The Great British Bake Off Review: Paul Hollywood Hands Out Handshakes Like Mini-Muffins.
The new season of The Great British Bake Off kicks off with a dozen new bakers, but the excitement feels muted. The opening episode features a mix of light-hearted moments and cheeky innuendos, setting the stage for another year in the iconic tent.
In the first round, Georgie, a pediatric nurse from rural Wales, presents her cake, which took her four hours to create. This moment is particularly anticipated by presenter Alison Hammond, who asks the judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, “How does Fanny taste, guys?”
To clarify, the showstopper challenge this week involves creating a realistic “illusion” cake. Georgie has chosen to replicate her pet chicken, Fanny. This setup leads to a playful moment filled with innuendo that might be considered risqué for primetime TV. It’s a quintessential Bake Off moment that reminds viewers of the show’s unique charm.
However, this marks the 15th year of GBBO, and signs of weariness are evident. Recent seasons have struggled to maintain momentum as the finalists often lack standout personalities. While past contestants like Nadiya Hussain have become household names, this year’s group seems pleasant but not particularly memorable. The excitement that once characterized the show appears to be fading.
It seems fewer contestants are motivated by a genuine love for baking and more by the allure of fame. Some participants lean heavily into regional stereotypes. For instance, Andy, a mechanic from Essex, jokes about putting Paul’s car up on bricks, while farmer Mike appears more interested in banter than baking. The familiar dynamics between Hollywood and the contestants feel predictable now.
Hollywood used to reserve his coveted handshakes for exceptional bakes, but he now dispenses them liberally. For example, Norfolk midwife Illiyin receives one for her first bake without much fanfare.
Noel Fielding returns as co-presenter alongside Hammond. While his presence has become less jarring since he joined in 2017, he still seems to struggle with his role. His quirky humor sometimes distracts from the baking itself. For instance, he refers to himself as a “gothic therapist” and shares odd anecdotes that feel out of place.
Despite these challenges, Bake Off still offers joy as it introduces new bakers who are friendly and supportive of one another. The opening challenge requires bakers to create decorated loaf cakes, which often leads to humorous mishaps due to timing issues. In the second round, they must recreate a Battenberg cake without any recipes—some succeed beautifully while others fall short.
Alison Hammond shines in her second season as host. Her friendly demeanor and playful spirit create a welcoming atmosphere for contestants and viewers alike. She effectively balances Fielding’s eccentricity with her own charm.
Overall, while The Great British Bake Off may not be as thrilling as it once was, it continues to provide comfort and camaraderie among its bakers. The new season promises delightful moments as audiences get to know this year’s contestants better.
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