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It's just ridiculous for me to speculate about the end game here, because the variables are so numerous. However, I'm consumed by suspense, so I might as well try to channel that anxiety into a post.

I have been noticing a surge in affection for Fabio and Carla on the boards. On the continuum of annoying (a negative response to idiosyncratic behavior) to quirky (a positive response to the same behavior), I have seen both of these two slide away from the annoying side and more towards the quirky side. I think the editors are trying to invite viewers to see these two in a positive light. But what does this mean? That they are F2? Or just that they are going out on a high note in the same way Jamie went out?

Hosea has been getting the douchebag edit. He was one of my favorites in the first six challenges or so, but his stock has been falling. Does this mean that he's next out? Or is he being groomed as the "villian" in the F2 pairing? I think it's very difficult for viewers to cheer for him as the winner, even against "I must beat" Stefan. He just has this slimy residue about him at this point. Maybe he's F2 with Stefan, and we actually want the cocky guy to beat the slimey guy?

Stefan, Stefan, Stefan. He definitely has been cut down at the knees over the last few epis. I don't know if this is "pride preceeds the fall" or "the cleansing salve of humility that prepares the hero for the final battle." I have more sympathy for him now that he's taken some hard hits. I'm assuming that the wider viewership has felt this two. When he got beat in the pairing at the Superbowl, I was giddy. "Hoo-ya! Stefan eats some crow." But when he stood there with a hang dog look between Leah and Hosea at the last challenge, I was screaming at the screen for the judges to save Stefan--especially over Leah who has served up so much substandard goo over this season. (Sidebar: I can't believe how inarticulate she is, now that she's had sustained confessionals and interviews post boot. I do think a Top Chef should be able to talk to the media without sounding like a mall rat.)

So how will this all play out? I can't say, but I can see a F2 Hosea / Stefan with Hosea as the losing villian, vainily nipping at Stefan's heals, and Stefan as the chastized victor, showing some humility and humanity that make him a sypathetic victor.

But my PREFERENCE is for a F2 Carla / Stefan with a toirtoise / hare storyline or even a Fabio / Stefan F2 with a "itsa not how many adragoons youa slay, but whoa takes ahome the preencess" storyline.

(with apologies to Cousin Oliver, who creates much more credible Fabio Speak)

*returns to lurking and biting nails*