The final week of TILK is now over and its been another fun week on Espanola Way.
Things moved pretty quickly this week as we ramped up to the Golden Ladle competition (in about 2 episodes) and got more culinary intrigue and espionage between Frenchie and Will. Things have been set up nicely for season two.
The positives:
- I still like the family dynamics here. Dolores, Talia and Julia (Lehr, Quezada, and LaSalvia) form a fine family unit – there’s a lot of love there. Even Frenchie, Debbie and Tyson (Luciano, Soltys and Obergfoll) make a solid family. Regardless of how snarky Frenchie gets, there’s a lot of love between the three of them as well.
- The Golden Ladle Competition looked like a real cooking competition. Props to getting celebrity chef Lorena Garcia as the (only) judge. Just like an episode of Chopped or Masterchef, we had a mystery box, 30 minute time limit, hands up, and weeding down the competition. The ladle off would be a challenge for sure – except for the fact they got a day to prepare – recreating one of Garcia’s signature dishes, Asado Negro and the need to have the dish represent each chef’s personality.
- The easy route would have been for Talia to win the Golden Ladle. Granted Frenchie cheated, but it was nice to see Debbie earn her redemption as well as compliment Talia on her cooking. If any character turns double agent in Season 2, it will be here.
- The intrigue was upped with Will. For most the series, he was a background character/sous chef, but he clearly has another agenda. His scenes with Frenchie were interesting (especially when Frenchie brought back the wrong spices) and it will be interesting to see what Will meant by the phrase “There can only be one master.”
- The Rudy/Tyson dynamic amped up too. While its clear that Talia and Tyson are heading toward couples-ville (most soap viewers could have predicted that in the first week), Rudy keeps fighting for Talia’s attention and affections. Watch for the dirty looks, elbows and sneers he gives Tyson. Joshua Samuels really seems to enjoy what he’s doing and does a great job as the pining best bud. His best line: “We’re best buds. Amigos.” And “I should tell her, I knew her first.”
- The Talia/Tyson romance is sweet.
- Frenchie. There are no words. His culinary puns are hysterical. My favorite: “breaking and cay-entering.”
- The characters and stories are believable. Yes there are still some raw acting moments but character actions are consistent with who they are. I’ve said this before, its a good company of young actors here.
- Watch the background. A lot of amusing action goes on – pay attention!
- Tyson’s scenes with the GL coordinator and Lorena Garcia were a hoot. Obergfoll is a riot. Watch him in the background as well as his facial expressions. They are priceless.
I’ve mentioned before that this show would succeed on its own without the spices. Congrats to writers and the entire production team.
And some other thoughts.
- Aunt Tilly was a tad one note – and I’d hate to see her credit card bill for flight change fees.
- The insta-hurricane was an insta-plot turn. Valerie did say it was a freak storm but its Miami, people. It seemed like a bad set up to get Talia with Will and the spices and separate her from everyone else. Frenchie’s take down of Tyson was classic.
- When Talia told Tyson about the spices, wouldn’t he have asked “where’d you get them?” or “did you try them out on me?” Maybe have said “Oh, that’s why the cupcake or the tres leches made people act funny?” Tyson’s a straight A student supposedly …
Scene of the Week: Tyson and Talia on the balcony (And the bucket of water).
Line of the Week: Julie must really like those tools!
It will be interesting to see where Season #2 takes us. I’m ready for another visit with Talia in the Kitchen.
the kid's a hoot 