graham elliot bowles

"This dish puts the fear of God into chefs around the world." So says Gordon Ramsay on the latest 'MasterChef' (Wed., 8PM ET on Fox). We're heading down to the Final Four on the show -- and there's only one spot left in that group. Either Sharone or Whitney will make the cut. But first, chef Ramsay wants to freak the pair out, and frighten them with their upcoming cooking challenge.

Ramsay drags out the suspense for a bit. "There's nothing more terrifying," he says, then pauses for a second. " ... Than trying to create and cook ... " What?! Create what?! "Your very own ... monstrous ..." OH GOD, WHAT IS THIS AWFUL THING THAT THEY HAVE TO COOK?

[Spoiler alert.]

We were just speaking of a kinder, gentler Gordon Ramsay. And on the premiere episode of 'MasterChef' (Tue., 9PM ET on Fox), we get to see even more of his softer side. The new series follows amateur cooks from all across America -- each of whom has exactly one hour to prepare their best dish. If they do well, they are awarded an apron, and get to continue in the competition. If they fail, then they are kicked off the show.

During this first episode, contestant Faruq is called in front of the judges. He makes a delicious dish of macaroni and cheese. Judge Ramsay praises this choice of food as being gutsy -- presumably because standard mac and cheese is so easy to make that it's difficult to really "wow" people with it.

The judges are into the cheesy mac ... except for one small thing. Faruq forgot to add one very important ingredient. SALT. And he forgot to do it even though the salt shaker was sitting right there in front of him!

Do we really need another food competition show on television? And do we need another show that stars chef Gordon Ramsay? Neither of those questions matter because we're getting one anyway.

'Masterchef' premieres on FOX July 29. Ramsay will be the head judge on this show, along with restaurateur/wine expert Joe Bastianich and chef Graham Elliot Bowles, who will also coach the contestants. This show will feature amateur chefs who have to go through a series of challenges, with one of them becoming the winner of the competition. I know, that description could be cut and pasted into a post about seven other food competition shows on the air right now, but if something isn't broken...etc, etc.

The press release uses phrases like "follow their dream" and "unique platform" and "passion and excitement," but I don't see anything about what the exact prize will be, whether it's cash or a position at a restaurant or a set of cookware. Unless the prize is knowing that three food and wine experts declare you the winner.