I wanna get some character reactions going -- how would the Bright Oak crew support MC in a hot sauce/pepper eating contest? 👀 I'm envisioning something akin to the Hot Ones interviews from First We Feast, or taking on a spicy challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings. Would anyone participate in solidarity (or competitiveness?!) Is anyone staying strictly in the sidelines with a glass of milk?
Ooh, that's a fun one! Let's see...
Sparrow would immediately be at the MC's side with a glass of milk, caught between amusement, concern, and wondering why on earth someone would willingly participate in something both uncomfortable and public in nature.
John would sit down and try to join in solidarity, only to immediately tap out.
Marybeth would push him out of the way, taking his spot and tucking in with gusto. A few snide remarks in, and Sparrow forgets that he's there in a support role, and has been roped into competing against Marybeth.
Patti waits, arms folded, until both combatants have tears streaming down their faces but are too stubborn to quit, and then seats herself primly across from the MC, spreads a napkin on her lap, and plates a serving for herself. Her unswervingly calm demeanor immediately makes both Marybeth and Sparrow feel like children, and they use the opportunity to throw in the towel, both reverting to solicitous support of the MC-- and promptly turning *that* into a competition as well, at least until John derails them and tells them to settle down, at which point they unite against him.
Meanwhile, Jasper observes the MC closely, reaches out and takes their plate, samples a small amount, and snorts in disgust. Insisting that the balance of heat and flavor is completely off, he removes all food from the table before anyone can stop him, and commandeers the kitchen. It is anyone's guess whether this is done out of misguided consideration for the MC, or if he simply did not understand the purpose of the contest at hand. Either way, everyone eats VERY well once he's finished-- which still doesn't stop everyone but Patti from complaining about Jasper's ruining the contest.
