The Big Balls Are Back, Baby! https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/t4239 Runboard| The Big Balls Are Back, Baby! en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:55:40 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:55:40 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363695,from=rss#post363695https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363695,from=rss#post363695It was the same with the Zone - the commentary wasn't better because they were on site, it was better because they were thinking on their feet. I would hope they at least attended some of the qualifier taping too - Henson used to quite frequently which I think fed into the show.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 22:22:03 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363690,from=rss#post363690https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363690,from=rss#post363690Quote:Messup434 wrote: Interesting! But how do you know it's unscripted? There's a really big shift in how they talk between the unscripted bit and the reintroduction to the qualifier. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:28:23 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363686,from=rss#post363686https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363686,from=rss#post363686Quote:Messup434 wrote: Unpopular opinion probably, but I do kind of miss the Qualifier ad-break as I feel like that's the pacing I'm used to. Just not knowing it was halfway over may be the reason it seemed to fly by. Breaks absolutely can help the structure of a show. I think one of the (many) reasons the UK one suffered is because it's a long slog all in one go and you either need a lot of filler (as we had) or to cut the running time (which we didn't). I think cutting the break from the zone would be better than from the qualifier.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:07:49 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363682,from=rss#post363682https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363682,from=rss#post363682Interesting! But how do you know it's unscripted?nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 03:58:34 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363673,from=rss#post363673https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363673,from=rss#post363673I know someone from Canada and there it airs with a commercial break in the qualifier. This person said that it helped the pacing a lot. They also came back with an extra booth segment that started out unscripted but then went back to the scripted stuff. The unscripted part was 100% more entertaining and I'm really hoping they give us more of it. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 03:24:49 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363669,from=rss#post363669https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363669,from=rss#post363669We've speculated that the ladder might come into play later (some kind of twist), but you might be right that it's just secretly used to get more falls. I can't remember whether we saw anything to confirm/deny it, but probably not since they didn't show much of people in the water! Unpopular opinion probably, but I do kind of miss the Qualifier ad-break as I feel like that's the pacing I'm used to. Just not knowing it was halfway over may be the reason it seemed to fly by. Yeah, no fat contestants again. I miss when it truly was "all shapes and sizes" in the first few seasons...nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:57:28 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363663,from=rss#post363663https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363663,from=rss#post363663Rewatched this yesterday - it's not bad at all really, but felt like on a second watch I spotted many things I didn't in the first and was more invested in the contestants. One odd thing is on the Body Blender there is a ladder on the podium just after the half way point - wonder if they have to attempt the second half if they fall off early. One of those rules we won't see on screen, like reattempting the Sucker Punch if you fall early. Also one more thought on the teams situation is although I'm glad they've gone back to prioritising a comedic commentary they've clearly (and admittedly) cast more athletic teams, but doing everything as pairs, especially the Zone, doesn't really give anyone the chance to show off their athletic prowess - and the relay style of the Wipeout Zone means completing it doesn't feel like the achievement it was.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:02:33 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363631,from=rss#post363631https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363631,from=rss#post363631Yes, five variations each used twice would be manageable. Still would love to see the weekly change the original started with, but they've gone with larger obstacles (and probably a smaller budget), so doubt that'll happen. I guess if you mixed and matched the two duplicate Slippery Courses with different Qualifier starters and variations, it'd be fine (though they tend to film in blocks so there'd probably be commonalities between both episodes throughout).nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:49:06 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363617,from=rss#post363617https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363617,from=rss#post363617One thing notable is they didn't rely on using the Black and Blues throwing things at contestants or squirting paint at them - and as much as we saw through obstacles disguised with themes we're probably not even going to have that changing this time.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:36:08 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363616,from=rss#post363616https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363616,from=rss#post363616That's something I'm really worried about. While we are getting 2 gauntlets because we know that course b is going to be a thing, 2 outings a week x 10 weeks is still 20 outings of each gauntlet. That's why I'm REALLY hoping we get the Slippery Course. 5 variations of the Slippery Course where each is used twice would really help keep the round entertaining. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:43:26 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363609,from=rss#post363609https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363609,from=rss#post363609The Gauntlet is fine but it doesn't fit Wipeout very well for me, especially when they're already down one pool. It was interesting enough in week 1, but imagine how we'll feel by week 20. Should've built two simpler rounds which can both change weekly. I'm assuming at this point that The Gauntlet will not change often nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:42:48 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363601,from=rss#post363601https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363601,from=rss#post363601As much as I love The Gauntlet, I would still prefer 4 rounds. Like Brekkie said, starting at the Messy Mile would have been better because it'd free up the circle pool. Personally, I'd want a round that's endurance or a large contraption round because I think that there's still room to innovate with both. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 19:29:11 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363600,from=rss#post363600https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363600,from=rss#post363600I think the Gauntlet would be better without the first pool actually. Just start it with the Muddy Mile so it is a straight out race to get to the Pummel Pool, then expand that course slightly to flesh it out a bit more (even if just having contestants do both the Fast Fries and Lollipop). Caroushell is just about enough to be a round in it's own right.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 18:15:28 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363598,from=rss#post363598https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363598,from=rss#post363598Point is, Gauntlet takes half of the episodes anyways, why not make the round 2 and 3 like they used to be. The amazing race is spectacular, but it is so punishing for the team lacking behind.nondisclosed_email@example.com (BruceLing)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:58:44 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363594,from=rss#post363594https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363594,from=rss#post363594My off-the-cuff thoughts: Qualifier: Good obstacles but poorly edited and commentary wasn't great - sounded like they were trying to be funny and it fell very flat, especially the frankly unnecessary blatant references. Gauntlet: Fairly good course, second heat shows how good it can be at its best, first heat bared its flaws at its worst - a long round like this is only entertaining when the teams are somewhat competitively matched, but if they are it's highly entertaining (well except that last pink ball). Zone: Strange format but works much better than I thought, although only doing two obstacles each makes the zone seem a lot less tense than the original and we don't see the same exhaustion towards the end of the course. Live hosting in the zone helped a lot coz these two scripted are not brilliant - they work much better being themselves so I hope we get more of that as the series goes on, hopefully the producers will learn to trust their talent. I'm glad they kept the overall fast pacing of the original, feel this could have dragged otherwise. My main worry is the show getting stale quickly from a lack of variation - especially a problem as despite the intro clips before and during runs, I feel we know the contestants less well than the original so this could feel like 10 weeks of the same episode (especially as we've seen the same re-skinned smackwall starting obstacle appearing in 4 or 5 of the episodes). Overall much better than expected but not close to the original by any stretch. Still an entertaining (albeit cringey at times) watch.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 13:19:31 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363587,from=rss#post363587https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363587,from=rss#post363587Quote:Messup434 wrote: Yeah, the Muddy Mile was really choppy. It wouldn't be very interesting to see much more of the Wall Squeeze/Hurtle sections, but the way it was edited it didn't feel very sequential. When I was making the episode guide I had to go back and watch it again (and keep pausing!) as I had no idea of the obstacles or their order The editing reminded me of how they edit the Takeshi's Castle Obstacle Course Special games Yes - someone mentioned the Zipline but all I saw of that was somebody grabbing the bar - don't think we even saw someone do it. We also don't know if they "Wipeout" whether they go back to the beginning of the whole section, though it seems to be a course actually in the water rather than about trying to avoid falling in the water. I think the Zone is the biggest disappointment - not so much for the rules but for the obstacles. I think if they'd had original obstacles for the launch and second obstacle it would have felt far fresher. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 11:59:13 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363581,from=rss#post363581https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363581,from=rss#post363581Finally got the hands on Episode, the first part fell apart. Wipeout Zone commentary is way better since most of them are adlibs (still, many part can be re-recorded over) Most of the problem I have seen is from post production, the course potential is there, the cast potential is there. The editing and direction is not there, that can be fixed. That's the matter of time. Themes, Tunes has been redone and I don't quite like it much. Speaking of sounds, the soundtrack and sound effect is rubbish. I thought that Total Wipeout was cringy, but this one is plain bad Again speaking of Total Wipeout, US Wipeout also remove the decimals of the timer, I don't think that too necessary to care either since there arent so many decimals different finishes. Just pointing something out. Apart from the problem people say. This season can still be good, just need some more edit. Otherwise it felt like Wipeout lost its charm. Like the Premier.nondisclosed_email@example.com (BruceLing)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 05:29:00 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363580,from=rss#post363580https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363580,from=rss#post363580You're free to make the topic whenever you want to start gathering info. Or anyone else can if they feel like it! Hopefully we'll have a bit more on episode 2 soon anyway Returning competitors would be cool, but it'd be 100x better for me if they'd do an episode with all returnees (maybe just another Winners & Losers). I do think if they're doing teams they should go with particular pairings each week (siblings, parent & kid, exes, friends, for example) as it makes each episode feel a bit different each week. Plus it just seems weird having all of the different types of pairs together. I was surprised that the Big Balls (from the little we saw of them) didn't seem too easy. It was like the early days of the original with hardly anyone passing the second ball, right? Or maybe the 15 people we didn't see all aced them and that's why we hardly saw them Yeah, the Muddy Mile was really choppy. It wouldn't be very interesting to see much more of the Wall Squeeze/Hurtle sections, but the way it was edited it didn't feel very sequential. When I was making the episode guide I had to go back and watch it again (and keep pausing!) as I had no idea of the obstacles or their order The editing reminded me of how they edit the Takeshi's Castle Obstacle Course Special games nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Sun, 04 Apr 2021 05:28:06 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363575,from=rss#post363575https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363575,from=rss#post363575I'm not going to create a topic on the next episode until it's out, but I saw something in it's description that peaked my interest. "Forensic scientists, radio DJs and a pair of "Wipeout" legacies face the most challenging course in "Wipeout" history for a chance at $25,000." I'm REALLY hoping Wipeout Legacies means old contestants returning. I'd absolutely love to see a duo consisting of NGUNS and Chaz Hands or really just any returning contestants. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw the Vests return either. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Sat, 03 Apr 2021 21:24:22 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363569,from=rss#post363569https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363569,from=rss#post363569Maybe reading the disappointing reviews first was a good thing because I'm finding myself surprisingly positive about this. Still alot to fault, but nowhere near as bad as I feared. Agree the editing on the qualifier was poor and didn't showcase either the contestants or the obstacles that well. It's a bit disappointing all the obstacles are somewhat familar but I like the new Jigglelator and the Body Blender proved it's worth reviving the Poundabout. Also Sweep and Weep is a nod to a classic, and didn't hate the Nutcracker either. Indeed the Big Balls seemed the weakest and barely shown - think the bouncy variation here might have been wise, and think changing the colour may have helped too. What I really like though is the colour scheme - I thought the original run lost something when it moved away from the red and blue of the early years and I think the blue and yellow really works, giving it a fresh look. Also like the graphics but would prefer a running clock with milliseconds as well. Talking of graphics a shame there were no titles at all, but the break sting and scoreboards were nice - though the music is weak compared to the original. Unlike others I didn't hate the intro packages either. On to the Gauntlet and they just about got away with ditching a round here, though I think playing it twice a week means it'll get repetitive very quickly. Carous-hell may have worked well enough as a round in its own right. I liked the more basic Muddy Mile but felt we didn't get to see it properly - we just saw people entering it, one or two tackle the wall squeeze and then people at the end. There seemed to be something else in between we just didn't get to see properly. The Pummel Pool was perfectly functional though nothing we haven't really seen before. Ultimately the Gauntlet is three quite basic rounds in one when perhaps two more complicated rounds would serve the show better, whether as a Round 2 & 3 or just using them alternately with two heats of one one week and the other the next. As for the Wipeout Zone - the relay format smacks of laziness and halving the time they have John and Nicole on site, something which I don't think added anything. The first half we've all seen before - decent enough obstacles, but nothing new. The 10-minute rule would have felt fairer as a disqualification and I'd have hated it even more had that team ended up winning. The second half was more interesting - felt the turntable needed a sweeper bar or two to tackle once they land, or something at least. I quite liked the final obstacle though - it felt like something new. Really though I'd rather the Zone was designed for two people to run together rather than a standard zone split in two. They need to have a launch they can do together, then maybe one obstacle each for them to tackle and a joint one at the end. As for the hosts - Camille didn't seem to have much to do and wasn't even present at the Zone. What we saw was nothing to worry about though - she fits the role well. As for John and Nicole - or Nicole and John. Firstly there was a slight controversy here in the UK over TV duos almost always having the male on the left hand side with it being justified by the male usually being taller and it not looking right having the taller host on the right. This proves that - John and Nicole were wrong way round. I think though the tone of commentary was much better than season 7, concentrating on the funny rather than the fast. Individually I don't think either were bad at all - but I really didn't think there was much chemistry between them at all. And it felt so wrong Nicole getting the "Goodnight and Big Balls" line. I also think some of the humour was possibly misjudged here - a family show like Wipeout almost always has jokes for the adults that the kids won't even notice but this felt a bit like they were trying too hard to be edgy. I'd probably rate it a 6.5/10. Not as bad as I expected and I'll certainly try and watch more of it. Creativity is a bit of a let down - I said on Twitter before watching it that from other reviews it appeared to be more of a budget remake than a blockbuster sequel, and though having now seen it I think it's probably more somewhere between the two I think the show needs to mix a bit more new in with the old than we saw in the opener if it is going to have any longevity.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sat, 03 Apr 2021 12:47:05 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363558,from=rss#post363558https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363558,from=rss#post363558Oh yeah, completely agree on the intros. Why not just let Camille introduce them? A couple of other things I noticed are that there were only 10 teams. I'm sure it was originally going to be the usual 12? Also, some player's names aren't even revealed. I don't think any of the last names are, strangely. Also, don't like how the nicknames feel like they're pre-selected - prefer the Johns coming up with them "on the fly". Lots of little details from the original missed which is a bit disappointing. Also, rewatched the promo and don't see a single thing that's different, aside from the first obstacle. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Sat, 03 Apr 2021 02:38:02 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363553,from=rss#post363553https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363553,from=rss#post363553The qualifier was really bad . The Body Blender montage was good, though early (and I had it on mute as I couldn't stand the song ). I missed some, as I skipped the contestant bits. But judging from the rest, I wasn't missing too much. As far as you said before "the editing saves it", it's now the opposite. Now we get to the best part: the Gauntlet. The Sweeper Drop was good (especially those people who dropped on legs first <- any male who did that . I was we saw the orb in Hangover, though I guess the contestants just weren't dumb enough to pick it . I liked the guy doing pull-ups on the bar. The Messy Mile was meh, though I liked sliding off Mount Wipeout. I loved seeing a fair Yule Log! The Balls did nothing though. They were to close to the platforms. Mixed opinions on the zone. The obstacles were really good. Always liked the Snowflake, and there was more challenge to Leap Of Faith than landing on it. I loved the Triple Threat fails on the second run (first one epecially ). I hate the ten minutes thing though nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshishouldbea Sumo guard)Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:44:07 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363550,from=rss#post363550https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363550,from=rss#post363550Some good news: https://www.thewrap.com/wipeout-reboot-john-cena-nicole-byer-tbs-premiere-ratings/ More good news (it's on the TBS website for free): https://www.tbs.com/shows/wipeout/season-1/episode-1/the-big-balls-are-back-baby You might need a VPN if you're outside of the US. Something else I'd like to say is that TBS really needs to get rid of those contestant intros. Camille is the one thing a lot of the old fans liked about this new version so why not give them more of her? nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:42:11 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363548,from=rss#post363548https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363548,from=rss#post363548Messup, please, it's already aired? How are you watching it? https://bandrewjohnsongameshows.runboard.comnondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshishouldbea Sumo guard)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 13:30:19 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363543,from=rss#post363543https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363543,from=rss#post363543Not found the episode as of yet but a baffling decision to make the commentary more adult just because they're on cable when surely it is a show that appeals to kids and families.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:08:31 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363538,from=rss#post363538https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363538,from=rss#post363538So yeah, as said by most the Qualfier was pretty rough. Now I see what you mean with the choppy editing and it's horrible. Did we only see about two teams attempt the Big Balls? Was Smallsy introduced? They failed to really introduce the obstacles and just quickly ran through the names rather than showing each one for ~5 seconds with a punchline for each one like the old Johns did. It felt like the first team started with no warning too. The introductions, interviews and giving EVERYONE a nickname got old too. I feel like individuals tend to be more memorable than teams for me. The Gauntlet is definitely an original concept, and I applaud them for that effort. Still, it's basically a giant course of old stuff. Dropping onto the fat Sweeper was at least different enough as it was harder to grab. I thought the podiums before the grips were supposed to bounce? Maybe that will be a variation that they only use sporadically? I like having a wider variety of grips on the carousel, but it feels so quick! I had been thinking since the first teaser that it doesn't make the best use of that apparatus' space. And of course the now-obligatory raising Sweeper. The middle part did stand out for originality. These are all Dizzy Dummy 2.0 Spinner-type obstacles in that you can't properly "wipeout" on them - except the ziplines. The ziplines were a bit simple, but worked well for the little we saw them. Of all season 2 obstacles to bring back, the Wall Squeeze is a weird choice. I know it probably just fit that spot so they decided to return to it, but it seems weird! Mount Wipeout was cool, but disappointing that they just jump off into the water - the original would've either made it connect or had the contestant leap to a platform. It'd be fine as a final stunt, but forcing them to jump in mid-round is crappy. The Pummel Pool also seems to have potential, but surely both Big Ball obstacles weren't necessary. The first one worked well enough and pleasing to see a non-mechanical tilting platform after it. The final obstacle is awful though - it'd be hard to fail that if you tried. There should be a large leap to make it to the Wipeout Zone. I do like the split-path too and the choices seem pretty evenly-matched. Their favored angle of the French Fries (crap name, probably will just call them blades from now on ) made it hard to see the depth and where contestants were at in the obstacle, especially given how the blades are all concentrated toward the center. The Lollipop (see above parentheses...) was fine but nothing special. Could've been more original since the Leap of Faith is a structure similar. [SPOILERS following, as the episode has officially debuted] After seeing the Zone, I'm asking why they chose to start with this episode. It certainly didn't feel like the first to me, so I can't see why they led with such a crap ending. The obstacles themselves are okay. Cannon is not the most remarkable (and sucks that it's 1 of 2 of the obstacles the first teammate does) but fine, Vertigo seems a questionable choice to bring back for me, but also was fine. It's hard to comment on it from what we saw today though..! Leap of Faith was alright and the drop is big enough that it does seem hard to time. That being said, I would save it for next block, where they hopefully won't have the Sweeper Drop and Lollipop in The Gauntlet, both similar stunts to Leap of Faith in their own ways. I do like how the triangles spin on Triple Threat. I was going to say it's interesting that they also allow people to use the hexagon backing, but now that I think about it, I'm worried that maybe the variation we thought we saw wasn't actual variation and just contestant preference. And the other three don't seem like they'll be varied, so that deepens my concerns Anyway, while the "ten minute rule" is in a way in-line with the fake 20-minute maximum time rule they dreamed up in season three, I really hate it. I believe it'll come into play about once a month and it really kills the vibe of the Zone when the first player hasn't completed their obstacles. I wanted to be cheering for the man on Triple Threat to make the miraculous save and climb back up on the triangle, but I was rooting against because I didn't want them to win. It was a close ending, but felt a bit fabricated to me - that's probably just me though! The finish mat being all flappy on the front bothers me - make it flat like the old one so it's less awkward to climb up on. Well, it was a bumpy first week but I will stay tuned. I reeallly hope the obstacles outside of the Qualifier will change as we will NEED it by the end (or by next week!!). 45 minutes of sameness would get old very quickly. I certainly can't see them changing the Messy Mile or Zone though. Why it has to be all teams episodes I don't know either - is it some COVID guidance because they're not supposed to have so many separate parties competing? Not that I give them any props for following that! It's funny because the rule of the original show is (mostly) followed, but the spirit is lost. Shows how important the tone and vibe are. Also felt like John and Nicole were standing in the wrong positions nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 06:02:19 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363536,from=rss#post363536https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363536,from=rss#post363536yeah I definitely have similar opinions to most of you guys, I wasn't expecting too much at all (a lot of the format changes felt weird when I first heard about them, but mostly I just felt like it was too soon for a revival to really feel justified unless if it was really good, if that makes sense) but for its faults it's still solid enough that I'd probably watch it if it's the only thing on, although I probably won't find an illegal tbs stream to watch it again lol - the qualifier was definitely a bit rough. the editing was so scattershot that it felt like a slog by the end, even though it was apparently a shorter segment than the original show. maybe the lack of a commercial break in the middle helped with that? - the gauntlet was pretty solid, it easily had the most original obstacles and the "fork" in the road was an interesting idea - the zone also had some interesting ideas but I'm not sure if they worked? the hosts actually being there didn't really add much and the relay style making one contestant only try the launch and one obstacle is kind of weird lol - the commentary wasn't awful but it felt so overly scripted, as if the writers were still writing for the johns and jill. obviously this could improve but it definitely felt like a waste of nicole and john's talentsnondisclosed_email@example.com (Sydez)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 03:24:55 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363535,from=rss#post363535https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363535,from=rss#post363535Now that the episode is done airing, we can see just how FURIOUS old fans of the show are. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we saw TBS give the show a re-edit and I'd welcome one with open arms. While it isn't bad, they've got a whole fanbase to please and they've done pretty much the opposite. I definitely think they're more likely to re-edit the show than axe it. I saw this guy on Twitter and he summed it up perfectly. The people on Facebook have said that Camille is actually pretty good. And frankly, I agree. She said she grew up watching this show so I can see why she's doing a good job. nondisclosed_email@example.com (LS6)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 02:53:40 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363534,from=rss#post363534https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363534,from=rss#post363534How are you watching it?nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshishouldbea Sumo guard)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:32:55 +0000 Re: The Big Balls Are Back, Baby!https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363533,from=rss#post363533https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p363533,from=rss#post363533Qualifier just finished. Skipping straight from the first obstacle to the Body Blender on the very first run is horrible. You should start with a good look at the course in sequence. Also cutting backwards from the Big Balls to Nutcracker? The Sweeper thing would be much improved without the bars raising. Rumble Room would be much better without the giant circle popping out. At least they showed the Body Blender more than Poundabout! Seems no one hit the rings though for some reason. The cuts they make mid-wipeout are annoying and obscure the fails though Most of the jokes have fallen flat, though the more raunchy ones have been somewhat amusing nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:19:13 +0000