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If the musicians’ visibility and viability has shifted, Sparks’ music remains inventive, brainy and flamboyant pop, often born of sunshiny moments and wistful memories that wend their way into lyrics.

With its blend of culinary history, intense challenges and playful banter, “Clash of the Cookbooks” feels like comfort viewing with a brainy twist, perfect to binge over the holiday break.

A finely calibrated cast, including Christopher Walken, finds depth in initially shallow stereotypes — rich influencer, uptight white guy, brainy Indian girl — as a crew sentenced to community service for their petty infractions.

Ms Terry said people keep assuming she is "brainy" because she is studying for her fourth degree.

But she has a knack with actors, particularly Jenna Ortega, who plays the lead role of a brainy teen seductress with wit and verve.