“Padma, would you like to eat on the moon with Buzz Aldrin?” Photo courtesy Bravo.

As this week’s episode began, we were left with little reflection on Amanda’s departure last week. Kevin says what seems to be the consensus: she’s gone and it was about time. There are five contestants left and no one is too sympathetic. This is the last Quickfire and Elimination to be filmed in D.C., before the top four chefs head off to film the finale.

We have to say that, despite this being an overall weaker-than-usual season, the top five seems about right. The competitors left are five of the strongest chefs from this season and have dominated the Quickfires and Elimination challenges. So at least we were spared the token “how on earth did you make it into the top five” contestant (see: Lisa and Robin from previous seasons).