I agree with those views, although series 5 seemed to have more "atmosphere" than some of the earlier episodes, particularly when Ben+co entered Winteria. The ending to series 5 was quite effective and more interesting than the dungeon simply blowing up. Characterisation was also better in the later series, with many of the good/bad people given more unique identities.

yeah it's very nice, any reason why Greystagg and the pooka are bigger than all the rest?

Last two series not as scary?!?!? Are you kidding?!?

Perhaps it's because I was only 9/10 when I first watched them, but there was a definite spookiness about some moments in those series. I mean, who wouldn't be scared by someone getting sliced in the corridor of blades and blood pouring onto the screen?! Personally, I think the later series stand up better, and not just because the haircuts are slightly more modern. Series 3 was a good series, but many of the quests lacked "identity", later quests were more individualised.

Although they are often overlooked, I really enjoyed Giles' quest at the end of season 4. Despite their short game time, they did really well to go through the 4 biggest games of the season all in one go (corridor of blades, the wall, block and tackle and the transporter pads) and definitely deserved more game time. Also, they had a large enthusiasm visible, particularly when they were rewarded magic.

Another team that are often criticised are Daniel (season 8, team 2) and co. They seemed to have a great enthusiasm for the show and really enjoyed playing along. Shame they didn't win too!

I agree with that- CoB was a very scary challenge, particularly in series 8 where the blood and the music made it even worse. Although this series has often been slated, you gotta admit that the way they built up to some of the scenes was well done. In team 2 (Daniel)'s quest, Treguard really plays the final scenes well. At the time I was well-scared!

I think that's a good general point. Later series seem to have a greater sense of drama and suspense than the pre-sedries5/6 episodes. maybe it's because of the music and majida's jumpiness?

Before I add my opinion, I'd like to quote from Wikipedia. There are many definitions of jumping the shark, but the most common is

"They are generally viewed as a desperate and futile attempt to keep a series fresh in the face of a decline in ratings"

To be honest, I don't think this really applies to Knightmare, as the ratings did not seriously decline over the 8 years that it was shown on CITV. I'll agree that the show faltered slightly with regards to the eyeshield, CGI etc, but seriously ask urselves

would the show have survived any longer if these changes hadn't been made? did it really alter the show that much? I don;t think they did. I believe series 3 was a high for the show in terms of action and settings, but it was repetitive, something that the later series' strove to avoid. so a mixed bag all round.

Whilst wandering in Dunkley Wood

As no dungeoneer ever should...

This isn't really a question, but if you speak to Rob again, could you tell him that I (and probably most of the knightmare community) think that he and his team did ****ing well on their quest. For a team to reach level 3 is one thing, but to successfully tackle the corridor of blades, the crumbling wall, the block and tackle and (attempt) the telepad trial all in one row is really excellent. It's one of Knightmare's biggest travesties that they couldn't win. They really deserved better!

Yes, Ariadne in series 5 and 6 was a bit crap-series 4 was probably her best appearance. One possible reason for the absence of her in series 3 was that there were so many other "animal chamber"-Kar's Lair, The Shark Pool, The Scorpion Room, Cat's Eyes, Frog Chamber that they felt that the inclusion of another animal was unnecessary, and rightly so. Although I have to agree that the frog was a bit pointless.

I think one of the problems with the series 8 cast is that the producers tried to cover as much ground as they could in both characters and games, knowing that they only had 10 episodes rather than the usual 16. However, even if there was more time, I doubt that Stiletta and Maldame especially would become more three-dimensional. What was present in the earlier series (namely depth) was absent as the series progressed, with a few exceptions.

I agree with some comments made about series 7, in that it had many characters who were irritating (i.e. Fidget), but other characters like The Brollachan, Grimaldine and Romahna were actually quite strong. Granted, Majida wasn't the best assistant, but then Pickle wasn't exactly better either.

My worst series cast would have to be series 8: there were too many panto-esque characters, i.e. Maldame and Stiletta, whilst better characters like Raptor and Rothberry were sidelined in favour of the (frankly crap) personas that Bill Cashmore played (Bartram and Snapper Jack).

The best series cast would probably be series 3- Hordriss gave his best performance (as a baddy), we had real villains like the sexy Morgahnna, evil Mogdred, whilst characters like Velda, McGrew and (to a certain extent) The Oracle were well acted and convincing.

Let's be honest, it was so unfair what happened to team 7, series 6. Okay, they may have been a bit boring, but they were doing quite well and they helped saved the dungeon! And they didn't even get a decent goodbye. So unfair! On the other hand, I think season 5's ending was particularly dramatic, especially when the ice-spell started!

One day, whilst in Marblehead

Whose temper often went a bit "flippet"

...And his face went an ashen shade of grey

For the most intelligent teams I'd go for

Season 7, team 6 (Julie's team). they might have been dressed bad, but they were switched on, clever, funny and their final confrontation with Lord Fear was well-completed.

Season 6, team 6 (Sophia's team). another all-girl team, who again were very bright (considering their age too), but just fell short at that last hurdle. otherwise, they could have won too.

Season 2, team 8? (Julian's team). clever, sharp, a bit dull, but worthy winners.

Any bets for least intelligent...?

Try this one guys:

As Pickle spoke to Treguard one day

Series 8 team 2: get ANYONE but Gideon to give directions in the corridor of blades

When Simon's team found Block and Tackle,

They heard a mysterious cackle.

As Grotbags appeared

Just as they had feared