Only Connect

[andy-hughes]

I watch this to be polite, because Mrs Hughes really likes it, but I really can't do with it.

To me, it's far too pleased with itself, contestants, impossible format, even the music!

I do like Victoria Coren-Mitchelll - but I have to click off before her final breathtakingly bad 'amusing' link at the end.

Anyone else feel like that, or are you fans?

[pixie374]

I like VCM... we used to time how long it took her to mention alcohol :-). I haven't watched it in a long time now, but I liked the missing vowels and the wall and was always amazed if I got many others. It has its place.... there are so many quiz shows that are too easy to even bother with. But I do agree.... I learn nothing, if I don't even understand the question.
But, you do need a variation of levels.

[Peter Pedant]

no or yes
we told bamber grassgroyn in 1973 yup that long ago
if he put more science in, he wd get more scientists on the teams
and he said
yeah but no one can answer the questions
and we said yeah but no but because there are no science questions

that time no one knew what a wheatstone bridge was ( O level phys)

[andy-hughes]

Bednobs, I take your point, but in most cases, an "easy" question is one you can answer, and "hard" one is one you can't!!

I am generalizing there of course, I know in Music, which is 'my' subject, I may know something that the average student, or viewer is unlikely to know.

They do pitch those questions at just the right level, ie, I can answer instantly with a big smug grin, while my wife smiles patiently, waiting her turn to obliterate me when History pops up!!

[Spicerack]

You told Bamber how to run UC, PP. Figures.

[Peter Pedant]

no one listened
also figures

[andy-hughes]

Why can't they ask who is the father of Guy Pratt, who plays bass for Bryan Ferry, and tour bass for Pink Floyd?

Answer (and this is a wonderful pub quiz teaser for older readers) - Mike Pratt, from tv series Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased)!!

And here is something to dazzle your friends with - Mr Pratt senior was also an accomplished musician and song writer.

He co-wrote The Little White Bull with his friend Lionel Bart, it was an early hit for Tommy Steele, and they both won an Ivor Novello Award for it.

Why do I remember this stuff?????

[ichkeria]

I actually love it when Paxman is apparently rude to the contestants.
It makes a change from the usual overpoliteness in the face of stunning ignorance on other programmes.
These are bright kids: they can take it.
And I don’t think it’s that serious.

[jim360]

It never ceases to amaze me what random stuff I know, and what stuff I clearly should know but somehow don't. Ditto everybody else -- that's what makes quizzes so entertaining, especially the top-level serious quizzes.

[Stephen_G]

I was watching (Earlier today) the episode of QI where they asked a question about Egyptian Hieroglyphics and VCM said that they changed to Egyptian Hieroglyphics from Greek letters because viewers thought it was too pretentious. Sums up the show for me. I might dip in and out occasionally, but I won't make it a 'must see' programme.

[jim360]

I agree that Paxman's persona (at least with the students) is a front. Backstage he's all politeness and admiration. What I don't enjoy is its inconsistency, especially in maths where exchanges often feel equivalent to him asking:

"What is 1+1?"
"Er... 3?"
"No bad luck, it's actually two, but always worth a try I suppose!"

As compared with confusing Manet and Matisse or whatever.

[Peter Pedant]

no that was the gamblers I think
Steen I regarded as rather hard

and Otto Dix - who he? the only Dix I knew was FHR Dix my classics master who features in Chap 1 Auberon Waugh's autobiog " will this do? "

it awfen had to

[Mamyalynne]

I like both programmes for different reasons, I don't see Victoria as smug rather being able to laugh at herself and the programme.

I do have to watch it perched on the coffee table to be able to see the clues on screen though so it's a pleasure to sit back for UC with the occasional punch in the air as I get something right.

[jourdain2]

Just joined this thread - we love Monday evenings and Only Connect is a highlight. You really have to search your brains and celebrate when you get an answer right. To all the modernists, I think I should be saying something like 'Rock On!' Great stuff. Don't know much specialist science stuff - but that's science, isn't is? Whereas nearly all, or all other relevant knowledge, can be picked up by intelligent reading and watching (TV etc.). It does take over 20 years of course! Also guidance from teachers./tutors as to where to go. We'd love to have V.C-M for dinner (as a guest!).

[Spicerack]

'As compared with confusing Manet and Matisse or whatever.'
Shakes head sadly.

[jim360]

I'm disappointed that you weren't even more disdainful to be honest :P

[douglas9401]

I'm surprised that Mrs Hughes hasn't suggested you tidy the kitchen or summat instead of suffering in what I imagine is anything but silence.

If it's not for you don't watch.

[brainiac]

I enjoy OC, but now record it so I can skip VCM's toe-curling attempts at humour in the intros and outros. Also, it's plain daft that a losing team comes back for another go - the team that won that game doesn't seem to gain any advantage. Should just be a straight knockout.

[jim360]

Well, I enjoy the beginnings and endings, I think it adds to the charm of the show -- it's unapologetically nerdy.

[naomi24]

I haven't read the whole thread but I love the quirky Only Connect and Victoria is superb as a host. She makes me laugh. UC is my other favourite - and I like Jeremy Paxman too. The finest quiz shows on television.

[Roobaba]

+1 OC and UC excellent tv.. 100 answers here, I do like round numbers.

Mamyalynne - // I don't see Victoria as smug rather being able to laugh at herself and the programme. //

Roobaba concurs.