CAUTION: SPOILERS for this episode of HBC!

“I am gooped, gagged, bewildered…” – Nico, when they announced the unprecedented elimination format

“The Holiday Village is stress, girl.” – Camrey, at the beginning of the challenge

“No presh.” – Alyx, about five times during this episode

Only one challenge again? I am not happy about this, you guys. I’m also not happy that Jesse said we’re at the “mid-season mark” already: what?! I’m over here counting on my fingers thinking that can’t be right. Are there only going to be eight episodes?

What is going on this season? The two-team structure is weird, and I’m not sure I’m liking it. And today’s format was wild: each team had to pick their two best pies to present to the judges, which, fair enough, but it left me wondering how they were going to handle the elimination. Then we find out that the losing team has to choose which one of their own to send home?! Good grief! At least they got to do it by an anonymous vote. I was afraid we’d have to watch them talk it out. This felt like a little bit too much drama for me. All of these changes – the teams, the one-challenge episodes, today’s wild ride – it just feels like they’re veering too far from the classic structure. I don’t think I like it. How are we feeling about it, readers?

Tarek was obviously the main charcter this episode (loved to see it!), but the other main character was definitely Ashleigh. She had an absolute journey this week. When she told us about how she wants to take her dad on a vacation to Scotland, my husband was immediately like: “she’s going home this week.” Because in previous episodes it seems like every time a contestant tells us a tear-jerking story about what they want to do with the prize money, they get sent home. And I was like “Ashleigh, go home?! No way.” But then, it started to seem like it might actually be possible! And when Ashleigh herself realized that it was quite possible, she started having a whole panic attack on the set! The way she collapsed with relief when Tarek won the challenge was so cathartic to watch.

But, what happened with her and Alyx? Last week, I was going on about how Ashleigh and Alyx were like the two top contenders, both carrying their teams on their backs. And this week, neither of them even got to present their pie to the judges because they weren’t that great! I’m wondering if these two will make comebacks next week.

And, to continue the tragedy of Ashleigh this week, her BFF Erin got sent home. I loved their friendship! Even though they were on separate teams, they had become besties on the show; it was lovely to see the way they clicked. But then, alas, cruel fate tore them apart. I hope they remain friends IRL. So yeah, this week was a lot, for poor Ashleigh. Up until now she’s seemed so fierce and intimidating and even harsh, but this week we got to see her a bit more human. I still think she’s going to be in the final.

Now we must talk about Nico. You all already know that, since day one, he’s been one of my favorites, not only of this season but in baking show history. But after this week, I love him even more. I could feel my heart break when he revealed his history with serious EDs. Such a terrible disease is always tragic, no matter who; but Nico, he’s such a pure and joyful and bright and kind little person, and he seems so confident and cheerful and unselfish; you’d never have expected him to suffer from something like that. So it makes it even sadder, somehow. I love that he chose to be open about it, though, because, as he said, the stigma, especially for males, is a terrible thing. EDs often go undiagnosed and untreated in men because people just assume that men/boys can’t get them. Anyway, I’m genuinely so happy to see how Nico has evidently managed to heal his relationship to food, enough to not only recover his physical health but to become a professional pastry chef who makes others happy with food! Not to be grim, but I sincerely hope he’s doing okay off-screen. Sometimes, with these things, once you’re looking better, everyone thinks you’re A-OK and congratulates you, and so you go around agreeing with them because you don’t want to be a downer, when in fact you are not okay at all, and the voices in your head are as loud as ever.

On to my other favorite, Charles. Was it just me, or was he a little nicer this episode? Obviously, there was the remark about “wear her out before the final”, so he’s still out for blood and all, but it seemed like, same as Ashleigh, he was a little more humble and human this episode. He seems to have accepted that he’s part of a team. Like the grinch, his heart seems to have grown a few sizes. And this week, when he got some negative feedback, he seemed a little more prepared for it. I’m sure that a lot of this is just the way the editors arranged the final cut, and that they’re trying to make it look like he’s developed as a character, for the sake of the plot; but, even if it’s all fake, I’m still here for it. Also, that apple pie looked incredible; I love that he went for a simple, classic apple pie. I kind of want to try the shredded apple trick next time I make one.

Also of note this week: Chase. He went into this week feeling very confident and calling himself “the pie guy,” still riding the high of episode one. When his team had to judge each other’s pies, he was a bit extra critical of his teammates. His “perfectionist” side was definitely showing! But then, from the actual judges, his chocolate pecan bourbon pie got mixed reviews. I’m very invested in what’s going to happen with Chase, going forward. I don’t doubt that he’ll be in the final, as well.

Also, Jean Carlos. He seems to have found his stride this week! That pie was so interesting: pumpkin and cherry, who would have thought? Even though this is kind of a clash of summer and fall flavors, I think it could have worked, if he’d made it more cherry-forward. Although, buttercream on a pie? That was different. My husband, who’s not as into baking shows as I am, asked me: “why is buttercream on a pie weird?” and I, rather flustered, was like: “you just, you just don’t do that! it’s just not done!”, lol. I guess, trying to imagine a mouthful of buttercream and pie crust, it sounds kind of mealy and gross.

It was of course fun to see Tarek win this one. He needed that. And it was especially funny that he did it with such a “naughty” dessert (ash tray-shaped pie, reminiscent of his childhood Christmases spent leaving out cigarettes and shots for Santa!), being the only underage contestant. He’s been in the bottom for the past few episodes, and said that he felt like the weakest link on the team, so it was really satisfying to see him secure the victory and save his team from elimination.

And finally, it’s sad about Erin, but true to form, the way she voted for herself to go home. It did make for good TV, I suppose. I’m just bummed that she went out on such a yummy-sounding dessert. I’m not sure if I agree that hers was the worst this episode; what did you think? Please, leave me your comments!

Superlatives from the judges: 1, Duff telling Chase his crust is “some of the best we’ve had on this show” (running total: 3)

Judge says “remember, you’re on Holiday Baking Championship”: 0 (running total: 1)

Nancy says “bite of food”: 0 (running total: ½)

High point: The way the whole Naughty Team looked at each other and gasped in collective awe and delight when Nancy told Chase “maybe just a scooch too much bourbon?”

Low point: Charles not getting great reviews from the judges. The crust was too thick and tasted floury?? And why would Kardea not think the design was “naughty” enough? I agreed with Duff there: a worm in an apple is naughty enough, isn’t it? What more did she want to see, a worm with a switchblade??

The dessert that I would most have liked to eat: Erin’s blueberry ganache pie with white chocolate, topped with a little goat cheese cream tree. I know the ganache was slightly broken, and the consistencies were off throughout, but I still think this sounded like the best flavor combination this episode.