But there are places where this falls apart. Places like Chopped. Chopped is not class-based or RPG-like at all, although the presenter, Ted Allen, who is a bona fide national treasure, does possess the courtly manners of someone who is about to set you a riddle outside a tavern. “Brothers and sisters I have none…” Ted is a prince. And Chopped is his realm. Chopped is absolutely brilliant - and actually, having watched approximately one thousand episodes of it, I now suspect it’s more than brilliant. I’ve come to understand that there is a secret to Chopped - a secret in Chopped. And it’s one of the big ones. One of the secrets of creativity! Testify!
