I think that I finally understand why I enjoy cooking shows.

In a strange correlation, I also think I get why people like shows about true crime or serial killers.

For me, shows about cooking expose the polar extreme perspective of food from mine. In general, aside from treating to some thing a little more fancy for a birthday or anniversary, or indulging in “catering” for a special event, food is more functional for me. I know what my body requires, and the elements it craves, and I select the meal based on what I sense will be the best option. Sometimes I even chose my meal based on the best perceived value. Very rarely do I select food for aesthetics, playfulness, or plate appeal, as seems to be the desired result of cooking shows. I don’t care if my chicken wing has the exact coating of sauce on it. If the icing on a slice of cake is smudged, I don’t believe that will destroy the sugar to buttercream ratio. If I get four pieces of asparagus with my steak, and my tablemate gets the same steak, but with seven pieces of asparagus, I don’t cry foul. If my pancakes aren’t instagram worthy, I add some more butter and  syrup, and smile as I enjoy the taste.

How does this take relate to people who watch serial killer tv?

Because the relevant correlation is about extremes.

I’m fascinated by shows about turning  edible household ingredients into a blender shaped cake, in the same way that people who nurture their plants by speaking to them every morning are fascinated by someone who would chop up their cousin because they stole their Barbie at a family gathering around second or third grade.

It’s a curious desire to understand behavior that seems of another planet compared to our norms.   We can’t seem to grasp the unbelievable time, effort, commitment, and moral compromise it takes to do something that we couldn’t fathom doing ourselves.

So, serial killer show people, I get you. Cooking show people, I get you too. Let agree though, since we understand each other now, to not claim we are true experts in either cooking or serial killers though. We are just entertainment consumers, who can appreciate each other for what we are.

Humbly yours,

J