TV Review: “Chopped”
Lately, the increase in reality television viewership has hit a fever pitch. The competition between celebrities from their love lives to their product lines has become increasingly frenzied, taking a greater number of hours out of our collective lives. However, serialized reality competitions, where winners are crowned every episode, have not seen a high increase in production. Among the only shows to follow this disparate formula is the gem that is Chopped. As it begins its forty-third season on the Food Network, Chopped remains one of the most vibrant television series on the air.
Hosted by chef Ted Allen, Chopped follows four chefs through three rounds of competition: appetizer, entrée and dessert. After each round, a chef is eliminated (or “chopped”). During the rounds, the chefs are given a mystery box containing ingredients they must use. These ingredients vary from common grocery store finds like watermelon, radishes and celery to the more bizarre durian, caul fat and geoduck.
The genius of the show is its simplicity. Yes, it is formulaic, but it works. Chopped combines the standard reality cooking premise with wilder ingredients and a good dose of drama. Viewers can jump in and out without being confused; there is no need to learn the names of the chefs, or even the names of the judges, because they aren’t repertory players. They’re in, and then they’re out. Watching Chopped requires no commitment.
The chaos that ensues in the Chopped kitchen makes the show that much more engaging. Antagonistic dynamics are often heightened with good editing, bringing vindictive zingers and funny taglines into the spotlight. From this, it is very clear who the show portrays as the “villain” and “hero” of each episode. The way that narrative elements are imbued into this simple competition is, frankly, a good lesson in how to make reality television work.
Each episode of Chopped also has a degree of educational value. Allen introduces each novelty ingredient, but both he and the judges provide commentary on the item’s history. This gives American audiences information on little-known foods and the heritage of other cultures. While equating entire cultures to foods that are often deemed “gross” by American audiences may be simplistic, the fact that the chefs on the show utilize these ingredients in Western cuisine demonstrates that cultural divides may be bridged.
Furthermore, Chopped offers viewers a lesson in creativity. Chefs on the show are urged not to hide the ingredients they are given. Rather, they must showcase these ingredients in novel ways, blending methods and cooking styles to craft a sumptuous dish. The work that the chefs do boils down to the basic critical thinking process: analyze, plan, execute. The show is a good reminder that thinking is needed in every career field and that critical thought may be exercised anywhere, at any time.
Mostly, however, Chopped is just fun. We relish the moments we witness people squirm as they discover each ingredient, observe the dynamics between the chefs and watch the jubilant victory dance of the winner. In today’s culture, people-watching is a craving that must be satisfied. Chopped provides an educational and dramatic forum for us to do just this.