Last night's episode of Top Chef Masters upped the "reality show" factor on the show, as former Top Chef contestants came back and controversy was injected. This was most evident in the confrontation Dale had with Michael Chiarello (KEY-a-rello). More controversy isn't necessarily a good thing when it comes to a cooking show (it's been good to see civility), but it certainly spiced things up.

I thought this was the finale, but it's not. The finale is actually going to be aired next Wednesday at 10:15 PM, after the premiere of Top Chef: Las Vegas. That's confusing.

You have to love a reality cooking show that makes the contestants cook an egg with one hand tied behind their backs (and has Neil Patrick Harris and magician Max Maven as special guests), but I'm beginning to get bored with Top Chef Masters.

I love cooking competition shows, but the fact that these people are professionals and don't seem to get quite as upset as other Top Chef contestants (and there doesn't seem to be as much at stake) stands out a lot and makes the show a lesser version of the franchise. I mean, I like the lighter tone and the professionalism, but the original is better.

I'm not a big reality show fan, but if it involves food I might just watch it. Tonight Bravo debuts Top Chef Masters, which is Top Chef only with some of the best chefs in the country, including Wylie Dufresne, Rick Bayless, Cindy Pawlcyn, Anita Lo, and Art Smith. Here's a clip from the show. I wonder if this is going to be more foodie-oriented than trash talk/arguing-oriented?