good eats
It was a moment of exhilaration in the Marshall household. I was in mid-cheer when the moment ended.
It was the very end of last night's "Hell's Kitchen," the point in the show when Chef Gordon Ramsay kicks somebody off, and since there were only three contestants remaining, it was possible that cocky, arrogant, full-of-himself Rock was going to be leaving.
It wasn't likely, no. He's so full of confidence -- and something else -- that he can bluster his way through any challenge. Even when he utterly fails, he rarely looks it.
But last night, he and Bonnie and Jen all had their moments of glory and moments of error. So as Ramsay stood before the three of them, making his decision, I said, "There's no way Rock's going anywhere."
And then Ramsay spoke. "Rock," he said. "You've got to go."
Rock looked down, his dreams crushed. I started to jump up in elation.
But then Ramsay continued: "Into the final round."
I froze. "No!"
I'm not surprised, really. Rock is a stronger candidate than Jen and Bonnie: I just couldn't picture both girls in the final together. I expected him to make it to the Top Two. When it looked like he was gone for good -- that was when I was shocked.
But for Ramsay to give me that little bit of hope last night, then snatch it away? That was downright cruel.