Current direction being a massive wankery of a worthless character like Erina, and throwing away the actually interesting side-cast who were better characters from the beginning?
I'm sorry but what part of this crappy direction was needed? It's pretty damn clear that the writers didn't think about the series long-term and started introducing elements that make no sense whatsoever. Every shitty element in the series tends to have Erina as its central figure. She is by far the single biggest problem.
This arc wouldn't have been as godawful if it actually remembered that the series has far more interesting characters then Erina, and could've used the time to give them the spot-light but nope. Gotta lick Erina's ass everywhere and make her the fucking Jesus figure of Foodwars.
The series was actually fun when it was about Souma, and characters like Takumi, or Megumi trying their best to adapt to the school instead of this checklist shonen bullshit.
As for the formula, the series isn't really limited in that department because, unlike typical shonen battle series, it isn't about just strong punches but rather the techniques and the craft behind cooking which could be limitless in terms of scenario's and testing the character's skill IF the writers were up for it. The writers are the one who took the series in that lazy direction.
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@MDL:
If you actually read, a lot of us DO acknowledge the garbage writing.
It's just not a deal breaker for us in enjoying the manga for what it provides our individual needs entertainment wise.
Which is why your posts don't add anything to anything lol.
Just saying that you "enjoy" it doesn't mean jack. If you enjoy it, then kudos. Let other people, who aren't so used to closing off their brains, discuss the series.