Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Season 6

I’ve watched Bourdain wander the earth since he started A Cook’s Tour about 15 years ago. This guy is like the Caine (Kung Fu, David Carradine) of the food/travel world. Okay, maybe not quite as benevolent or humble as a younger man, but with time he has become an incredible force for the broader understanding of food, culture and the social context that frame it. I suppose the Caine comparison becomes clearer once you get past the veil of snark and sarcasm (as much as they are entertaining), and see the humbleness and heart-felt honesty that instruct his work and guide his movement through the blurred kaleidoscope.

Bourdain is my favorite. And the first four seasons of Parts Unknown are masterpieces to me. But season five was lackluster with only some gleams of beauty—and so far season six is just boring. I don’t think Bourdain cares anymore. He’s deep into his fitness, his family, his cookbook, and his new Market in NYC. I think he’s learned how to put the show on autopilot and the character is waning. We’ll see how the the rest of the season fares.