Cooking shows are a rare and special breed of televised entertainment, but the real creme de la creme of all TV shows involving food and elimination rounds is "Masterchef Junior." This brilliant show capitalizes on the innate cuteness of children, our own self-loathing at our inability to cook as well as some nine-year-olds, and the kindness and generosity these kids bring to the competition -- which reminds us that there was once a time where we, too, had faith in our fellow man.
If you aren't already watching this beautiful blessing to Fox's Masterchef franchise, here's why you should:
1. The Sass
Some are born with sassiness; others have it thrust upon them. And some (usually adorable eight-year-olds) don't even know the powers of their own sass. To them, they're just speaking the truth. And the truth is, when given the time and space to concentrate, Abby could out-cook me any day.
2. Gordon Ramsey is surprisingly nice and PG
While his horrible attitude towards adults who disappoint him is amusing, seeing Chef Ramsey present himself as a kind, clean-mouthed mentor figure to these kids is super sweet.
Like, really sweet. He does fun things like let the kids pour maple syrup all over him when they flip an absurd amount of pancakes in a short time. He also does fun things like telling them they're talented, they will always be incredible chefs and they have bright futures ahead of them in the culinary world. Who would've thunk it?
3. The kids know they're special
We're used to seeing the people who get voted off breaking down and shedding a few tears, but that's nothing compared to the heart-wrenching puddle all the contestants melt into when one of their own has to leave. See Chef Ramsey, above, comforting Coco, who has just been told she's being sent home. But wait! She gets to keep the apron and she's told to never stop cooking, believing in herself and trying super hard... and whoops, now Coco isn't the only one crying.
8. But they're also mildly vicious
When these kids do get cut-throat, it's still something to smile at. Because even when they're screaming, stomping their feet, or charging through challenges with a face scrunched like a tomato, it's all in good fun. These kids are being pitted against each other for the chance to win $100,000. But when they get caught up in the competition, it doesn't feel like the money's at stake -- the vibe more resembles your last elementary school field day, when winning meant nothing and everything.
9. They dream BIG
Okay, sometimes it's a little unrealistic (like wanting a restaurant on the moon) but most of the time it's very motivating to watch a nine-year-old talk about college or culinary school. A lot of them have practical goals and know they'd put the $100,000 towards attending culinary school or opening their first restaurant. This alternatively makes you feel like you can do anything and like you should have your life together by now.
10. You get to see them achieve their dreams!
If you don't tear up a little when a sprout of a boy sees all his hard work pay off at the ripe age of 12, you're soulless and should be watching plain old "Masterchef." The sincerity of the competition means that watching the winner be announced is really a stressful process -- even then, the kids are gracious towards each other. We should all try to live like the junior chefs and be bold, kind and hopeful. However, most of us have student loans and acne and an empty job market to worry about, so I don't know how likely that is. There's nothing to do but watch "Masterchef Junior" and hope that one day we'll either be able to love again, or make an excellent chicken cordon bleu.
