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Thanks for the Tears, Paul and Prue

A heartbreaking Great British Baking Show decision underlines what an all-timer this season is.

Nelly’s “Woman in Autumn” cake, decorated with self-portraits of her younger and current selves in vibrant frosting, was glorious to look at (“A terrific achievement,” said Prue), but the flavor combination of spinach sponge, plum jam, and chocolate and avocado cream was too chaotic. There’s often a rough-around-the-edges working-class guy with a surprising flair, a first-gen or immigrant contestant whose ingredients blow Paul’s mind, and an older man or woman whose homey — or, in GBBS parlance, “rustic” — style was shaped by the bakes their families loved. Dylan’s hottie appeal is partially derived from the tension of a dude who looks like he takes style cues from Rufio (complimentary) delivering such luxurious and delicate bakes, while Nelly’s forthrightness about the personal inspirations behind her offerings (her five unborn children with her husband, her own aging) are an endearing counter to her amused insouciance.

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