Ep 1. Opportunity Knocks

Opportunity Knocks is the first episode of Masterchef Canada season 5. In this episode, we witness the beginning of a new chapter as 21 home cooks from across Canada battle it out in the kitchen to become the next Masterchef Canada.

The episode begins with the contestants arriving at the Masterchef Canada kitchen, eager to begin their journey. They are greeted by judges Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, and Alvin Leung, who will be testing their cooking skills throughout the competition.

The first challenge of the season is a signature dish challenge, in which the contestants have to prepare a dish that showcases their personality and culinary skills. The judges taste every dish and are impressed by the level of talent on display. Some dishes, however, fall short and the contestants responsible for those dishes are sent to the bottom of the pack.

In the next round, the bottom contestants have to fight for their place in the competition by cooking a dish that elevates a humble ingredient – in this case, the egg. The contestants have to use their creativity and skills to make sure their dish stands out. The judges taste every dish and are impressed by the improvement shown by some of the contestants. However, some dishes still fall short and the judges must decide who to send home.

The episode’s final challenge is the Mystery Box Challenge, in which the contestants have to cook a dish using a selection of mystery ingredients. The contestants are given one hour to prepare their dish and impress the judges. The mystery ingredients include some unusual items, which prove to be a challenge for some of the contestants. Nonetheless, some manage to create exceptional dishes that impress the judges.

Finally, the judges reveal the winner of the challenge and the contestant who will be safe from the dreaded Pressure Test in the next episode. They also reveal the contestants who will be heading home and have to leave the competition.

Opportunity Knocks sets the tone for the rest of the season by showcasing the talent and skills of the home cooks competing for the title of Masterchef Canada. The first episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the excitement of the contestants to the tension of the challenges. The judges provide constructive criticism and encouragement to the contestants, pushing them to be the best they can be. Overall, the episode is a great start to the new season and leaves viewers eager for more.