Feel the wrath of the Dragons (Dragon's Den)

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	Dragon's Den
Date:	25/11/08 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting TV

Disadvantages: Patronising occasionally

Dragon's Den is a BBC TV programme that see wannabe millionaires and entreupreneurs pitching their product, service or business to a group of Britain's most successful business people, in the hope of getting their financial and emotional support and backing.

Recently, they have extended this further with a series of programmes about the individual Dragons' lives, what they've achieved, their history, their life now, etc., which have also proved to be pretty interesting. I think that they add the essential ingredient of background to the people and them a bit more personal.

In terms of Dragon's Den itself, however, though I enjoy it, it makes me want to scream at the TV sometimes. I can often think of ways to extend the arguments of the pitches (or indeed, the arguments of the Dragons). For example, I saw one episode where someone was pitching an instrument for easily sterilising things, their main argument being it'd be good for cleaning shoes at health clubs. The Dragons rejected it partly on the basis that it was too limited. But what about hospitals, health clinics, restaurants...pretty much any kind of food business industry or of that involving children? But I guess it depends on the arguments and mind of the individual pitcher (though I think the Dragons could be a bit more open minded!)

The other thing that annoys me was something I didn't realise until one of my friends pointed it out, and it's been annoying me ever since! The presenter (whoever he is) repeats what's just been said. A lot. And pointlessly. I can understand the need for linking bits, but repeating exactly what's just been said? Waste of time, and pretty patronising as well.

Overall, I think this programme is a great concept, and the spin offs - what happened to the successful pitchers after, the lives of the Dragons - are also worth watching.

Minor improvements could be made, but a nice change from typical reality TV.

Summary: An enjoyable but occasionally irritating