Wow this thread is dead now. I think that GoingAway killed it with all of her/his etiquette quips and such. I think that these threads should be fun and regardless of whether you live east west or overseas (like me now) you can read and participate on your own timeline. Isn't that the advantage of the internet? You can opt out whenever you want.

Anyway, I thought that last nights episode was amazing and really did bring into sharp focus just how talented the four semi finalists were and how unbiased the judges really are. Remember, this episode is the FIRST time that the judges have seen ANY of the background to the contestants and may have an inkling of any of the behind the scenes drama.

Interesting points:

From Tom Colicchio about the strength of the finalists: "And it’s the first time that the four strongest chefs in a season actually made it to the finale – no one snuck in through a side door to get there – as evidenced by the fact that between the four of them, they always won the Elimination Challenges."

And a comment from Tom again about how sometimes the production adds an element of 'who will win' and question into the story when there really is none: "It may not make sense to you but it was clear to us immediately that it would be Jen who would be going home. What it came down to was that both of her dishes were way too salty. Jen’s overseasoning of both her dishes stood out to the judges like a sore thumb. We had our conversation at Judges' Table about whom to send home, but it was pro forma; we already knew and were in complete accord."

Wow, the finals are going to be amazing with the three finalists. The only real drama will be, what will the twist thrown in. Who will the sous chefs be and will the finalists be asked to pick from fallen contestants. All of them seem to prefer working by themselves.

Well, I hope that I have not raised any etiquette alarms. I know that I may have quoted a bit much from other sources. I think it adds to the thread.