bourdain is the taste's bad boy, much like steven tyler was resident bad boy for american idol. on the whole, bad boys are good for ratings. most women have a special attraction for our 'bad boy's in america--we forgive a lot. yes, some people are offended by their potty mouths, their arrogance and conceit, and refuse to watch them. but many others tune in just to hate on them, or to witness and react to the bb's expected repulsive behavior. bourdain is also the most recognizable and famous of the show's panelists. the success or failure of this new show, the taste, right or wrong, sits quite squarely on bourdain's roguish shoulders.