Robot Wars Series VIII - Week 5 Discussion

[bigsi]

I take back what I said about this series compared to the old RW's - that was a complete fix!

Pulsar was undoubtedly a good, innovative robot but to be allowed back in after the first round, followed by a series of judges decisions which went the opposite way to what we expected, sadly, stinks.

Previously when one robot has pushed another into the pit and fallen in themselves, it has been the one which went in the pit first that is out. It was obvious from the start that Pulsar was the one the producers wanted in the semi finals.

Very poor show

[grant_ploughbot]

I can assure you, there was no production preference or interference. I don't think they did the best job of portraying what actually happened in this show, such as making the rules clearer on what happens in those situations. All teams were aware from the start on what happens if a robot is withdrawn from each round and the judges put through the robot that performed the best in its first fight. After that, it was a case of immobilisation. I believe the judges over-ruled production in this one and stated the 10 second immobilisation from Ironside earlier in the fight. To be totally fair this was the only way the fight could have been judged.

[Ellis]

I take back what I said about this series compared to the old RW's - that was a complete fix!

Pulsar was undoubtedly a good, innovative robot but to be allowed back in after the first round, followed by a series of judges decisions which went the opposite way to what we expected, sadly, stinks.

Previously when one robot has pushed another into the pit and fallen in themselves, it has been the one which went in the pit first that is out. It was obvious from the start that Pulsar was the one the producers wanted in the semi finals.

Very poor show

I'm sorry if you think we didn't deserve the wins. Personally, and the irony that I might be biased is not lost, I think the various decisions would have been far more controversial had they been reversed.

More importantly, if the producers wanted to give us an easier road, they definitely wouldn't have awarded full points to Gabriel against Beast (nothing against you here Craig, the points were deserved, just making the association!) and they wouldn't have left us with an entire fight less than everyone else to score points. It feels like you might want the show to be rigged, because you seem to only be absorbing half of what actually was shown.

Believe me, I am fully aware of the drama here. Don't think for a moment that I haven't been apprehensive ever since the event - of all people who should be worried if Pulsar's run was rigged, it's me. And I'm very happy to say, I sincerely don't think it even remotely was. The effort I and my parents put in to keep Pulsar running was very real, and I think anyone at the event can vouch for that.

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Regardless, I think this episode was excellent. It really shook up the format and everyone I have seen discussing the show agrees it was a real thriller. Fight against Gabriel is possibly my favourite fight (competed in) ever, I can't wait to do it all again!