Great episode, in some ways -- the challenge was interesting, and Anthony Bourdain is always an awesome guest judge. Colicchio seemed more involved than he is in recent seasons, which is great -- I love Tom. But I had forgotten how hateful pretty much every personality in season 2 was. This episode showcases it pretty well -- Marcel the obnoxious whiner, Sam the instigator, Frank the bully, Betty the manipulative, neurotic shrew, etc. Even Carlos, who I remembered as likable, is snippy and disrespectful with the judges and just plain lazy in the kitchen. Anyone who doesn't show their ugly side in this episode does so later on -- particularly Ilan, Cliff, and Elia in the infamous head-shaving incident. There isn't a single person in this group that's likable. Ick! But then again, it's episodes like this one, with so many polarizing personalities and disputes, that made Top Chef a household name and a watercooler must. I guess the producers got theirs -- I just wish it had been more pleasant to watch.

I like this show! Im like a kid in a candy store with Hulu. So many shows Ive never seen because I had no cable, THANKS!

I love that they got Artie Lange to do this show. The thing people need to realize is they really DON'T care about making a Top Chef, they only care about making a good TV show. Luckily they've kinda-sorta-but-not-really gotten away from these kinds of ridiculous episodes. But not really. It's still more about the show than the cooking but it is better than "Hell's Kitchen" when judging chef skills. But not by much.