Review of Zumbo's Just Desserts

My wife and I originally started watching this show a few weeks ago but wound up getting distracted by other Netflix series and temporarily forgot about it. We rediscovered it a few days ago and started watching the show again and, after seeing a few more episodes, I do have to say I enjoy watching this series.

The thing I like about this series is the way the amateur bakers are given quite a bit of leeway in each episode's first round with their desserts needing to follow a certain theme, such as being meant for a child's birthday party or make a dessert that defies gravity but, otherwise, being left open to their own individual interpretations.

I like this because it means each weekly competition isn't nearly as predictable as it would be if the contestants had to make the exact same dessert (making it easier to compare them). This also adds to the suspense a bit because the individual bakers can choose to play it safe (and risk elimination because their dessert was too simple) or take a risk that could make or break them.

I also like the fact this show eliminates one contestant per episode while bringing the others back. This allows the viewer to learn more about each of the bakers and maybe choose a favorite or two, one thing that is admittedly lacking with some other similar series (including a couple I like).

The elimination challenge is also something that is somewhat unique, with the two lowest scores being forced to take on a dessert that, at least at first appearance, looks impossible to make in a short amount of time. The end result is, again, the episode avoids being predictable since you don't really know who will be sent home while, at the same time, the losing contestant usually has something to be proud of when they at least come close to what they were supposed to create.

I also have to admit, I like the background scenery on this show. A lot of similar shows are kind of bland when it comes to that, with contestants cooking in plain kitchen settings. The choice to make this show's location look like something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a nice touch.

This is an entertaining show with enough unique twists to keep it interesting and memorable. I recommend watching it.

My Grade: A