‘MasterChef Junior’ season 2 premiere review: The lighter side of Gordon Ramsay returns

There is always something fun that comes with watching “MasterChef Junior,” mostly because you’re getting to see people who are extraordinary at what they do. At the same time, there may be a little jealousy that these kid cooks are much better than you are so many years later.

The show is pretty fast-paced, fun, and the judges, led by Gordon Ramsay, remain much more positive and upbeat than they are on the regular version of the show. They manage to do just enough to take away some of the discomfort that comes from watching kids cry while dealing with the pressure of a Mystery Box Challenge.

The two challenges tonight were a mystery box and a chicken cook-off, and we were somewhat surprised that the first challenge’s winner in Natalie chose chicken for the competitors to cook. It’s the one ingredient almost every kid is familiar with.

Entertainment-wise, the star of the night may be Samuel, who sounds like the 40-year old star of a 1960s sitcom much more than he does a young kind competing in a 2014 cooking competition. He also seems to think that he is the greatest cook to ever be born.

Ultimately, though, it is much too early to say much about most of the contestants, other than that maybe Oona and Sean are huge contenders to win it all. We last four cooks tonight, as well, but none were entirely memorable beyond their mistakes. One served up chicken still raw in the middle, while another overcooked their wings and served spice that was still a little raw.

In the end, “MasterChef Junior” is still fun fall viewing. Whether or not it remains appointment TV after the other competition comes back on new next week remains to be seen, but it’s a breezy hour or so that won’t make you feel bad for its kid contestants. Grade: B.

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