Even with Rock's buttons being pushed and going a bit crazy after the lobster challenge, he is STILL the only person on the show who hasn't been called up for elimination. He's got what it takes. Julia has a strong start and was really showing the girls what she could do, but I feel like she's peaked and is just starting to slide downhill a little. It would be awesome for whoever wins Hell's Kitchen to offer her a position in the kitchen - it'll be mutually beneficial since Julia can definitely cook and she'd be in an awesome environment to learn about fine dining. The only person right now I think that can give Rock any competition is Jen. She really picked up her game in today's episode, but I can't help thinking of her as garbage woman.

I know she hasn't been at her best lately, but I just love her.

I agree on the Rock assessment. He's still the man to beat. As he said Michael, "The only person who can beat Rock is Rock". And he showed how true that was tonight by allowing Ramsay to get to him. Ramsay always pushes and taunts the people that he's grooming - it's hard for Rock to see it in the thick of things, but he'll eventually come to see what Ramsay's doing to him as a sign of respect. Ramsay wouldn't push him this way if he didn't think Rock was a contender.

Julia is still amazing to me. She can't win, but there's no doubt in my mind that when Ramsay sends her packing he will have some extremely kind words for her. It's cliche, but she's already a winner in my mind for her tenacity, willingness to learn and humble attitude.

I still don't understand why Bonnie rips on Julia. Bonnie is taking over for Aaron in crying every episode (Julia just cries ever other episode, lol). Bonnie may have *some* knowledge, but Julia is proving a fast learner (how about her cooking the lobster well on her first try with the ingredient?!?).

Jen is emerging as a dark horse. She's worked at the Ritz and with Morimoto? Clearly there is more to her than meets the eye. Prone to poor judgement (as with the trash incident), perhaps she can show some strength late in the game to go toe-to-toe with Rock in the finale? I hope so. It sure as hell won't be Brad or Josh. But if I had to pick between the two "other" guys, I'd go with Brad.

Here's my current strength chart for the remaining chefs:
1. Rock
2. Jen
3. Julia
4. Brad
5. Bonnie
6. Josh

Though at this point the only surprise pick to go home in the next episode would be Rock. I could see any of the others exiting at any point.