Kitchen Nightmares (TV Series - 2007)

I have talked about this show before, so I figured it was about time to post a review. I am a fan of the show. At least, certain aspects of it. I like the passion that Ramsay has for cooking and for running a restaurant. I like that he demands people to be respectful and show commitment to their restaurant. I have certainly found laughs, like when someone called him Oprah.

But, there are obvious issues with the show. Sometimes the drama level is so high it seems fake. Of course, it is an American reality TV show. If you watch the UK version, there is much less drama and cursing. He also speaks in a much calmer tone, and unlike the US version there is not some unknown voice over amping up the drama. It is just Ramsay explaining what is happening and why.

I like both versions. You can see his passion in both versions. Though, part of me likes the drama of the American version. People complain it is over dramatized, but I've noticed that it hasn't stopped them from watching it either.

The American version reminds me of people slowing down on the freeway to see the aftermath of an accident, except the accident is still happening. People are still dropping trays and serving gross food. And you can see it, you can watch it. You can feed on the indulgence of watching the horror and drama unfold.

I also like seeing the places. I don't recognize the places in the UK. But when it is talking about Seattle, I can nod my head and say "I know that area." Which I don't, not really. But I know it a lot better than anywhere in the UK.

I would recommend the US version to those who like drama. The UK I would recommend to those who like watching people get a second chance. Because that is what Gordon is doing for the people on both shows, giving them a second chance.

It is a little idealistic. I can recognize that. People don't really change. At least, not as quickly and not as dramatically as most of these places need if they have any hope of surviving. He gets there too late. He gets there when things are spiraling down in hopes that he can make them better, but sometimes he is just too late. Most of the restaurants close.

There is only so much he can do. A lot are too far gone. A lot shouldn't be open in the first place, because the people don't really want to be there and have no clue what they are doing.

But I still watch, because I like the idea of it all. The idea that he is giving them hope, that he is giving them a chance to make things right and be the 1/100 restaurant that survives after the show has been aired. And I'd like to think that even those who have to close that did have a passion for it, will try again when they are in a better place financially and the next time they will succeed.