Breathless in anticipation of Vikings v. Packers II: The Gunslinger Rings Twice, here we are to break down another week's worth of fantasy football matchups. But before we get all analytical, here's our unofficial All-Time Top 5 Best/Worst Vikings v. Packers Games EVAH:

The Randy Moss Game

Oct. 5, 1998

The Packers were riding a 25-game home winning streak when the Vikings rolled into Lambeau for a pivitol Monday Night showdown between the division's top two teams. In a coming out party for the ages, Moss caught five passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings crushed the Packers 37-24 en route to a 15-1 regular season record. It was the beginning of the end of the Holmgren Era in Green Bay, which made way for the Mike Sherman Era, which was awesome.

The Cris Dishman Game

Nov. 6, 2000

In overtime of this Monday Night thriller, Favre lofted a pass to Antonio Freeman which was thought to be broken up by Vikings cornerback Cris Dishman. As Dishman prematurely celebrated, the ball failed to hit the ground, instead rolling around on Freeman's side. Freeman eventually found the ball, picked himself up off the ground, and scampered to paydirt for the winning score. Dishman never knew what hit him and either did Vikings fans. This game cost the Vikings home field advantage and they would go on to lose 41-donut to the Giants in the Meadowlands Massacre.

Moongate

Jan. 9, 2005

The Mike Tice-led Vikings backed their way into the playoffs with an 8-8 record and earned a first-round date with the Packers in the wild card round. To the surprise of even the most hardcore Vikings rubes, the Purple dominated the game 31-14, capped off by Randy Moss and his controversial end zone celebration. Joe Buck's overreaction was particularly memorable and it should be mentioned here that Favre had four interceptions.

The TJ Rubley Game

Nov. 5, 1995

This was probably the game that started the "The Metrodome is a House of Horrors" bit that followed the Packers during much of the Favre Era. It was a crazy game that featured four turnovers in the final five minutes. Favre got hurt early and his backup, Ty Detmer, went down in the fourth quarter. Sean Jones and Reggie White were also hurt but despite the adversity, the Packers were tied 24-24 and had the ball late at the Vikings 38 with third-and-a-foot. Third-stringer TJ Rubley, who had fumbled his first snap of the game, was given orders by Mike Holmgren to sneak the ball for the first down with the idea being that the Pack could run the clock down, kick the winning field goal, and get the eff out of dodge with an ugly win. But Rubley had other ideas. He saw something at the line of scrimmage, audibled, and threw an interception that led to a Fuad Reveiz game-winning field goal. Rubley was never seen again and is believed to be buried behind Brett Favre's steakhouse in Green Bay.

Favre's Revenge (Part I)

Oct. 5, 2009

This was fun. An almost-40-year-old-Favre destroyed his former team, racking up 271 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Vikings to a  30-23 win. It won't be as easy Sunday afternoon at Lambeau but we're guessing it will be a dandy of a game. SKOL!

Enough reminescing already. Let's do the dance of the dead, shall we?

Last Week: 3-3

Season: 23-19

Pastor Mike (1-5) vs. Little Sowers (5-2)

It's getting harder and harder to take Pastor Mike seriously and we suspect that he's already looking ahead to 2011. That said, he's got some really nice matchups this week with Cutler (vs CLE), iffy Reggie Wayne and Joe Addai (vs SF), and Uncle Owen Daniels (@ BUF). Conversely, Little Sowers has some banged-up receivers--Andre Johnson (@ BUF), Percy Harvin (@ GB)--and the not-quite-trustworthy Kyle Orton (@ BAL) at QB. If Steve Jackson (@ DET) doesn't get in the end zone this week it may never happen and we love Tony Gates (vs OAK). We'll take the team in ascent, but only by a hair. Sneaky play: Tashard Choice (vs SEA). Little Sowers 63, Pastor Mike 60. 

Trader Dave (3-3) vs. Pastor Jon (4-3)

Pastor Jon finds himself in the rare position as a favorite against a Trader Dave squad that is still beaming from a rivalry win over the Beloved Commissioner. Can he handle the pressure? We sincerely doubt it. While we love A-Rodge (vs MIN) and Miles Austin (vs SEA), we're not so high on DeAngelo Williams (@AZ) and Ray Rice (vs DEN). Trader Dave has fantasy MVP Peyton Manning (vs SF), an overdue Greg Jennings (vs MIN) and the cockroach-like Thomas Jones (vs MIA). Look for Mike Sims-Walker to go for two scores against the hapless Titans and TD to knock Johnny down a peg or nine. Sneaky play: Devin Hester (vs CLE). Trader Dave 72, Pastor Jon 49.

Pastor Kirk (3-4) vs. Team Tommy (2-5)

It's do-or-die time for Pastor Kirk. If he can't beat Team Tommy this week we're going to go ahead and remove him from playoff contention. Unfortunately for Kirk, Tommy's trio of Cowboys (Romo, Barber, Witten) get the Seahags at home and Michael Turner (@ NO) will be largely responsible for saving the Falcons' season in a must-win game in New Orleans. Kirk's running backs concern us. Ryan Grant didn't do much against the Vikings in Week 4 and the Mike Bell move seems a little too cute. Sneaky play: Torry Holt (@ TEN). Team Tommy 67, Pastor Kirk 60.

Pastor Steve (4-3) vs. Team Timmy (5-2)

What's that smell? It's the Game of the Week! With Tom Brady, Wes Welker and New England on bye, surely Steve is ripe for the picking, right? Wrong. Joe Flacco (vs DEN) will perform admirably in Brady's stead and Ronnie Brown (@ NYJ) loves running against the Jets. Also, if Matt Forte (vs CLE) doesn't put up 10 points this week Steve should cut his overrated ass. Sneaky play: Brent Celek (vs NYG). Pastor Steve 83, Team Timmy 56.

Pastor Sowers (3-4) vs. Internet Mike (4-3)

Sowers is hoping Internet Mike is too distracted by the Phillies to pay him any mind but he'll be sorely disappointed when Matty Ryan (@ NO) lights up the Saints in the belly of the undefeated beast and Chris Johnson (vs JAX) goes for 20. Sneaky play: Darren Sproles (vs OAK). Internet Mike 71, Pastor Sowers 48.

TFP (5-2) vs. Pastor Matt (2-5)

As much as we love Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald (vs CAR) against the Panthers we love Adrian Peterson (@ GB) more. Sneaky play: LeSean McCoy (vs NYG). TFP 61, Pastor Matt 56.

Enjoy the games this weekend, lads. Here's a Random Song Worth Your Time.

Is it just us or has "Top Chef: Las Vegas" taken on the stench of a poorly cooked leek?

When a cast is top heavy like this one is (let's face it, we've known for months that the Voltoggio Bros., Kevin, and either Jen or Eli would make up the Final Four) the drama has to come from infighting, hookups, challenge upsets, and maybe a violent outbreak of H1N1. Where has the drama been this year? Sure, Robin's refusal to go away has been a talker, but aside from Eli's "You're not my mom!" fit, has that storyline provided any real intrigue? Frustration, sure, but not drama. And don't tell us the Voltaggios' sibling rivalry is keeping you glued to the TV because their petty bickering grew tiresome around the same time Michael hogged the Gladware Wrapping Station.

Last year was top heavy, too, but that cast featured petulant genius Stefan, the Hosea/Leah hookup, bitchy Jamie, lady killer Fabio, and Carla's Cinderella run to the finals.

Season 4 wasn't as top heavy, but it had much more personality, including challenge-dominating Richard Blais, mischievous Spike, funny guy Andrew ("I have a culinary boner right now."), life partners Jennifer and Zoi, abrasive Lisa, plus steady-as-she-goes Antonia and eventual winner Stephanie. Maybe the talent wasn't as strong, but the depth of characters certainly made up for it.

The producers at Bravo need to be pay closer attention to how they mix the cast. You can take a chance on some green chefs, but you have to go all Real World on it and grab some boozers, backstabbers and hornballs. Just sayin'.

For this week's Quickfire Challenge, Vegas food heavy Paul Bartolotta had the chefs produce an updated version of the TV dinner. This challenge was sponsored by TV Guide, which we were suprised to learn is still in circulation. The chefs drew TV shows for inspiration with Mike I. taking "Seinfield" (which he'd never seen... WTF?), Kevin getting "The Sopranos," Eli drawing "Gilligan's Island" ("20 years before my TV time," he said), Bryan getting "M*A*S*H," Mike V. drawing "Cheers," Robin getting "Sesame Street," and Jen ending up with "The Flintstones." (She identified with Pebbles, who often had her hair pulled by beau Bam-Bam, and that "can be fun sometimes." Easy there, Kinky McFetish.) As the challenge went on we learned that Robin didn't watch TV on the hairy armpit commune where she was raised, and Bryan and Michael were only exposed to TV dinners when their parents split and they were forced to move in with their dad (good times!). For his winning meatballs, Kevin was awarded his very own frozen dessert in the Schwan's food delivery catalog. So, not only is TV Guide still a viable publication, but somewhere in this country homes are still visited by the Schwan's Man. One box of orange push-ups and a dozen breaded chicken fillets, please!

Moving onto the Elimination Challenge, the chefs were informed that for one night only they'd be taking over Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak (we've never understood that name but Tom has done well for himself so, whatever). After they all rushed to the restaurant's kitchen to rummage through the massive cuts of protein like Armageddon was approaching, Tom introduced the episode's special judge: Vegetarian Natalie Portman. Get it? They're in a steakhouse and they have to prepare vegetarian entrees! Hahahahaha.

Of course Robin was the only chef who feigned confidence (I'm going to shine on this challenge!".) No doubt. After all, she grew up making carrot loaf and lima bean chops for her mountain people brethren so how hard could it be to make a veggie delight for the star of Garden State and her entourage? Seemed like everyone wanted to work with meaty eggplant but Eli ended up winning an orange peel toss with Jen for the rights. Jen was really taken aback by the vegetarian curveball. Her team lost restaurant wars and she's found herself in the Bottom more often than the Top lately. Nobody needed a win more than her and going green for this Elimination didn't play to her strengths at all. Mike I. seemed nonchalent, saying that he knows how to cook vegetarian because his mother is vegan. OK, then why is it that you don't know how to cook a friggin' leek, smart guy? The Voltaggios were super cool, going about their business in workmanlike fashion, although Michael let us know that he was incorporating a million components into his dish, which required chopped hazelnuts and a flamethrower. Then there's Eli. While he respects Portman in her career ("Star Wars is the most important thing in the world") he does not support her lifestyle choice, going so far as to say vegetarians are a lower form of human being. OK then! Eli doesn't always think before he speaks but give the chubby wunderkind some credit, his confit of eggplant and lentils with a bright herb salad looked amazing. Like, Padme in Episode II amazing.

During service things got a little weird. First, Robin's stuffed zucchini with beets was short a dozen or so fresh garbanzos. The judges seemed to like it well enough, almost assuring us that Robin would be back when the show returns in two weeks (programming note, next week is a reunion special). Eli's eggplant went over just so-so and then Mike V. dazzled the diners with his asparagus medley, Japanese tomato sashimi and banana/polenta mush. The "Mmmmm"s were unanimous. Jen couldn't have followed a worse dish. Her plate was small, she was second-guessing her concept, and her hands were shaking like Mickey Rourke's when he doesn't get his morning bourbon. She splashed sauce everywhere and looked extremely defeated as she walked away from the table. "It feels like a collection of sides," said Portman.

Mike I. and his misplaced bravado was up next. His roasted leeks reeked and when asked "Where's the protein?" He said he prepared the leeks as a protein. Uh, leeks aren't a protein, buddy, no matter how you prepare them. If Padma had her way we think she would have told him to pack his knived right then and there. "Purple is my favorite color," shrieked Portman. This is the kind of spot-on analysis we look for from our "Top Chef" guest judges. But she's way better-looking than Toby.

Next came Bryan and his artichoke dish. "It's like a prick on my tongue," said Padma, which got chuckles from the dirty birds in attendance. When she tasted the garlic blossoms, she added, "very tiny in size but bigger in your mouth." Wait for it... "It went from a little prick to big in your mouth," quipped Tom. [insert rim-shot here] "That's what usually happens!" blurted one of Portman's hottie friends. Whee! It's like a "Top Chef Roast"!

Don't forget about our Ginger Bear. He came on last with his kale and mushroom dish and everyone agreed that his was the most filling entree. He landed in the Top with Michael V. (who got another Picasso comparison, this time from Portman) and Eli, who despite his relative inexperience is suddenly gaining steam in this competition. Kevin earned the clean sweep and a suite of GE Monogram appliances. While he was happy that the judges acknowledged his ability to cook sans meat, he seemed truly underwhelmed by the prize. We learned earlier that his grandmother still cooks breakfast for his entire family every morning. Wouldn't Meema appreciate a new stainless steel range? Sheesh. There's no pleasing some people. Mike V. did not take the loss well. "I could have made that dish in 20 minutes," he scoffed. What a brat.

The news was worse for Jen, Robin and Mike I, who ended up in the Bottom. While Jen didn't execute and Robin's stuffed zucchini bombed, it was Mike I.'s unreppentant attitude that got him sent home. Robin lives to underwhelm another day. Really though, it is Jen who should be the most thankful. She really dodged a bullet and had better find away to recharge her culinary battery or she'll be the next to go.

In Fantasy Top Chef, Kevin's Quickfire and Elimination challenge wins gave TFP a commanding lead. See you in two weeks.

Before we get to this week's picks, here's the updated Women of TFP Power Poll:

1) Christina Hendricks - Joan Holloway, Mad Men

Despite marrying this guy last week, Hendricks will remain atop these here standings until someone comes along and knocks here off. And wouldn't you pay $49.95 to get that cage fight on pay-per-view?

2) Elizabeth Mitchell - Dr. Juliet Burke, LOST / V

V, the reboot of the 1984 Marc Singer-led mini-series about aliens who come to Earth under the guise of friendship, debuts on ABC Nov. 2 and not only does it star our LOST crush Mitchell, but Scott Wolf (Party of Five) and Morris Chestnut (Ricky from Boyz In the Hood and countless other Soul Food-like black dramedies) are also involved.

3) Lauren Graham - Gilmore Girls / Parenthood

When Maura Tierney dropped out of NBC's Parenthood to undergo treatment for breast cancer, the door opened for Graham to return to prime-time TV, this time on a real network. The show, based on the woefully underrated Steve Martin film, also stars Sports Night / Six Feet Under / Dirty Sexy Money star Peter Krause and former TFP pinup Monica Potter. We're cautiously optimistic about Parenthood but there's nothing cautious about our love for Graham.

4) Kaley Cuoco - Penny, The Big Bang Theory

This show has grown on us over the past 12 months and so too as Cuoco, who despite being born in California has an intangible Nordic / Midwesterny vibe that we wholeheartedly dig. Plus, we're fierce advocates for the rights of geeks to date hot chicks, unless that chick is anyone on this list.

5) Abigail Spencer - Miss Farrell, Mad Men**

We all "know how this ends" for her and Don Draper but let's just hope they can keep their tryst secret long enough for Miss Farrell to show up drunk at the Draper house wearing nothing but a London Fog raincoat.

**Biggest Climber of the Week

OK, enough heavy breathing. Let's get picking!

Last Week: 5-1

Season: 20-16

Pastor Mike (1-5) vs. Pastor Jon (4-2)

We'd like to say this is the week that Pastor Mike stops the bleeding in what has been a forgettable season by his lofty, two-title standards, but we can't. Pastor Jon is on a serious roll and coming off a 102-point explosion last week in a win over Internet Mike. This week he's missing Ray Rice (bye) but he picked up Laurence Maroney (vs TB in London), who untrustworthy as he generally is doesn't have any serious threats to steal carries other than Ben Jarvis Brian Austin Green Ellis. Aaron Rodgers (@CLE) and DeAngelo Williams (vs BUF) should be enough to mask Jon's deficient WRs (pickup du jour Miles Austin, vanilla Devin Hester and Native American-cursed Santana Moss) and help him beat a team he's supposed to beat. That said, if Jon loses he's back to being who we thought he was. Sneaky play: Tashard Choice (vs ATL), who will lead all Dallas RBs in points this week.  Pastor Jon 70, Pastor Mike 52.

Trader Dave (3-3) vs. Pastor Kirk (3-3)

What's that smell?? It's the Game of the Week! Yeah, yeah, they're both .500 but you've never felt intensity like sitting in Pastor Kirk's mancave during a Trader Dave/Pastor Kirk matchup, laptops buzzing and the remote smoking from flipping back-and-forth between the Packers and Vikings games. It's a real pressure cooker. This one comes down to who needs the win more, and in this case it's Trader Dave. We like the Peyton Manning to Austin Collie (@STL) bit and Greg Jennings (@CLE) has to score sometime, right? Biggest X-Factor? Without a doubt, it's LaDanian Tomlinson (@KC). Sproles isn't taking goal line carries so if LDT can't score this week we may have to buy a plot for him at the fantasy cemetary. Sure, Kirk has Drew Brees (@MIA) , Randy Moss (vs. TB in London) and Tony Gonzalez (@DAL) but what about the rest of the team? Where are the points going to come from? Johnny Knox (@CIN), Mohammed Massaquoi (vs. GB)? Ryan Grant (@CLE)? Leon freaking Washington (@OAK)? We're not seeing it. Sneak play: Collie. Trader Dave 82, Pastor Kirk 71.

Team Tommy (1-5) vs. Team Timmy (5-1)

If you're looking for an upset, look elsewhere. Big Ben (vs MIN) might outscore Tommy's entire team. Timmy's team continues to build steam with Steve Slaton (vs SF), Mario Manningham (vs AZ) and Steve Breaston (@NYG) all trending upward. We don't anticipate Rashard Mendenhall (vs MIN) getting into the endzone but he's a nice play in heavy performance leagues (see what Rice, Ray did to the Vikings in Week 6). The only chance Tommy has is if there's a shootout in Dallas between the Cowboys and Falcons. He's got Romo (split personality disorder), Michael Turner (didn't run well against the Bears but seems to score every week), Marion Barber (banged up and splitting carries with both Tashard Choice and Felix Jones) and Jason Witten (horribly underused in the red zone). We honestly can't see more than 25 total points from those four players and that's not enough. Sneaky play: Watch Lee Evans (@CAR) with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB. Two scores wouldn't surprise us in the least. Team Timmy 68, Team Tommy 54.

Little Sowers (4-2) vs. Internet Mike (4-2)

Love Internet Mike's fleet of WR/TE--Marques Colston (@MIA), Hines Ward (vs MIN), Dwayne Bowe (vs SD), and Dallas Clark (@STL)--and our favorite non-Viking player in the NFL, Matt Ryan, should feast in Dallas. Not crazy about the Reggie Bush (@MIA) play but whatever. Little Sowers should get big games from Antonio Gates (@KC) and all-world Andre Johnson (vs SF) but we hate Carson Palmer (vs CHI) and the Longwell/MIN (@PIT) combo. Sneaky play: Chester Taylor (@PIT), who will be the leading receiver for the Vikings and vulture a TD. Bring your daughter to the slaughter. Internet Mike 85, Little Sowers 52.

Pastor Sowers (2-4) vs. Pastor Matt (2-0)

We're fascinated by the comeback story of Cedric Benson (vs CHI) but we don't like the matchup here (the Bears did a great job against Michael Turner). Steve Smith 2.0 (vs AZ) has disappeared and while Clinton Portis (vs PHI) has been the only consistent scorer on a diseased Redskins team we think he'll be contained by a furious Eagles defense that was embarrassed by the Raiders last week. All of this points to a win for Pastor Matt, who should benefit from Pierre Thomas (@MIA) reestablishing himself as the alpha dog of the New Orleans backfield and Vincent Jackson (@KC) gashing the Chiefs' secondary. Sneaky play: Dustin Keller (@OAK), who had 10 targets last week against the Bills. Pastor Matt 54, Pastor Sowers 48.

TFP (5-1) vs. Pastor Steve (3-3)

If you think our calling TFP a fraud is just a bit, just look at the starting lineup: Sid Rice (@PIT), Ted Ginn (vs NO), Carnell Williams (vs NE in London), Buffalo (@CAR). Makes you vomit a little, right? Conversely, look at Pastor Steve's juggernaut featuring Brady and Welker (vs TB in London), Chad Johnson (vs CHI), overdue Matt Forte (@CIN) and super stud Ronnie Brown (vs NO). Sneaky play: Hakeem Nicks (vs AZ), who has scored in three straight games. Pastor Steve 77, TFP 40.

Thanks, peeps. Have a great weekend and enjoy this Random Song Worth Your Time.

Last night was the always hotly anticipated Restaurant Wars episode of "Top Chef: Las Vegas" and that's all well and good but before we run through what happened in the Quickfire, who got into a fight, who won money, and who got sacked, we need to share with you some broader observations:

* While the Restaurant Wars concept always seems sexy, it's totally played out. And last night's challenge even removed the decor portion of the challenge, which in years past has often supplied the most entertainment. Bad move. Frankly, we found last night's Elimination Challenge far more engrossing. 

* The only drama remaining this season is who won't make the final between Jen and Kevin. There's only three spots in the last show and at this point there's zero chance both Voltaggio Brothers don't advance all the way through. Jen has shown some chinks in her armor as of late (a real double-edged sword as she's become more and more likeable with each imperfection) so we're leaning toward Ginger Bear.

* Padma should wear jeans more often. She broke out some denim for last night's Quickfire and looked great. Dressing more casually somehow masked her wenchiness.

* The Robin subplot has expired. First it was eyebrow-raising, then it became alarming, then we got angry and now we just don't flipping care. Regardless of what happened during Restaurant Wars, she simply doesn't belong at this stage of the competition and everytime we see her we think about who could actually be doing something with her spot (Mattin comes to mind).

* The Kumbaya vibe in the house has detracted from the drama of the show. Really, everyone gets along with everyone except for Robin, whom everyone else hates, and the Voltaggio Brothers, who fight like a couple of six-year-olds sharing an Optimus Prime action figure.

* We miss Gail terribly. Yes, we miss her overall sex appeal but really we miss her critiques. The producers need to come to the realization that the Toby Young experiment has been a complete failure. Not only does he not provide a single shred of culinary insight (we've already got Padma for that), but he's no longer acerbic or funny.

ANYWAY, last night's awesome Quickfire, guest judged by eco-friendly chef Rick Moonen (who owns a green seafood restaurant at Mandalay Bay), split the 8 remaining contestants into two teams and had them make one dish, with each team member cooking in 10-minute shifts. Oh, and there were a couple of interesting twists: 1) No talking about the dish; and 2) When you weren't cooking, you were to be blindfolded. Nice little test of the chefs' improvizational skills. Jen's blue team (Laurine, Mike Isabella and Kevin) ended up defeating Mike V's red team (Bryan, Eli and Robin) by doing some pan-seared sablefish, a sustainable breed, and sauteed mushrooms in a stock of shrimp and ginger. The blue team's only misstep came when Jen described the dish by saying they used trout. Oops. No matter, Moonen gave them the nod (and $10,000 to be split) over the red team's pan-roasted New York strip. The blue team opted to let their winnings ride for a chance to win $10K each in Restaurant Wars. Padma must like to bet on the ponies because anytime someone gambles (like when Kevin took cash over immunity), she lauds their bravado.

With the teams set for Restaurant Wars, Moonen opened up two floors of his restaurant and Padma gave each restaurant $1,500 to spend at Whole Foods and another $1,500 to spend at Restaurant Depot. Moonen's only instruction was to respect his restaurant (duh) and make conscientious dishes (to be completely honesty, we're not even sure what that means).

The shopping trips were ho-hum but we did find out each restaurant names/themes. The Voltaggios went with REVOLT (as in uprising/revolution not gag/puke) to symbolize their EXTREME cooking. Regrettably, the name also stands for Robin, Eli and VOLTaggio. Get it?? Jen's team went with The Mission in an ode to the architecture style and simplicity (an obvious ass-kiss move to the guest judge... well played).

In the all-important strategic move of who to put in the front of the house (this year, the front of the house would also be responsible for one dish on the team's menu) REVOLT went with Eli. (This made sense for three reasons: 1) Eli is the only personable member on the team; 2) The Voltaggios couldn't not be in the kitchen; and 3) Robin would chase the patrons away with her annoying chatter.) The Mission opted to put Laurine in the front of the house. This struck us as an odd choice considering Michael Isabella's personality and management experience. Advantage: REVOLT.

For the menus, REVOLT offered up Michael V's chicken and calamari and cod with billi bi sauce, Bryan V's duo of beef and chocolate ganache with spearmint ice cream, Eli's smoked arctic char, and Robin's pear tart. The Mission countered with Mike I's asparagus with six-minute egg and arctic char tartare, Jen's seared trout and bouillabaisse, Kevin's pork three ways and lamb with carrot jam. A couple of things stand out here: Laurine didn't take sole control of a dish, instead co-authoring on the lamb with Kevin. Also, no dessert. This was a really bad move since nearly every Restaurant War comes down to dessert execution. Advantage: REVOLT.

REVOLT won the war (Tom C. went so far as to dub them the best restaurant in the show's six-season history) but not before Mike V showed his true colors as an arrogant jerkwad. He bullied his teammates and even got into a cursing spat with Robin because she wouldn't allow him to take control of her only dish. Good for Robin. She didn't back down but that didn't stop Mike from trying to take partial credit for the pear tart (which was unanimously loved) at judges' table. There's no doubting the dude's immense talent, but he's obviously got a lot to learn about how to treat people if he's ever going to go into business for himself. It's really unfortunate that he was awarded the $10K top prize because if the judges could have seen how he acted in the kitchen they probably would have given the money to his brother. Speaking of which, Michael tried to make good with his teammates by splitting his windfall but Bryan would have none of it: "It's your money. You won it, you keep it." It's abundantly clear that the Voltaggios are far more concerned with their one-on-one scorecard than any cash prizes or team wins. It's ugly pride, really.

Somebody had to go home and this week it was Laurine, who mismanaged the front of the house and didn't stop Kevin's undercooked lamb from going out. It was a fairly obvious call by the judges but Laurine's teammates took the news very hard. Kevin was pissed at himself for having a hand in Laurine's demise and a sobbing Jen, upon learning that her trout sauce arrived at the tables broken replied, "I feel broken right now, too." Between her awful trout dish and her unfortunate decision to steam clams and mussels to order, Jen really thought she was going home. "You deserve to stay here," Laurine told her during their emotional goodbyes. We gotta say, we got a little teary-eyed during that closing scene.

With Mike V's win (and Laurine's exit), Joe G. (34 points) inched closer to TFP (36 points) in Fantasy Top Chef. Joe was the last team to have two chefs remaining in the competition so now it's six teams with one chef each (Robin went undrafted). Should be a hoot all the way to the finish.

See you next week, when we fully expect to see either Mike Isabella or Robin pack their knives and go home.