From Neil B: Regretfully it has taken me so long to discover this tremendous post-match analysis online, considering that I have been watching Countdown for years.
A real privilege to watch Jack with his 143 score, and thanks to Conor for his ‘not written down’ joke.
I needed cheering up as I have been watching recently before going to visit my Dad in hospital every day; soon hoping to get back to our regular Scrabble matches if he feels able (he is 83).
Remember the delightfully “Elastic” Loz Sands in 2001? Maybe she was the most cheerful, and had the cheek to (be the first to?) wave to the camera and the audience.
In her quiet way, Heather was really admirable and it took nerves of kryptonite for her to start writing the letters out during the December crucial semi-final conundrum, when such a good opponent was very likely to be about to buzz-in any second. Time was stationary in her ‘zone’, or stationery in her case(publishing). According to
www.apterous.org/cdb/ H. has the honour of being the latest winner this time in the list of champions…?….and going back over the years, the emotion of CV’s last appearance has affected the score for the final of series 59 at
www.apterous.org/cdb/series.php?series=59 Charlie Reams is shown as the winner by 88-84 in the central column… Of course, he is one of the moderators / recappers, so why not give him an ongoing moment of glory…and certainly an achievement to be proud of, getting to the final. Sorry about “aliener”… is it in the dictionary by now? That OXFORD one, against a Light Blue contestant?
In fact, those two December 2012 semis were truly tremendous and well done to everyone involved. Ro-Bo, best of the west, nearly made it to the top but PaJama is the worthy overall champ. While he is in a good mood, is there any chance of him writing his own recap for his previous appearance?
“Wednesday 29 April 1998.
C1: Champion Ged Hayes (2 wins, 113 points.)
C2: Challenger Paul James.
DC: Mark Nyman and Toyah Willcox.
CV: Carol Vorderman.”
Most times with the letters challenges, I am strictly an observer who feels as if the thirty seconds is over in three seconds, before I even have my brain into gear (I am now 53 yo and past my peak, which was probably even before Countdown began!).
I feel slightly more comfortable with the numbers, now and again, and I give myself a ‘bonus’ biscuit from the tin at home if I can use all six numbers which does liven up the ‘easier’ selections, eg. First December semi, round ten: 423. (2+3)x75=375; add (2x4x6) 48: is that right, PJ?
Can the rules be clarified if one of the top contenders is somehow going to be personally unavailable for any more recordings? Should they be invited back for another chance? Yes.
Thanks for the superb Countdown coverage, and congrats also to all at the C4 studios.