Hell’s Kitchen “Hell at the Pass” (FOX, Thursday, January 23, 2025)

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Four chefs remain. That’s it. Just four. In the dog-eat-dog culinary Thunderdome that is Hell’s Kitchen, this week’s episode, “Hell at the Pass,” throws a new wrench into the works: the dreaded tableside challenge.

This time, the final four must face not only Gordon Ramsay’s withering gaze but also the discerning palates of executive chefs from four Foxwoods Resort and Casino restaurants. Each chef will present a tableside dish, requiring our contestants to become culinary performance artists. It’s one thing to whip up a Beef Wellington; it’s quite another to do it while simultaneously juggling flaming whisks and reciting the periodic table (okay, maybe not that last part).

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The episode looks to reveal who has the full package: cooking skills, charisma, and the ability to keep a smile plastered on their face while Ramsay critiques their chiffonade. After all, the modern head chef needs more than just kitchen chops. They need the kind of charm that can coax a five-star Yelp review out of even the most demanding foodie.

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Then, as if the tableside torture weren’t enough, there’s the standard dinner service. Because what’s Hell’s Kitchen without a few dozen orders of perfectly seared scallops yelled in rapid succession? Ramsay, naturally, will be there to ensure maximum stress levels are maintained, ready to pounce on any slightly overcooked halibut. Only three will survive to cook another day.

With the grand prize within spitting distance (not literally, hopefully), the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who will crack, who will shine, and who will simply catch fire?

Hell’s Kitchen airs Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FOX.

Andrew Martins, reviewer, recapper, deep diver, scifi specialist. Thinks Blakes 7 is better than Star Trek. Yes I do go to fan conventions and no I don't dress up. Well okay maybe I do a bit.