website or app.

Hell’s Kitchen Season 18 will air on FOX on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT.