Who Will Win on July 22?
The commercial keeps running on Food Network. JAG steps down. Amy comes back. Now there are two. Amy and Rory are the last two standing, one by default, but still she is here. In the commercial, Bob Tushman asks, “Do we even have a star here?”
While this question actually came from a prior episode, I think the answer is no. Maybe I am alone in this. Maybe I am being too hard on the two that are left because my favorite is gone. Then again, maybe I am right. I cannot help but consider the amazing entertainers and chefs on the Food Network – Emeril, Paula, Giada, Ina, Guy, Bobby, Rachael, and so many others.
Unfortunately, when I think of those stars I have a hard time thinking that a show placed in the middle of any of those names above with either Amy or Rory would be interesting enough for me to consider watching. I think the main problem I am having is a problem that has been listed by nearly every Food Network judge since about the second show.
The inconsistencies of both potential stars are a breaking point that I am not sure I can handle. Amy makes gourmet food for the home chef. Of course, she is sometimes a bit more complicated than she needs to be, which could frighten the home cook. She also takes great pride in appearing in Paris-snob mode. Not to say all people from Paris are snobby, but she has a way about her when she speaks of Paris that bring those cliché misconceptions of Paris alive. One moment she is a sincere and semi-interesting mother who shows a love of food. Other times she is stale and over-gourmet with little excitement or appeal.
Meanwhile, Rory on the other hand, was only just recently even able to tell us her own point of view on what she has to offer. Her response when she decided on her food point of view was, “I make real food for real people.” Color me stupid, but do you know any fake people? Since then she has moved to the Backyard Bistro. I do not find her appealing on any level. Her food is inconsistent she is a little too loud and brash in that non-cool sort of way and her energy comes off as a child who has tried to OD on Mountain Dew. She also seems to have little respect for the talented chefs she was put in contact with.
So, the question is do we have a star here? I don’t think so. I will cover the six episodes that the winner is given, and yet I am already hoping that they aren’t picked up for an actual run. Maybe they will surprise me, but for some reason I don’t think they will. What do you think?
Food Network, Next Food Network Star, Amy vs. Rory, Amy Finley, Rory Schpesi
July 19th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I guess it depends on how you define “star.” Certainly Rachael Ray was not a star when she first got her show… neither was Alton Brown for that matter. We now have the chance to help choose who gets the next show… will she be a star in every sense? who knows.
I don’t think anyone, at this point last season, would have thought how successful Guy Fieri would be… getting a SECOND show in less than a year. That’s a star, and from his competition he was far from a unanimous choice.
So I look at the need of the network… what niche needs filling, and then imagine each of the finalists in that niche. In Amy’s case they have to create a new spot… in Rory’s case she slips into a spot left vacant when Rachael Ray hit it big.
So… Star??? Maybe host would be a better word. One mistake I think NFNS needs to adjust for next season is a little less Top Chef in the challenges. They spent an awful lot of time tearing down and criticizing their next Star.. whoever it would prove to be. They need to take their own advice and be a little less negative.
July 19th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I don’t care what the judges say or what the vote is, the fact of the matter is - I’m not going to watch the winner’s show. As a fully devoted Food Network fan (I pride myself on being on a first name basis with them all, or at least dream of it), that says a lot for me. I’ll gladly watch Paula make a butterful dish I’d never make or listen to Emril BAM in his 3am airing. But I have no interest nor think I will miss anything avoiding their show. Rory or Amy might as well find a lonely time slot of Saturday morning with Dan and Steve and take tips from Guy who has already expanded his show range on the network.
I don’t like their food. I don’t like their voice. I don’t like the way they look. And I don’t care if that is a shallow response, because soon enough the ratings will show that I am not the only one who vetoes their fame.
July 19th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I agree with oceanguy that a star can evolve instead of being born, but I also agree that I’m not sure there’s a viable candidate here. I couldn’t see myself watching either of these girls on TV if they got there own show. However, when they have their own show, it will be MUCH different than what they produce on quick NFNS challenges, so I’ll be open-minded and give whoever wins a chance at least!
July 21st, 2007 at 12:09 pm
I can’t stand Rory and Amy is so Frou Frou! Bring back JAG. The man could cook. So, what if he lied? A lot of people lie and he seems genuinely sorry about it. What should matter is that he can cook and be entertaining. He is both.
Rory is so annoying I can’t even look at the TV when she is on. I have heard how her family is “begging” for votes for her. That is about as lame as it can get. I don’t want either to win, but I voted for Amy by default. Rory just irks me on so many levels. I might have to picket food network if she wins.
July 22nd, 2007 at 5:04 pm
I was going to say there’s no way Rory could win but then I heard how her family paid for ads telling people to vote. The playing field should be level.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Keep working ,great job!