Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:24 am

It's Kirk v Neil today in the 1st semi final. Get your sun cream on folks ........... this is going to be a hot one!!

The usual daily verse will be posted after screening because it contains spoilers.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:04 pm

Could there be an upset in the making?

Or will it be 10 in a row for the Kirkulator

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:05 pm

250% on the Reams index.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:11 pm

Can't wait to watch this bad boy.

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:48 pm

I'm so excited i've parodied the chorus to Belinda Carlisles hit 'Heaven is a place on earth' cos heaven rhymes with Bevins and earth rhymes with Kirk!

He likes to play darts while he quenches his thirst
His last name's Bevins and his first name's Kirk
If it's a crucial conundrum, he's bound to buzz first
His last name's Bevins and his first name's Kirk

James Doohan · Post by **James Doohan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:04 pm

Wish it was 3.25 already

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:05 pm

Hoping to catch this one live, having been out for the afternoon on the last two days. Can't wait.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:06 pm

Considering most of the people getting excited in this thread already know what happens, this makes the whole thing rather fucking exciting indeed.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:23 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:Considering most of the people getting excited in this thread already know what happens, this makes the whole thing rather fucking exciting indeed.

I think it would not be overstating the case to say that this one is the game of this series' finals.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:25 pm

Am I the only one that thinks Kirk will piss this? Not to denigrate Neil who is a fantastic player, but Kirk is on another level to practically everyone ...

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:28 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Am I the only one that thinks Kirk will piss this? Not to denigrate Neil who is a fantastic player, but Kirk is on another level to practically everyone ...

How about giving us a prediction for the final score line then?

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:36 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Kirk is on another level to practically everyone ...

The spirit level ?

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:06 pm

hope it goes to a crucial conundrum

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:35 pm

Rachel Riley wrote:You're both quite hot

Okay, did Rachel just say what I thought she said?

Ben Pugh · Post by **Ben Pugh** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:36 pm

7 - 4 = 3
3 x 100 = 300
300 + 8 = 308
(5-2) x 308 = 924

Mark Kudlowski · Post by **Mark Kudlowski** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:37 pm

1st numbers

(100 + (4 x 8)) x 7

Me and the ravishing Rachel must be telepathic...

Lesley Jeavons · Post by **Lesley Jeavons** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:37 pm

(4x8) + 100 = 132
x 7

Dunno who I want to win - soooo many fab players!

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:37 pm

Devilry...

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:37 pm

Am I going mad or (100-8)*5*2+4=924?

(no, I didn't remember it from the recordings).

James Doohan · Post by **James Doohan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:39 pm

Was well proud of AUSPICES in round 3

Janet Watkins · Post by **Janet Watkins** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:39 pm

First numbers in time!

( 100 * (7 - 4) + 8 ) * ( 5 - 2 ) = 924

Janet

James Doohan · Post by **James Doohan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:43 pm

Janet Watkins wrote:First numbers in time!

( 100 * (7 - 4) + 8 ) * ( 5 - 2 ) = 924

Janet

Hmmm, not so sure on that or am I missing something

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:43 pm

Ben Hunter wrote:
Rachel Riley wrote:You're both quite hot
Okay, did Rachel just say what I thought she said?

She did. Well, they are, fair play.

I believe that was me in the audience whooping like an overexcited girl at the end of Jeff's intro to Kirk.

James Doohan · Post by **James Doohan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:44 pm

james doohan wrote:
Janet Watkins wrote:First numbers in time!

( 100 * (7 - 4) + 8 ) * ( 5 - 2 ) = 924

Janet
Hmmm, not so sure on that or am I missing something

now i get it, 3x308

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:47 pm

Janet Watkins wrote:First numbers in time!

That's some amazing lurking Janet - 1 year and 4 months to make your first post!

Jimmy Gough · Post by **Jimmy Gough** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:49 pm

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:50 pm

Jimmy Gough wrote:

Yeah i was wondering when he'd make it interesting. Awful miss!

Chris Davies · Post by **Chris Davies** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:55 pm

I was going to post ANORECTAL, but Phil got it

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:57 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:Awful miss!

That's a bit like criticising a top snooker player for missing a black off the spot. Yes, maybe you could pot that one ball yourself, but a top player is doing a lot more on that shot (with the striking, pace, position, etc) and that means occasional errors. The question is whether the different approach of the top players pays off more often than it causes them to miss, which it pretty clearly does in Kirk's case.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:01 pm

Just had a big memory lapse. Was the TTT just then MISSPENT or JAMBOREE?

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:02 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
Matt Morrison wrote:Awful miss!
That's a bit like criticising a top snooker player for missing a black off the spot. Yes, maybe you could pot that one ball yourself, but a top player is doing a lot more on that shot (with the striking, pace, position, etc) and that means occasional errors. The question is whether the different approach of the top players pays off more often than it causes them to miss, which it pretty clearly does in Kirk's case.

I'm looking forward to the next snooker championship where I can say "Awful miss!" and you can tell me all about the other side of the coin.

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:04 pm

That's an interesting comparison. Would have been pretty cool if jamborees had come out after the teaser. The last one was misspent.

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:05 pm

squeaky bum time

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:06 pm

Haha... love the eyes Kirk gave Neil there!

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:07 pm

What a great conundrum spot. Hard luck Neil and well done Kirk.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:07 pm

close on the conundrum at all Neil? tough one. great effort.

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:08 pm

course i know what it means Phil... eclampsia if you don't have a parking permit...

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:10 pm

Today is the first semi final, with Kirk up against Neil,
They remained neck and neck, both having nerves of steel,
There were cries from Jeff that “The champ’s here!”
When Kirk hit the button to “ECLAMPSIA”,
Although both played with passion and zeal, Kirk proved that he’s the real deal.

Chris Davies · Post by **Chris Davies** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:10 pm

I would have won this one thanks in no small part to the first numbers and ANORECTAL, but Kirk beat me to the conundrum hands down. Excellent spot!

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:11 pm

Brilliant! Well done Kirk. Well played Neil

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:17 pm

Jon Corby wrote:Am I the only one that thinks Kirk will piss this? Not to denigrate Neil who is a fantastic player, but Kirk is on another level to practically everyone ...

you are now

Nerves are a great leveller

Allan Harmer · Post by **Allan Harmer** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:17 pm

Wow! what a game.

Congratulations Kirk and commiserations to Neil for pulling out his personal best and just losing on the Conundrum.

This competitition just gets better and i am on tenterhooks waiting for the last two matches.

Simon Myers · Post by **Simon Myers** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:18 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:close on the conundrum at all Neil? tough one. great effort.

Jeff asked Neil the same question in the studio (one of the many things that gets cut due to TV time constraints) and I think he said something like that he wouldn't have got it in 30 minutes. I don't think I would have either.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:19 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:close on the conundrum at all Neil? tough one. great effort.

What Sid said. Neil was gracious in defeat (though gutted at coming so close), and Kirk's expression at the end said it all. Well played both - it was every bit as exciting to watch second time around.

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:21 pm

Yes - well played to both Kirk and Neil.

Charlie Reams wrote:Is there some rule that poems must be in blue? To think, I used to understand this place.

Charlie - The option for using font colours has disappeared. Is that something to do with you?

I was planning on doing todays verse in red.

Phil Reynolds · Post by **Phil Reynolds** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:24 pm

Philip Jarvis wrote:The option for using font colours has disappeared.

Has it?

John Bosley · Post by **John Bosley** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:26 pm

Very exciting game.
Wife got 'delivery' somewhere along the way.

Junaid Mubeen · Post by **Junaid Mubeen** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:27 pm

Stunning game, really enjoyed watching this in the audience. Well played Neil for giving Kirk such a close game. Can't really kick yourself when he goes and spots ECLAMPSIA in a split second. I was chuffed to have 'beaten' Kirk but frankly, I doubt he gives a shit. Just one game away, now!

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:28 pm

Simon Myers wrote:
Matt Morrison wrote:close on the conundrum at all Neil? tough one. great effort.
Jeff asked Neil the same question in the studio (one of the many things that gets cut due to TV time constraints) and I think he said something like that he wouldn't have got it in 30 minutes. I don't think I would have either.

Yeah, that's almost what I was suggesting, without being disrespectful. I'm not sure what I'd have preferred really - a total nonsense conundrum like ECLAMPSIA that suits the contestant's abilities, or something a bit more reasonable that might have produced more of a crucial buzz-off. I wouldn't have got it in 30 days.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:28 pm

John Bosley wrote:Very exciting game.
Wife got 'delivery' somewhere along the way.

You probably should have gone to the hospital with her rather than stayed and watched Countdown. Good commitment though.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:31 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:
John Bosley wrote:Very exciting game.
Wife got 'delivery' somewhere along the way.
You probably should have gone to the hospital with her rather than stayed and watched Countdown. Good commitment though.

There were not two Es.

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:31 pm

Phil Reynolds wrote:
Philip Jarvis wrote:The option for using font colours has disappeared.
Has it?

Mine has - It just says "Font colour" with nothing underneath.

Either Charlie's turned mine off or I've gone colour blind.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:33 pm

Philip Jarvis wrote:
Phil Reynolds wrote:
Philip Jarvis wrote:The option for using font colours has disappeared.
Has it?
Mine has - It just says "Font colour" with nothing underneath.
Either Charlie's turned mine off or I've gone colour blind.

Or you've just gone mental.
As usual, you just press Font colour and the colours appear for you to choose from.

Jimmy Gough · Post by **Jimmy Gough** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:38 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:I wouldn't have got it in 30 days.

I would've - just look it up on lexplorer.

Philip Jarvis · Post by **Philip Jarvis** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:50 pm

Matt Morrison wrote:Or you've just gone mental.
As usual, you just press Font colour and the colours appear for you to choose from.

Nope - that doesn't work. Maybe something has happened with my Java. It's a bit like Apterous, I've never been able to see the letters on that, irrespective of which version I use. That's why I don't play. I was talking to Jonathon Coles at the Finals and he said the same thing happens to him.

Jojo Apollo · Post by **Jojo Apollo** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:09 pm

Well played Kirk and Neil

, I thoroughly enjoyed watching that match from start to finish, yes it's nice to see games with loads of maxes but you can't beat these nerve tingler games between the top guns.

Here's hoping the second semi and final will be just as exciting.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm

Thanks for all your kind words. That was such a tough game and Neil wouldn't let go, just like Julie in my QF. Getting an 8 point lead with SUBSPACE was pleasing (one of a few "pure" spots I had, i.e. not using stems and not being words that come up all the time but a word I'd heard of in real life) but then to have it knocked away with POLITEST was frustrating. When the letters rounds were running out to gain a lead I felt the nerves more. I remember needing a 9 in the last letters round and then getting three Ns and a Q. Nice. Neil pointed out to me just before Rachel did that it was to be crucial whatever happened in Round 14 and in the heat of the moment I hadn't noticed this. I couldn't avoid a crucial conundrum and my worst fears were going to be upon me. I'm not quite sure how I managed to see ECLAMPSIA instantly but boy was I happy. I was speechless after and felt tears in my eyes (you can see this on TV just about) but held them back somehow. Emotion city. Awesome game Neil.

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:07 pm

Jojo Apollo wrote:Well played Kirk and Neil , I thoroughly enjoyed watching that match from start to finish, yes it's nice to see games with loads of maxes but you can't beat these nerve tingler games between the top guns.

Here's hoping the second semi and final will be just as exciting.

IAWTP
I've been watching Countdown on and off since 1982, and this was one of the best games I've seen. You can't beat a bit of tension, although if the adrenalin is that bad from an armchair, heaven knows what it's like for the contestants.

Edited as Kirk posted:

Kirk Bevins wrote:I was speechless after and felt tears in my eyes (you can see this on TV just about) but held them back somehow. Emotion city. Awesome game Neil.

Yes, I noticed that Kirk. But I think it just endears you to the viewers if you get genuinely emotionally involved in something.

Lesley Jeavons · Post by **Lesley Jeavons** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:15 pm

Today's game was AMAZING!

What an absolute thrill to watch. My heart was actually racing during the last three rounds as I really felt for you both.

You are both such lovely and talented players - I didn't want either of you to lose.

Well done Kirk

, and Neil to you too - very worthy second place, and making a player of Kirk's calibre sweat and squirm is surely a triumph in itself.

Liam Tiernan · Post by **Liam Tiernan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:16 pm

Jojo Apollo wrote:Well played Kirk and Neil , I thoroughly enjoyed watching that match from start to finish, yes it's nice to see games with loads of maxes but you can't beat these nerve tingler games between the top guns.

Here's hoping the second semi and final will be just as exciting.

Yes, this one should be good too. Mr. Consistency vs. Mr Occasionally Inspired. My money's on Hamish to pull another rabbit (or raccoon) out of his hat.