Please Note: These TES Bring Back Knightmare pages have now been superceded by a new Bring Back Knightmare campaign site run by Alan Boyd. http://www.bringbackknightmare.co.uk
Petition Comments
Updated 27 November 2000
Here are the best comments submitted by people who made an entry to the Bring Back Knightmare Petition and the previous 'Have Your Say on BBK' form.
Harjinder Lall (26/11/00)
The most original and amazing adventure series in the
whole universe ever created.
Isn't that enough?
Jordan Kelly (24/11/00)
Knightmare was the best game show on television, ever! It was innovative, well designed and actually had a half-decent plot. Bring back Knightmare, there's nothing else to watch.
Graham Ribchester (24/11/00)
The format can still work today, but aimed at a much older audience and with a much deeper plotlines. Take the success of AD&D and the age range involved, stick it on a BBC2 6pm slot time like Robot Wars and turn it into a reborn cult. The characters made the show what it is, atmosphere was everything, the graphics merely complimented the fine actors.
David Ivings (24/11/00)
It was just the greatest program ever! you needed good judgment to win and it created ambition for it's watchers! An adventure game like Knightmare is just what TV is missing today
Paul Jeeawock (24/11/00)
In an era of fantastic TV for kids, this was simply the best show, and absolutely essential viewing. To bring it back would show the current selection of programmes to be bland and far too PC. It would also gain a MASSIVE student following.
Victoria Taylor (22/11/00)
I once spent every week looking forward to the next Knightmare to be on TV. I watched, waiting for the time that the person got to the end of their quest and loved watching all the different things in each of the rooms. Nothing would get in the way of me and the TV when it was on. It was a magical program and I am sure that every person of my age is waiting for the day of it's return.
Jeremy Handscomb (19/11/00)
Just because it was so cool! It was a cult gameshow and after a hard week at primary school I used to look forward to seeing the familiar faces of the contestants who were on for weeks!
George Lea (16/11/00)
Knightmare was the only children's TV show with some imagination and an element of tension and fear . It won countless awards etc and was one of the most awesome television shows for both adults and children of the 1980's . Those who were responsible for it's termination deserve being introduced to Mogdred .
Frank Williams (16/11/00)
Knightmare was one such program that had originality, substance and wonderful presentation. Watching the very first series is still fresh in my mind, that haunting title sequence and music caught my attention. What is needed is a re-evaluation and thorough reworking of the series (but with keeping its original production values). Not many TV programs make lasting impressions on the minds of young viewers in the same way as Knightmare did. So come on, see sense and let's see it back on our screens!
Richard Wright (14/11/00)
In a dark deep pit of children's television, this was the only shining light. Hasn't anyone else got worried about the unusually high ratio of cartoons on kids TV nowadays?! This program was like a breathe of fresh air and basically it forced the audience watching it to use their brain and broaden their interests in the realm of fantasy rather than all the mainstream rubbish that basically followed the formula of patronising, over-enthusiastic presenters and a banal, predictable line-up.
The technology employed in making it was pretty intriguing too: how many rooms was there the dungeoneers could walk in before they got to the end of the studio?! Also, what exactly were they going into when they got into the wellway? And who exactly was the genius who came up with the concept for one of the most ingenious game shows of all time? There should have been a "making of" book about Knightmare, how they worked the computer technology, backgrounds of the actors who played the human characters and who wrote all those amusing lines spoken by Treguard " Time turns, the fire burns.." etc.
In fact I guarantee that anyone watching this show will suddenly have an unhealthy interest in the swords and sorcery genre, and go out and read game adventure books, play computer role playing games, D&D board games etc. I know it did for me!!
Peter Hall (13/11/00)
Know how everyone says they watched Dr. Who from behind the sofa when they were kids? I watched the corridor of blades in Knightmare from there ;-). I know it has the potential to be one of the most entertaining childrens' programmes.
Rachael Lake (7/11/00)
There is nothing anywhere near as good as it on TV. it was unique and beyond its time when i first saw it...it totally blew me away. my little brother hardly remembers it and i think that that is such a shame....that they miss growing up with the excitement, the fear, the general coolness that was Knightmare!!!
BRING IT BACK PLEASE!!! IF NOT FOR MY SAKE....THEN YOUR OWN!
Sean Male (6/11/00)
Knightmare shouldn't be brought back just because of cheep nostalgia, but because it was a generaly good, cutting edge show. To deny the current generation of 9-15 year olds of this classic show is nothing less than criminal! Bring it back!
Mark Prior (5/11/00)
This was one of the coolest, intriguing, and scariest shows on television. I remember shouting at the television for the players to hurry up past the bomb, or to ignore the old woman!! This was a show everyone at school talked about, and we all wanted to be on it. Bring it back!!
Graham Lee (5/11/00)
It was so tense me and my brother used to resort to running around the sofa again and again in order to alleviate the tension (sad but true).
Felicity Hayward (4/11/00)
Well...you know when you're a kid, and a TV programme just.. gets ya and you don't know why, but you have to watch it every week, no matter what? Well, that was Knightmare for me!! I was also too young to go in for Knightmare, as I was...well...4-ish when the first series went out. So I never got to go on it. D'OH I forgot, I'm now too OLD! Darn! (I'm 17 if anyone is wondering). But the real reason I loved Knightmare was because I am naturally competitive, and I always wanted the team to beat the opposition. It was either that or the fabulous graphics!!! Oh and the jesters. And Ariadne. And the blockers...and, well, everything else, lol!
Jane Pullar (4/11/00)
I used to watch it as a child and wanted nothing more than to be on Knightmare. It was the most fantastic programme on television, combining two of my favourite genres, historical drama with fantasy children's television. It was superbly executed, and sent chills of childish excitement through me every time Treguard ended the programme with "D I S M I S S". Bring it back so we can live the fantasy once more!! PS Your site is FAB!
Jim Raynor (4/11/00)
How about suggesting that a repeat or even a brand new
series (yet keeping the classic ideas and dungeon) be shown later at perhaps
7:00 to 8:00, to appeal to the classic 16 year old audience. I have these
important points that me and all my friends have pout forward, there are 12 of
us in total, i also know those madmen who claim to be under the control of the
"overmind" they have been acting strangely.
#1. Bring it back because there is nothing else like it and the British public
want an imaginative D&D style show, like knightmare
#2. The best ones were the earlier ones without lord fear and the rooms were infact
drawn, if it was to be resurrected, it should take the form of the older classic
episodes.
#3. It is the best show that has ever or will ever be on TV in the universe let
alone Britain.
Jonathan Baldwin (3/11/00)
It was the only programme that I was allowed to eat my dinner in front of!
Abdurrahman Yasar (2/11/00)
I want Knightmare back because my family have shown me some old episodes and it looks fantastic.
Miles Carter (31/10/00)
This used to be my favourite program all the time it was
running, and my mum used to like watching it with me.
When I look back at the programs I watched as a kid, I don't remember anything
as fondly as this. A superbly original idea, with a brilliant crossover of contemporary
CGI and fantasy based setting.
I *know* this would become very popular if it was brought back (with new
technology etc) to perhaps a 6PM slot on C4 for all ages to enter, or a Sunday
afternoon spot, mainly because the program is of a high enough quality to
warrant those family viewing times rather than being relegated to CITV.
I also think the older series should be re-televised, when you compare it to
some of the trash that's on Bravo, UK gold, Granada Plus or even early
morning/late night on ITV and C4, it could hold its own in those slots.
It would be heavily watched/taped by anyone who watched it when they were
younger, as well as the normal viewing audiences at those times.
Andrew Bohanna (30/10/00)
The closest to real life dungeons and dragons we'll ever get! Total genius.
Andrew Wood (30/10/00)
It was a great game show, which showed trust, skill and communication between friends
Daniel Lawson (29/10/00)
It prepared the children of its day for the harsh realities of a barbaric society.
Chris Morris (27/10/00)
The transcendental underlying philosophical issues that it tackled were skillfully executed, and sensitively handled.
Kellie Ritchie (26/10/00)
Because I used to watch it whilst eating fish fingers and mashed potatoes. They haven't tasted as good since he show went off the air
Paul Leslie (24/10/00)
Knightmare was the perfect start to a weekend.
You know it makes sense. Bring it back !!!
p.s. have you noticed that "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" has nicked
the goblin raiders horn call.
Gill and Emily (23/10/00)
Because we miss the knapsack and the helmet.
We're keeping ourselves busy by shuffling left and a big step forward!
George Brown (21/10/00)
It is such a good program and designed to stimulate the minds of the youngsters. I remember rushing home from school so that I never missed a single episode. It is time-tested and I feel is far, far better than some of the so-called cartoon things they have on now. I for one would watch it no problem!
Zane Jensen (21/10/00)
One word can sum up why Knightmare should return.
Imagination.
Luke French (21/10/00)
The only kids program which really made me believe I was
there.
British Heritage which MUST be brought back!
Steve (20/10/00)
It was the only Kids TV programme ever that was allowed to make me and my brother late for swimming lessons after school, and that's because it was SO good my mum watched it too!!!
Sonja Count (19/10/00)
Knightmare was the most remembered thing about my
childhood. Practically everyone I meet who is in their early twenty's
remembers Knightmare with affection and I'm sure almost all of them would tune
in if it was revived.
I would be a little disappointed though if it used too much modern technology.
It was perfect as it was!
Phil Smith (18/10/00)
Knightmare was one of the few instances of fantasy making
an appearance on kid's TV, moreover it was handled remarkably well, and better
yet, it was British! It was one of the things that got me interested in RPGs,
which got me interested in writing... to say it was a programme I liked and took
as an influence during those formative years would be somewhat of an
understatement.
Hugo Myatt's aplomb as Treguard gave the show great character and was easily
everything one would want in a compare for a sword-and-sorcery programme; far
better than some riddling Yoda-clone from a cartoon series.
Knightmare was the true outlet for a Dungeoneering on TV. Let's see it return.
Spellcasting: B.R.I.N.G, B.A.C.K, K.N.I.G.H.T.M.A.R.E!
David Cook (18/10/00)
It made my childhood complete!!! Me and my friends were trying to remember it all a few weeks ago and we remember it all and I was hoping for a site just like this. I remember the whole thing, the old people in the corner of the room, the dragons, the food on tables and treasure everywhere. I NEED IT BACK!
Frank Kyne (17/10/00)
It was a show that captured my imagination and attention
at 4.40 on Fridays and signaled the start of the weekend. Who can forget the
chilling sound of the Goblin Horn which also triggered some sort of warning from
Treguard: "warning team!". The dong! of the bell at the end that left
you wanting more. The show was full of good ideas, tension, and interesting
puzzles and always had a very "cutting edge" feel (can be likened to
modern virtual reality). It was also educational; I remember when one team was
foiled by a big brick wall in one of the rooms which had "Jericho"
written on it. They hadn't picked up the horn from the previous clue room which
would have destroyed it -it was only a few years later that I "got"
this episode.
Knightmare should return and entertain a new generation of virtual adventurers!
I`ll certainly be watching!
Mirkku Pulliainen (16/10/00)
It's the best children's program ever, and even me, a
42-year-old mother, liked to solved the riddles with kids. My daughter taped all
of it, and we were so sad, when it ended!
It was a non-violent, beautifully staged, vise, nice fairytale, which a child
can really relate to. It was like my daughter was participating herself. Please,
bring it back!!!!
W. Gideon Graas (15/10/00)
Knightmare was a huge part of my life as I grew up, and is
one of the things which shaped me into what i am today - imaginative, creative,
etc.
I once applied to be on the show, but like so many others was rejected, so many
was the time me and my friends would go to an abandoned building site , and
recreate the magic, in a rather anachronistic manner, of knightmare. equipped
with a plastic toy helmet, mum's old handbag and a bin lid with an eye chalked
into the middle, and a block of wood spray-painted gold to fashion one of the
ubiquitous bars of gold.
Mark (14/10/00)
Me mum wouldn't let me watch this till I was 14 - apparently it would scare me too much. However after that I watched avidly like a man (or young boy) possessed. I would gladly sell one or more of my kidneys to see it back on TV.
Jon P. Moran (14/10/00)
It was what capped off Fridays for me; whenever I think of it, I get the taste of fish and chips (dinner always seemed to be ready in the middle of a show!). One of the best children's programs ever made.
Dave Curran (11/10/00)
It was the only programme I used to dash back after school to watch. Everyone wanted to be on it, and we followed the teams, played the books, and willed the teams to make it to level 3!! Now, at 22 I am perhaps a little old to apply, but it would make an old kid happy once more!
Lucy Rayner (11/10/00)
I remember it from when I was little, it was fantastic. I used to sit on the sofa with my mum when I came home from school and we were glued to it! The noise of the goblin horn still scares me even now! It would be interesting to see what could be done with the technology now available.
Paul Swift (9/10/00)
Knightmare was, without a shadow of a doubt the greatest
childrens TV show of all time.
There has been nothing before or since that measured up to its intelligence,
originality and spellbinding ability to captivate viewers.
I remember when I was a kid, nobody talked about anything the next day at school
if Knightmare had been on TV the night before.
Perhaps its greatest quality was the fact that it never insulted the
intelligence of its young audience, something that happens far too often with
kids shows today.
TV execs please note these facts:
1. Treguard is God.
2. Knightmare was TV heaven.
3. You are all morons for letting it die.
That is all.
Alex Denley (9/10/00)
Best show ever , modern childrens television is nothing compared to quality like this . It has shaped my entire views on life . Also it has provided hours of entertainment for members of society. BRING IT BACK!!!!!
James Barella (8/10/00)
Because it was the VERY BEST childrens programme ever to be shown on television. Nothing in the past 6 years has come close to surpassing it - and nothing probably will. I wonder if the creators realised just how much an impact it made of my life (I'm 19 now) because it was so exciting to watch these people walk around dungeons and undergrowths and meet different people. Please please bring it back!!!!! You may not think so but I would def. watch it now!!!
Matthew Loxham (8/10/00)
This was the best show ever on TV, and the tension in most parts was far greater than even Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. It was the best part of the week, and seems even more suited to today's technology filled world than it was when it originally aired. PLEASE BRING IT BACK!!!
Emma Hutchins (8/10/00)
I think you should Bring Back Knightmare because if Wacaday was the programme your TV was made for, Knightmare was the programme Friday afternoons were made for!!!
Jack White (6/10/00)
Basically, Knightmare is not coming back to our screens until a major company takes a large step forward. Somebody has to actively say "We are going to target an older audience!" That, or Knightmare has to go a little further and appeal to a ever so slightly *more* mature audience, so that there is a reason to put it on in a slot in the evening.
I feel I would be right in saying that many of the Knightmare viewers watch things like Red Dwarf and stuff of that ilk. There are quite obviously times when these programmes are not airing. A new series of Knightmare could be put on then. I bet it would be a success.
Lets face it. When we watched Knightmare, we were somewhat younger than we are now and regardless of the nostalgia, its return *would* be odd even to us.
Michelle Sibley (6/10/00)
Knightmare was such a brilliant program!! it was and still is a very different type of childrens game show that myself and my sister would both rush home from school to see!! it offers a different option to children instead of programs such as Pokémon and Digimon, which are all based on the same sort of thing.
Karl S. Green (5/10/00)
It was just such a great show, watched by children, teenagers and adults! It's pure escapism where the shows contestants (and indeed the viewers) could immerse themselves in a fantasy world, and one where the good guys didn't always win! We need this show back!
Christopher Taylor (4/10/00)
Because I remember it having just AMAZING visuals, even for then; with today's VR technology it would be amazing! It would be worth bringing back just for the big flying dragon!
Ryan McNamara (29/9/00)
It was the best ever memory of my childhood. That may reflect my lack of living, but I would disagree - it reflects how truly amazing this programme is. I have tried everywhere to buy a video but they just don't exist!
Phil Cunningham (29/9/00)
BRING IT BACK!!!! My life hasn't been the same since it was taken of the air!! I had to watch the videos over and over again to feed my habit. But now I have watched them so much that they have warn away! I must have my hourly dosage of Knightmare!!!
Now all I can do with my time is to think of ways to kill people with mouse mats. Please help me, I need therapy!
Lee Flint (29/9/00)
Because it was brilliant, exciting, adventurous, mystical, magical, innovative, gripping ... And, ok, I know I'm a bit old for it now (what about an adult version? - but not like BSB's Satellite Game), but I'd like my daughter to see it, instead of all the cheap imported cartoons kids these days are spoon fed! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for creating this site!
Neil Stephens (29/9/00)
Knightmare was the best thing on television for many years, as I was growing up I loved Knightmare and I think that it is only fair that children growing up today should have the chance to experience such televisual delights.
Clare White (27/9/00)
It was just a great programme - the whole atmosphere - spooky, exciting and just weird. It had a chilling edge to it...I can't describe it! I think it should be brought back with the bloke who presented it 'cos he pretty much 'made' the show!
GREAT GREAT GREAT....pleeease bring it back!
The great thing about it was the creepy ambiance which was made even better by the great presenting! It's true that there is no other programme like it. There is a major problem with current childrens television - it's lost something crucial. I don't know what it is, but it just ain't happening. The good thing about Knightmare was that it was almost "EXCLUSIVE", it was like you weren't watching a TV programme - you had been transformed back into a different 'spooky' world. No other show has that. Everything SLOWED DOWN - no MASSIVE NOISY "ACTION-PACKED" Japanese cartoons you see now, it was at a different pace!
Kate Sloyan (25/9/00)
Because it was an extremely interesting and original programme. There's been nothing like it since - it's completely unique from what I know. It was and remains a quality programme that is a credit to it's makers!
Helena Wilson (25/9/00)
I have signed the petition for my brother and my mother as we all used to watch it together. Like my mother I am worried about the mental state of my 10 year old brother. (Not the one who i signed for.) If he continues to have his young impressionable mind warped by the senseless poo that is being broadcast at the moment I fear the worst. Also I love Knightmare and miss it as it ran so long I became dependant. Please I need more. PLEASE!
Mother Wilson (25/9/00)
I want Knightmare back so much that I have asked my daughter to post this for me. Childrens TV is appauling drivel now and I find it sad that fantastic programmes such as Knightmare are no more. I think our children deserve to have quality programmes such as Knightmare, not just for for their mental stability. But for all the parents of the world who have to put up with childrens programmes that are complete pants. Thank you.
Matthew Barson (24/9/00)
I was a really big fan of Knightmare the minute it started
to the minute it ended. If Knightmare was to be broadcast again, It should
not be on ITV because something happened to my sky box and Channels 1-5 went
totally.
If Knightmare Should make a new series, here's a Couple of Tips to keep the
audience
1. Put the bomb room back in
2. Replace the Pool with the mirror as this was a good feature
3. The Corridor of Blades usually stopped with a Door down the side, but this
time have it so that it ends in lord fear's chamber. Here they have to use
the wand so a giant brick sends him flying into the corridor of blades.
4. Allow players to choose the helmet they prefer
I'm 13 at the moment and really want to see all the episodes apart from series
2, There was nothing good about that one
5. Put pickle and Majida in so they both help out. Majida opens the door
while pickle helps guide the dungeoneers and enter the game to help them out.
Al (24/9/00)
Why not? It was THE best programme on during my youth and shaped me into the person I am today! No seriously, was a fab programme. Alas I was always too young (and too scared to go on it!)
Rebecca Marsh (23/9/00)
I was devastated when knightmare was cancelled, it was really cool and far above the dire stuff they have on kids TV nowadays. I'm too old to apply to be the one who gets to wander around the dungeons now, but if it comes back, there will finally be something good to watch on children's television when i get in from work. not only will a nation of twenty somethings boost the ratings at 4.30 but a whole new generation can appreciate the kind of classic programmes we used to take for granted.
Alex Colbert (21/9/00)
I used to watch the show all the time, and it was one of my fave progs as a kid! the best bit of it though was when they encountered the Dragons, i used to wait for ages and ages to see those bits! I also agree with Nicholas about teaching children to work as a team, that was a good part of it. The best part though, was Treguard. He was, and still is, my favourite presenter for any show, EVER. Respect goes out to Treg, big up yourself.
Alan Halstead (20/9/00)
I loved the show and had always wanted to go on to the programme. I found the series to both mentally stimulating whilst also entertaining at the same time. Many a time in the playground have my friends and I tied a scarf around our eyes and "attempted" to re-enact the show. (resulting in various bumps and bruises.)
Lucy (18/9/00)
Because, quite simply, no children's game show has *ever*
been the same since this left our screens.
With today's computer graphics technology this could look even *more* stunning
than ever before and it was the first quiz show to treat kids like intelligent
beings and pose tricky puzzles and stop treating all teenagers like kids!
Paul Craig (16/9/00)
I had watched the show for as long as I could remember
and, through Knightmare, gained respect for sci-fi and adventure stuff.
I have always wanted to go on knightmare but I was too young and now that I'm
ready they take it off the air.
I always watched Knightmare on ITV, kids programs, I never missed an episode.
I liked their old series the best and thought that the last one was not there
best. They always had medieval times and trying to go all futuristic,
which didn't work well, I thought they should stay in the medieval times as that
was the time period to be in.
Please, Please, Please, bring Knightmare back and on air and in the medieval
times once again ' not futuristic'!!.
New people if you wish although get someone to play Treguard as best as you can.
Same personality and look if possible.
By Paul Craig
Devoted to Knightmare
Got most adventure books of series
Age 18
Bring it back NOW!
Mark Hemingway (16/9/00)
Here are some ideas for bringing back Knightmare:
1. Start a local Knightmare fan's society. I'll have good opportunity to do this
when I go to Birmingham University next month. These local societies will
eventually merge to crate 'The UK Knightmare Fan's Club' and Knightmare will be
alive and kicking again!
2. Try and get permission from Televirtual/Tim Child/Broadsword and some major
computer company e.g.. Eidos to produce a Knightmare computer game for PC and/or
PlayStation II.
3. Harry Potter, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Pokémon and Digimon have brought
the concept of fantasy back into the minds of most of the UK's youth. Why doesn't
somebody write to CITV stating that due to the amount of fantasy-orientated
programmes you currently show, why not put Knightmare on screen again?
4. You already should know that about every 3 months or so, BBC2 has a themed
night on Saturday night. Why don't we write to the BBC2 controllers and argue
with them about showing 'Knightmare Night' one Saturday?
If all four of these fail, then PANIC!!!
Jonathan Horrocks (13/9/00)
Ever since Knightmare went off our screens I've wanted it back. It used to be one of the best shows on TV and it's one of the greatest concepts for a show ever. To me it seems like ITV's dumbed down all it's programs *a lot* over the years. If they won't bring Knightmare back on childrens CITV surely they could bring it back at a later time.
Katherine Skelton (10/9/00)
Knightmare was and is a unique, entertaining, edge of the
seat programme. Even now at the age of 22 and years after the programme was axed
I still get a thrill watching the video clips. As an 8/9 year old child I was
fascinated by the technology and yet also by the history used, the brilliant
drama provided by Treguard and the crew, and the excellent storylines. That damn
bell at the end of each programme, you were aching for it to carry on so you wouldn't
have to wait another week !!
For whatever reason, Knightmare was removed from our screens and Childrens TV
lost an absolute diamond. I hope that someone somewhere will see sense and bring
it back in its original format and let the young kids of today see what REAL TV
is all about !!
Jennifer (10/9/00)
I am 13 years old and I have only distant memories of the
last series but I know that it was cool.
I have been looking at the knightmare site on my brothers computer and there is
nothing like this for me to watch or get involved in (if I was lucky enough).
Please bring back knightmare it is not fair that it was cancelled, I will not
get to see anything like it!
Nicholas Reginald Green (10/9/00)
Knightmare was the most original program ever. It brought everything that children enjoyed into one program. the interactiveness of a quiz/game show the rich detailed fantasy style artwork and characters that belonged in a JR Token book plus all the latest advances in computer technology.
AND HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANOTHER PROGRAM THAT TAUGHT CHILDREN HOW TO WORK AS A TEAM? (this is a very important lesson in life).
I am 20 now I was 7 when it started and I'd still watch it now if I could!
Steve McGrath (9/9/00)
Because there was nothing like sitting down with a cup of tea, four chocolate digestives and watching Knightmare after a hard school week.
Emma (8/9/00)
I grew up watching "Knightmare", it was one of the best kid's TV shows around at that time, and would definitely still hold it's appeal today. It was so different to others, imaginative and gripping, one of the first programmes to have me shouting at the TV screen!! I don't know why they ever took it off air.
David Bradshaw (5/9/00)
It was quite simply the greatest children's TV show I have
ever seen. I was an avid fan from 1988 until the programme's end in 1994,
and with six years now gone it is surely time for a new generation to have the
chance to experience the greatest game show in television history.
Martin Odoni (2/9/00)
It had a magic to it, in more ways than one, which no show before or since has ever duplicated. I can't imagine any other children's game show where survival was the exception and death was the rule. It was terrifying and it meant you really cared whether or not the contestants won. Again that is not the case with any other show on TV.
Sophia Matthew (31/8/00)
Because it was one of the most original and exciting shows for children and adults). It actually encouraged kids to use skills like strategy and ingenuity, as well as having to rely on each other in order to win the game. It is far preferable to the plethora of "fun" kids shows which mainly involve large amounts of gunge and one-upmanship, hosted by an inane adult in fluorescent clothing, on Prozac, who is old enough to know better. What more reason do you need to bring back such a sophisticated and gripping show, even the graphics were ahead of their time.
Ross Macdonald (29/8/00)
You should 100 percent bring knightmare back. These days there is nothing to look forward to on TV anymore. I remember when I was at school Fridays was always a happy time because it left you wondering if the team would get across the causeways and if they would win their quest. It was always chilling viewing to say the least. If they don't bring knightmare back it would be very stupid.
I also talked to my friends about knightmare at school waiting with bated breath to see if they would get past the blockers or get past a tough bad guy like Mogdred or even the quest killers like play your cards right and trail by spikes. When a team died I remember when Treguard would say "Oooh... nasty". I started watching knightmare from series 2 and gave me great memories. Bottom line it was the ultimate game show and now is the time to bring it back.
Nicholas Blake (24/8/00)
Knightmare was a unique program; basically, it was a real life computer game. My first memories of it were being scared totally out of my wits by every aspect, from the theme music at the start, to the gong at the end. No other programme has *ever* done that to me, before or since.
Maybe now is the time; simple seventies style game shows are fading, and with tougher ones like Castaway, Big Brother and even Fort Boyard racing ahead of the ratings, Knightmare would bridge the gap. So it's not real life; basically it's a story. But a story with consequences. A surreal role-playing adventure which, given it's chance, would capture the imaginations of viewers everywhere.
With the creation of Harry Potter there is a new public awareness of fantasy. It could, if done correctly, be extremely popular, as it was before.
AND because it's all blue screen, set cost is put to a
minimum. With the increasing cheapness of CGI effects, a series *could* be
done extremely cost-effectively.
Come on, someone? Old children's programmes are being revived all of the
time; The Wombles. Even Round the Twist is back!
Commissioning one series couldn't hurt, could it?
Rachel Maskell (20/8/00)
I begin my protest by expressing my opinion that there seemed to be no reason as to why, the series was removed initially. The characters were fantastic, interesting and allowed the fantasy element in children's minds to run free. There was also a mix from the amusing to the wicked and friendly. The graphics were excellent and the concept was brilliant as "we" the viewers could get the chance to prove our directional talents.
Added to this when I was 10 years old, I used to race home to watch this and as there were never any videos produced, we cannot watch knightmare another way. Also, children of this generation probably have not seen it and it would be a smart new concept however Treguard had to be a part of it as does Motley and the blockers. It was excellent and so completely absorbing as entertainment and held the attention across a span of children's ages. The creator of this series was a genius!!!!!!
Gavin McAllister (7/8/00)
I watched Knightmare from the day it started to the day it ended. It was such a fantastic programme that I still cannot forget how great it was. I still read all the books and I would love to see it on TV again. Good luck finding it a new home!
Richard Platt (24/7/00)
I remember watching a few kids TV shows, but I don't
remember any as fondly as Knightmare. I watched it from the beginning, but
missed the last couple of series. Bringing it back would be wonderful - simply
reshowing the original episodes would be great. I doubt if they could make a new
one as good - there would undoubtedly be far too much emphasis on computer
graphics (the one thing guaranteed to kill all atmosphere, but very nice if used
properly). I recently re-watched the one episode I still have on video, and was
surprised how good it still was to watch, even at age 19. Given the number of
people who watched it, I'm surprised that no TV station is interested in
re-showing it, not even at a risk-free dead slot such as 4am.
I'm not sure how best to make a new series, but any new technology should only
be used if it adds to the atmosphere or improves the adventure in some way
(remember the eye shield - it was interesting but made the game too linear).
However, I think that keeping the atmosphere is very important, as it's what
made Knightmare so involving, and things like cash prizes would spoil that.
Right, time to try and get more episodes I think...
Kieran O'Brien (16/7/00)
I watched Knightmare from 1988-94 and was the highlight of the week for me. Even now at 16 I see myself watching old videos of it. I would also love to see Knightmare repeats or even a new series. I have series 4,6,7 & 8 on video and I want the rest of them also. As an interesting prospect, it might be worth having a go at the Hallmark channel for repeats on Sky as they show just about everything. Anyway good luck in finding Knightmare a new home!!
Eddie Bernard (16/7/00)
I'm 15 years old, and can remember Knightmare from when I
first saw at about 6 years of age. It truly was a fantastic show, and made
Fridays the best day of the week. Listening to the music just now has brought
back a flood of memories.
The adventure and excitement are the main things I can remember. Sitting there
watching, wondering whether they'd take the left door or the right door, or take
the sword from the table, or look in the spy-glass.... it was magical from start
to finish.
One thing I'll always vividly remember though is Treguard's, "Oooooh,
nasty!" when a team of contestants met their demise!
Anyhow, just talking about it now is making me want it back even more! I hope it
returns to our screens soon, in much the same format as it was when it finished
in Series 8, but obviously with vastly modernised graphics and such like. Keep
the dungeon setting though... the mystery surrounding that was brilliant!
Best of luck with the campaign.
Alex Hillel (8/7/00)
I think the reason for CITV's younger target audience was
due to the continued dumbing down of its output in the early 1990's, so the
declining viewing figures for Knightmare was no fault but their own.
However, I propose that maybe they should think about redefining the target age
group by splitting CITV into two. The first hour could retain the title CITV and
show programs catered for the younger age groups such as Pokémon, whereas the
second hour could be called Teen ITV (or something to that effect), and show
programmes for an audience of say 12 and up.
Now here is the clever part. To attract the required audience, the teen segment
could show a couple of popular established American programmes for the teen
sector, such as Dawson's Creek or a programme of that ilk, as well as
establishing a set of new homegrown British programmes, as well as the
reestablishment of fallen classics
such as Knightmare.
Any thoughts on this?
Tim Connolly (6/7/00)
Well, I'm also an American, but I managed to get some
episodes through a trade. Wow. Never have I seen such a terrifically crafted
show; one that neither talks down to children nor goes over their heads. This
show has got to come back in some from. I do think, though, that there should be
a few changes to the show, just to make things a little more true to the game:
- The Life Force concept really needs to be developed further. In the old shows,
it seems as if Life Force was simply an excuse to move teams along when they've
finished up in a room, and keep them honest when it came to confronting nasties
(putting a pie right in front of a catacomb bite, for example).
In my version of KM, a player's Life Force would be
depicted as both the face and a numerical hit point counter. As time goes on,
the dungeoneer's HP would slowly drain, and they would have to find food to
replenish it. They could also sustain 20 of 50 HP damage if they made contact
with harmful objects or creatures.
- Allow the team to summon one of three spirits to help them should they get
stuck. One would be a great magic user (to dispel any traps), one is a knight
(for confrontations), and one knows the lay of the dungeon (in case of a fork in
the road). This will help curb teams from running into a dead end. Only one
summoning per team, though it wouldn't be "necessary" (I.E. If you
were sharp, you wouldn't need to summon anyone).
- Better rewards. Let's face it, a Frightknight trophy isn't going to cut it
anymore. Perhaps a scholarship fund that increases as the team progresses.
- Let's go back to the original concept: a dungeon. No forests, no Ruins of
Dungarth, no Mount Fear, just good old exploration.
Still, the way it was, was not bad at all. It's a terrific show that just begs
to be revived.
Mark Hemmingway (19/6/2000)
Well, still little progress has been made after six months of the twenty-hundreds.... but I'm sure that Knightmare will one day return to our screens.
Ratty (17/6/2000)
OK, who wasn't on the edge of their seats when they were in the forest and the goblin hunting horns were sounded or the wolves were heard?
I think if they were doing a new series they should have it multi formatted, parts of it in a computerized dungeon (with the razors and talking walls) and part of it in the forests, castles and inns etc. I liked the game feel of the dungeon 'puzzles' and the interaction and involvement element of when they were in different environments.
I think it's a good idea to have two series'. One for older viewers cause if it doesn't work out, so what? But if there was only one they should *defiantly* have it as was, with contestants and the dungeon master and with *kids* (after all, if something's right don't mess with it).
Someone mentioned remembering looking forward to Fridays cuz knightmare was on. TOTALLY!
I felt the same way AND played knightmare in the playground! (plus it was always the topic of conversation through the week).
It's so stupid not to bring it back. There hasn't been anything quite like it since and everyone remembers it.
CITV's main hit was taken off and hasn't been brought
back. What are their rating people paid for anyway?!?!
--Rat
Thomas Beals (8/6/2000)
Well, I'm from the U.S.A., so I've never had the privilege of seeing even a single episode of what seems to be the most beautifully crafted game show idea in a long time. But certainly, if there ever was a revival of the show on your side of the Pond, we'd hopefully pick up on it as well in the States and get a good thing going as well, so our people could see the good thing you English people have started... Broadsword, please bring back Knightmare, and hopefully bring it over to the States as well :)
Matt (4/6/2000)
I remember it from about 8-10 years ago - I believe it should be brought back in
two ways - a similar format to before, for the new generation, and a longer
(hour-long maybe) more involved game show for older contestants (16+ maybe) with
bigger prizes. Maybe show one on CITV and the other a bit later on in the
evening. That would give me a chance to apply and prove I'm good at the game and
would be a good panelist!
Paul Moran (25/4/00)
Looks like the Sci-Fi channel is the best bet for the re-run of Knightmare. When they showed it, I had the Sci-Fi channel but never heard of their re-running of Knightmare.
Ben Maydon (24/4/00)
I've just been thinking a little bit more (is that safe?).
Can't CiTV realise that not only their age range is
decreasing? Their viewing figures are also dropping dramatically. The only good
thing on CiTV is Pokémon, and that's only on three times a week anyway. We
really should do something to make CiTV realise that Knightmare would bring
their viewing figures back up to scratch, and perhaps save them from total
disaster...
Neil Jones (22/4/00)
I had a funny dream type thing. What could happen if they
decided to make Knightmare: The Movie? It has a style like Bean: The Movie and Pokémon: The First Movie in title terms, but how could it work in terms of plot?
Well, I have a suggestion here:
Plot for Knightmare: The Movie
It is the year 2000. A whole six years have passed since the TV show had it's
own "Temporal Disruption". Now, it has returned. Bigger, badder,
better equipped and with even more special effects than ever before...
After stumbling across ruins of the old Knightmare set, some bright spark pieces
it back together to play a game and use the portal as a goal. But he has
unwittingly unlocked the Knightmare spell that will give rise to Treguard, Lord
Fear and other Knightmare characters. So the whole Knightmare ritual begins
again with "Enter Stranger" right through to "Spellcasing:
D-I-S-M-I-S-S", only this time with brand new strangers - the next
generation, if you like.
When we get to the end of the "series" and the Red Dragon is sent out
to destroy the dungeon, this is literally "destroy the dungeon". And
what makes it worse is the fact a team are halfway through level 2 and have been
unwittingly guided into a dead end room, with no doors, windows, spells or
whatsoever. It appears, after extended analysis (all of two seconds) that two of
the advisors will have to enter the dungeon to free their dungeoneer, while the
third advisor can only watch and pray that everyone gets out alive.
Tension increases when it is learnt that Lord Fear has also started a massive
fire at the end of Level 2 which will spread back through the level, eventually
reaching the trapped dungeoneer. Treguard is powerless to act, and all he can do
is re-assure the remaining advisor. No time now to say things like
"survived the reality you call your time", because is it going to be
appropriate???
Anthony (22/4/00)
If they were to bring Knightmare back then get them to make an internet series. If it gets lots of hits (which I imagine it will), it would be put on telly. That is happening a lot now. There is hope there.
Tamsin M. (16/4/00)
Knightmare was a brilliant series. When you watched it, you were always on the edge of your seat - it was far more likely that the team would loose than they would win, and the possibility of failure made it more tense. It should be brought back.
Steven Holmes (11/4/00)
Knightmare was probably my most eagerly awaited show of
the entire week during my schooldays.
I am lucky enough to remember it right back to the first series (I am now 25!).
I always remember being absolutely spell bound by the (then) amazing computer
graphics. Treguard was brilliant. You never quite knew whether he could be
trusted!
It's a crying shame the show is no more. It must be brought back!
Daniel Pridham (11/4/00)
Comments: I think that Knightmare Social Clubs should be
set up across the country so the persons who join may like to bring back
Knightmare. The rules of joining would be:
Those who want to bring back Knightmare.
Those who are fans of Knightmare.
There would be 2 types of membership cards. One is the under 18 card and
the other is the over 18 card. Those who have an over 18 card can buy
alcohol and play the club machines in the over 18 zone, which would have a gate
at the entrance and to pass through it, you would swipe the card and go through
the turnstile. This is a bit like in amusement centres, where in most
there is an area where you can win Ł15 all cash jackpots and teens who go
through the barriers might have to prove that their age is over 18.
The clubs would have bingo for Knightmare goodies and a pool table, etc.
David Cox (4/4/00)
When I was younger my friends and I loved Knightmare, I remember we used to make up our own quests at home using a blindfold and a schoolbag and other people I've talked to did the same. Knightmare encouraged us to use our imaginations and to interact with others. Now I'm 21 and I still remember the fun we had watching Knightmare and this lead me on to things like role-playing games (AD&D, Vampire the masquerade etc) and reading fantasy novels.
With so many kids nowadays turning to drugs & mischief for entertainment Knightmare provides a real alternative. Bring Back Knightmare!
Kerrie (24/3/00)
I loved Knightmare - I even used to dream about it and someone brought it up in school today and we all had this really long discussion about how much we all liked it!
So I came home looked on the web and found this brill website - all my friends will be signing this. One last thing, BRING BACK KNIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daniel Pridham (20/3/00)
Please Bring Back Knightmare! And put all the obstacles from series 1-3 as well as the blades, cards, spears and different choice rooms such as Wheel of Fortune, Die room, Spindizzy, etc. This will be exciting because teams face different rooms!
Paul Moran (12/3/00)
I am currently 15 years of age so I was only able to view Knightmare from about 90 to 94. I remember that it was always shown on Fridays. As a result, Friday became known to me as the only day of the week. It was what I lived for. I longed so much to become a contestant (one of the "panelists" - I thought the blue screen effects were too real to be up close to - hey I was only 6)
I still haven't seen series 87 to 89 as I was not aware of the sci-fi channel repeating the show. My point is, Knightmare is the best children's television programme ever created bar none which is why I would like to see its return to the screen. If I ever become rich and successful, you can bet I will make my own show based on Knightmare.
Richard Lowe (5/3/00)
I watched Knightmare from the start - I was 3, and my 1st memory is the mine cart rolling down to level 3. The early series' were brilliant, and even the latter ones were good. BRING BACK KNIGHTMARE!!!
Chaotic White (4/3/00)
For gods sake don't make it aimed at adults if it ever comes back, we've all had our time with it (Im 16 and I consider it a childhood memory). Its a little selfish to want the show to advance with us.
Dominique Lydon (3/3/00)
I really loved watching Knightmare from when the first
series started. I never missed one episode. I would love my young cusions
to have a chance to see such a well designed programme. SO please please
please bring Knightmare in the very near future.
God Bless all the Fan's.
Robert H (27/2/00)
Quality counts right? Then bring back Knightmare right now. I saw a CITV show with my little brother, something about gruesome tails for stupid kids or something. It was the most appalling piece of cow fluff I had ever seen!!!!! I can not believe how much CITV has changed (for the worst). BRING BACK KNIGHTMARE, and be better than CBBC!!!!!!!
Adam Burrows (26/2/00)
I watched this program since the start (thought I was to
young to really remember it) I remember series 4-8 well and from what I
remember it was really cool. BBK seems Knightmare's only chance to re-appear on
television.
Well done so far.
SiD (18/2/00)
Why do I want Knightmare back? First and foremost, because it was fun! I used to watch the programme religiously when I got home from school, and even then I realised how different it was from most other children's 'game shows'.
It was also one of a very small number of shows to actively promote imagination; set in a fantasy world, with a blindfolded dungeoneer, the contestants were encouraged to imagine their surroundings in a way completely lacking in standard studio-based quiz / game shows. There is, after all, no point in TV execs' complaining about a lack of imagination on the one hand whilst simultaneously producing unimaginative, uninspiring television...
Add to this Knightmare's technical innovation and "adventure game" format, and you have something which satisfies some major criteria for a successful show. Indeed, with current advances in computing / gaming technology and a resurgence in dungeon-based adventure games, this could be the perfect moment to re-run or (hope of hopes!) re-commission the series. We can but dream...
Neil Jones (17/2/00)
Knightmare must be brought back! People today cannot even
begin to live their childhoods without a dose of virtual reality! Yeah, it was
never going to be real-life, but it was the nearest anybody would get to that
kind of world, wasn't it!
Quality has gone downhill. Knightmare would bring it back up to the standard it
was before it started going downwards!
Mark Hemingway (15/2/00)
Knightmare should come back for the 21st Century because
all kids have now is that s**te trash like S Club 7 and Microsoap.
BUT the show should NOT use VR technology which caused the downfall of Virtually
Impossible!!!
Helen (20/1/00)
I watched every episode of every series of Knightmare... I repeatedly filled in application forms, and one year they said I was in with a chance. A few months later however, I received a letter saying "Knightmare is no more...however, we have put your name down for Virtualy Impossible"
There is such a shortage of quality TV, let alone kids TV. It MUST be brought back.
The Knightmare (16/1/00)
If Knightmare does come back, then it needs to be exactly like it was. None of this set in the future, fancy titles, and come dressed as the part stuff. Knightmare was a top show for kids, it would be disastrous to change it or show it after 9 o'clock an aim it at adults!
Also, I reckon the 'old graphics' (ie. hand drawn paintings and 'crude' animation) suited Knightmare better than a 3D area. And that all the characters should go their own way, instead of the opposition and powers that be teams. And the dungeon (series 1-3) itself seemed to be 'alive', as it 'reformed' itself between series. You got that feel that it was set in some different reality where the dungeon really thought for itself.
In short, when Knightmare returns, it must be like series 1-3 for it to be a full success.
Kim (11/1/00)
BRING BACK KNIGHTMARE!!!!
I was too young to appear on it. Well I was old enough by the last series. I loved it, though the giant spider scared me s***less. BRING IT BACK!!!!
Jimi (10/1/00)
I'm now approaching 18 and the other day I found myself getting all nostalgic. I was thinking about all those things which stood out from years ago. In the end, the only two programs which I could remember vividly were 'Button Moon' and 'Knightmare' I watched the program from series 1 and I can still see the dungeoneer trying to edge his way passed a giant bomb and climbing down wells to progress to the next level. I need Knightmare. I can't live without it. It addressed my worst fears, my highest hopes and the darker side which lurks beneath human nature. BRING BACK KNIGHTMARE!
Daniel Pridham (5/1/00)
How about a cash give away Knightmare. Teams win Ł1000 for level 1 complete, Ł5000 for level 2 complete and Ł10000 for level 3 complete. A really great idea, as big cash prizes may lead to good viewing figures.
However, my idea is for over 16's only.