It was a tense night for Top Chef fans, and the doling out of the results was a study in suspense and misdirection that a lot of reality TV programs could learn from.  Top Chef fans had pegged one of the Voltaggio brothers (Michael and Bryan) to take the prize.  They have been pegged as the most prolific of the chefs in contention since the beginning of the season.  Comparing Voltaggio to Voltaggio, Michael appeared to be a more competent 'competitor,' while Bryan often demonstrated the most creativity and innovation.  Michael, in other words, was better at playing the game while Bryan maintained the air of an artist throughout and stayed true to his craft.

The dark horse was Kevin.  Kevin, looking like Michael Myers from the last Halloween movie with his wild beard and hair, was the exception to the culinary arts rule.  Simplicity and competency were his top weapons, but it was always known that he lacked the flash to take on either of the brothers, even the more restrained Bryan. So it was no surprise when Kevin was the first to be eliminated.

Throughout the finale, though, the editors of Top Chef sold the impression that Bryan was coming out of his shell for a last ditch grab at the win.  Michael, who had won numerous bonus challenges, was - apparently - outclassed at last.  But this was not the case.  Michael, took the spot as Top Chef.

In terms of taking an obvious outcome and making it suspenseful, the Top Chef gang did a brilliant job.  Congrats to them on keeping Top Chef watchable MONTHS after it was strongly predicted that Michael would win the show.