Of the new episodes I've caught they do seem to be doing a better job this go round; more backstory, better talking heads, etc.
I'm wondering if anyone's seen the Sandra Lee episode. As mockable as she typically appears, the doc. offers context: raised by her grandmother(parents unreliable), took care of her siblings from a young age, scraping together commercial supermarket commodities to stretch their meager budget. And, she started as a quasi-Martha Stewart(with a hilariously gaudy "Laura Ashley" window accoutrement system)before breaking into food and "tablescapes." Also, continuing in her grandmother's example by doing tons of charity work.
She also takes on her detractors in one furious soundbyte...offering(paraphrase), "and what about these people taking me to task for Semi-Homemade!? I think they're taking a shot at every woman who's just trying to get it done!"
I can't say I expected her to even respond.
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also, surprisingly, the ever over-exposed Rachel Ray offers some choice insight into her process during her own chefography
anyway...I've found them so much more engaging this season
Being gauche rocks, stun the bourgeoisie