Move over Friends, there’s another reunion special happening on TV this week. That’s right, it’s Second Chance Week on MasterChef, an opportunity for two eliminated contestants to cook their way back into the competition.

Over the next five episodes, the ex-contestants have the chance to win back a MasterChef apron so they can once again protect their clothes.

Look at them cooking without aprons like us peasants at home #MasterChefAU

— Lynn K. (@_lynnnnk) May 31, 2021

But first, let us take a moment to appreciate Mel, who is also back today. Don’t you ever, EVER! leave us again.

Elbow bumps are so last week and the contestants, new and old, share one, big, joyous hug, in a way that makes all of Victoria feel really uncomfortable right now.  

Today also happens to be Coles promo day, as specified in the sponsorship contract, page 572, paragraph seven. 

The returning contestants must choose a current contestant to select a key ingredient on their behalf from a Coles supermarket because the Coles pantry doesn’t have the level of signage they require for this particular branding exercise.

I hope they pick crocodile for Tom#masterchefau

— I simp for Lady Dimitrescu (@shroomkin82) May 31, 2021

“I’m looking for some pork and I need something that’s quite fatty,” Dan asks a “Coles employee”, in a totally normal and completely unstaged interaction, the kind of conversation that could easily take place at any Coles supermarket across the country.

“Our 100% Australian free-range pork is delicious,” the “Coles worker” responds, in what appears to be a cry for help.

I love that little interaction Dan had with the Coles worker.
“Can you show me some fatty pork?”
“ALL OUR 100% AUSTRALIAN RAISED PORK AT COLES IS DELICIOUS AT COLES OH GOOD PLEASE HELP THEY HAVE MY FAMILY”#masterchefau

— I simp for Lady Dimitrescu (@shroomkin82) May 31, 2021

Linda decides to buy a quail from Coles, as you do, and it comes neatly wrapped in brown paper, as Coles always does it.

Turns out Dan is Mr Popular, and has been asked to buy ingredients for four contestants today.

Dan to all the former contestants:#MasterchefAu 😂 pic.twitter.com/lG1NNtfSs6

— Hanny Bee 🐝 (@Hanniebee852) May 31, 2021

He comes back with pork belly for Eric, who gives him some serious side-eye for the choice.

Dan suggests making dumplings with it, and Eric agrees that’s a great idea, and decides he is happy with the pork belly after all.  He chose the ingredients and came up with the dish, is there anything else you would like Dan to do for you now Eric, or can he go up to the gantry?

Unfortunately, Jess has learnt nothing in her time away and comes back for a second shot, only to make charred lettuce again.

STOP TRYING TO MAKE CHARRED LETTUCE HAPPEN #MasterchefAU

— Erin von Krumpet (@erinaree) May 31, 2021

Therese gets ginger, which seems an odd choice for the ‘dessert queen’. She decides to cook a savoury dish because she wants to show the judges that she can cook savoury and no one cares! This cook is about getting back in the competition not about showing your versatility. You should have played to your strengths!

Minoli decides to make a dish that covers all the flavours of a traditional Sri Lankan spread. Jock doesn’t quite understand the concept and demands to know the thickness of the beetroot dish, and whether it will be a sauce or purée, as if it somehow holds the key to it all.

Dan chooses lemon for Conor, which is not quite as good as oregano or feta, but it’s still Greek so he’s pretty happy about it.  Conor shows he’s moved on from the olive ice cream and makes octopus with lemon labneh and zhoug instead.

I have missed Conor’s walks to present his dishes
#MasterchefAU

— Michelle 🐿💨 (@MichelleMackey1) May 31, 2021

While a lot of dishes impress today, the judges announce the top four belong to Conor, Minoli, Katrina and Eric, who will go through to a pressure test tomorrow, with the winner earning a place back in the competition.