The Pitters' Place

As I'm sure all UK-based members will be aware, THE CRYSTAL MAZE recently made its long-awaited return to TV on Channel 4.

I grew up on and adored the original run, and never thought they'd be able to equal it, but I've been extremely pleasantly surprised with the results so far. I was particularly pleased to see how much effort they've put into the set designs in terms of being true to the original (something I was concerned about when I first heard of the show coming back since visual aesthetics have always been a big thing for me). They were actually able to get the same production designer back from the original, and he's completely re-designed the Futuristic Zone which I think looks awesome. Like a hybrid of some of the set designs seen in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and ALIEN.

The new host, Richard Ayoade, has been another revelation as far as I'm concerned. I think he's been absolutely brilliant so far. Not only is he hilarious - virtually everything that comes out of the man's mouth is pure gold - but in my eyes he has actually managed to equal original host Richard O'Brien for pure wit, uniqueness and entertainment value. Something I would never in a million years have expected myself to say when I heard the initial rumblings of the show coming back.

I'm not crazy about the first few shows being celebrity specials - though they are for a good cause. I think the show will be even better (not to mention funnier) when they start having just regular contestants on it again.

How are you all liking it?

I was so excited and I have managed to miss *every* episode so far. I am hoping to catch up when my school goes on summer holidays. Preliminary thoughts are that I am tremendously fond of Richard Ayoade and that the decision to bring back Industrial rather than Ocean zone is the decision of a FOOL.

I think it's been excellent so far and Richard Ayoade is tremendous as the host. I too agree it would be better with "real" competitors rather than many of the C-list celebrities they've got on there though.

aels wrote:I was so excited and I have managed to miss *every* episode so far. I am hoping to catch up when my school goes on summer holidays. Preliminary thoughts are that I am tremendously fond of Richard Ayoade and that the decision to bring back Industrial rather than Ocean zone is the decision of a FOOL.

Yeah, the Ocean zone was pretty cool come to think of it.

But yeah, definitely catch up when you get the chance. You're missing a treat!

OpiateOfTheMasses wrote:I think it's been excellent so far and Richard Ayoade is tremendous as the host. I too agree it would be better with "real" competitors rather than many of the C-list celebrities they've got on there though.

I don't even know who half of them are!

Was I the only one desperate for Joey Essex to get a mental game?