I absolutely love Masterchef Australia, an addict you could say having pretty much binge watched the last two series of 60 episodes! Masterchef is what it says, a cookery competition, however, there is much to be learnt with it being an all-in experience that runs over a number of months. So what can we learn?
- Tongue in cheek- but I have to be honest here and say that the first thing Masterchef Australia taught me is that there is no way on this earth the UK version can compete- not even our professional version!
- Successful contestants sacrifice a great deal to live their dream, not seeing families and friends for a few months if they are relatively successful.
- All contestants have practiced their craft before applying for the competition. Their initial dishes are such a high standard that they portray the passion and dedication needed to create excellence. This shows how seriously people take this competition and what an incredible reputation the show has earnt.
- The sense of unity amongst contestants far outweighs anything I have seen in other reality shows such as RuPaul's Drag Race. You can sense how deeply contestants are affected when one of them leaves the competition. They actively encourage one another throughout every challenge and this culture is deeply embedded in each series... support from the Galley! Obviously, Drag Race embodies a level of bitchiness because this pertains somewhat to the culture and is expected. Drag Race without the shade would not be the same and care is clearly taken to select spicy incidents to screen publicly. This does not take away from the empathy that is also shown on Drag Race, but spats simply don't exist on screen in Masterchef, even if one contestant caused their entire team to lose a challenge and be up for elimination.
- Let's just move on to the sense of compassion that is evident amongst contestants when a dish goes wrong, or one of the hundred recipe steps is misinterpreted during a challenge. Those who are watching often appear agonised as there is nothing they can do to help except call out advice.
- Very occasionally a contestant will leave the show of their own volition, which tends to be down to their inability to cope with the pressure, or due to missing their family. The remaining contestants are always extremely upset. Fortunately, contestants are often happy with their journey to date and have benefitted from so much new learning which has given them the momentum needed to push forwards independently
- Sometimes I cannot believe what I'm seeing. One particular challenge remains in my memory. A top chef was demonstrating his world class roast dinner which the contestants were cooking simultaneously, trying to keep up with him. The pace had quickened considerably and one contestant accidentally cut her hand quite badly. She had to stop for treatment and whilst in agony, remained focused on the professional chef whilst trying to memorise the steps. Eventually, first aid complete, she re-entered the cooking arena and with mega determination worked from a mixture of memory and instinct, somehow completing the challenge to a standard that enabled her to remain in the competition. The only word I can use is PHENOMENAL. This is only one of many examples where people fall behind one way or another yet pull themselves up and get back into the game. It shows me that, when we think we have no more to give, humans can become even more determined and resourceful than we know. I really admire the contestants desire to win and would love to embody this level of super passion.
- Being part of a team, even in a competitive environment, is definitely easier than going it alone. People spur other people on, an energetic reaction that we cannot imitate as individuals. Our personal energy can keep flowing when we do things that generate good results, but it's not the same when you don't have people cheering for you, or a competitive element.
These are just some of the main points that spring to mind, and as I become so addicted Masterchef is currently banned from my programme list- although I might allow myself one episode a week when the new series begins. If you enjoy cookery programmes, this is the cherry on the cake so comes on my highly recommended list. Alternatively, if you wish to connect more with genuine drive, passion, solution seeking, inspired people, here they are!
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McKenzie~ The Word Magician
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