Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 semifinals set: Bakers defying the odds

With two sets of professional bakers and three sets of self-taught bakers entering the quarterfinals, the Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 semifinals could turn the baking competition upside down. In this new episode, multiple new twists await in the FOX baking competition. Some food television viewers might do a double take in response to these desserts.

For the first challenge, another twist has come to Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2. Created by Joel McHale, Curtis Stone and Yolanda Gampp do not know the bake. They are invited into the crime scene and must put their detective skills to the test.

Watching Curtis and Yolanda decipher the clues was interesting. It was easy to see how the bakers can easily go sideways. Even though the judges seemed to follow the better clues, they were not perfect. Neither were many of the bakers.

To say that Joel was tricky with his clues is an understatement. From the dishwasher to the refrigerator, the misleading clues were many.

Only one pair of bakers correctly solved the clues and earned safety. Amber and Yassmeen correctly made sticky buns with just pecans. While other bakers might have had more successful bakes, this food item was the correct one. As seen in previous challenges, sometimes it is more about the answer versus the execution.

While many people would have loved to eat T and Fadi’s offering, that item did not solve the question. Sometimes it pays to be right, not necessarily good.

For the elimination round, the bakers had to take a walk into the mind of Richard Blais. While the celebrated chef might enjoy the lighting of the Next Level Chef basement, he is bringing his creativity to Crime Scene Kitchen. Although some bakers worried that the dessert would involve some liquid nitrogen or agar agar, the concept was a little more rooted in a classic cake idea.

Throughout this season, Steph and Cherry have been on point deciphering the clues. In addition, this cake challenge was a decorating forward option. It should have been their challenge to win. Unfortunately, nothing is ever that simple in the Crime Season Kitchen.

The biggest clue that the bakers needed to determine was the upside down gravity cookbook. That clue was needed to appreciate that the bakers were making an anti-gravity cake.

The other notable aspect to this particular episode was how many clues were designed to push the bakers off course. From the raisins bowl in the washer from the first challenge to the coffee and maple in the second challenge, the bakers needed to be judicious in their choices. Throwing a dart board at everything is not going to earn a spot in the Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 semifinals.

Looking at the cakes, the one that most people would want to order was Steph and Cherry’s offering. Cherry’s talent as a cake decorator was apparent. Their flavor choice might have needed help but it was technically the best cake of the bunch.

For the most visually unique cake, that one was hands down Fadi and T’s cake. Although this décor might not be quite ready for prime time food television, it is memorable. This cake might be better enjoyed with eyes closed.

As for the other cakes, it was clear that Tarsha and Kristy would be moving into the semifinals. The nailed the flavor combination and they had an anti-gravity design. Even though this team has had mis-steps before, they could build some momentum.

Even though Fadi and T’s cake was visually a head turner, they did deliver on solving the clues. Maybe everyone needs to just close their eyes and think of those sticky buns.

The bottom two teams were Steph and Cherry and Laissa and Camille. Although there are not cake artists, Laissa and Camille had the décor on point. From the bubble wrap honey comb layers to the anti-gravity honey pot, they got many of the clues. Unfortunately, their three flavors were way off course and not flavors to remember.

But, Steph and Cherry missed the biggest clue, the anti-gravity and it was their undoing. Even though their cake was the best visual, that one missed clue caused them to be sent home. In a challenge that should have been theirs to win, it was their Achilles Heel.

Going into the Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 semifinals, it is even two professional baking teams and two self-taught bakers. While the twist changed up the competition this year, it seemed to prove one thing. Pastry school might not be the crib sheet to the test of Crime Scene Kitchen. It could be the team who is most observant in the moment.

Be sure to tune into the next new Crime Scene Kitchen episode Monday night at 9 p.m. ET or stream the next day on Hulu.