New judge incoming in the latest season of ‘Chopped’

By Andrew Warren TV Media

You can say this about “Chopped”: it has a formula that works and it’s stuck with it for a long time. It makes perfect sense. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Of course, the super popular cooking competition show hasn’t remained static for all these years. Since premiering way back in 2009, it’s had a few nips, tucks and tweaks, and the Tuesday evening Food Network series has another little tweak coming up: a new judge with a very big name. Although the series has always had a stable of rotating judges (with guests frequently mixed in for variety), including chefs Alex Guarnaschelli, Marc Murphy, Chris Santos,

Marcus Samuelsson and Amana Freitag, it’s never had the likes of Martha Stewart before, who joins as a recurring guest judge in the Tuesday, June 5, episode.

Before then, though, there’s still lots of classic “Chopped” fun to be had. In this week’s episode, airing Tuesday, May 15, host Ted Allen (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) reveals some intriguing mystery ingredients in the baskets — ingredients that, as always, the competing chefs must feature in their dishes.

The first round’s basket includes beautiful plums alongside a classic Asian food, but in an innovative form. For the entrée round, the baskets contain a cut of meat that’s notoriously tough and a somewhat unusual mayonnaisebased product. When it comes time for dessert, the remaining contestants find a sugary breakfast cereal item that’s sure to surprise.

So what is it about “Chopped” that’s made it so appealing for so long? Perhaps it’s just the simplicity of it all. Barring the occasional special episode, it’s just four professionals doing what they do best: cooking. They’re all given the same four mystery ingredients, which run the gamut from super common to super bizarre. Their time is limited, but outside of that, it’s just pure cooking competition while the host and judges look on and pass commentary.

“Chopped” has always been good fun, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down, with Martha Stewart joining as a recurring judge next month. The latest season airs Tuesday evenings on Food Network.

Videoreleases

Black Panther

Isolated and hidden from the world for centuries, the nation of Wakanda has grown rich and technologically advanced, thanks to its deposits of vibranium, an incredibly rare metal. After his father’s death, T’Challa (Boseman) returns to Wakanda to take the throne and keep the kingdom united as Black Panther, a hero given supernatural strength by a mysterious heartshaped herb and a suit made of vibranium. However, when an exiled Wakandan named Killmonger (Jordan) arrives on the being accused of corruption. With help from another former cop (Garcia) and a beautiful federal agent (Vergara), Danny tries to uncover the truth about who killed his partner and framed him for the crime, but as he digs deeper into the case, he begins to realize that he may not be able to fully trust the very people helping him try to clear his name. scene with a message of revolution, Wakanda’s future — and that of the entire world — hangs in the balance.

Director:Bobby Moresco.Stars: Karl Urban,SofiaVergara,Andy Garcia,Grace Byers,Vincent Spano,Trai Byers,John Finn. 2018. 96 min. Crime.

Director:Ryan Coogler.Stars: Chadwick Boseman,Michael B. Jordan,Lupita Nyong’o,Danai Gurira,LetitaWright,Daniel Kaluuya,Martin Freeman.2018. 134 min.Action.

Bent

After spending more than three years in prison, ex-cop Danny Gallagher (Urban) begins investigating a car bombing that he suspects may be related to the botched drug bust that ended with his partner’s death and led to him being incarcerated after

Samson

A classic story from the Bible comes to life. After Samson (James) is given great strength by God, he performs many incredible acts, even slaying a lion with just his bare hands. His wife, Delilah (Leahy), discovers the secret of his superhuman strength, however, and betrays him to his enemies. Now powerless and in the clutches of those who hate him, Samson faces the ultimate test of his faith.

Directors:Bruce Macdonald,Gabriel Sabloff.Stars:Taylor James, Caitlin Leahy,Jackson Rathbone, Billy Zane,Rutger Hauer,Lindsay Wagner,Greg Kriek.2018.110 min.Action.