‘The Great British Baking Show’ Season 5, Episode 5 Recap: Pie Week

Eight bakers arrived back in The Great British Baking Show marquee to take on the newest trilogy of Berry-Hollywood challenges. (Mel Giedroyc also made a welcome return.) At the half way point of the competition, things were getting serious for Pie Week. Not to be confused, of course, with pi week which celebrates the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Though if you think about it many pies are round…

And while I'm digressing anyway, let's review last week's results. Dessert Week was sweet for Brendan. All his bakes got superior marks which culminated in his being awarded the Star Baker title for his skill, dexterity and flair.  Sue referred to his retro design clementine and chestnut signature torte as a flourless anti-depressant. His crème caramel earned the first-place spot for its nice caramel, lovely texture and delightful wobble. And for the hat trick, his pear, chocolate and hazelnut dacquoise showstopper towered above the other layered meringue desserts.

Unfortunately, Stuart’s luck finally ran out.  With a messy, sub-par signature, an eighth-place ranking in the technical and a doorstop of a showstopper, it was Stuart who was eliminated. The teacher had a few promising bakes in previous weeks, but he couldn’t deliver as consistently as some of the others who had upped their games.