Fifteen-to-One 2.0: Series 4 Final

OK, maybe I went too far when I likened Fifteen-to-One 2.0 to MK Dons. But I do maintain that it is a very watchable and enjoyable show, provided you view it on its own, and don't draw comparisons with the original series. And when it airs immediately after classic Fifteen-to-One on Challenge, that's a, er, challenge. (No joke intended)

Anyway, playing the fourth final of the revived series last Friday were: Jo Wheatley, Richard Appleyard (of Aberdeen), Ailsa Watson, Alan Gibbs (Only Connect champion with the Gamblers), Keith Andrew (another OC alumnus), Craig Element (and another), Stephen Watson, Mike Smith-Rawnsley, Alice Walker, Nigel Richards, Dave Cowan (top of the finals board with 272), Richard Simmonds, Huw Mottram, Colin Kidd (yet another OC alumnus) and Clive Dunning (a former Mastermind champion).

So, plenty of quiz experience there.

All fifteen players survived the first round, nine of them with all three lives intact. The second round, as usual, was a bit of a free-for-all, until eventually, only three players remained: Ailsa Watson, Stephen Watson and Dave Cowan.

The final round, forty questions all on the buzzer instead of the usual question or nominate. All three players lost a life early on, and the scores we always pretty close together. The key moment came when, with fifteen questions left, Ailsa took a four question lead. Dave pulled it back, and then, with five left, there were virtually level. Then, in an attempt to assert authority, Dave got two wrong in a row, eliminating him in third place.

With a substantial lead over her opponent, Ailsa was home and dry with just three questions left and a lead of 70 points. The final questions rang out moot to the final outcome. Ailsa Watson becomes only the third woman to win a Fifteen-to-One grand final, and £40,000. Well done to her!

So, that was the fourth series of the revival. Despite being shorter at only thirty programs long, it was probably better than the third due to a higher standard of contestant, ie more recognisable regular quizzers.

The show is on a break now, which is probably a good thing. Until it comes back, we can satisfy ourselves with vintage Fifteen-to-One on Challenge.

I understand that when the revived series comes back, former contestants will be allowed to reapply. Good idea. Enough time has elapsed, so perfectly fair. Compared to the original series, where only previous winners can keep coming back when they please. Say what you will about the revival: it may not have the pace and straight-forwardness of the original series, but it is much more friendly to the average player.

I'll be back next week with my usual write-ups; see yous then.