THE CRYSTAL MAZE, C4, 9pm
I AM in despair. When I reviewed the opening episode last week, I was optimistic. I was happy to report that everything on the cult show was the same. We had a new presenter, yes, but he proved himself worthy of filling Richard O’Brien’s shoes. Ayoade was sufficiently witty and sarcastic, the games were similar, the theme tune hadn’t been changed, and the crystals still looked like daft wee plastic things you’d find in a pound shop.
Everything was fine, I said, except the contestants. They were awful: a bunch of silly celebrities and one of them, Louie Spence, was so irritating I had to take an Alka-Seltzer after watching him.
But I relaxed. Surely they’re just kicking off the series with a celebrity special? Surely next week we’ll go back to having normal contestants? But no.
We have yet more celebrities this week, and I could cry at the ruin of this great gameshow. Tonight there’s Jodie Kidd, Joey Essex, Scarlett Moffatt….oh does it even matter who the rest are?
MOUNT PLEASANT, SKY1, 9pm
THIS one-off special of the comedy drama brings the show to an end. After six series, we’re leaving the residents of the street behind.
If you ever watched Mount Pleasant it was because you were recovering from a migraine and just wanted to sip weak tea and watch something bland and inoffensive which was guaranteed not to shock or rile you. Or you might have had friends round and decided to play a drinking game based on how many ex-soap stars you could spot.
Was there any other reason to watch it? But let’s not speak ill of it on its final outing. In the finale, Lisa and Dan decide to mark their 25th wedding anniversary with a holiday, but they spend most it bickering because Lisa is being tempted by a job offer and is considering leaving their beloved cul de sac for a new life and some bright lights.
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