MESSAGE FROM ME

 

Welcome to issue forty of The Eye Shield. There’s plenty for you to enjoy in this issue, including a review of series 4 by prolific TES reader Chris Stallard. Chris, I must thank you once again for continuing to share your Knightmare views and TES feedback with me. I only wish there were more out there like you…

            Now, as for Chris’s article, which is entitled Transition Gone Mad, I must admit that not all of the opinions expressed tally with my own, what with me being a diehard fan of series 4. However, this is exactly the kind of thing I want for TES - readers sharing their thoughts and opinions, just as it was in the good old days of Paul McIntosh’s fanzine! If you have something you want to get off your chest about anything remotely Knightmare related, do what Chris did and get in touch!

Here’s something I’ve been wanting to get off my chest for a while – I actually find series 3 a bit samey, mainly because so much time is spent larking about in level one, where the team either meet Golgarach, Velda and Mrs. Grimwold, or Brangwen, Motley, Mellisandre and Olaf, a pattern which becomes all too predictable by about the sixth episode of the series. I freely admit that, when the series gets exciting, it gets very exciting, particularly during Leo’s and Martin’s third level experiences. However, these are confined to two or three episodes of the series. The majority of episodes are much less interesting than those in series 2, 5 and 6, in my view. There, I bet that made you sit up and pay attention! Why not write in and tell me why I’m completely and utterly wrong about series 3 in time for the next issue?

Anyway, moving on. Richard Temple’s intriguing tale of espionage and deceit, Trade in the Old for the New, unfortunately takes a break this issue, but hopefully it will be back for the next one. By the way, if you’re reading this, Richard, please send me the final part of your story ASAP! To compensate somewhat for this gaping hole in the pages of The Eye Shield, Rosey Collins (veteran Knightmare fan and TES contributor) has written an article entitled Politically Incorrect, in which she examines the top five stereotypes from Knightmare’s extensive character reservoir. Rosey has asked me to point out that this article is a completely original piece, as she wrote it without any prior knowledge of the recent discussion on the Knightmare forum about stereotypical characters.

 

Here is an e-mail from Richard Lowe, who has taken the time to share with me some of his thoughts on the previous issue of TES. I hope he will inspire more of you to do the same…

 

This is arguably my favourite edition yet, primarily as a result of the articles about Dickon and the minecart. Dickon’s quest is one of my most memorable, along with Ben II and the legend that is Barry! Oh, and how could I forget the Lord Fear quotes, from arguably the greatest performer in Knightmare history? If any form of the Dungeon
were to reappear, a sarcastic Mark Knight would probably top of my list of
priorities - yes, more so than Treguard! Anyway, thanks for your continued devotion to the Greater Game; it is most appreciated!

 

Thanks again for writing, Richard. It is feedback like this that really makes all my efforts with The Eye Shield seem worthwhile, so thanks for giving me renewed hope to carry on. I am very pleased that you enjoyed my latest offerings in Classic Quest and Remember This, as well as my carefully selected Lord Fear quotes. Much as I like Lord Fear as a character, Hugo Myatt as Treguard would always top my list for inclusion in any version of Knightmare, as it just wouldn’t be Knightmare without him!

 

Chris Stallard contemplates the shortcomings of series 4, which he explores in much greater depth in his article this issue.

 

Whilst I know that a large number of fans appreciate series 4, I’ve always found it to be the most disappointing, with its over-reliance on the eye shield, dull quests and clashes between old and new aspects.

 

Despite my fondness for series 4, I can see exactly what you mean by everything you say in your article. It is quite samey, and my fondness for it comes mainly from nostalgia, I think. For content, my favourite is series 2, which I think is much more varied and exciting even than the ultimate fan favourite, series 3.

 

Challenge Question: What is this a list of? Brass bracelet, green gem, dagger of darkness, leather-bound book, potion, silver chalice, iron key.

 

Remember, readers, I want to hear from you! (Especially you, Richard Temple!) E-mail me here at Eye Shield Towers at the usual address: eyeshield2002@hotmail.com