À l'école du chocolat

It's so refreshing to see a competition in the form of a course, where people aren't sent home for failing but instead get extra practice time with the teacher. Amaury is not only a skilful and inspiring teacher, he also sets a beautiful example for how to be a good and humble person - something some of the students definitely needed to learn (I'm looking at you, Mellisa).

Honestly, I hate these shows. The horrid "other" host, there because they don't think the expert being an expert is 'dramatic' enough... the annoying af editing that shows everything NOT important to the task... the oh so dramatic PAUSE whenever a decision is made... the weirdness of the tasks that couldn't even be created in such a short time frame by seasoned pros... sending people home based on ratings politics over skill (yes showrunners we know this is happening)... and obnoxious attitudes enhanced in the editing room for the sake of those politicized ratings. Normally you can't get me to click within an arm's length of a reality show.

But this is chocolate. And Chef Amaury.

This show is quite honestly just good television. There is drama because it's a kitchen, but moments that would normally have operatic infused faux momentum attached are handled instead with a relative storyline and properly paced editing. The host IS the teacher, and he is not only fantastic but he is KIND and he knows his stuff. The outtakes are there but not spliced with nostril closeups of the most dramatic players or contrived crying scenes.

Mostly my favourite part of the show is that you feel like you are actually a fly on the wall (heaven forbid) of a French patisserie academy and you are getting a glimpse of their year end assignments. Difficult to execute but with purpose and a properly laid out game plan. There is a competitive air but not one that overshadows the group dynamics that would authentically create both drama and emotional up's and downs.

Most of all the point of the show is not dropped to the floor of the editing studio in post. It's the perfect mix of seeing a master at work and being given ample opportunity to ask "what would I do in that situation if that were me?" which is a lot of why people watch a REALITY show in the first place. Perhaps we need a new approach. We can have True Reality (True Crime is doing well, right?) and R. Drama... "reality inspired" drama, for those who like Real Housewives, Selling Sunset and those Kardashian wannabes. Because I reeeeally hope we see more of this.

This show had some amazing chocolate work, from the sculptures to the technique. Amaury kept the tone light and kept all the chefs around to learn, which was different and nice. Could do without all the drama from the chefs, detracted from the bakes.

We all know Amaury Guichon is very talented, as he work speaks for itself. But would he be a good host and judge, and would the show itself be compelling? For me the answer is Yes to both. The show, like the British Bakeoff, stresses friendly competition. The contestants (so far) just want to do their best and there isn't any cutthroat style activity. Likewise, Amaury stresses teaching over cruelty. Mistakes happen and we should learn from them. Amaury's teaching background shows and he wants everyone to learn, grow, and do their best. His critiques are honest and direct, but never cruel or badgering. The honesty may sting, but it's the kind of honesty people need to hear.

There are no derogatory or shaming comments from Chef Amaury or his team, and that alone is HUGE! It shouldn't be such a big deal, but shock tv and today's sniping comments in a reality show is usually parr for the course.

Chef Amaury's work with chocolate is stunning and thrilling, and if for no other reason, check those out! His demeanor and teaching techniques are enviable and lively. He teaches one big technique that even amazes the student chefs who are actually all brilliant and/or successful in the dessert/hospitality industry. Then he bases the challenge on that new technique. Also, people at home can EASILY understand what's going on, and maybe add those new options to their home kitchens, just as any professional chocolatiers can grab ahold of these FRESH IDEAS and run with them.

He teaches, challenges and grades better than any other reality show out there. Many more seasons to come, please! Bravo!