Robot Wars (Robot Wars)

Member Name: Twister

Product:	Robot Wars
Date:	16/08/00 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: There is nothing else like it on telly

Disadvantages: Unfortunately there is nothing else like it on telly

The state of telly these days is so poor I could count the number of programmes I watch on one hand..and I wouldn't need all five fingers. However, one programme I never fail to enjoy, always video, and often watch Sunday repeats of (when it's the season) is Robot Wars. This programme - which recently completed what I think was its third series -is completely original, professionally produced and utterly enjoyable to watch. For those who haven't seen it, members of the general public are invited to enter their home-built remote-controlled robots (mostly the size of your average St Bernard) to take part in an arena-based, demolition derby. Actually they face each other one-on-one in a series of heats (each 45 minute show covers a heat). The 16 heat winners progress to two semi's and a then a grand final of eight robots. (They also have robot soccer matches and robot "pin-ball" obstacle courses as minor diversions from the main events...all good fun!)

For me, the real joy is in watching two totally different designs - one with a hydraulic flipper on the front that has thrown other robots clean out of the arena, and another with a whirling horizontal disk on the front that has ripped the kevlar armour from opponents with ease - face each other to the death. You also get to see the designers, learn about some incredibly ingenious engineering, and witness some inspired (or inept) remote driving skills.

It takes no brains, is totally engaging, and is usually on at the perfect time to watch while eating or digesting your evening meal...yummy!

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