‘MasterChef’ season 5, episode 15 preview: Leslie takes on Cutter in the kitchen

After some weeks of great challenges in the “MasterChef” kitchen, the show is venturing back into familiar ground this week … though it is not exactly ground that we’re that thrilled about: Dinner service.

The reason why we don’t like this challenge is simply because it feels a little too close to “Hell’s Kitchen,” and our opinion on that show has soured somewhat over the years. It’s not even so much about cooking as it is just watching the same people do the same stuff over and over and over again. There’s not a whole lot of creative outlets in it, and while it may be more realistic, it’s hardly the same fun television.

The sneak peek below is mostly all about kitchen drama. Leslie is Team Captain, so of course in his mind, that means that he needs to do all of the huffing, puffing, and order-taking that a captain does. It also means putting up with some lip from Cutter, who clearly wanted a different job than the one he is given.

Here’s the situation with Leslie: We understand where he is coming from. Cutter is a very inconsistent chef, and when you’re dealing with something life that in the kitchen, it can be very problematic. However, at the same time, you want to ensure that your team members are interested in wanting to cook for you. Even subconscious sabotage is still sabotage.

We’ll give Cutter credit for this: We had no clue that he was going to make it all the way to the top six. If he somehow survives another week, it’ll be a miracle.

What do you think: Is Leslie power-tripping here, or is he right to try to get some authority on a pretty inconsistent team member? Share in the comments, and head over here if you want to get some other great TV updates served right in your direction via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: Fox