Mastermind

[osprey]

Is it just my imagination or has the standard in Mastermind got lower this year? I think two things could improve the show (1) losing contestants from years ago should be allowed back (2) instead of each round consisting of 2 minutes there should be a set number of questions (eg 20) in each round as it seems that quite a few subjects have long questions or answers requiring more than one word answers and I have noted that many times this series some contestants have had 20 questions in their specialist sibject and others in the same programme have had only 17, and I am taking into account thinking time before giving the answers.

[jenstar]

Losing contestants from years ago already are allowed back. I think the length of questions does need to be addressed - it used to be the case that they were strictly timed to give everyone a fair chance, but I think they've become rather lax on that recently. Incidentally, I recently watched the 1990 final on video and it actually surprised me how similar the standard of general knowledge questions was to now. I'd imagined they'd got much easier over the years, but on that evidence I no longer think they have.

[cucuhullan]

It seems to me that the Gen.Know.questions have got a little more difficult over the years but of course it could be down to the fact that I am getting older.(pause for a few sobs,!!!!!!)
Something else that strikes me is that unlike when M.Magnusson hosted the programme it has become the John Humphrey's Show.
Similarly ,because of Jeremy Paxman's snorting sarcasm when an incorrect answer is given University Challenge has become the Jeremy Paxman Show.
Nonetheless I still watch both programmes and derive much satisfaction from doing so.

[dr john]

I have to turn the sound off when John Humphreys is doing his toe-curling interviews between rounds. Also, I'm sure Magnus used to read out the "passed" questions before their answers, whereas JH invariably does it the other way round, depriving know-it-alls of the chance to shout out the answers.