MasterChef fans baffled over 'unfair' rule during episode: 'Inconsistent'

MasterChef viewers are divided over whether or not it’s fair for the show’s guest judges to help contestants during an elimination challenge.

Tuesday night's Pressure Test was set by one of Messina’s four co-owners, Donato Toce, who challenged the bottom three to recreate his version of a Viennetta ice cream cake.

Throughout the episode, Donato regularly offered guidance to the contestants on how to improve their dishes. He pointed out Declan Cleary’s mistake with his tempered chocolate and also helped Grace Jupp with her ice cream flavour and strawberry gel.

Taking to Reddit, one fan called out the rules for being “inconsistent” when it comes to assisting contestants.

“Throughout this episode, you could clearly see nearly all the contestants struggle at some point and make mistakes, and Donato was always there ready to help out,” they pointed out. “He basically provided crucial help to the contestants and prevented them from making serious mistakes that could have derailed their cook.”

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The user compared the Pressure Test to Donato’s appearance in last year’s season where the contestants had to recreate his impressive Honey dessert.

“In that Pressure Test, Matt [Landmark] made a critical mistake with the construction of his gelato, and neither Donato nor the gantry had bothered to point this out to him,” they wrote. “Instead, they all just watched as he made that mistake, which was important as it ultimately led to his elimination.

“With that all said, does anyone else feel like there should be a consistent rule on assistance for contestants in pressure tests? After all, I don't think it's fair that in some cases contestants like Matt make one critical mistake and no one points it out or assists them, yet in other cases contestants like Declan, Grace and Alice [Han] get vital assistance during the cook that saves their dishes.”

'They need to seriously figure that out'

Fellow Reddit users were quick to share their thoughts on the issue, with one person saying they “totally agree”.

“Let the contestants fail or succeed in their own merit,” they added. “That’s what the recipe and instruction is for. They need to seriously figure that out because it's honestly annoying.”

However, another fan commented that judges usually help whenever they can and it’s not that big of a problem.

“I think that's more of an editing issue honestly,” they said. “As with Matt's mistake, his downfall was his own that the judges couldn't point out. I guess the contestants didn't say anything because they didn't have a recipe and didn't know who was the right one.”

“I think as long as within the same cook it's consistent I don't have a problem,” someone else shared. “I really think [MasterChef Australia] tries to be helpful, educational and wants them to do their best (contestants, judges, guests). Not fail for drama's sake.”

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