It is always an interesting experience after watching the first season of a reality show to tune into the show's second season. Things often change, dramatically. The producers have figured out new and possibly better ways of approaching the same concept. The changes, sometimes subtle and sometimes not, often have a profound effect on the viewing experience.
A few weeks ago, Last Restaurant Standing returned to BBC America for its second season. I watched and greatly enjoyed season one, but for some reason was on the fence about season two. I wasn't terribly sure I wanted to add another show to my already overburdened schedule. However, I opted to do so and haven't regretted the decision once.
Things have been subtly altered this season – the show is down to two inspectors working with Raymond Blanc, not three; rather than everyone staying together at a mansion, the teams are all at different hotels near their restaurants; the set being used for meetings with Raymond is different; and, there are, different couples. However, the core of the show, Blanc, has remained constant.
The television world is littered with "celebrity chefs." Gordon Ramsay is practically a household name, Rocco DiSpirito had a highly publicized show a few years ago, and NBC will soon be bringing Marco Pierre White to its network for a show somewhat similar in concept to Last Restaurant Standing. There's Tom Colicchio on Top Chef and Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. I could continue, but I think you probably get the point – they're everywhere. However, I like Raymond Blanc, I'm not quite sure why Last Restaurant Standing insists on throwing subtitles onto everything he says, his French accent isn't that strong, but I still like him. Blanc has an air about him, a kind of high brow attitude, that many of the other celebrity chefs lack – perhaps it's the aforementioned French accent.
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