MasterChef Immunity Pin continues to influence the challenge outcomes

While MasterChef Season 13 tackled their first Mystery Box, the bigger story was not the eventual winning dish. For two episodes in a row, the MasterChef Immunity Pin and the team immunity clearly impacted the competition. Will this game changer continue to keep the worst dish from being sent home?

MasterChef Tastes of America presented several changes once the chefs were split into their regions. Although the competition is still early in the season, many of the home cooks feel good about playing the middle ground. Everyone will eventually want to impress Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Sanchez, and Joe Bastianich. Right now, it is best just to make it to the next challenge.

Since many food competitions are evolving the rules to keep the storylines interesting, the changes are influencing outcomes. Even though that concept is the point of the change, it might be more impactful than the simple intention.

As seen with the MasterChef Immunity Pin, the first two challenges have seen two chefs be safe thanks to their winning teammate. From a poorly cooked risotto to a salted churro, the two failing dishes could have easily been the worst plates. Without the benefit of a winning teammate, these two home cooks should have gone home.

It is quite clear that the team scenario and winning that immunity pin are a big benefit to the winning region. Although no one should just hope that a teammate will pull them through, a little luck is proving helpful in the kitchen.

While it is still quite early in the competition, it will be interesting to see if strategy comes into play at some point. Although everyone wants to get to the top 10, it is more than just that single accomplishment. The title is the real prize.

At some point, the MasterChef Immunity Pin and team immunity will go away. But, this scenario could be a different take on a second chance. It is not Last Chance Kitchen, but it is a touch of a do-over.

Two home cooks got a reprieve in the first two challenges. Could the third time be the charm? Be sure to watch new episodes of MasterChef Season 13 Wednesday nights on FOX at 8 p.m. or stream episodes on Hulu.