When the chefs get alligator in the first baskets, they rush to come up with smart ways to utilize it, but they soon learn their gator plans might be difficult to execute. One chef must pivot in the middle of the entrée round to avoid having to sheepishly present undercooked lamb to the judges. In the dessert round, an ice cream machine fiasco spells trouble for one of the competitors.

Peaches and pancetta in the appetizer basket make for an alliterative and creative first round. An unusual pork product in the entrée basket is a little bit gory and more than a little bit difficult to make shine on the plate. Can the chefs figure out the best use for it? Then, big setbacks in the last round make plating a huge challenge for one of the finalists.