‘MasterChef’ recap: It this Natasha’s game to win?

Did it work? The efforts to humanize Natasha and Krissi?

The top seven finalists were treated to the best mystery box challenge yet, with a visit from family and loved ones. Not just an emotional boost, it served as the inspiration for the next round in the competition: Make a restaurant-quality dish that pays tribute to a loved one.

We learned a little bit about each of the competitors, including Krissi, who broke down in tears when she learned that she didn’t have a live, actual visit from her son. Standardized testing and school kept him away, but he made a charming little video in which he told mom that he missed her cooking and assured her that she had nothing to worry about back home. He just wanted her to keep her focus on the competition.

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Luca won the challenge with a dish that paid homage to his lovely wife. It earned him an eye roll from Natasha, who refused to offer her congrats and -- again -- made it all about Natasha. Only this time, she was right. Luca was admittedly gunning for her when he paired Natasha and Krissi up for the next challenge: preparing an elaborate plate of sushi via tag-team.

It was a stupid move, Luca.

Say what you will about Natasha, she is an extremely skilled cook. And say what you will about Krissi, but she is a survivor. It was obvious what was going to happen: Natasha would commandeer the team to victory, with Krissi acting like the shrewd workhorse. Well played, ladies.

A far better move would have been to pair those two up with weaker chefs / rivals, perhaps Eddie and Natasha and then Krissi and Jordan. It’s unlikely that would have resulted in either Natasha or Krissi being eliminated. But Luca only handed Natasha and Krissi more momentum heading into the finale.

And Luca might get run over by said momentum.

Other thoughts:

--What to make of Jordan and James? Their high-fiving and giggling behavior was appalling. Not only because the two failed to nail the challenge. But also because they had to know -- or should have known -- the judges would take it as an insult. Disappointing, indeed.

--What to make of Eddie? He said he eats sushi twice a week. Why did he refuse to eat the sea urchin sushi when Joe handed it to him? You can’t expect the judges to eat your food if you won’t eat your food!

--And what to make of Eddie’s prediction? After he was eliminated following the sushi challenge, he predicted that Natasha will prevail over all. Do you agree?

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