This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
There's such a barrage of reality shows swallowing up our television time, it's hard to keep track of who's schmoozing whom and who's been doing the backstabbing. Here's the cooler talk about last week's episodes of some of your favorite reality fare, written by The Salt Lake Tribune's resident unscripted-TV buffs. (Warning: Spoilers ahead. If you didn't watch last week, read at your own risk.)
So You Think You Can Dance
Wednesdays, 7 p.m., and Thursdays, 8 p.m., KSTU Channel 13
The Lowdown
Less-creative choreography this week, and Cedric the rubberman hip-hopper got a stern warning to get serious about being a better partner. He'll get a new one next week because his woman, Faina, was sent packing along with Jimmy.
Best Whine and Cheese Moment
There wasn't one, and why? Because these judges are so worried about not hurting anyone's feelings, they are downright dull. Judge Mary Murphy's shrieking doesn't add entertainment value. Enough, already! They need Simon Cowell.
Pirate Master
Thursdays, 7 p.m., KUTV Channel 2
The Lowdown
Revenge is a dish best served cold, they say. But someone forgot to tell Louie - who has it in for Joe Don in a big way - to not turn on the heat when trying to oust his rival. Louie became captain with a mission to cut Joe Don adrift, but didn't get the votes to do it. Instead, Cheryl was let go, and Louie's still burning inside.
Best Whine and Cheese Moment
Cheryl was so tired of people dissin' her and sending her to pirate court to be judged, she was crying during one of her confessionals, complaining it wasn't nice. Guess being a pirate is always about saying "thank you."
Top Chef
Wednesdays, 8 p.m., Bravo
The Lowdown
The aspiring chefs tested their skills with a Quickfire Challenge using citrus, and an Elimination Challenge required them to build an "upscale barbecue" dish. Hung, the leading candidate to be the cast's resident jackass, won the Quickfire, but faltered in the main challenge, in which Brian's seafood sausage took the prize.
Best White and Cheese Moment
Guest judge Norman Van Aken was a snore, but the chefs are remarkably accurate in predicting how their dishes will go over. Winner Brian said of his sausage, "It doesn't look like a big seller, but you have to trust me on this one." Sandee, on the other hand, said "From Day One, I knew I wasn't going to be in the upper echelon." Yep, her barbecued lobster earned her the boot.
Contributing: Dan Nailen, Anne Wilson and Vince Horiuchi.