Great topic Mashibinbin. I suffer from long-term depression and at times it can be really difficult. Sometimes I just want to give up and stay in bed all day, but then I hear Treguard's voice in my head saying: "The only way is onward. There is no turning back." In the end, I always end up going forward, never backward and I like to think Knightmare gives me some of the impetus I need to do that.

Very interesting discussion concerning Cliff and McGrew. I am in two minds about it myself. On the one hand, surely it wouldn't be unfair for Treguard to call out a vague hint such as "Remember the Adventurers' Code, team!" as Cliff is being edged towards the door. On the other hand, once a spell is cast the only way to undo it is to dis-spell it, so as soon as McGrew began his impromptu performance, Cliff was safe from any harm. McGrew's pleadings, to me at least, are also a tell-tale sign that he will genuinely help the team if he is shown mercy. If he was a truly aggressive and dangerous character, I imagine he would begin cursing and swearing revenge on the team once DANCE was cast.

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?)

When Knightmare first started, Treguard was a strictly neutral and sometimes even antagonistic figure in the dungeon. By the time the show wrapped up he had become a fatherly/mentor figure to the teams and was explicitly on the side of The Powers That Be. Not a transformation that I necessarily liked, mind you. I always felt Treguard should have maintained an air of ambiguity about him throughout the series.

When, in your opinion, did this start to take place? Many have said after the end of Series 3 but, on my last viewing of Series 3, I could detect small, subtle changes most of which had to do with Treguard seemingly offering more advice and prompts to the teams where he would have otherwise remained silent in the two preceding series.

And speaking of Treguard, what are your favourite moments of his? For me, his boxing commentary on the Duel of Insults between Folly and Cedric in Series 1 was worthy of ESPN or Sky Sports. In addition to that, "Let-ter OOOOOOO!", his various closing monologues, his Combat Chess commentary and, of course, "Ooooooh NASTY!" all stand out in the memory.

Whilst it is disappointing that Series 4 is no longer on BritBox, it's encouraging to think that a popular streaming service still regards Knightmare as being worthy of transmission, even if only for a limited time. Let's hope it will make a return in the near future. You never know!

I’ve developed a theory concerning Mogdred in Series 1 and how an appearance by him may have panned out. I have based this theory on evidence provided here by Drassil and Canadanne as well as my own observations of the final quest of Series 1.

To begin with, I don’t believe Mogdred would have ultimately proved to be the villain of Series 1, certainly not to the extent he was in Series 2. I see “alter-ego Mogdred” to be a sort of Level 3 counterpart to Lilith. In other words, he is dangerous if displeased but who may ultimately be reasoned with if his demands are met. However, as we are now in Level 3 territory, he will be far harder to placate than Lilith. No mere giving of gifts for Mogdred, oh no!

One thing that struck me about the sole visit to Level 3 in Series 1 was the lack of Mogdred in any sort of physical capacity. No manifestations in front of Richard to taunt and gloat or even to tempt, all of which would become Mogdred traits in the following series. If Mogdred was intended to be a villain at this stage, surely at least one confrontation would have been called for, even if Richard ultimately proved unable to pass though the Walls of Jericho. Another interesting point to note is that, according to David Rowe’s book, the room that lies beyond the Walls of Jericho is called Mogdred’s Chamber. We can deduce from this that the production team most likely did not envisage Mogdred to be an out-and-out villain at this stage, otherwise the room would have been given a more menacing name, such as Mogdred’s Lair, for example. If Drassil’s information is correct and the confrontation with Mogdred would have consisted of riddles, this further cements the idea in my mind that he was conceived as a potential threat and not necessarily a villain.

I haven’t read David Rowe’s book yet, so this next supposition may be easily debunked. It is my belief that alter-ego Mogdred would have looked substantially different than he did in Series 2 and onwards. This alter-ego form would essentially resemble a dark Merlin, with the same long hair, moustache and beard, but clad in black robes and perhaps with flecks of red for extra menace. I imagine he would have sounded more-or-less the same as Series 2 and would have wore a much more malevolent expression on his face, perhaps even the same pale makeup.

With all that in mind, here’s how I envisage Richard’s quest proceeding to victory. Richard picks up the horn instead of the dagger in the clue room and proceeds as normal. Upon reaching the Walls of Jericho, he uses the horn to clear a path. Once all the bricks have vanished, a table with some food and an M device is revealed to the right. After replenishing his Life Force, Richard uses the M device to summon Mogdred, who declares that safe passage can only be gained through the correct answering of three riddles. To answer even one incorrectly would result in him using his dark magic to end the quest. Furthermore, these riddles aren’t exactly straightforward, as befits Level 3. Think of three questions similar to the Avebury and beetle ones of Series 3. All the while, Richard’s Life Force is slowly being drained again thanks to being in close proximity to Mogdred’s dark magic.

Upon all three riddles being answered correctly, Mogdred grudgingly concedes and, having been bested, transforms into Merlin. Merlin congratulates the team and supplies them with a REGENERATE spell, which they immediately cast as Richard’s Life Force is virtually gone. Merlin may also provide them with a very subtle hint about the dragon that lies ahead. The team thanks him and Richard leaves the chamber.

Upon entering the next room, they are confronted by a dragon who is initially extremely hostile and threatens them. This is where the OPPOSITE spell from Mug comes in handy, as it enables the team to calm the dragon and turn him from an enemy into a friend. The dragon then offers help as to how they can escape the dungeon and perhaps opens a previously locked door for them. The team follows his instructions and Richard is able to escape the dungeon, reunite with his advisers and receive his prize.

When Chris becomes a goblin and speaks in that hilarious high-pitched voice, is that Chris' voice that has been modified by the production team or has it been dubbed by someone else?

He would have asked them riddles? That would be a very interesting development if true and would tie in nicely with the idea of Mogdred being Merlin's alter-ego, with their behaviour and routines being mostly the same. But whereas failure to answer Merlin's riddles merely results in a lack of help, failure to answer Mogdred would result in an "Ooooh nasty!"

Can anyone tell me whether the alter-ego connection was mentioned in Series 2 or was it confined mostly to Series 1?

Hi Brett,

I'm sorry. You are quite right. That is what comes from not watching Knightmare for some years. (Shame on me) One forgets important details.

I know you have been here for some time, but all the same allow me to say thank you fo joining this forum and sharing your valuable insight with us.

Do any of you more experienced Watchers know why Mogdred inexplicably disappears after the first episode of this series? This final appearance was arguably his finest hour as he directly kills his first dungeoneer, rather than confining them to one of his little playpens? Did he just want to go out on a high?

Now a BUTT spell would have caused equal calamity surely...

I suspect it may have involved a certain degree of flatulence.

My own theory on what the 'But' spell would have produced is that it would have thrown Mogdred into a state of confusion and he would have begun arguing with himself over how best to kill Helen, (e.g. "the sword is mighty and powerful, BUT lightning is more effective, BUT then again magic is more powerful yet" and so on) leaving the sword poised in the air and allowing Helen to slip past him. It would prove to be Mogdred's undoing, as he is always so sure and proud about himself. Just look at "Look upon Mogdred now and quail" as proof of his self-assurance. Take that away from him and what is he left with?

BUT (sorry, I couldn't resist) we'll never know for sure.

Very interesting post Canadanne. Thank you for sharing that information. I'll have to pick up a copy of this book for myself.

Which dragon are you referring to? The one who would go on to become Owen or one we ultimately didn't see? Interesting that the producers would nominate him as the final challenge over a confrontation with Mogdred.

My best moment was either the entirety of Barry's quest or the amusing circumstances that lead up to the Blocker claiming its only victim - from the high-pitched voice to the incorrect recital of the incorrect password.

I hope you all enjoy it:

My favourite TV show was and is Knightmare

Come and brave the dungeon if you dare

Treguard waits to welcome you

Will you be one of the lucky few

To escape the dungeon's dangers and tricks

Watch where you step or you'll get your licks

Will you fall in terror under Lord Fear's hand

Or be ensnared by Mogdred, the most feared sorcerer in the land

You better be prepared to test your wits

Against some of the wall monsters' greatest hits

Collect items to use on your quest

But be doubly sure you choose only the best

Try not to take weapons, they usually don't work

Or else your dungeoneer will likely be damned to hell

You will most likely need some of Merlin's magic

Or else the result of your quest will be only tragic

Remember to take a breath when you meet Folly

The jester's humour can only be described as jolly

He will do his best to help you along your way

If you pay attention you'll come through at the end of the day

Beware the Automatum's mechanical arm

And many other creatures who seek to do you harm

But above all be careful about Lord Fear

If you are ignorant you will only say "Oh dear"

Smirkenoff the dragon is powerful, wise and brave

He is vastly different from Motley the knave

Hop on his back for a ride, but remember the fare

Or else you'll be hearing from Skarkill who's lurking everywhere

His goblins loyally following close behind

But who are thankfully more than likely blind

But beware those cuffs, ever-present and new

Or the game is most definitely over for you

You seek the cup, the sword or the shield

Once you set off, the adventures never yield

In and out of crypts and throne rooms, metting fair maids

Only to end up in the fearsome Corridor of Blades

Dodge and dive, the danger's always near

But there's no time to tremble in fear

Before (if) you reach the final showdown

You'll be hailed as a hero in your part of town

But then the question still stands

Do you have what it takes to master these lands?

There is only one way to find out, you have to take a chance

Or you'll find yourself on the business end of a painful lance

Have your three advisors and some courage at hand

These things come heavily in demand

And prepare for a danger frought with peril and danger

All to the command of "Enter stranger!"

Welcome from all Pookas everywhere.

I like to compare it to the classic quests for Excalibur and the Holy Grail. Nobody legally "owned" those objects, but they were sought by many different parties for good or bad purposes and there were many who were prepared to fight or even to kill for them. Since we don't actually know what the quest objects were used for we have no way of knowing if Treguard has any right to them or if Lord Fear/Mogdred does or if both parties are entitled to them. It's entirely an assumption.

My name is Lord Fear's top henchman.

Um there's a goblin surrounding you Julie. Say hello to the goblins and ask them if they'd like a present.

Barry's quest - so many gems in that one. Far too many to list.

I definitely prefer the Series 6-7 dwarf tunnels than their predecessors. They were darker, shorter and more liable to contain nasty surprises and were definitely great for suspense.

As for the troll footsteps, it was more than likely just a psychological attempt to get the team to hurry up. For all we know, it could just have been a troll walking on the ground above them, completely oblivious to their presence.