Because TITK is a telenova, its hard to review individual episodes.  So consider this a week in review.  I’ll admit it.  I’m a big fan.  And yes, its a recipe for success.

TITK is based on the Nick Colombia show, Toni, Le Chef.  I’ve never watched it – but a quick look at some clips on YouTube shows that the same basic sets are used (and I’ll assume the same basic storylines).  Congrats to Nick for adapting many of these telenovelas into US versions.

This week on TITK we saw some more characters be adversely advected by the spices in Talia’s cooking and some additional headway into understanding the power of the spices.  Apparently, sous chef Will picked up a lot of information from Talia’s dad and that Dolores and her son fought quite frequently about the spices.

1. Strong Latina/Latino characters.  Plus a look at the credits reflects Latina/Latino directors and writers.
2. Its a good company of actors.  There’s no overacting here.
3. Good story.  The show is well written – and, considering the context of the show, the storylines are believable.
4. The outdoor shots.  Like EWW, they look very good. So far we have seen the main street between the restaurants and the soccer field. Definitely filmed in HD and gives authenticity to the show.
5. There’s some snark going on.  I love snark in any show and there’s just enough snark and campiness buried under the surface.   Frenchie’s “Karate Karaoke” anyone?  The death of “Spatchy”?  Good stuff.
6. Talia.  She’s the right balance of insecurity and cockiness.  Maria Quezada is a perfect fit for the role.
7. Dolores.  Played by Jeanette Lehr in both TITK and TLC.  Yes, she’s over the top but she deeply cares for her granddaughters. She’s become more than just comic relief.  Plus she has friends her age!
8. Frenchie.  Also over the top and that spandex outfit after Cardio Conga was too a riot.  He’s the right combination of evilness and pride in what he does. Miguel Luciano is a gem and had one of the best lines this week to Rocky: “You’re an intense little child, aren’t you?”
9. Frenchie and Debbie.  Also just the right combination of family love and evilness. Its interesting that, while many of their plots are successful, they do seem to backfire on them.  That imperfection goes a long way to humanizing them.
10. Tyson.  The perfect bridge between the Montagues and Capulets.  Debbie mentioned that he’s a straight A student, but in some scenes, seems clueless (i.e., looking for Bechamel).  But then he surprises you with a thoughtful insight. Tyson had my 2 favorite scenes of the week – the “Lets go out” go out scene on Talia’s roof and “Eating Talia’s cupcake for Frenchie.”  It was great to see Liam Obergfoll break out into some serious funny again with his Frenchie/Debbie lovefest (remember, the flour fest?)  He also had another one of the best lines of the week (to the walk in refrigerator): “and you for always being so cool in temperature and personality.”  This kid is a riot.

Going Forward

This upcoming week is the final week for TITK.  Since 40 episodes have been filmed, I’d assume the next 20 will show up in January.  Here’s what I’m hoping for:

1. They’ve danced around the Rudy/Tyson rivalry (seeing Dolores give Rudy advice was sweet) but amp that up a bit.
2. Julie and Rocky and the ice cream machine storyline comes across as a little weak.  But I’ll go with it.
3. We need some answers to:
   1. What is the power of the spices, really?  How did Talia’s dad find out about them?  What does Dolores know?
   2. What was the initial cause of the Fuccinellis/Parras feud?
   3. How did Talia’s parents die?

In some ways, the story of the spices is secondary to the story of relationships between our characters.  But the deeper question being asked: if you could change what someone believed and their moods, would you?