I don’t even know what to suppose anymore about The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. Okay, certain, it’s nonetheless a pleasant slice of escapism, stuffed with tender-hearted characters and pastel colours to appease the senses. However, after a season that principally appeared to appropriate the wrongs of the previous few cycles, The Great British Baking Show ended with an actual moist fart of a finale. I don’t hate the winner whom Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith selected, however they wouldn’t have been my first option to take prime honors. In truth, the judging within the last few episodes of The Great British Baking Show has been so erratic, I want I might demand a recount. Alas, The Great British Baking Show isn’t a democracy, however a wierd fiefdom dominated over by Paul and Prue. All of which is to say, The Great British Baking Show picked a shocking winner for its 2023 season. Even extra shocking? I’m unsure the finale made a robust sufficient case for this in any other case pretty winner’s feel-good win.
**Spoilers for The Great British Baking Show finale, now streaming on Netflix.**
Dark horse finalist Matty Edgell earned his surname by edging out Josh Smalley for the ultimate Great British Baking Show win. Dan Hunter whiffed every bake in The Great British Baking Show finale, whereas Josh underwhelmed Paul and Prue along with his “boring” Showstopper. That cleared the way in which for Matty Edgell and his wonky cake to win all of it. Moreover, Matty’s win was secretly a win for somebody we’d by no means seen within the tent earlier than this week: his fiancée Lara. Together, their enchanting love story overwhelmed every part else within the tent.
As a lot as I believe Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judged Josh on a harsh curve — ignoring his weeks of fabulous Showstoppers, constant success, and that lardy cake Technical win — I’ve to confess Matty and Lara’s romantic-tinged win made for a feel-good last edit. There was a compelling narrative being pulled collectively by editors, interstitial interviews, and even commentary from Paul and Prue. The judges needed the contestants’ last bake to mirror their journey on The Great British Baking Show. Matty’s cake, embellished with pastel smears, definitely was that.
Throughout this season of The Great British Baking Show, Matty has struggled on two fronts: design and confidence. Paul mocked Matty’s very first Showstopper, noting the tough and prepared dog-shaped cake regarded it had been run over by a automotive. When flavors mattered greater than finesse, Matty thrived. He took residence his first of two Star Bakers throughout Chocolate Week. Nevertheless, he continued to battle imposter syndrome all the way in which as much as and even throughout the finale. At one level Lara instructed the cameras that she hoped he might not less than admit to being “good” at baking after this expertise.
Matty was undoubtedly the baker who had improved probably the most over the season, however he additionally entered the finale with the warmest and fuzziest storyline. Dan’s backstory? He was a hyper-competitive athlete who hid his time within the tent from his kids. Josh’s deal? A hyper-perfectionist athlete mourning the loss of life of his Nan. Matty’s story? He’s a humble, upbeat P.E. instructor obsessed along with his candy fiancée. Lara wasn’t simply the one that utilized for Matty within the first place, however her presence was felt within the tent lengthy earlier than we noticed her cheering on her man on the finish of the episode. Matty credited Lara’s “artwork classes” for serving to him work out a method to marry his tough and prepared type in a method that screamed “finesse!” (Well, form of…)
The narrative of Matty’s win is smart to me. It’s a candy, compelling story of how real love might encourage a shy baker to beat self-doubt to win all of it. I acquired heat fuzzies once I noticed that Matty and Lara have set a marriage date for subsequent spring. I get why Paul, Prue, and the producers determined Matty made for good tv. The downside is I’m not fairly certain the logic of Paul and Prue’s judging was completely sound.
In order for Matty’s “wonky” cake to beat out Josh’s “boring” bake, Paul and Prue have gotten to confess that have been judging Josh on a harsher rubric. Heck, Josh referred to as it out himself. By persistently blowing the judges away with previous Showstoppers, his completely positive finale cake didn’t have the rizz to push him excessive. Moreover, even if you need me to imagine that Matty’s Showstopper was higher than Josh’s, Josh edged him out on the eclairs and handily beat him on the Technical. The Showstopper all the time is weighted probably the most in these decisions, however that’s nonetheless a paper skinny margin.
I’m not mad Matty gained, however I’m mad that he gained as a result of Josh merely wasn’t his best. It’s a actuality that’s going to go away a bitter notice in my mouth each time I take into consideration this season of The Great British Baking Show. Which is a bummer, as a result of I solely ever wish to affiliate this present with all issues candy.
