Ep 3. A Master of Taste

In the third episode of the first season of Seachange, titled "A Master of Taste," the residents of Pearl Bay prepare for the arrival of renowned food critic Taylor Godfrey. The anticipation in the coastal town is electric, with everyone eager to impress the famous critic.

Laura Gibson, the newly appointed magistrate, finds herself caught up in the excitement as well. She volunteers to host Godfrey at her house, hoping to score some brownie points with the notoriously difficult critic. Laura's daughters, Miranda and Rupert, help their mother prepare for the visit, even going so far as to research Godfrey's favorite foods and wines.

At the same time, local restaurant owner Max Connors is hard at work perfecting his culinary skills. He hopes to impress Godfrey with his latest dish, a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. When Godfrey finally arrives, Max eagerly greets her, hoping to gain her approval. However, things quickly turn sour when Godfrey insults Max's food, claiming that it lacks creativity and originality.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise between Laura and the old guard of Pearl Bay. The town's former magistrate, Bob Jelly, is still resentful of Laura's appointment and can't resist throwing obstacles in her way. He leads a campaign to oppose a development project that Laura has approved, arguing that it will harm the town's natural beauty.

As the episode progresses, Laura finds herself torn between her duty as a judge and her desire to win Godfrey's approval. She quickly realizes that Godfrey's opinion of her is influenced by her political decisions, and she must choose between her principles and her own ambition.

Overall, "A Master of Taste" is a tense and dramatic episode that explores themes of ambition, principles, and the sometimes toxic nature of criticism. It provides a glimpse into the tightly knit community of Pearl Bay, and the various characters that inhabit it. With strong performances and compelling storylines, this episode is sure to leave viewers hooked and eager for more.