While all the head chefs have had to handle the pressure in their own kitchens, Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 9 leaves one chef jumping from station to station all on his own. But, is all the alleged support from his teammates more distracting than helpful?
Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 has put the head chefs through their paces. Even though this FOX culinary competition is meant to push everyone out of their comfort zone, some chefs have responded better than others. Fans of the show appreciate that the eventual winner is not only the person who cooks extremely well. It is also the person who handles the pressure the best.
In the upcoming episode, the teams face a very difficult challenge. Everyone begins their individual dishes, but chefs leave the kitchen one by one. At the end, only one chef is left standing. That person must finish all the team’s dishes. Needless to say, the pressure is on for the last chef standing.
FOX graciously provided Foodsided with this Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 9 exclusive clip.
As seen in the clip, Brandon is the last chef standing for the Blue Team. While Brandon is capable of handling the job, Lulu wants to control the kitchen from the other side of the pass. Anyone can appreciate a word of encouragement, but her barking orders to Brandon is a hinderance, not helpful.
While this clip is short, the number of reminders shouted in a minute is overwhelming. Even the most adept chef would feel overwhelmed. Sometimes a team needs to trust the person in the moment to execute the plan.
Choosing Brandon to be the last chef standing is a smart choice. Even though he has had missteps, his ability to handle this situation is strong. Brandon can execute and his team trusts him. He was probably the best choice for the Blue Team.
Lulu’s screaming seems to be frustration that she was not given the opportunity to be the last chef standing. The Blue Team has seemed to sour on Lulu. Everyone has strong opinions in the kitchen, but it is how a person shares those thoughts which makes the team strong.
In some ways, Lulu has taken over Egypt’s spot as the odd chef out. In the most recent episodes, Egypt’s dishes have received high praise from Gordon Ramsay. For example, if the Blue Team had used his dish over Lulu’s in another challenge, the Blue Team would have won.
At this point in Season 23, all the chefs should be finding their groove. Dinner services should be completed, and no one should be making simple mistakes. Hopefully, this last chef standing challenge helps to solidify the teamwork element. Otherwise, Gordon Ramsay will have some helpful commentary more direct than Lulu’s rapid-fire reminders.
Want to know which team wins the last chef standing challenge on Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 9? Tune into the new episode Thursday, November 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.