Tucked away in a lush meadow in Welford Park is a white tent, in which, twelve mild-mannered bakers compete to earn the title of Star Baker through the most delightfully scrumptious means possible. In "The Great British Bake-Off," the British television program that has skyrocketed in popularity since its premiere in 2010 (even earning a BAFTA, viewers are treated to the most supportive and pleasant cast of bakers as they create one delicious baked good after the other.
Hosted by the rambunctious duo Mel Gierdroyc and Sue Perking and judged by the delightful Mary Berry and the stoic Paul Hollywood, this show dispenses with the sense of heated competition perpetuated by most American TV shows and, instead, cultivates a sense of community and love of the craft. "The Great British Bake-Off" is one of my new, favorite shows for its lovable contestants and hosts, sense of camaraderie and, of course, the views of what must be the most delicious pastries ever made.
I don't know how they do it, but somehow the producers at "GBBO" weed through thousands of applicants (the show is incredibly popular now compared to its niche audience for the first season) to find the most diverse group of talented bakers.
Each season, a new group of bakers from a great many backgrounds come to the tent for a sole purpose: to make the best baked goods. "The Great British Bake-Off" tent is a place where you leave any anxieties, preoccupations and stressors from the outside world at the door (tent flap?) and bake unique and creative pastries.
The concept in itself is pleasant, but what makes my heart the happiest is seeing people of a wide variety of racial, gender and sexual identities engage in an inviting activity that promotes the idea of just being decent to one another.
The show just wouldn't be complete (looking at you, Channel 4), without the bombastic hosts Mel and Sue together with the knowledgeable judges, Mary and Paul. Mel and Sue are punny and seemingly omnipresent, always there to offer a quick joke with the bakers or even support them when baking conditions are rough.
They are given the onerous task of announcing Star Baker for the day as well as sending a baker home, which is sad on every occasion. As a viewer, you become attached immediately to the small quirks of the bakers and come to love the joy and passion they put into their baking.
Mel and Sue somehow make the task of sending baking hopefuls home the least harsh process possible, always giving a warm hug to the departing contestant. During the competition, Mary and Paul offer their professional critiques of the bakers' products. Mary Berry is mild-mannered and sweet, yet sharply observant, pointing out the smallest flaws in a bake. Paul Hollywood, though a bit rougher around the edges, is highly accomplished and knows exactly what to look for in a star-quality bake. These four personalities work together to give the show life and enjoyability, providing an invaluable charisma.
Of course, who could forget the beautiful baked goods produced each episode? For each new day, the bakers must complete three challenges, all of which are considered when choosing that day's Star Baker.
The first challenge is short; the bakers are given certain limitations to their bake, such as what flavors to use or ingredients to include, and are given free reign to create a delicious baked good within those parameters.
The second challenge is a technical one; Mary and Paul assign the bakers to create what is usually an obscure baked item given the directions and ingredients. The bakers are then judged based on their execution of the recipe and ranked accordingly.
Finally, the bakers are given a concept and must create the most creative, awe-inspiring baked good in the Showstopper Challenge. The result of these challenges is an hours worth of bakery porn. Each baker approaches challenges with knowledge and personality and, even though some fail to rise to the occasion, the result always looked delicious.
Honestly, they could hire me to stand by and eat all the failed bakes. It is said, though, that there are never any leftovers because the crew swarms the dishes after filming to try all the gorgeous pastries.
"The Great British Bake-Off "is mindless television with a real heart. It is relaxing, yet you empathize for the contestants. I love this show because it's an idyllic portrayal of friendship and great baking. Sadly, however, this wonderful show has been moved to Channel 4; Mel, Sue and Mary, out of fidelity to the original pleasant nature of the show, have opted to leave, unable to see it be changed by the new network.
The quirky, lovable characters that define the show are leaving for an understandable reason, but my heart aches for the future of the show. Hopefully, Paul and the people over at Channel 4 understand the spirit of this show as well as millions of fans do and can preserve this wonderfully pleasant show.
