I watched the season premiere last night and enjoyed it, though with this series as well as the originating British series things always start out rather routine seeming, then steadily, with each new hour, gain appeal and momentum as the field of bakers not only is whittled down, but also the strongest contenders, as well as the most interesting or charismatic, increasingly more shine and we get to feeling steadily more invested as the weeks pass.

Judge Sherry Yard certainly has made a remarkable transformation since a year ago, losing a lot of weight and, in general, getting her appearance spiffed up substantially. She looks decidedly younger and much more attractive as a result.