Ep 8. Smoke and Mirrors

Zumbo's Just Desserts season 2 is a culinary competition show that features some of the best professional bakers and pastry chefs in Australia. Hosted by the famous patissier Adriano Zumbo, the show challenges the contestants to create visually stunning and delicious desserts in each episode. With each passing week, the challenges become harder, and the competition gets tighter, as the ultimate prize - a special cake commissioned by Zumbo himself - looms closer.

In episode 8 of season 2, titled "Smoke and Mirrors," the remaining contestants face their toughest challenge yet. The episode begins with Adriano introducing the theme of the week - illusion. The contestants must create desserts that look like something that they are not. Whether it's a cake that looks like a savory dish or a dessert that looks like a plant, the illusion must be perfect, both in terms of appearance and taste.

To help the contestants with their dessert creations, Adriano introduces a special guest judge - Frank Haasnoot - a world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier from the Netherlands. Frank is known for his innovative and unique approach to pastry-making, which makes him the perfect judge for this week's challenge.

The contestants have four hours to create their desserts, which must include at least two different illusion elements. As they work, they face numerous challenges, such as tempering chocolate, creating intricate fondant decorations, and getting the perfect texture for their cakes and mousse.

Despite the time constraints and the added pressure of impressing Frank with their creations, the contestants manage to push through and create some truly stunning desserts. From a cake that looks like a hamburger to a dessert that looks like a potted plant, the contestants' illusions are so convincing that Frank has trouble telling them apart from the real thing.

After the time is up, the contestants present their desserts to Adriano and Frank for tasting and judging. Each dessert is evaluated based on its appearance, taste, and overall concept, with the winner receiving immunity and an advantage in the next round.

The tension is high as Adriano and Frank taste the desserts and give their feedback, ultimately deciding on a winner for the challenge. However, while one contestant comes out on top, the others are not safe from elimination, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see who will be sent home next.

Overall, "Smoke and Mirrors" is an exciting and dramatic episode of Zumbo's Just Desserts, showcasing the incredible skills and creativity of the remaining contestants. With stunning visuals, intense competition, and even a touch of magic, this episode is a must-watch for any fan of pastry-making or reality TV.