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The Semi-Final is the 21st episode of Season 9 of MasterChef. It was aired on September 12, 2018 on FOX. In that episode, the Final Four competed in a team challenge in which they cooked for 3 guest judges any dish of their choice, as well as a 3 course meal for the pressure test. After which, an early front runner was eliminated.

Field Challenge[]

On this Occasion, as the Top 4 enter the MasterChef Kitchen, the Judges gave them the task to pair themselves up with each other. As such, the following pairs were made:

  • Ashley & Cesar (much to the formers excitement as she sees both her Caribbean and the latter's Mexican roots going hand in hand with each other)
  • Gerron & Samantha

The Judges reveal that they will be judged by the chefs who mentored the judges themselves:

  • Jonathan Waxman (who mentored Aaron Sanchez)
  • Lidia Bastianich (who mentored Joe Bastianich)
  • Daniel Boloud (who mentored Gordon Ramsay)

Much to Samantha's excitement; although she knows how much pressure there is knowing the context of the situation. In addition, Lidia explains that all 4 contestants are allowed to cook whatever dish they want; with the intent of being able to see them at their best.

The Contestants have 60 minutes for this challenge. The Guest Judges take the time to discuss with Gordon on the potential successes of each of the 2 pairs, with Daniel noticing how Samantha was getting panicky, to the point where she accidentally hurts herself: much to the concern of Gordon, Joe & Aaron up at the balcony. It was also noted how Ashley & Cesar were more composed, with Joe & Aaron questioning how much Gerron can carry his team in order to achieve victory. With 40 minutes Remaining, Gordon & Daniel visit Ashley & Cesar who have decided to do a Morito Ancho Pork Chop with Swiss chard, crispy plantain stacks, and corn with Mango sauce. When asked on why adding a sauce with 2 fruits that are naturally sweet, Cesar states that it's going to be balanced out with ahi pepper. With 30 Minutes left, Joe & Lidia visit Gerron & Samantha who has decided to do Rack of Lamb with Rhubarb, blood orange glaze, & Ratatouille; much to Gordon's & Aaron's greater confusion as Rhubarb normally goes with Duck as opposed to Lamb. Lidia then tastes the rhubarb itself and also finds it sweet and suggests finding something that will help balance out the sweetness. During the Last 15 Minutes, everyone rushes to do the final plating of their dishes.

Afterwards, the winning Dish went to Ashley & Cesar, much to both of their excitements, whereas the Losing Dish went to Gerron & Samantha. As such, Gerron & Samantha had to face each other off in the Pressure Test.

Pressure Test[]

For This Pressure Test, both Gerron & Samantha had to replicate a 3-course meal handpicked by the judges themselves:

  • Spring Risotto for the Appetizer Course (handpicked by Joe)
  • Pan Seared Salmon for the Entree Course (handpicked by Aaron)
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding for the Desert Course (handpicked by Gordon)

The Contestants were given 90 Minutes for this challenge. The Judges then regroup to discuss the progress of the challenge, with Gordon detailing which of the 3 dishes they have to start with and which they have to finish. With 60 Minutes Remaining Gordon then visits Samantha who admits that she's most worried about the sticky toffee pudding. With 45-50 Minutes Left, Samantha, realizes that she forgot her gelatin for her Sticky Toffee pudding much to everyone's concern. During the last 30 minutes, Gerron also begins to panic as well, whilst attempting to multitask with all the components. Furthermore, his pickle beets begin to burn as well much to everyone's concern.

Elimination[]

In the End, Gerron had the best 3 course meal by the tiniest of Margins. As such, Samantha was subsequently eliminated and said one tearful goodbye to everyone in the MasterChef Kitchen.

Trivia[]

  • Title Reference: The title refers to the Semi Finals of the Season.
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