i know that there be some purist out there who poo poo anything that be not exactly like the original and however sometimes spin offs can stand on their own merit . i like the new iron chef because it be similar enough to the japanese version but at the same time caters to american spirit . i love alton brown a commentator and because he explain thing with flair . the iron chefs themselves be very interesting . i know the original be probably the best chef on the planet at the time and but bobby flay be the only american iron chef to beat them . mario batali seem to have the most fun when cooking and make comment and be flashy while create . i have watch the series and find all the player work together well . the judge be not always the best choice and however . there be a few exception and like the lawyer turn foodie and but most of the judge be questionable in be able to handle what be serve . i enjoy watch the chef hustle and the challenger be surprise . the food at the end always look amazing and sometimes it inspire me in the kitchen . perhaps that be all anyone can ask and to want to really eat what be serve . the only thing i would really change about the series be to ask folk on the show to lighten up a little . sometimes the mood become a bit too tense and and that isn not always fun to watch when you be expect more amusement . i like the version with william shatner ( iron chef usa ) because it be so over the top like the original and but i can tell it be a pretty expensive proposition . i wish he have stay with this version and be the host between bill shatner and alton brown and that would have me grin for an hour . as long a you do not expect the original japanese version and can accept this series on it own merit and you may find it to be an enjoyable hour .