MESSAGE FROM ME

Welcome to issue forty-one of The Eye Shield. I’ve got plenty of treats in store for you as usual, not the least of which is a brand new story by Ian Down, whose Knightmare views are aired further down this very page. It was most heartening to receive this feedback, but remember, readers, I want more! Please e-mail me at the usual address with any views about Knightmare or TES – I’m still waiting eagerly to hear from you!

Also worth noting is the return of Knightmare Locations, which should bring a splash of colour back to the pages of TES. I promise you, readers, I have many more exciting castle locations lined up for this feature, but for now you will have to make do with My Knightmare Locations; three places that are very close to my heart, and also very important in my own personal Knightmare story.

Plus, of course, all your regular favourites await you, including two devious wordsearches, and what could well be the last ever Creature Feature. Yes, I’m afraid I’ve run out of creatures at last, but don’t worry – there are plenty more exciting articles just itching to take its place, so make sure you keep on reading!

My sincere thanks go out to Ian Down of Guernsey, who responded fairly comprehensively to my latest plea for feedback. In addition to the first part of his gripping story, which chronicles the level three adventures of a most accident-prone dungeoneer, this issue also plays host to some of his comments about Knightmare. More of these, please, readers!

I've read and enjoyed the Knightmare website for a good few years - without responding - but a re-read of your messages made it clear to me that fan feedback is life-blood to a site like this, and so, for once, I'm responding.

Knightmare blew my mind when I was a teenager. It spoke, no; it screamed to me that this was the future of TV. Why on Earth this kind of format isn't around while Big Brother and Love Island dominate the schedules is absolutely anathema to me. I always thought an adult version of the show (or several) would come to populate prime-time almost as much as Davina McCall or Ant and Dec do now.

I would, of course, happily enjoy watching another series aimed at teenagers, particularly because the show (almost) always felt like it was aimed at those older than me when I was a teenager.

I don’t mind telling you, Ian, I too despair at some of the rubbish they have on television today. I was watching the final edition of Top of the Pops quite recently, and found myself wishing that I could be back in the ‘80s again. It’s worrying that I’m so nostalgic already – I’m only twenty-three! Thanks again, from the bottom of my heart, for getting in touch. Readers, there’ll be more of Ian’s comments next time.

Challenge Question: What did the following dungeoneers have to change about themselves at some point during their quests? Ross (episode 307), Nicky (episodes 406 and 407), Dickon (episode 411), Sofia (episode 612), Julie II (episode 712).

I’m eagerly awaiting your mail, readers, at the following, sadly neglected, e-mail address: eyeshield2002@hotmail.com