For a reality TV show, we get a lot from MasterChef — cooking tips, a sense of camaraderie and a genuine injection of “feel-good” to our nights. But, there are a few things fans are starting to grumble about, with one “predictable” detail being called out as it seems to be a sure spoiler in every elimination episode.
Some eagle-eyed fans have noticed that during every elimination challenge this season so far, the first contestant called up to present their dish to the judges always gets a glowing review, and are often then the first person confirmed safe.
“Something l have noticed while watching MasterChef is that the first person presenting their dish to the to the judges after a cooking challenge gets a good result. Whoever they call up first does well,” one fan said online.
It’s removing the anticipation for fans, with anticipation a big entertainment factor in the show while all the dishes are being tasted and reviewed.
However, others claimed it’s been a “long standing pattern” throughout several seasons, and it’s a reason the stakes don’t feel as high anymore now we’re in season 18.
So, are there spoilers in every MasterChef elimination?
Admittedly, when we first saw the theory, we were sceptical.
So we did some investigating and can confirm that, yes, it’s true — the first person called up is usually the one first confirmed safe.
Take Monday night’s elimination, for example.
Annabel’s scallops with corn butter and salsa matcha were an “absolute belter”, according to judge Andy, after they were served up to the judges first.
He said it was “thoughtful, thoughtful cooking” from the contestant, promising that serving dishes like that will “get you a long way in the competition”.
And, after all the tasting and deliberations, Annabel was announced safe in the first round of contestants alongside Lydia, Pat and Emily.
On May 6, Lydia’s avgolemono soup was revered by the judges, with Sofia even stealing some leftovers from Jean-Christophe’s plate to eat for herself.
“You know when you eat something good and you’re brain is just not thinking, you’re just consuming and experiencing?” Poh said about the soup. “I will crave this for the rest of my life.”
In that elimination, Lydia was the first confirmed safe before Bella was sent home.
On May 4 during the elimination challenge that saw Belinda exit the kitchen, the same pattern occurred again for star cook Annabel.
Her pan seared barramundi with Sri Lankan sambol and rice pilaf was “cooked perfectly” according to Jean-Christophe, who said it wasn’t his favourite type of fish but hers was his “favourite”.
“If you served that up to me on a weeknight I’d be stoked, it is so packed with flavour… It’s blowing my mind,” Poh said.
The MasterChef spoiler theory holds up
And, another example was during the pie challenge that Maggie Beer set out for the contestants on April 29.
We said goodbye to Jeff, but Pat was the first to present his dish to the judges and he (alongside Luke) were both told they were safe first after all the tastings took place and the results of the deliberation were shared.
His chicken curry pie with mango chutney, apple, cucumber and coconut salad was a crowd pleaser with the judges.
“I’m a little bit mad, because I told myself I’d go easy on pies today… and I’ve nearly finished Pat’s pie. For me, this pie is an absolute winner,” Sofia said.
“It was beautifully fresh in the mouth,” Maggie Bear said, with Andy chiming in to say that it “looked like a proper pie feast”.
So there you have it, there’s officially a spoiler.
The proof is in the pudding, friends.
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