Sub standard entertainment (Gladiators)

Member Name: liamb71

Product:	Gladiators
Date:	08/02/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None really

Disadvantages: Gladiators have it far too easy

I was not an avid watcher of 'Gladiators' in its first incarnation, but I do remember it being reasonably entertaining in its own limited way. My biggest beef with the latest version of it is the fact that rather like Spanish bullfights, the rules seem to have been set up to ensure that the contestants have next to no chance of shining in their various head to head struggles with the new breed of Gladiators. The male contestants are in many cases giving away huge amounts of body weight to their opponents who are, after all, also professional athletes, and this renders much of the show pointless. Is it any surprise that a 17 stone beefcake can push an 11 stone bloke off a small platform in double quick time, or that he can prevent him from climbing to the top of a very high pyramid? There are any number of other small and niggly restraints placed on the competitiors during the various rounds, and it just seems nowadays like a showcase for the Gladiators to be marvelled at when in reality the odds are stacked overwelmingly in their favour. Having said that, my kids love it, which is the only reason why I have seen any of the current series, so maybe I am just an old cynic! However I do remember it being a bit less predictable in the days of Fash the Bash and Ulrika. And as for former Gladiator Wolf's fascinating insights in his role as 'team captain'. don't even get me started.......

Summary: Don't bother unless you really are bored on a Sunday evening!