Series 7

Treguard: "And you have three friends? I hope so." Barry: "Yes. Er, Simon, Derek, Daniel." [The advisors appear] Treguard: "Ah yes. And these friends, they have names?" Yep. The names Barry just used to summon them. This can only have fuelled Barry's determination to be listened to, come what may.

Im sorry, but Treguard is helping them WAY too much in this series. He's even started guiding the dungeoneers 'climb over the back of the seat and leave the firestone' He;s started the annoying habbit of pretending to not know what the items are. 'think its up the back there somewhere' was bad enough but now 'think thats a lamp'. YOU KNOW ITS A LAMP. what happened to the confident Treguard who KNEW the dungeon? Shall we take the book? "Ooh its quite useful" So now, he's telling them what items to take, in LEVEL 2. And they were blatantly told they suddenly had the BOLT spell and Treguard went 'USE IT'. Ooh I give up. WAY TOO MANY. But they still died, so they were particularly hopeless. The new team by contrast have a much tougher quest. I'm glad I'm not the only one to have found Series 7-8's Uncle/Grandpa Treguard distracting at best. Team 5 were assigned the quest for the (poisoned)chalice. They had a lively start, running straight into Romahna, with goblin horns approaching, just as time-out arrived. A recent tweet suggests that Series 7 Team 5 went to the same school in Salisbury as Series 6 Team 5. I hope the school put it in their prospectus.

The troll stalking Team 5 all through Level 2 was an unusual and effective addition to this quest. It's very sinister. It's a shame the team messed up and the producers had to bring the troll in prematurely to kill them off. Presumably, had the team played the level successfully, there would have been a face-off with the troll at the end or near the end of the level. Probably using the letters they collected to cast a spell to escape it. It's an interesting idea that I think could have been used again (not necessarily with a troll but with other antagonists as well). Just to have a running threat all through a level. It's funny they didn't revisit this idea again.

I've always heard it as "happy elf". I am hearing "happy elf" on relistening to it. I also don't like the way Pickle's exit was written, departing so abruptly without even bothering to say goodbye, and apparently without a kind word to pass along Made worse by Treguard's own unkindness: deciding that Pickle's an alcoholic based on the sight of one mystery bottle, and making an aside to the watchers about Pickle being demented. even though he'd developed a decent relationship with Treguard and seemed to be enjoying himself by Series 6. The last time we saw Pickle, he and Treguard thwarted Lord Fear and saved Knightmare Castle hand in hand (almost literally). Arguably that's more than a decent relationship. It's hard to reconcile that with the mutual bitterness of Pickle's departure. All in all, I wasn't expecting that post-credits scene, I didn't enjoy it and it cast a shadow over Series 7 for me. (Given that today is exactly three decades later, the phrase "30 years of hurt" comes to mind. This means it's also 30 years since Lissard's introduction and the origin of my username.) A better farewell for Pickle, and a less antagonistic introduction for Majida, might have helped those of us who struggled to appreciate her character at first. What if Pickle had left a note for Treguard, directly explaining why he had to go and leaving the new Helmet of Justice as a parting gift?

That reminded me that milk did serve as food: Julian (Series 2 Team 10) put some in his knapsack, bottle and all. The team weren't from Accrington. Accrington? As in Accrington Stanley? Who are they? Exactly, glad to see this never went past your eyes...

Barry's my favourite dungeoneer too. So refreshing to have one who interacted with the various characters with such enthusiasm. We did have some previous dungeoneers who did it to some extent, but Barry took it to another Level (see what I did there?)

Some general opinions on series 7: The series opener was very slow-paced, due to a lengthy intro with LF, then the arrival of Majida, followed by the gradual introduction of quite a few new characters. From episode 2 tho, things picked-up and most quests ran at a lively pace. Eye-shield sequences seemed less commonplace and were generally kept short, altho the dragon flights seemed needlessly long at times. The dungeon looked good, a nice mix of new rooms and familiar settings. Sadly the causeways had gone, but they had been replaced by good new challenges including trial-by-spikes and chaos-of-cards, both of which generated plenty of tension and also terminated several dungeoneers. The moving-floor puzzles didn't appeal to me quite as much. Some familiar faces returned for another stint. Hordriss was great, as always. Greystagg was good and seemed to have more screen time. Sly Hands was superb and just gets better with each series. The new characters were a mixed selection: I never really took to Majida, but then i never really saw why Treguard needed an assistant anyway.... Romahna was ok, a little reminiscent of Gwendoline perhaps. Marta was good, finally a dungeon maid with a less excitable temperament. I liked the enigmatic Grimaldine. Rothberry the apothecary was ok in small doses (no pun intended) but he could have become samey if overused. Fidjit didn't really appeal to me. (It was a pity that we missed out on Motley in S7 because Paul Valentine played Fidjit instead.) Lissard was ok and provided some comical moments. Brother Strange didn't quite seem to fit in somehow. Raptor was dull and one-dimensional, so a like-for-like replacement for Skarkill. As for the brollachan, i quite liked the idea of it but it's questions didn't seem tricky enough, which rather undermined it's supposed menace to the teams. Speaking of teams, the producers once again assembled a fine selection for this series. The overall standard was very good and i thought team 6 were excellent, one of the best teams ever. I would rate S7 on a par with S6. Not as good as the early classics, but still enjoyable.

A much slower-paced episode. Team 7 persuaded Fidjit to open the door to the fire-room and then used their potion to survive and collect some witch-amber. They were rather slow nonetheless. Confronted by Raptor and goblins in the next room, but used their enchanted boot to squash them and escape. Entered Queen Greystagg's lair and explained the plot to her. Barry was a bit too pushy and got put in his place but eventually received a "REVEAL" spell. Next courtyard contained a scroll. I assumed it was a "SURPRISE" spell, but apparently not as he didn't use it in level 2 and had no magic remaining when he entered level 3. The brollachan materialised and they were very unconvincing with their answers, but just got away with it. Entered the trial by spikes and the combo was there waiting for them. Given a hurry-up by the goblins and he very nearly over-stepped his square twice. (As team 7 have since stated that this room was back-filmed to act as a filler, it would explain why the goblin charge was not really threatening.) Reached the tavern where Hordriss was flirting with fake-Marta. Used their "REVEAL" spell to spoil the illusion and were shown the steps down to level 3 by Hordriss in gratitude. Reached the level 3 clue-area. Chose "freezer" & "fast-backwards" potions. Entered the sewers and used a spyglass to discover that LF was gonna send his troll to destroy Knightmare Castle. Re-appearance of Queen Greystagg, who offered a pact with them to defeat Lord Fear. Barry received another verbal slap for being discourteous to her tho. Gained a "VISOR" spell. Entered the chaos of cards just as the bell sounded....

Very fast-paced episode. Team 7 learned that Grimaldine's staff had been broken into four pieces, which they needed to retrieve. Encountered Romahna and didn't exactly impress her, but collected the 1st section of Merlin's (sic) staff. Reached the level 1 clue-area. Whilst reeling-off the list of things on the barrel, Barry made it sound a bit like the "generation game" conveyor belt. Chose the "speedwell" potion and the lamp. Thought the scroll was a bit ambiguous. Not sure why they didn't know where the exit was. Dry comment from Treguard: "There's a big hole to the right. Big archway." Encountered Rothberry's stall. Collected the 2nd staff section. Sound of goblin horns and in his hurry he nearly left without his "speedwell". Made a shambles of the floor puzzle and were given a massive reprieve. They took too long describing the room and were then rushed by goblins and completely missed the 3rd section of the staff. Moved Barry backwards to get it and the goblins just stopped and watched, then backed away. He should have been toast there....missed Compare how blatantly this team were let-off here to how harshly Jamie's team (S2 T9) were treated when they were cut-off by the mechanical warrior and missed a spell piece. Entered a darkened room and used the lamp to find the final staff section. They walked Barry into the wall. In the next courtyard he was confronted by Sly Hands and two goblins, but used the "speedwell" potion to escape. More like a "slo-mo" potion, but whatever.... Reached Grimaldine and were rewarded for restoring his staff. Given a journey to level 2 on Smirky. Used a spyglass to discover that Lissard has been magically disguised as Marta, to trap Hordriss. Much interest from LF. Woke the troll on their way out. Level 2 clue-area was in the dwarf tunnels. Wisely chose the boot and the "fireproof" potion. Entered Sidriss' magic class (Fidjit also in attendance) and warned her about the trap for Hordriss. Loved the tactless version suggested by advisor Derek - Barry worded it rather more carefully.

Team 6 completed their trade with Rothberry, then used the "insight" to dodge past a troll. Interrupted Romahna and Raptor in skirmish. Wisely used the catnip which temporarily turned Julie into a cat, scaring away Raptor. Romahna told Smirky to take Julie to level 2. Dragon flight was very slow again. Used a spyglass to discover that LF has set a trap for Hordriss. Given the hurry-up by a troll on the way to the exit. Obscure clue-area in the dwarf-tunnel. They chose Heggatty's booze(!) and the green gem. I hope she fares better than the last dungeoneer called Julie who had the green jewel.... How was that enormous troll pursuing them thru tiny dwarf-tunnels? Intercepted by "that thing of lord Fear's". Managed the brollachan's questions fairly well. Great expression on advisor Sam's face when it stated: "You are not my enemy. Yet!" Encountered Grimaldine who exchanged the gem for the trap combo. In the next room, loved the way Sly Hands jumped out on from his camouflaged hiding place- really startled the advisors. They gave him the booze to distract him. Entered the trial by spikes. Made rapid progress, but several times Julie nearly drifted onto the next row forward as she side-stepped. Into Hordriss' magic class. They were very quick to identify the object as LF's trap and warn Hordriss. Great reactions. He provided a descender to level 3 in gratitude. Yay!

Team 5 ran into Romahna first up and didn't exactly impress her. Reached the clue-table and chose the keys and (bizarrely, but correctly) a mop. Soon used the mop to uncover an "INSIGHT" spell. Couldn't actually hear what Lissard said the password was, as it was muttered. Used their spell to negotiate the firebomb room. I really don't like these seeing spells. (Ok, i know i have mentioned this a few times already. I will try not to mention it again....) Took way too long to release Fidjit. The level 1 guard was rather underwhelming. Not exactly Gumboil or Gibbet was he? Liked the way Ben told him the password was "brollycon". 'Spose it was close enough. Reached level 2 via dragon-flight and had a rather pointless encounter with Brother Strange. Entered the level 2 clue-room in the undercroft. Found what might be the first piece of a spell. Chose the key & "darkness" powder. Sound of approaching troll as time-out arrived. In general discussion this team seemed rather pedestrian, but when they needed to move Ben quickly they did ok.

Thanks. After a short hiatus. i've resumed working thru each episode. Not many more now, but these later ones are interesting coz there are just a few that i have not seen before. (I realise that i missed two episodes in S1, must return to those!)

Team 3 were intercepted by the brollachan before they could leave the level 3 clue-room, but again dealt with it's questions easily enough. Entered the sewers and encountered Grimaldine, who rowed them across and gave them a "VISOR" spell in exchange for info. Next challenge was the chaos of cards. Treguard explained that they needed to touch the cards, which sped things up a little. They were very indecisive, altho once they finally got moving i thought they would work it out. Alex was clearly panicked by the sound of goblin horns, but they didn't realise that one they made their second choice the goblins couldn't reach him anyway as the blocks behind Alex had collapsed. Sadly they didn't really understand the pattern of the puzzle and chose wrongly on the penultimate row. Oooh nasty! (Yet again a seeing spell made no obvious difference.) It was a pity coz they were a likeable team who did very well, but this tricky level 3 puzzle just proved too much for them. After a slow opening episode, series 7 has sped up and produced three good quests so far.... Team 4 made a hesitant start in their quest for the crown. Encountered Brother Strange in the dwarf tunnels and received some info. Into the Crazed Heifer where they were welcomed by Marta. Enter a thinly-disguised Sly Hands who gave them a (goblin) horn. Earned some info about Grimaldine. Level one clue-area gave them just some silver "to buy time". They then immediately ran into Rothberry and bought a seeing potion & spyglass .(altho passed-up the offer of free bat's droppings) Time-out before they could use the spyglass.

Team 3 made slow progress thru level 2. They discovered that Hordriss was trapped and that they needed an anode of power to free him. In the dwarf tunnels they met a new character, the enigmatic Brother Strange, who told them they needed to find Greystagg for help. Also in the tunnel was a clue-table. They took witch hazel and a torch. (leaving gold & a gem) Majida's persistent interruption's are really starting to grate on me now. Arrived at the trial by spikes, but without the combo. Romahna arrived just in time and crossed ahead of them, showing the path. Alex sidestepped very slowly and his advisors didn't tell him to speed-up. I didn't think they were gonna survive this room.... Why did they need the "SIGHT" spell? The advisors told Alex where to move anyway. They could have done that without it. Answered the brollachan's questions easily enough. Reached Greystagg and traded the witch hazel for her anode of power. Saw off a grayling in the dwarf tunnel then encountered Hordriss. Used the anode to release him and in gratitude he conjured the descender to level 3. Yay! Neat touch with the fake dungeoneer remains. (in the mark-1 helmet of justice) Reached the clue room but decided to take the items not indicated by the scroll. Alex didn't agree with his advisors, but did as instructed. Team 3 seemed competent, but not as lively as the first two teams in S7.

Even without the "nightsight" you could see that coming. Team 2 met a sudden ending in the dark. Shame, coz they were a lively team who were really enjoying their quest. There's too much time wasted between quests due to Majida's endless questions. Team 3 started by meeting Sidriss-the-confused. Her latest sorcerous catastrophe had turned Fidjit into a toad. They agreed to find him a releasing spell in exchange for his help. Level 1 clue-area seemed a fairly simple choice: "shadow" potion, key and crossbow, with no apparent reason to take the latter. Easily evaded a troll with the help of the potion, then encountered Grimaldine. Use their key to gain a "RESTORE" spell for Fidjit. Made rather slow progress across the moving floor puzzle. Used their spell to free Fidjit. He took them to Smirky, who (eventually) flew them to level 2. After the dramatic opening moments, this episode seemed rather slow-paced. Team 3 were rather more sedate than the two previous teams.

Team 2 made steady progress. The episodes have picked up the pace now after a slow series opener. They encountered Sidriss-the-confused, who had bungled again and inadvertently turned Marta into a cat. They returned her the wand and received a firestone in exchange. (The wand then turned Marta from a cat to a dog. Oops. ) Cornered by Raptor in the next room before Smirky scorched him and then flew them to level 2. (Level 1 seemed very short in this quest.) The dragon flight scene was excessively long and they still never got round to warning him about the brollachan. Dashed past Hordriss and Grimaldine who were sparring. (Nice quip about test-matches going on for days. Howzat? ) Met by a weakened Hordriss in the undercroft, who asked them to find a health potion for him. Next-up was the level 2 clue-room. Took a divining-rod and some silver. *Think the "nightsight" would have been better than the silver. Hope that doesn't prove costly. * Used the divining-rod (Aka that twiggy-thing. Is there an emoticon for ROFLMAO?) to find a spyglass and learned the combo for the trap, which they then entered. This looked dangerous! Collected some gold on the first row, then made very efficient progress thru the puzzle. Reached Rothbury's stall and used the gold to buy a potion. Summoned Hordriss and gave him the potion and received a key for the descender in thanks.

Hordriss opened the descender for team 1 and they reached level 3. They took the right-hand door, even tho it had the fright-knight symbol. Straight into the clue-room. Took a long time to choose the troll-wine and also the green gem, which Marta had evidently already spent. (She could have bought a good many low-cut dresses with that. ) Given the hurry-up again and they panicked a bit getting Simon out. Entered the sewers and encountered Grimaldine again. When he didn't seem to recognise Simon, i assumed he was an illusion sent by LF to trick them. They traded the green gem for his help. Simon cheekily asked him for a spell and eventually received a "RETURN" spell. Next-up was the chaos of cards. They took a while to realise it worked by touch, not voice and were also pressured by the sound of approaching goblin horns. Simon jumped across the gap neatly (unlike Scott in S3) but they didn't work out the card sequence and guessed wrongly at the next turn, plunging him into the void. So, yet another team failed to retrieve the (poisoned) chalice.... Team 2 chose the sword quest. Collected some gold in the dwarf tunnel. Encountered Sly Hands who had trapped Romahna and was robbing her. Great line by Hands: "Ooh, it's a dungeoneer. Oh, no it's not. Wrong helmet." They paid him to release her and she agreed to accompany Nicola, but went off in a huff when they examined the clue objects. Chose the wand and the torch before time-out.

I am pretty sure the forum member is referring to the closing credits of Series 7 Episode 14 in which, like they said, a Pooka can be seen traveling cross-country. Possibly looking for a new home, or dungeoneers to steal their life-force (or whatever they wanted from dungeoneers; their motive was always ambiguous). They describe this as the "Season's closing credits" which I would agree with as the closing credits on the only remaining episode (episode 15) is just a still of the opening credits scene. I like this closing credit sequence as we don't see pookas much in Series 7. In fact they appear more in closing credits than they do in the show. (It's possible they were scheduled and all lined-up to appear in certain quests in rooms that we never got to because dungeoneers died before getting to them.) Anyway this closing sequence perhaps hints at what happens to them and why we don't see them again after this. They are leaving.

Majida (a real hottie and i loved that accent) Witch queen (cold yet beautiful) The waitress (loved when Fear tried it on with Lizard turned into her!) Archer (very shapely um....chest)

I was programming the brollachan in my Knightmare PC game last night. He only asks one question (an easy one, of course) I took lots of speech frames and placed only the animated face onto his 'base', recreated seperately so that it fits the perspective I've used. It looks impressive- and as shiny as the real thing! If anyone is interested in this game production, keep looking on here and on the knightmare site. It's not too far from being finished as a version 1.0 if you like. For more information, please email me at djoska@lycos.co.uk