On last night’s episode of Top Chef Texas, the name of the game was game—namely, elk,venison, and quail. The contestants were divided into teams of two, but the combination of Beverly Kim and Heather Terhune was like oil and water (or in the words of judge Hugh Acheson, “ammonia and bleach”). Their final dish reflected the discord, which erupted at judges’ table. So why did they survive the double elimination? Could it be that by adding a dab of Hell’s Kitchen, ratings for next week would be guaranteed to sizzle? (These mixed metaphors are killing me.)

In fine print during the closing credits, it’s stated that decisions over who stays and who goes are determined by the judges as well as producers. Even before the verdict was rendered, I suspected Heather and Beverly would stay simply because viewers will want to see those tensions continue in their living quarters. And maybe there will be hugs and kisses a few episodes from now just to give the ratings that extra boost.