I started following Padma on twitter for Top Chef Boston stalking purposes It didn't exactly pay off, but oh well.
I liked the format of the episode, with the small challenges designed by each chef. It seems like the chef who created the challenge also gets to tell production which ingredients they want, and I wonder if that led to both Marcel and Richard doing pineapple desserts, since there may not have been a variety of other fruits available. I also thought it was interesting that each won the other's challenge.
I kind of fell asleep for parts of the elimination challenge. I thought it was an interesting idea. I think Marcel might have lost because of the menthol smell alone. Also because of his personality and the judges love Richard.
I didn't love Richard's over the top personality in the interview segments. I prefer him when he's more humble.
I also didn't love the slow-mo and time lapse editing stuff. Not what I'm used to during Top Chef.