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Changed line(s) 139 (click to see context) from:
* BasementDweller
to:
* BasementDwellerBasementDweller: Literally, seeing as he resides in a dungeon under Alton's house.
Changed line(s) 167 (click to see context) from:
* AbhorrentAdmirer
to:
* AbhorrentAdmirerAbhorrentAdmirer: Alton's visibly freaked out by her because of her stalkerish tendencies.
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Changed line(s) 287 (click to see context) from:
* RealLifeWritesThePlot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost came about because Vicki Eng (the actress who portrays W) was out of the country trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
to:
* RealLifeWritesThePlot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost VirtualGhost came about because Vicki Eng (the actress who portrays W) was out of the country overseas trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
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Changed line(s) 198,199 (click to see context) from:
A chef who appears in early seasons to represent the culinary establishment. [[CaptainObvious He's French. And very angry.]]
to:
A chef who appears in early seasons to represent the culinary establishment. [[CaptainObvious He's French. And very angry.]]
angry.
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How To Write An Example - Don't Write Reviews
Changed line(s) 346 (click to see context) from:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome [=CMoA=]]] with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
to:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome [=CMoA=]]] with uses the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
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Changed line(s) 223,225 (click to see context) from:
Marsha's picky but intelligent daughter. Appears in one episode.
* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]: Her only appearance is in "Undercover Veggies".
* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]: Her only appearance is in "Undercover Veggies".
to:
Marsha's picky but intelligent daughter. Appears in one episode.
episode fully, and a cameo in the 2nd thanksgiving special.
* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]: Heronly appearance is end cameo in "Undercover Veggies".Alton's countdown to T-Day.
* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]: Her
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* AddedAlliterativeAppeal: In "A Chuck for Chuck", Chuck is the owner of a family fun center named Gobble Golf.
Changed line(s) 164,165 (click to see context) from:
AB's "Biggest Fan."
to:
AB's "Biggest Fan."
Fan". Played by Widdi Turner.
* AbhorrentAdmirer
* AbhorrentAdmirer
Changed line(s) 178,179 (click to see context) from:
AB's lawyers, who show up whenever Alton is going to do something potentially dangerous or of questionable legality.
to:
AB's lawyers, who show up whenever Alton is going to do something potentially dangerous or of questionable legality.
legality. Played by Brett Soll and Jim Pace.
Changed line(s) 182 (click to see context) from:
--->Who would have thunk [[EvilLawyerJoke those guys]] would have a problem with a little [[IncrediblyLamePun 'lye']]?
to:
--->Who would have thunk [[EvilLawyerJoke those guys]] would have a problem with a little [[StealthPun little]] [[IncrediblyLamePun 'lye']]?'lye']]?
*** From the same episode, the two lederhosen-clad gentlemen that finished off his jar of mustard are, indeed, Itchy and Twitchy.
*** From the same episode, the two lederhosen-clad gentlemen that finished off his jar of mustard are, indeed, Itchy and Twitchy.
Changed line(s) 205 (click to see context) from:
to:
* YouLookFamiliar: Rooney appears as a chef named Jacques in the episode "A Bowl Full of Onion". Whether or not that's his name is up for debate.
Changed line(s) 226,227 (click to see context) from:
An aged farmer who live down the street from Alton.
to:
An aged farmer who live down the street from Alton.
Alton. Played by Bill Greeley.
Changed line(s) 231,232 (click to see context) from:
* YouLookFamiliar: The same actor plays Alton's grandfather in "Romancing the Bird".
to:
* YouLookFamiliar: The same actor plays Alton's grandfather in "Romancing the Bird".
Bird" and "What's Up, Duck?"
--->'''Alton:''' Who knew he had a brain to wash?
* LargeHam: It's a Bart Hansard role. Would you expect anything else?
Changed line(s) 275 (click to see context) from:
!!'''W (Vicki Wong)'''
to:
Changed line(s) 299 (click to see context) from:
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either [[MotorMouth sped-up English]] with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
to:
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either [[MotorMouth sped-up English]] with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
Changed line(s) 304 (click to see context) from:
* LargeHam: Probably the hammiest character Hansard has played on the show--especially when he and Alton are discussion miso at the deli.
to:
* LargeHam: Probably the hammiest character Hansard has played on the show--especially when he and Alton are discussion discussing miso at the deli.
Changed line(s) 311,312 (click to see context) from:
The spirit of George Washington Carver, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, who is known for popularizing the usage of the peanut in the American south. Seen in the episode "Peanut Gallery".
to:
The spirit of George Washington Carver, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, who is known for popularizing the usage of the peanut in the American south. Seen in the episode "Peanut Gallery".
Gallery". Played by B.J. Winfrey.
Changed line(s) 322 (click to see context) from:
* InventionPretension: Alton would bring up something peanut-related and Carver would go "I invented that"....most notably concerning peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.
to:
* InventionPretension: Alton would bring up something peanut-related and Carver would go "I invented that"....that"... most notably concerning peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.
Changed line(s) 330 (click to see context) from:
--> '''Carver:''' If that’s the way you want to play, then that’s the way we’ll play. (EvilLaugh)
to:
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* InventionPretension: Alton would bring up something peanut-related and Carver would go "I invented that"....most notably concerning peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.
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Changed line(s) 216 (click to see context) from:
!!'''Marsha Junior "MJ" Brady'''
to:
!!'''Marsha Junior "MJ" Brady'''Brady, Junior'''
Played by Zoey Brown.
Played by Zoey Brown.
Changed line(s) 297 (click to see context) from:
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either sped-up English with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
to:
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either [[MotorMouth sped-up English English]] with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
Changed line(s) 323 (click to see context) from:
'''Alton:''' Actually, there are allergists out there who believe that it’s because of overexposure. Perhaps you invented too many uses for the peanut.\\
to:
'''Alton:''' Actually, there are allergists out there who believe that it’s because of overexposure. Perhaps you invented too many ''too many'' uses for the peanut.\\
Changed line(s) 335 (click to see context) from:
* CheeseEatingSurrenderMonkeys: Averted! Once he's introduced, [[KillItWithFire he appears with a flamethrower mounted on his back]]. He puts it to good use once the Food Police helicopter arrives outside Alton's house. Pasteur blows up the helicopter... [[TakingYouWithMe along with himself]] in the scuffle.
to:
* CheeseEatingSurrenderMonkeys: Averted! Once he's introduced, [[KillItWithFire he appears with a flamethrower mounted on his back]]. He puts it to good use once the Food Police helicopter arrives outside Alton's house. Pasteur blows up the helicopter... [[TakingYouWithMe helicopter--[[TakingYouWithMe along with himself]] in himself]]--in the scuffle.
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* BunnyEarsLawyer: Despite his advanced age and [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} rather goofy personality]], he clearly knows what he's doing when it comes to cooking.
Changed line(s) 182 (click to see context) from:
to:
* OurLawyersAdvisedThisTrope: They have a habit of "serving" Alton with disclaimers to read.
Changed line(s) 186 (click to see context) from:
* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and gourds, for example), the Lady has risen from a vat of pickling vine or covered in pumpkin innards, respectively. She was... appropriately displeased.
to:
* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and gourds, for example), the Lady has risen from a vat of pickling vine brine or covered in pumpkin innards, respectively. She was... appropriately displeased.
* {{Expy}}: The voice resembles that of the Roving Gnome from the Travelocity commercials.
Changed line(s) 268 (click to see context) from:
to:
** Occasionally, Thing will [[{{Pun}} hand]] one of these to Alton. Most commonly it's a mandolin (the musical instrument) instead of a mandoline (the slicing tool), but others have also been done.
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Changed line(s) 221 (click to see context) from:
!'''Mr. MacGregor'''
to:
!'''Mr. MacGregor'''[=MacGregor=]'''
Changed line(s) 237 (click to see context) from:
* TheDanza: Paul Merchant.
to:
* TheDanza: He's played by head prop master Paul Merchant.
Changed line(s) 240,244 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Paul''': I made this one. It goes to eleven!\\
'''Blair''': Why not just make ten higher?\\
'''Paul''': ''But it goes to eleven!''\\
'''Alton''': Okay, hey! You know what, Paul? Time out! Time out! (''sends Paul to the corner'')
'''Blair''': Why not just make ten higher?\\
'''Paul''': ''But it goes to eleven!''\\
'''Alton''': Okay, hey! You know what, Paul? Time out! Time out! (''sends Paul to the corner'')
to:
Changed line(s) 254,255 (click to see context) from:
A Hollywood-style talent agent... for vegetables. He generally incites episodes by calling Alton with the identity of an underused or underappreciated food/ingredient he wants AB to revitalize.
to:
Played by Bart Hansard
A Hollywood-style talent agent... forvegetables.food. He generally incites episodes by calling Alton with the identity of an underused or underappreciated food/ingredient he wants AB to revitalize.
A Hollywood-style talent agent... for
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!!'''[=Samurai=] Deli Owner'''
Played by Bart Hansard
The owner of the Japanese specialty food shop, first seen in "Turning Japanese".
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either sped-up English with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
* Fauxreigner: He's revealed to be this at the end of "Use Your Noodle 5".
--> '''SDO:''' ''(describing Alton)'' What a weirdo.
* TheIdiotFromOsaka
--> '''Alton:''' Wow. I didn't get his accent. He must be from Osaka or something.
* LargeHam: Probably the hammiest character Hansard has played on the show--especially when he and Alton are discussion miso at the deli.
* ShoutOut: Likely inspired by John Belushi's Samurai Delicatessen character from ''Series/SaturdayNightLive''.
Played by Bart Hansard
The owner of the Japanese specialty food shop, first seen in "Turning Japanese".
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: Everything he says is either sped-up English with stereotypical Japanese pronunciation... or it's complete gibberish. Comes close to becoming AsianSpeekeeEngrish.
* Fauxreigner: He's revealed to be this at the end of "Use Your Noodle 5".
--> '''SDO:''' ''(describing Alton)'' What a weirdo.
* TheIdiotFromOsaka
--> '''Alton:''' Wow. I didn't get his accent. He must be from Osaka or something.
* LargeHam: Probably the hammiest character Hansard has played on the show--especially when he and Alton are discussion miso at the deli.
* ShoutOut: Likely inspired by John Belushi's Samurai Delicatessen character from ''Series/SaturdayNightLive''.
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* TheDanza: Paul Merchant.
Deleted line(s) 238 (click to see context) :
* TheDanza: Paul Merchant.
Deleted line(s) 288,290 (click to see context) :
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Changed line(s) 321 (click to see context) from:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a {{CMoA}} with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
to:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a {{CMoA}} [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome [=CMoA=]]] with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
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Changed line(s) 321 (click to see context) from:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a CMoA with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
to:
* MemeticBadass. He pulls a CMoA {{CMoA}} with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
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Added DiffLines:
* BigDamnHeroes: The flamethrower incident.
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* MemeticBadass. He pulls a CMoA with the flamethrower and Alton has a shrine to the guy in one of his kitchen cupboards.
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Changed line(s) 312 (click to see context) from:
to:
** Actually; He's more like a JacobMarleyWarning than a stereotypical ScaryBlackMan. Of course; He's still a black man ''and'' a ghost so "Scary Black Man" would still be true in a more literal sense, regardless of lack of brawn and brutishness.
* JacobMarleyApparel: And it's a long garland of peanuts.
* JacobMarleyApparel: And it's a long garland of peanuts.
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* RightWayWrongWayPair: With Alton, in an early episode explaining how to make spaghetti.
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Changed line(s) 99 (click to see context) from:
* BeardOfEvil: one of the pieces of shorthand used to set him apart from his "twin."
to:
* BeardOfEvil: one of the pieces of shorthand [[IdenticalTwinIDTag used to set him apart from his "twin.""]]
* NoodleIncident: Has been in and out of jail ''numerous'' times. What for? No one knows.
* RealMenHateSugar: Demonstrates a savory or spicy dish, usually alongside a sweet variation produced by Alton.
* RealMenHateSugar: Demonstrates a savory or spicy dish, usually alongside a sweet variation produced by Alton.
Changed line(s) 109 (click to see context) from:
to:
* CloudCuckooLander: Usually chalked up to senility.
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Changed line(s) 297 (click to see context) from:
'''Alton:''' You did not invent that sandwich!\\
to:
'''Alton:''' You did [[PunctuatedForEmphasis not invent that sandwich!\\sandwich!]]\\
Changed line(s) 299 (click to see context) from:
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver finds several uses for peanuts, including bizarre items like a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton suggests that Carver may have been a little ''too'' ingenious about how to peanuts.
to:
* CoolOldGuy
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver finds several uses for peanuts, including bizarre items like a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton suggests that Carver may have been a little ''too''ingenious clever about how to use peanuts.
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver finds several uses for peanuts, including bizarre items like a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton suggests that Carver may have been a little ''too''
Changed line(s) 305 (click to see context) from:
* ScaryBlackMan: How Carver is initially portrayed during Alton's dream at the start of "Peanut Gallery". This is before Alton starts screaming after [[Film/TheGodfather seeing his bed filled with peanuts]].
to:
* ScaryBlackMan: How Carver is initially portrayed during Alton's dream at the start of "Peanut Gallery". This is before Alton starts screaming wakes up and then screams after [[Film/TheGodfather seeing his bed filled with peanuts]].
Changed line(s) 311 (click to see context) from:
* CheeseEatingSurrenderMonkeys: Averted! Once he's introduced, [[KillItWithFire he appears with a flamethrower mounted on his back]]. He puts it to good use once the Food Police's helicopter arrives outside Alton's house. Pasteur blows up the helicopter... [[TakingYouWithMe along with himself]] in the scuffle.
to:
* CheeseEatingSurrenderMonkeys: Averted! Once he's introduced, [[KillItWithFire he appears with a flamethrower mounted on his back]]. He puts it to good use once the Food Police's Police helicopter arrives outside Alton's house. Pasteur blows up the helicopter... [[TakingYouWithMe along with himself]] in the scuffle.
Changed line(s) 313,314 (click to see context) from:
* OneSceneWonder.
to:
* OneSceneWonder.
OneSceneWonder
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Changed line(s) 61,62 (click to see context) from:
* CelebrityParadox: She has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
to:
* CelebrityParadox: She has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
''jarring''...
Changed line(s) 64,65 (click to see context) from:
A Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up pretty much whenever Alton mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or when he ''thinks'' of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist - to help explain the history of dishes.
to:
A Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up pretty much whenever Alton mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or when he ''thinks'' of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' ''[[NoFourthWall audience member]]'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist - to help explain the history of dishes.
Changed line(s) 92,93 (click to see context) from:
** He does say it word for word to the oven salesman (Bart Hansard, the same actor that plays Coco Carl) in the souffle show.
---> '''Oven salesman''': No I don't. (flees)
---> '''Oven salesman''': No I don't. (flees)
to:
** He does say it word for word to the oven salesman (Bart Hansard, the same actor that plays Coco Carl) in the souffle soufflé show.
---> '''Oven salesman''':No No, I don't. (flees)
---> '''Oven salesman''':
Voiced by Alton Brown
* BritishStuffiness: He speaks with a British accent.
Deleted line(s) 285 (click to see context) :
Changed line(s) 288 (click to see context) from:
* ArgumentOfContradictions: After speaking with the Lady of the Refrigerator, he and Alton get into an altercation over peanut butter sandwiches.
to:
* ArgumentOfContradictions: After speaking with the Lady of the Refrigerator, he and Alton get into an altercation dispute over peanut butter sandwiches.
Changed line(s) 292 (click to see context) from:
'''Alton:''' You did not.\\
to:
'''Alton:''' You did not.\\not!\\
Changed line(s) 295,296 (click to see context) from:
'''Carver:''' Yes I did...\\
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver is depicted here creating rather bizarre items out of peanuts, including a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton bring up a point that Carver may have been a little ''too'' ingenious with versatilitiy with peanut.
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver is depicted here creating rather bizarre items out of peanuts, including a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton bring up a point that Carver may have been a little ''too'' ingenious with versatilitiy with peanut.
to:
'''Carver:''' Yes I did...\\
did...
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carveris depicted here creating rather bizarre items out of finds several uses for peanuts, including bizarre items like a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton bring up a point suggests that Carver may have been a little ''too'' ingenious with versatilitiy with peanut.about how to peanuts.
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver
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* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]
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!!Louis Pasteur
The French scientist whom which [[TheNamesake pasteurization]]--[[KillItWithFire the use of heat to kill bacteria]]--is named. Shows up [[OneSceneWonder briefly]] in "Milk Made".
* CheeseEatingSurrenderMonkeys: Averted! Once he's introduced, [[KillItWithFire he appears with a flamethrower mounted on his back]]. He puts it to good use once the Food Police's helicopter arrives outside Alton's house. Pasteur blows up the helicopter... [[TakingYouWithMe along with himself]] in the scuffle.
* KillItWithFire: Why else does he appear with a [[NoKillLikeOverkill flamethrower]]?
* OneSceneWonder.
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[[folder:Historic Personalities]]
!!'''George Washington Carver'''
The spirit of George Washington Carver, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, who is known for popularizing the usage of the peanut in the American south. Seen in the episode "Peanut Gallery".
* ArgumentOfContradictions: After speaking with the Lady of the Refrigerator, he and Alton get into an altercation over peanut butter sandwiches.
-->'''Lady of the Refrigerator:''' Peanuts are high in the amino acids lysine and isoleucine. But they lack in tryptophan, cystine, and methionine, so you really need to pair them with something like wheat to make a complete protein.\\
'''Alton:''' Well I guess that explains the peanut butter sandwich.\\
'''Carver:''' I invented that.\\
'''Alton:''' You did not.\\
'''Carver:''' I did so.\\
'''Alton:''' You did not invent that sandwich!\\
'''Carver:''' Yes I did...\\
* MacGyvering: Much like the real person, Carver is depicted here creating rather bizarre items out of peanuts, including a "peanut colada" and an "iPeanut". Of course, Alton bring up a point that Carver may have been a little ''too'' ingenious with versatilitiy with peanut.
-->'''Alton:''' I realize, for some of you, this dish (a peanut butter pie) is never going to be [[TitleDrop good eats]]. I speak, of course, of the 11 million or so Americans out there who are allergic to peanuts.\\
'''Carver:''' Allergic to peanuts?! Inconceivable!\\
'''Alton:''' Actually, there are allergists out there who believe that it’s because of overexposure. Perhaps you invented too many uses for the peanut.\\
'''Carver:''' Hmm. And to think I was just getting started.
* ScaryBlackMan: How Carver is initially portrayed during Alton's dream at the start of "Peanut Gallery". This is before Alton starts screaming after [[Film/TheGodfather seeing his bed filled with peanuts]].
--> '''Carver:''' If that’s the way you want to play, then that’s the way we’ll play. (EvilLaugh)
[[/folder]]
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Changed line(s) 115 (click to see context) from:
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a [GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity job-hopping]] CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat -- except for turkey -- that he didn't know what pot roast is.
to:
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a [GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity [[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity job-hopping]] CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat -- except for turkey -- that he didn't know what pot roast is.
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* LargeHam: Standard operating mode for Lucky Yates.
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Changed line(s) 115 (click to see context) from:
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a [{GeorgeGetsonJobSecurity job-hopping]] CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat -- except for turkey -- that he didn't know what pot roast is.
to:
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a [{GeorgeGetsonJobSecurity [GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity job-hopping]] CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat -- except for turkey -- that he didn't know what pot roast is.
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Changed line(s) 101,102 (click to see context) from:
* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic. This was actually inverted in one episode, where it was revealed in the last few minutes that B.A. had played the entire episode as Alton. (Appropriately, that episode was about culinary substitutions.)
* SinisterShades: B.A. is always seen wearing shades. [[spoiler:Except in the episode "Sub Standards", in which he successfully poses as Alton.]]
* SinisterShades: B.A. is always seen wearing shades. [[spoiler:Except in the episode "Sub Standards", in which he successfully poses as Alton.]]
to:
* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic. This [[spoiler:This was actually inverted in one episode, "Sub Standards", where it was revealed in the last few minutes that B.A. had played the entire episode as Alton. (Appropriately, that episode was about culinary substitutions.)
)]]
* SinisterShades: B.A. is always seen wearing shades. [[spoiler:Except in the episode "Sub Standards", in which he successfully poses as Alton.]]
* SinisterShades: B.A. is always seen wearing shades.
Changed line(s) 111,112 (click to see context) from:
Played by Daniel Petrow.
to:
Played by Daniel Petrow.
Pettrow.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a [{GeorgeGetsonJobSecurity job-hopping]] CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat -- except for turkey -- that he didn't know what pot roast is.
Changed line(s) 131,133 (click to see context) from:
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Alton addresses him as "Dungeon Master", which, given the nature of the show, [[HisNameReallyIsBarkeep may well be his actual name]].
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB "Mahster," he's obviously designed with this image in mind.
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his "lucky straw."
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB "Mahster," he's obviously designed with this image in mind.
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his "lucky straw."
to:
* BasementDweller
* BizarreTasteInFood: In "There Will Be Oil", the Dungeon Master wants to use Alton's prototype oil press for his own personal use to produce [[{{Squick}} frog oil]].
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Alton addresses him as "Dungeon Master", which, given the nature of the show, [[HisNameReallyIsBarkeep may well be his actualname]].
name]].
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He's nasty, but winces in fear upon hearing W's name.
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB"Mahster," "Mahster", he's obviously designed with this image in mind.
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his [[{{Squick}} "luckystraw."straw"]].
* BizarreTasteInFood: In "There Will Be Oil", the Dungeon Master wants to use Alton's prototype oil press for his own personal use to produce [[{{Squick}} frog oil]].
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Alton addresses him as "Dungeon Master", which, given the nature of the show, [[HisNameReallyIsBarkeep may well be his actual
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He's nasty, but winces in fear upon hearing W's name.
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his [[{{Squick}} "lucky
* ArchEnemy: To Alton in earlier episodes.
* JerkassHasAPoint: Alton even admits that the French Chef has some good ideas.
* AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Well, she's not that much younger, but still...
!'''Mr. MacGregor'''
An aged farmer who live down the street from Alton.
* BerserkButton: He may be kindly, but don't you dare touch his tomato plants.
* DropInCharacter: Drops off loads and loads of eggplants on Alton's door in "Berry from Another Planet".
* GrumpyOldMan: Especially when you steal his prized tomatoes, as seen in "Tomato Envy".
* YouLookFamiliar: The same actor plays Alton's grandfather in "Romancing the Bird".
An aged farmer who live down the street from Alton.
* BerserkButton: He may be kindly, but don't you dare touch his tomato plants.
* DropInCharacter: Drops off loads and loads of eggplants on Alton's door in "Berry from Another Planet".
* GrumpyOldMan: Especially when you steal his prized tomatoes, as seen in "Tomato Envy".
* YouLookFamiliar: The same actor plays Alton's grandfather in "Romancing the Bird".
* TheApprentice: Mainly to Alton, but briefly abides to the Mad French Chef in "Mission: Poachable".
* BeleagueredAssistant: To Alton.
* BeleagueredAssistant: To Alton.
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* NotInTheFace: In "Okraphobia", Sid uses the word "slime" whenever Alton talks about the mucilage inside okra. After using this word one too many times during Alton's monologue about fried okra, Alton rushes to punch Sid, who responds verbatim.
* RhymesOnADime: "A.B., bay-bee!"
* RhymesOnADime: "A.B., bay-bee!"
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* VisualPun: After imbibing too much brandy in "School of Hard Nogs", Thing has a numeral 1 attached to itself by a string. Alton remarks, "You really tied one on, didn't you?"
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* {{Leitmotif}}: A variation on the show's theme song, redone as a SuspiciouslySimilarSong of Bond's theme song
to:
* {{Leitmotif}}: A variation on the show's theme song, redone as a SuspiciouslySimilarSong of Bond's theme songsong.
* PerformanceAnxiety: Occurs in "Long Arm of the Slaw", in which she completely freezes up when seeing herself in front of a TV camera.
* PerformanceAnxiety: Occurs in "Long Arm of the Slaw", in which she completely freezes up when seeing herself in front of a TV camera.
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!!'''"BA" Brown'''
Alton's tough-guy brother, usually used to present spicy or otherwise "manly" variants of dishes. Played by Alton himself, along with a pair of sunglasses and a [[BeardOfEvil goatee]].
Alton's tough-guy brother, usually used to present spicy or otherwise "manly" variants of dishes. Played by Alton himself, along with a pair of sunglasses and a [[BeardOfEvil goatee]].
to:
Alton's tough-guy brother, usually used to present spicy or otherwise "manly" variants of dishes. Played by Alton himself, along with a [[SinisterShades pair of
* SinisterShades: B.A. is always seen wearing shades. [[spoiler:Except in the episode "Sub Standards", in which he successfully poses as Alton.]]
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A quirkly butcher who mutated into AB's weird neighbor. He's generally used as an everyman character.
to:
Played by Daniel Petrow.
Aquirkly quirky butcher who mutated into AB's weird neighbor. He's generally used as an everyman character.
A
Played by Bart Hansard.
Played by [[WesternAnimation/{{Archer}} Lucky Yates]]
Played by John Herina.
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* RealLifeWritesThePlot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
to:
* RealLifeWritesThePlot: PutOnABus[=/=]RealLifeWritesThePlot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson.TheWatson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
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!!'''Lactose Man'''
to:
!!'''Lactose Man'''Man/Lever Man'''
Played by Paul Merchant.
Played by Paul Merchant.
* CatchPhrase: "I'm not a doctor, but that had to hurt!"
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* DontTryThisAtHome: This is their ''raison d'etre.'' If Alton is talking about doing something potentially dangerous (such as consuming dishes containing raw meat or eggs, working with caustics, or using burning charcoal inside the house), they'll often show up to stop him, forcing him to find a different (and safer) way to do the same thing.
to:
* DontTryThisAtHome: This is their ''raison d'etre.'' d'etre''. If Alton is talking about doing something potentially dangerous (such as consuming dishes containing raw meat or eggs, working with caustics, or using burning charcoal inside the house), they'll often show up to stop him, forcing him to find a different (and safer) way to do the same thing.
Played by Steve Rooney (Means St. episodes), then voiced by Alton Brown ("Crêpe Expectations").
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* FrenchJerk / FrenchCuisineIsHaughty: He's used to represent the culinary establishment in all its snooty French glory.
to:
* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment He's French. And very angry.]]
* FrenchJerk/ [=/=] FrenchCuisineIsHaughty: He's used to represent the culinary establishment in all its snooty French glory.glory.
* PutOnABus: Steve Rooney is no longer cast as the Mad Chef when the production company changed from Means St. to B Square. The character gets shipped off after "Crêpe Expectations".
* FrenchJerk
* PutOnABus: Steve Rooney is no longer cast as the Mad Chef when the production company changed from Means St. to B Square. The character gets shipped off after "Crêpe Expectations".
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Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions. Has at least two children: Elton and Marsha Junior.
to:
Played by Merrilyn Crouch.
Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions. Has at least two children: Elton andMarsha Junior.Marsha, Jr.
Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions. Has at least two children: Elton and
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* [[OneSceneWonder One-Episode Wonder]]: Her only appearance is in "Undercover Veggies".
Added DiffLines:
Played by [[TheDanza Paul Merchant]].
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* ADayInTheLimelight: Paul, in a rare non-ButtMonkey appearance, is wildly successful in "Dip Madness" as Alton is committed in an asylum for foodies. [[spoiler:It doesn't last; Alton eventually escapes, leaving Paul to take his place.]]
* TheDanza: Paul Merchant.
* TheDanza: Paul Merchant.
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* DeadpanSnarker
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** Actually averted in ''The Bulb of the Night'', where her title is mentioned, but she fails to show up.
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A butcher who mutated into AB's weird neighbor. He's generally used as an everyman character.
* Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a job-hopping CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat that he didn't know what pot roast is.
to:
*
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!!'''CocoaCarl'''
to:
* DisguisedInDrag: Once assumed the identity of "Auntie Puddin'".
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* {{Nephewism}}: He's Alton's fictional nephew as a regular character in the show.
Real Life Writes the Plot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
Real Life Writes the Plot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
to:
* {{Nephewism}}: He's Alton's fictional nephew (and Marsha's son) as a regular character in the show.
Real Life Writes the Plot: * RealLifeWritesThePlot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
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* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and gourdsm, for example), the Lady has risen from a vat of pickling vine or covered in pumpkin innards, respectively. She was... appropriately displeased.
to:
* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and
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Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions.
to:
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* RealLifeRelative: She's played by Alton's daughter Zoey.
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* ButtMonkey: He's usually on the rough side of things, for example having his ice sculpture ducks melted in the duck episode or being BrainwashedAndCrazy in Mission: Poachable. That said, the actor portraying him gets his own as other characters.
to:
* ButtMonkey: He's usually on the rough side of things, for example having his ice sculpture ducks melted in the duck episode or being BrainwashedAndCrazy in
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A disembodied hand, apparently straight out of Franchise/TheAddamsFamily, who helps AB out in the kitchen.
to:
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* SpinOffspring: ''Behind the Eats'' claims he's the son of the Addams' Thing.
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Real Life Writes the Plot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost came about because Vicki Eng (the actress who portrays W) was out of the country trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
to:
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'''The Yeast'''
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* {{Gasshole}}: Befitting the behavior of their real-life brethren, the yeast puppets are constantly burping and farting out CO2.
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://www.amazon.com/Good-Eats-3-Later-Years/dp/158479903X "Good Eats 3: The Later Years"]] comes with a "Make your own yeast puppet kit!"[[/folder]]
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://www.amazon.com/Good-Eats-3-Later-Years/dp/158479903X "Good Eats 3: The Later Years"]] comes with a "Make your own yeast puppet kit!"[[/folder]]
to:
* {{Gasshole}}: Befitting the behavior of their real-life brethren, the yeast puppets are constantly burping and farting out
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://www.amazon.com/Good-Eats-3-Later-Years/dp/158479903X "Good Eats 3: The Later Years"]] comes with a "Make your own yeast puppet
[[/folder]]
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!!'''Marsha Junior "MJ" Brady'''
Marsha's picky but intelligent daughter. Appears in one episode.
* PickyEater: Utterly refuses to eat vegetables.
Marsha's picky but intelligent daughter. Appears in one episode.
* PickyEater: Utterly refuses to eat vegetables.
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!!'''Sid Maxburg'''
A Hollywood-style talent agent... for vegetables. He generally incites episodes by calling Alton with the identity of an underused or underappreciated food/ingredient he wants AB to revitalize.
* AmbiguouslyJewish: While he's never specifically assigned a religion, his name and position as a Hollywood-style agent imply it.
A Hollywood-style talent agent... for vegetables. He generally incites episodes by calling Alton with the identity of an underused or underappreciated food/ingredient he wants AB to revitalize.
* AmbiguouslyJewish: While he's never specifically assigned a religion, his name and position as a Hollywood-style agent imply it.
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Real Life Writes the Plot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost came about because Vicki Eng was out of the country trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
to:
Real Life Writes the Plot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost came about because Vicki Eng (the actress who portrays W) was out of the country trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
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** And of course, Alton points out in ''Behind the Eats'' that in real life, Vicki knows almost nothing about cooking. She's actually his chiropractor.
to:
** And of course, Alton points out in ''Behind the Eats'' that in real life, Vicki Eng knows almost nothing about cooking. She's actually his chiropractor.
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[[folder:Real people]]
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
to:
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
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* ForScience: In "Ginger: Rise of the Rhizome", Alton convinces his cameraman to try out the Vomitron by saying "Do it for science!"
* GoshDangItToHeck: "Oh, Bother."
* MacGyvering: AB builds such devices as steamers, smokers, and yogurt makers from household items and hardware store purchases... and teaches the viewer how to do the same.
** Usually he does this not only because it's cheaper, but because every time he starts building one (or is forced to go buy more cookware) he brings up the fact that there's only one unitasker he'll abide in his kitchen, and if you're doing things right you shouldn't have to use ''it'' at all--a fire extinguisher. And in the 10th-Anniversary special, [[spoiler:''he uses that in a dish too''.]] [[note]]Although the one he used in the show was a CO[-2-] extinguisher, instead of the chemical one always displayed previously.[[/note]]
** Lampshaded in the gyro episode, in which he preceded a vision of him constructing an elaborate homemade rotisserie with several pieces of hardware including a small motor by saying "If you want rotisserie at home, we're gonna have to think like [=MacGyver=]." Amusingly, he then acknowledges that it's not worth the trouble and explains how to make a gyro loaf in the oven instead.
** In the smoked fish episode, Alton muses that [=MacGyver=] isn't his patron saint for nothing.
** In later episodes, the music that plays whenever he builds something is clearly influenced by Series/MacGyver's theme. The theme also has a touch of the "build music" from ''Series/TheATeam''.
* RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic: Averted. Alton often stutters and "um's" and "uh's" his way through many of his monologues because he often pre-records them ahead of time and has them fed to him via an earpiece. Other times (such as skits with W or other characters), he memorizes his lines like an actor. Still other times (usually when explaining technical aspects and merits of various cooking gadgets), he works from a basic outline and pretty much ad-libs until he hits the points he needs to make.
* SophisticatedAsHell: Being an eloquent speaker with an American South background, Alton occasionally likes to drop folksy southern idioms into his lengthy scientific explanations. A common example is:
--> '' '''*'''scientifically explains the results of a common mistake'''*''', and that is not [[TitleDrop good]] [[CatchPhrase eats]].''
* TrademarkFavoriteFood:
** Kosher salt, because it's easier to pinch and dissolves better. Also, Alton never had iodized salt as a kid, so it just doesn't taste right to him. He will use table salt if[=/=]when the occasion calls for it, however.
** He's also said that cumin is his favorite spice, and that mangoes are his favorite fruit.
** He's carried a whole nutmeg around with him in his pocket, ''for years'', so that he can make freshly-grated nutmeg whenever and wherever he needs it.
* TheWatson: In "The Fungal Gourmet", in an inversion of his usual role, the fourth-wall "character" makes suggestions to a clueless Alton.[[/folder]]
[[folder:Real people]]
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
!!'''Common Tropes'''
* DropInCharacter: The experts tend to show up, mostly unannounced, whenever they're needed to explain a concept.
!!'''Caroline Connell'''
A dietitian who appeared generally in the earlier seasons to help explain some of the science and nutrition of the food presented.
!!'''Carolyn O'Neil'''
Another dietitian. For her appearances in-character, see "The Lady of the Refrigerator" below.
* CelebrityParadox: She has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
* GoshDangItToHeck: "Oh, Bother."
* MacGyvering: AB builds such devices as steamers, smokers, and yogurt makers from household items and hardware store purchases... and teaches the viewer how to do the same.
** Usually he does this not only because it's cheaper, but because every time he starts building one (or is forced to go buy more cookware) he brings up the fact that there's only one unitasker he'll abide in his kitchen, and if you're doing things right you shouldn't have to use ''it'' at all--a fire extinguisher. And in the 10th-Anniversary special, [[spoiler:''he uses that in a dish too''.]] [[note]]Although the one he used in the show was a CO[-2-] extinguisher, instead of the chemical one always displayed previously.[[/note]]
** Lampshaded in the gyro episode, in which he preceded a vision of him constructing an elaborate homemade rotisserie with several pieces of hardware including a small motor by saying "If you want rotisserie at home, we're gonna have to think like [=MacGyver=]." Amusingly, he then acknowledges that it's not worth the trouble and explains how to make a gyro loaf in the oven instead.
** In the smoked fish episode, Alton muses that [=MacGyver=] isn't his patron saint for nothing.
** In later episodes, the music that plays whenever he builds something is clearly influenced by Series/MacGyver's theme. The theme also has a touch of the "build music" from ''Series/TheATeam''.
* RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic: Averted. Alton often stutters and "um's" and "uh's" his way through many of his monologues because he often pre-records them ahead of time and has them fed to him via an earpiece. Other times (such as skits with W or other characters), he memorizes his lines like an actor. Still other times (usually when explaining technical aspects and merits of various cooking gadgets), he works from a basic outline and pretty much ad-libs until he hits the points he needs to make.
* SophisticatedAsHell: Being an eloquent speaker with an American South background, Alton occasionally likes to drop folksy southern idioms into his lengthy scientific explanations. A common example is:
--> '' '''*'''scientifically explains the results of a common mistake'''*''', and that is not [[TitleDrop good]] [[CatchPhrase eats]].''
* TrademarkFavoriteFood:
** Kosher salt, because it's easier to pinch and dissolves better. Also, Alton never had iodized salt as a kid, so it just doesn't taste right to him. He will use table salt if[=/=]when the occasion calls for it, however.
** He's also said that cumin is his favorite spice, and that mangoes are his favorite fruit.
** He's carried a whole nutmeg around with him in his pocket, ''for years'', so that he can make freshly-grated nutmeg whenever and wherever he needs it.
* TheWatson: In "The Fungal Gourmet", in an inversion of his usual role, the fourth-wall "character" makes suggestions to a clueless Alton.[[/folder]]
[[folder:Real people]]
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
!!'''Common Tropes'''
* DropInCharacter: The experts tend to show up, mostly unannounced, whenever they're needed to explain a concept.
!!'''Caroline Connell'''
A dietitian who appeared generally in the earlier seasons to help explain some of the science and nutrition of the food presented.
!!'''Carolyn O'Neil'''
Another dietitian. For her appearances in-character, see "The Lady of the Refrigerator" below.
* CelebrityParadox: She has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
A (real-life) Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up (pretty much every time Alton says or even ''thinks'' the words "nutritional anthropologist" to help explain the history of dishes.
to:
A (real-life) Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up (pretty pretty much every time whenever Alton says mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or even when he ''thinks'' the words "nutritional anthropologist" of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist - to help explain the history of dishes.
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* RunningGag: Showing up whenever Alton mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or when he ''thinks'' of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist.
to:
* RunningGag: Showing up She will [[SpeakOfTheDevil appear out of nowhere]] whenever her title is mentioned, leading Alton mentions to joke about how he's [[StalkerWithACrush being stalked]] ("... she's back there, isn't she?..."). In later episodes, he'll have an obviously negative reaction to saying the title, and in one case hesitates to say it... but she shows up anyway and ''says it herself''. After a nutritional while she started to just show up unannounced, and Alton will grumble that he doesn't even have to say it anymore.
--->'''Alton''': (''[[NoFourthWall looks into the camera]]'') All right! Which one of you said it!
* NotActuallyTheUltimateQuestion: When Deb Duchon shows up after the umpteenth time after Alton says "Nutritional Anthropologist", he asks "How do you do this?" She replies with "Study. Write papers. Go to conferences. What do you mean?"
* SpeakOfTheDevil: At first, the culinary anthropologist- or when he ''thinks'' was "summoned" this way. In later seasons, she started appearing without the use of the "magic words", to Alton's annoyance.
!!'''"Ma" Mae Skelton'''
Alton's real-life grandmother, who was referenced in anutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks number of a nutritional anthropologist.
episodes and appeared in several.
* AuthorExistenceFailure: She passed away in 2001.
--->'''Alton''': (''[[NoFourthWall looks into the camera]]'') All right! Which one of you said it!
* NotActuallyTheUltimateQuestion: When Deb Duchon shows up after the umpteenth time after Alton says "Nutritional Anthropologist", he asks "How do you do this?" She replies with "Study. Write papers. Go to conferences. What do you mean?"
* SpeakOfTheDevil: At first, the culinary anthropologist
!!'''"Ma" Mae Skelton'''
Alton's real-life grandmother, who was referenced in a
* AuthorExistenceFailure: She passed away in 2001.
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!!'''Common Tropes'''
* DropInCharacter: The experts tend to show up, mostly unannounced, whenever they're needed to explain a concept.
* YouLookFamiliar: [[invoked]] Due to the show's habit of reusing actors, this is a fairly common phenomenon.
** Alton says this almost word-for-word in "American Classics 7: Don't Be Chicken of Dumplings", when the actors who play his lawyers Itchy and Twitchy turn up a couple of minutes later as Myth/RobinHood and Wilfred of ''Literature/{{Ivanhoe}}''.
** He does say it word for word to the oven salesman (Bart Hansard, the same actor that plays Coco Carl) in the souffle show.
---> '''Oven salesman''': No I don't. (flees)
** He says it again in the popcorn show, to a popcorn vendor whose actor (Lucky Yates) plays many roles on the show (most famously, the Dungeonmaster). He replies: "Oh yeah? Wait 'till you see the next scene." Sure enough, he does show up in the next scene--playing Franchise/{{Batman}}.
* DropInCharacter: The experts tend to show up, mostly unannounced, whenever they're needed to explain a concept.
* YouLookFamiliar: [[invoked]] Due to the show's habit of reusing actors, this is a fairly common phenomenon.
** Alton says this almost word-for-word in "American Classics 7: Don't Be Chicken of Dumplings", when the actors who play his lawyers Itchy and Twitchy turn up a couple of minutes later as Myth/RobinHood and Wilfred of ''Literature/{{Ivanhoe}}''.
** He does say it word for word to the oven salesman (Bart Hansard, the same actor that plays Coco Carl) in the souffle show.
---> '''Oven salesman''': No I don't. (flees)
** He says it again in the popcorn show, to a popcorn vendor whose actor (Lucky Yates) plays many roles on the show (most famously, the Dungeonmaster). He replies: "Oh yeah? Wait 'till you see the next scene." Sure enough, he does show up in the next scene--playing Franchise/{{Batman}}.
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* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic.
to:
* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic.
aesthetic. This was actually inverted in one episode, where it was revealed in the last few minutes that B.A. had played the entire episode as Alton. (Appropriately, that episode was about culinary substitutions.)
* SitcomArchNemesis: In the Season 1 episode "Pantry Raid I: Use Your Noodle", he appears as "[[DeliberatelyBadExample The Anti Alton]]", who went out of his way to do everything Alton ''wouldn't'' do when cooking pasta.
* SitcomArchNemesis: In the Season 1 episode "Pantry Raid I: Use Your Noodle", he appears as "[[DeliberatelyBadExample The Anti Alton]]", who went out of his way to do everything Alton ''wouldn't'' do when cooking pasta.
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to:
* TheWatson: Often serves this role.
!!'''CocoaCarl'''
A processed-food manufacturer whose low-value products represent over-processed prepackaged foods, especially chocolate products (as you might guess).
* SitcomArchNemesis: He represents low-quality prepackaged processed food, essentially the antithesis of all the show stands for.
!!'''The Dungeonmaster'''
A sallow, hunchbacked serf who [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin lives in a dungeon below AB's kitchen]]. The DungeonMaster shows up in later seasons to display particularly scary-looking or old-fashioned cooking implements.
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Alton addresses him as "Dungeon Master", which, given the nature of the show, [[HisNameReallyIsBarkeep may well be his actual name]].
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB "Mahster," he's obviously designed with this image in mind.
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his "lucky straw."
* TortureTechnician: He supplies Alton with tortilla-making implements and a few other delightful terrors, like a device that uses blades for tenderizing meat. He seems to be renting Alton's dungeon basement solely for the opportunity to do this particular job, because his lease favors the landlord heavily; Alton can evict him at a moment's notice if he's not happy with his tenant's job performance.
!!'''CocoaCarl'''
A processed-food manufacturer whose low-value products represent over-processed prepackaged foods, especially chocolate products (as you might guess).
* SitcomArchNemesis: He represents low-quality prepackaged processed food, essentially the antithesis of all the show stands for.
!!'''The Dungeonmaster'''
A sallow, hunchbacked serf who [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin lives in a dungeon below AB's kitchen]]. The DungeonMaster shows up in later seasons to display particularly scary-looking or old-fashioned cooking implements.
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Alton addresses him as "Dungeon Master", which, given the nature of the show, [[HisNameReallyIsBarkeep may well be his actual name]].
* TheIgor: With the dark robes, hunch, and habit of calling AB "Mahster," he's obviously designed with this image in mind.
* TooKinkyToTorture: When he's ordered to skim the moat in punishment for having bought some expensive equipment on Alton's credit card, he hops in glee, claps, and goes to fetch his "lucky straw."
* TortureTechnician: He supplies Alton with tortilla-making implements and a few other delightful terrors, like a device that uses blades for tenderizing meat. He seems to be renting Alton's dungeon basement solely for the opportunity to do this particular job, because his lease favors the landlord heavily; Alton can evict him at a moment's notice if he's not happy with his tenant's job performance.
Changed line(s) 74 (click to see context) from:
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* {{Nephewism}}: He's Alton's fictional nephew as a regular character in the show.
Real Life Writes the Plot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
* TheWatson: Often serves this role.
!!'''The Food Police/Government Agents'''
A set of government agents who appear to explain food-related law - and who also generally appear to prevent AB from eating home-prepared food which skirts those laws.
* TheMenInBlack: They usually show up in groups of three to give government standards on foods and food safety. Alton is almost always the leader, and talks in a stereotypical {{Motor Mouth}}ed, overly serious tone. He also shows up on his own in this role, such as in the episode about vanilla where he talks about govt. requirements for what can be legally called vanilla extracts. While they're usually wearing the typical black suits, in "Churn Baby Churn II", they're dressed as ice cream attendants.
* RunningGag: Their (off-camera) helicopter showing up whenever certain raw ingredients are used in a dish (usually raw eggs, though they've also shown up for raw meat and raw milk).
!!'''Frances Anderson'''
AB's "Biggest Fan."
* {{Expy}}: Of Annie Wilkes from Literature/{{Misery}}.
* {{Yandere}}: Toward Alton Brown, much like the above (though greatly sanitized - this is a cooking show, after all).
!!'''Lactose Man'''
A living incarnation of the pains of lactose intolerance. Yes, Good Eats is a weird show.
* IncomingHam: "'''''I'M LACTOSE MAN!'''''" The other "superhero" in that costume, Lever Man, has the same tendency.
Real Life Writes the Plot: In The Early Years, Alton says we probably won't be seeing Elton anymore because his actor, John Herina, was in college, a football player, and taller than AB, which would undermine his role as The Watson. The Middle Years further elaborates that the college in question was West Point.
* TheWatson: Often serves this role.
!!'''The Food Police/Government Agents'''
A set of government agents who appear to explain food-related law - and who also generally appear to prevent AB from eating home-prepared food which skirts those laws.
* TheMenInBlack: They usually show up in groups of three to give government standards on foods and food safety. Alton is almost always the leader, and talks in a stereotypical {{Motor Mouth}}ed, overly serious tone. He also shows up on his own in this role, such as in the episode about vanilla where he talks about govt. requirements for what can be legally called vanilla extracts. While they're usually wearing the typical black suits, in "Churn Baby Churn II", they're dressed as ice cream attendants.
* RunningGag: Their (off-camera) helicopter showing up whenever certain raw ingredients are used in a dish (usually raw eggs, though they've also shown up for raw meat and raw milk).
!!'''Frances Anderson'''
AB's "Biggest Fan."
* {{Expy}}: Of Annie Wilkes from Literature/{{Misery}}.
* {{Yandere}}: Toward Alton Brown, much like the above (though greatly sanitized - this is a cooking show, after all).
!!'''Lactose Man'''
A living incarnation of the pains of lactose intolerance. Yes, Good Eats is a weird show.
* IncomingHam: "'''''I'M LACTOSE MAN!'''''" The other "superhero" in that costume, Lever Man, has the same tendency.
!!'''The Lady of the Refrigerator'''
A fae creature who lives inside Alton's fridge and talks about refrigeration, food preservation, and nutrition. Played by dietitian Carolyn O'Neil, as noted above.
* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and gourdsm, for example), the Lady has risen from a vat of pickling vine or covered in pumpkin innards, respectively. She was... appropriately displeased.
* CelebrityParadox: The actress has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
* ItCameFromTheFridge: Subverted. The Lady of the Refrigerator appears inside Alton's fridge to discuss the nutritional benefits of featured foods.
A fae creature who lives inside Alton's fridge and talks about refrigeration, food preservation, and nutrition. Played by dietitian Carolyn O'Neil, as noted above.
* ButtMonkey: In several shows portraying nonstandard food preservation (pickling and cellar-stored pumpkins and gourdsm, for example), the Lady has risen from a vat of pickling vine or covered in pumpkin innards, respectively. She was... appropriately displeased.
* CelebrityParadox: The actress has appeared on the show both as herself and in character. Granted, given the way Good Eats tended to reuse actors, this wasn't particularly ''jarring...''
* ItCameFromTheFridge: Subverted. The Lady of the Refrigerator appears inside Alton's fridge to discuss the nutritional benefits of featured foods.
Changed line(s) 87 (click to see context) from:
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* FrenchJerk / FrenchCuisineIsHaughty: He's used to represent the culinary establishment in all its snooty French glory.
* SitcomArchNemesis: His haughty, exclusive, and hide-bound personality contrasts with AB's more laid-back nature.
* SitcomArchNemesis: His haughty, exclusive, and hide-bound personality contrasts with AB's more laid-back nature.
Changed line(s) 92 (click to see context) from:
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* SitcomArchNemesis: Marsha is the stereotypical annoying sibling who cons or manipulates you into doing things for her and never shows gratitude.
* TheWatson: Occasionally serves this role.
* TheWatson: Occasionally serves this role.
Changed line(s) 97 (click to see context) from:
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* UpToEleven: In the episode "Behind the Bird":
-->'''Paul''': I made this one. It goes to eleven!\\
'''Blair''': Why not just make ten higher?\\
'''Paul''': ''But it goes to eleven!''\\
'''Alton''': Okay, hey! You know what, Paul? Time out! Time out! (''sends Paul to the corner'')
!!'''The Refrigerator Gnome'''
An abrasive gnome who lives in Alton's fridge and berates him about proper fridge maintenance and food safety.
* ItCameFromTheFridge: The Refrigerator Gnome (champion of refrigerator and food storage safety) tries his darndest to ''keep'' this from happening.
-->'''Paul''': I made this one. It goes to eleven!\\
'''Blair''': Why not just make ten higher?\\
'''Paul''': ''But it goes to eleven!''\\
'''Alton''': Okay, hey! You know what, Paul? Time out! Time out! (''sends Paul to the corner'')
!!'''The Refrigerator Gnome'''
An abrasive gnome who lives in Alton's fridge and berates him about proper fridge maintenance and food safety.
* ItCameFromTheFridge: The Refrigerator Gnome (champion of refrigerator and food storage safety) tries his darndest to ''keep'' this from happening.
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*
!!'''W'''
!!'''W'''
to:
!!'''W'''
!!'''W (Vicki Wong)'''
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Real Life Writes the Plot: W's depiction in early episodes as a Virtual Ghost came about because Vicki Eng was out of the country trying to adopt a child, and had to film her appearances in advance.!!
* SitcomArchNemesis: Alton and W [[InUniverse view each other like this]]. W often treats Alton like walking SnarkBait, while Alton tends to deliberately antagonize her in return. This is because he usually prefers his homebrew knockups, and W makes her living selling [[CripplingOverspecialization the very unitaskers Alton disdains]].
* TechnoWizard: "W", named in honor of James Bond's "Q", is the harried kitchen appliance retailer who supplies info about whatever new machine Alton needs that episode.
** She doesn't seem to appreciate the job, possibly because in her capacity as "W" Alton is her only customer; other characters, such as a dentist who employs her part-time as an assistant, refer to her as "Ms. Wong".
** W has had a bit of an interesting story arc--she started as something of a VirtualGhost, appearing on giant screens behind Alton and on microwave doors and so forth. Then she [[BecomeARealBoy becomes real]], managing the Bed Bath & Beyond where he shops. Then, apparently, he hires her onto his organization, as she only shows up in a "lab" type of environment, testing and evaluating products.
** And of course, Alton points out in ''Behind the Eats'' that in real life, Vicki knows almost nothing about cooking. She's actually his chiropractor.
'''The Yeast'''
A group of farting, burping, googly-eyed sock puppets used to represent yeast.
* {{Gasshole}}: Befitting the behavior of their real-life brethren, the yeast puppets are constantly burping and farting out CO2.
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://www.amazon.com/Good-Eats-3-Later-Years/dp/158479903X "Good Eats 3: The Later Years"]] comes with a "Make your own yeast puppet kit!"[[/folder]]
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You might not expect a ''cooking show'' to have a lot of characters. In the case of Good Eats, you'd be surprised...
to:
You might not expect a ''cooking show'' to have a lot of characters. In the case of Good Eats, you'd be surprised...surprised...
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Real people]]
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
!!'''Alton Brown'''
The lead of the show, the man who (usually) makes the dishes, explains the science, and tells the jokes.
* AddedAlliterativeAppeal: Sometimes called "AB-speak" on the show. Alton likes launching [[SelfDemonstratingArticle silly salvos of wacky wordplay whenever he's got the gumption]]. Alton {{lampshade|Hanging}}s this in the Season 7 episode "True Brew IV: Take Stock" and the Season 11 episode "Sub Standards" where he claims he doesn't do it ''[[HypocriticalHumor while he's doing it]]''.
* {{Adorkable}}: His sheer nerdy enthusiasm for the science and food of the show can be quite endearing.
* BadBoss: Certainly not in real life, but some episodes portray Alton as this.
** The first ice cream episode has him making his nieces and nephews work an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream machine.
** "Down and Out in Paradise" has him get stranded on a desert island because his crew deliberately tries to leave him behind on a sinking ship.
** Another episode has his crew actively on-strike.
* CatchPhrase: Several.
** Alton's exasperated "Oh bother!" Like his preferred tools and implements, this phrase is a multitasker; depending on his manner of saying it and the context, it can range from an expression of supreme frustration to a pained ThisIsGonnaSuck. This also counts as a ShoutOut, as Alton explained in the commentary from the "A Tale of Two Roasts" DVD:
--->'''Alton:''' You know, "Oh, Bother," that's from Franchise/WinnieThePooh, okay? Some of you don't remember... You wouldn't think that Winnie the Pooh would be a regular reference for me. But I find that Pooh sums up a lot of... He wasn't terribly bright. I'm not terribly bright either.
** "It couldn't get any easier than this" was one that popped up frequently in the first season.
** "Walk away. Just--just ''walk away''." Often said when warning the audience ''not'' to fiddle with cooking steps that would seem to invite fiddling.
** "Your patience will be rewarded."
** "Golden-brown, and delicious."
** "I said it was ''good'', I never said it was _______." ("Fast" or "low-fat" or "good ''for'' you", usually.)
** [[AnotherStoryForAnotherTime "But that's another show."]] Usually said when Alton mentions something off-topic better reserved for its own episode. Sometimes it's been addressed in a previous episode, but more often than not it wasn't made at the time. ([[http://goodeatsfanpage.com/References/another_show.htm The fans kept track]].)
*** {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d in the bread pudding episode where he delivers the line, then tells Thing to write it down. The camera pans over to show Thing writing in a '''gigantic''' binder labeled "... That's Another Show". Alton remarks "Wow, that's a thick book." Ironically, this was in one of the last episodes to be aired, so unless there's a SpiritualSequel...
** "By ''weight'', please." This is to remind viewers that ingredients like flour and sugar must be measured by weight and not volume. It's also to avoid UnitConfusion, as the weight is often given in "ounces", which could be misconstrued as ''fluid'' ounces, a measure of volume.
** "Stuffing is evil." This was coined during the Thanksgiving episode and thrown back in his face repeatedly in future episodes. He eventually relents and has a stuffing episode where he shows his way to make turkey with stuffing.
** [[NiceHat "Like the hat?"]] This one was popularized by a Website/YouTube uploader adding a clip of Alton saying this from the first season episode ''The Egg-Files'' after a [[SmallNameBigEgo long obnoxious title card]] at the start of every episode uploaded.
** "I'm not a doctor, but that HAD to hurt!" comes up a few times, and not always from Alton; Lactose Man uses it after socking one of Alton's crew in the gut.
** "You know, I'm really sorry we haven't worked out that scratch-and-sniff TV yet." In later seasons, it morphed to "Ahhh, just smell that _____. Oh, I'm sorry, you can't. That was mean." or some variant.
** "Now go wash those ____y hands!" Used when working with raw meat and poultry, though in the episode about beets, he did admonish the viewer to go wash their "beety hands!" since beet juice is notorious for causing stains.
** Especially toward the end: "Of course, I make my ___ from scratch, [[SelfDeprecation but I'm a freak, and we all know it]]."
** "...(and that's) not [[TitleDrop good eats]]." Used sometimes when describing the consequences of a potential cooking mistake.
!!'''Deb Duchon'''
A (real-life) Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up (pretty much every time Alton says or even ''thinks'' the words "nutritional anthropologist" to help explain the history of dishes.
* DropInCharacter: Even more so than some of the others; she seems to appear as if by magic whenever her title is mentioned.
* RunningGag: Showing up whenever Alton mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or when he ''thinks'' of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist.
!!'''Shirley Corriher'''
A (real-life) culinary scientist who helps Alton to explain the science behind his creations
* DropInCharacter: Much like many of Alton's other experts, Shirley tends to show up when she's needed.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Fictional characters]]
As noted above, these characters are... well, fictional.
!!'''"BA" Brown'''
Alton's tough-guy brother, usually used to present spicy or otherwise "manly" variants of dishes. Played by Alton himself, along with a pair of sunglasses and a [[BeardOfEvil goatee]].
* BeardOfEvil: one of the pieces of shorthand used to set him apart from his "twin."
* DropInCharacter: He tends to show up with relative frequency.
* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic.
!!'''Colonel Bob Boatwright'''
A southern-fried gentleman character played by Alton, used to present highly-archetypal (or stereotypical) Southern dishes.
* [[CaptainErsatz Colonel Ersatz]]: The character is an obvious take on [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Sanders Colonel Harland Sanders]], founder of UsefulNotes/KentuckyFriedChicken.
!!'''Chuck'''
A butcher who mutated into AB's weird neighbor. He's generally used as an everyman character.
* Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a job-hopping CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat that he didn't know what pot roast is.
!!'''Elton Brown'''
Alton's young nephew, generally used for children's dishes or other instances where children are shown cooking.
* {{Adorkable}}: Echoes Alton in nerdy adorableness, with the addition of youth.
!!'''Itchy & Twitchy'''
AB's lawyers, who show up whenever Alton is going to do something potentially dangerous or of questionable legality.
* DontTryThisAtHome: This is their ''raison d'etre.'' If Alton is talking about doing something potentially dangerous (such as consuming dishes containing raw meat or eggs, working with caustics, or using burning charcoal inside the house), they'll often show up to stop him, forcing him to find a different (and safer) way to do the same thing.
**In the Season 11 episode "Pretzel Logic", they stopped him from using lye to brown his pretzels, because lye is ''poisonous and extremely caustic'' if handled improperly.
--->Who would have thunk [[EvilLawyerJoke those guys]] would have a problem with a little [[IncrediblyLamePun 'lye']]?
!!'''The Mad French Chef'''
A chef who appears in early seasons to represent the culinary establishment. [[CaptainObvious He's French. And very angry.]]
* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: He disappeared after Brown left Means Street Productions (at which Rooney was employed as their executive chef) to start his own company, Be Square Productions, at the end of season four. The character only appeared once more after he left, in the form of a nightmare-induced puppet voiced by Brown.
* DisneyVillainDeath: The end of "Mission: Poachable" has the French Chef falling into his own lake of court bouillon in an attempt to prevent Alton from throwing [[WeaksauceWeakness a piece of liver]] into it. [[spoiler:He lives.]]
!!'''Marsha Brown-Brady'''
Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions.
* DropInCharacter: Marsha tends to drop in to force Alton to make her cookies, donuts, soup, etc. or to offer unwanted advice.
!!'''Paul'''
AB's assistant in the early seasons.
* ButtMonkey: He's usually on the rough side of things, for example having his ice sculpture ducks melted in the duck episode or being BrainwashedAndCrazy in Mission: Poachable. That said, the actor portraying him gets his own as other characters.
!!'''Thing'''
A disembodied hand, apparently straight out of Franchise/TheAddamsFamily, who helps AB out in the kitchen.
*
!!'''W'''
The person Alton turns to when he needs new equipment. The two share a rather severe mutual antagonism.
*
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Real people]]
These "characters" are actual people, generally experts who help Alton to explain certain concepts on the show. Even so, their personalities are often... exaggerated on the show for entertainment's sake.
!!'''Alton Brown'''
The lead of the show, the man who (usually) makes the dishes, explains the science, and tells the jokes.
* AddedAlliterativeAppeal: Sometimes called "AB-speak" on the show. Alton likes launching [[SelfDemonstratingArticle silly salvos of wacky wordplay whenever he's got the gumption]]. Alton {{lampshade|Hanging}}s this in the Season 7 episode "True Brew IV: Take Stock" and the Season 11 episode "Sub Standards" where he claims he doesn't do it ''[[HypocriticalHumor while he's doing it]]''.
* {{Adorkable}}: His sheer nerdy enthusiasm for the science and food of the show can be quite endearing.
* BadBoss: Certainly not in real life, but some episodes portray Alton as this.
** The first ice cream episode has him making his nieces and nephews work an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream machine.
** "Down and Out in Paradise" has him get stranded on a desert island because his crew deliberately tries to leave him behind on a sinking ship.
** Another episode has his crew actively on-strike.
* CatchPhrase: Several.
** Alton's exasperated "Oh bother!" Like his preferred tools and implements, this phrase is a multitasker; depending on his manner of saying it and the context, it can range from an expression of supreme frustration to a pained ThisIsGonnaSuck. This also counts as a ShoutOut, as Alton explained in the commentary from the "A Tale of Two Roasts" DVD:
--->'''Alton:''' You know, "Oh, Bother," that's from Franchise/WinnieThePooh, okay? Some of you don't remember... You wouldn't think that Winnie the Pooh would be a regular reference for me. But I find that Pooh sums up a lot of... He wasn't terribly bright. I'm not terribly bright either.
** "It couldn't get any easier than this" was one that popped up frequently in the first season.
** "Walk away. Just--just ''walk away''." Often said when warning the audience ''not'' to fiddle with cooking steps that would seem to invite fiddling.
** "Your patience will be rewarded."
** "Golden-brown, and delicious."
** "I said it was ''good'', I never said it was _______." ("Fast" or "low-fat" or "good ''for'' you", usually.)
** [[AnotherStoryForAnotherTime "But that's another show."]] Usually said when Alton mentions something off-topic better reserved for its own episode. Sometimes it's been addressed in a previous episode, but more often than not it wasn't made at the time. ([[http://goodeatsfanpage.com/References/another_show.htm The fans kept track]].)
*** {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d in the bread pudding episode where he delivers the line, then tells Thing to write it down. The camera pans over to show Thing writing in a '''gigantic''' binder labeled "... That's Another Show". Alton remarks "Wow, that's a thick book." Ironically, this was in one of the last episodes to be aired, so unless there's a SpiritualSequel...
** "By ''weight'', please." This is to remind viewers that ingredients like flour and sugar must be measured by weight and not volume. It's also to avoid UnitConfusion, as the weight is often given in "ounces", which could be misconstrued as ''fluid'' ounces, a measure of volume.
** "Stuffing is evil." This was coined during the Thanksgiving episode and thrown back in his face repeatedly in future episodes. He eventually relents and has a stuffing episode where he shows his way to make turkey with stuffing.
** [[NiceHat "Like the hat?"]] This one was popularized by a Website/YouTube uploader adding a clip of Alton saying this from the first season episode ''The Egg-Files'' after a [[SmallNameBigEgo long obnoxious title card]] at the start of every episode uploaded.
** "I'm not a doctor, but that HAD to hurt!" comes up a few times, and not always from Alton; Lactose Man uses it after socking one of Alton's crew in the gut.
** "You know, I'm really sorry we haven't worked out that scratch-and-sniff TV yet." In later seasons, it morphed to "Ahhh, just smell that _____. Oh, I'm sorry, you can't. That was mean." or some variant.
** "Now go wash those ____y hands!" Used when working with raw meat and poultry, though in the episode about beets, he did admonish the viewer to go wash their "beety hands!" since beet juice is notorious for causing stains.
** Especially toward the end: "Of course, I make my ___ from scratch, [[SelfDeprecation but I'm a freak, and we all know it]]."
** "...(and that's) not [[TitleDrop good eats]]." Used sometimes when describing the consequences of a potential cooking mistake.
!!'''Deb Duchon'''
A (real-life) Nutritional Anthropologist who shows up (pretty much every time Alton says or even ''thinks'' the words "nutritional anthropologist" to help explain the history of dishes.
* DropInCharacter: Even more so than some of the others; she seems to appear as if by magic whenever her title is mentioned.
* RunningGag: Showing up whenever Alton mentions a nutritional anthropologist - or when he ''thinks'' of a nutritional anthropologist - or when an ''audience member'' thinks of a nutritional anthropologist.
!!'''Shirley Corriher'''
A (real-life) culinary scientist who helps Alton to explain the science behind his creations
* DropInCharacter: Much like many of Alton's other experts, Shirley tends to show up when she's needed.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Fictional characters]]
As noted above, these characters are... well, fictional.
!!'''"BA" Brown'''
Alton's tough-guy brother, usually used to present spicy or otherwise "manly" variants of dishes. Played by Alton himself, along with a pair of sunglasses and a [[BeardOfEvil goatee]].
* BeardOfEvil: one of the pieces of shorthand used to set him apart from his "twin."
* DropInCharacter: He tends to show up with relative frequency.
* EvilTwin: This is his aesthetic.
!!'''Colonel Bob Boatwright'''
A southern-fried gentleman character played by Alton, used to present highly-archetypal (or stereotypical) Southern dishes.
* [[CaptainErsatz Colonel Ersatz]]: The character is an obvious take on [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Sanders Colonel Harland Sanders]], founder of UsefulNotes/KentuckyFriedChicken.
!!'''Chuck'''
A butcher who mutated into AB's weird neighbor. He's generally used as an everyman character.
* Chuck was originally a quirky butcher. Over the course of the series he became more of a job-hopping CloudCuckoolander who knew so little about meat that he didn't know what pot roast is.
!!'''Elton Brown'''
Alton's young nephew, generally used for children's dishes or other instances where children are shown cooking.
* {{Adorkable}}: Echoes Alton in nerdy adorableness, with the addition of youth.
!!'''Itchy & Twitchy'''
AB's lawyers, who show up whenever Alton is going to do something potentially dangerous or of questionable legality.
* DontTryThisAtHome: This is their ''raison d'etre.'' If Alton is talking about doing something potentially dangerous (such as consuming dishes containing raw meat or eggs, working with caustics, or using burning charcoal inside the house), they'll often show up to stop him, forcing him to find a different (and safer) way to do the same thing.
**In the Season 11 episode "Pretzel Logic", they stopped him from using lye to brown his pretzels, because lye is ''poisonous and extremely caustic'' if handled improperly.
--->Who would have thunk [[EvilLawyerJoke those guys]] would have a problem with a little [[IncrediblyLamePun 'lye']]?
!!'''The Mad French Chef'''
A chef who appears in early seasons to represent the culinary establishment. [[CaptainObvious He's French. And very angry.]]
* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: He disappeared after Brown left Means Street Productions (at which Rooney was employed as their executive chef) to start his own company, Be Square Productions, at the end of season four. The character only appeared once more after he left, in the form of a nightmare-induced puppet voiced by Brown.
* DisneyVillainDeath: The end of "Mission: Poachable" has the French Chef falling into his own lake of court bouillon in an attempt to prevent Alton from throwing [[WeaksauceWeakness a piece of liver]] into it. [[spoiler:He lives.]]
!!'''Marsha Brown-Brady'''
Alton's pushy, annoying sister. Used as a parody of Martha Stewart, she's often used to show popular, but wrong, trends and opinions.
* DropInCharacter: Marsha tends to drop in to force Alton to make her cookies, donuts, soup, etc. or to offer unwanted advice.
!!'''Paul'''
AB's assistant in the early seasons.
* ButtMonkey: He's usually on the rough side of things, for example having his ice sculpture ducks melted in the duck episode or being BrainwashedAndCrazy in Mission: Poachable. That said, the actor portraying him gets his own as other characters.
!!'''Thing'''
A disembodied hand, apparently straight out of Franchise/TheAddamsFamily, who helps AB out in the kitchen.
*
!!'''W'''
The person Alton turns to when he needs new equipment. The two share a rather severe mutual antagonism.
*
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Added DiffLines:
You might not expect a ''cooking show'' to have a lot of characters. In the case of Good Eats, you'd be surprised...
