TV1 QUIZ SHOW SCORES WELL

Press, 18 September 1976, Page 9

TV1 QUIZ SHOW SCORES WELL

I By

R. T. BRITTENDEN

! Quiz programmes have i long held a firm place in $ television's scheme of * things but it is doubtful 3 whether New Zealand has * had a better one than the J present “University ChalUenge” series on TVI. * Its appeal is in its /'speed, it erudition and its seemingly amateur approach. So often, quiz shows can be embarrassing, either because of the inane simplicity of the questions — as “Three in d a Row” in the Toogood Jtshow — in the confusion tjof contestants, or both. * “University Challenge” stspurns repeated references r",to worldly goods being i*won every few minutes; gthe teams are competing fifor something, if memory '“serves, but it seems never ►*to be mentioned. This not L.only gives the show its pace, but “ leaves an impression of

genuine amateur competition. In each show there is a dazzling, dizzy display from the contestants as the quick-fire questions range over the arts and sciences, a performance which leaves this viewer and perhaps many others, well behind. Peter Sinclair, far divorced from his “Happen Inn” days, seems absolutely at ease as the quizmaster and quite on terms with his extremely knowledgeable performers. If there is a flaw in this bright, quick-moving show, it is in a system which can allow one team far to outstrip the other without necessarily being better equipped. This is because an answer worth 10 points can be achieved in a split-second faster pushing of a button, and then it carries a further possible 15 points before

the teams start off level again. Perhaps alternate questions — when there is time for enough to achieve an even standard in them — would be better. If “University Challenge” stands high in its field, “If You Can’t Beat ’em”, TVl’s rugby football comedy, is about at the bottom of the pack. It is forced and flat, the recorded laughter is hollow and does not seem sometimes to be coming in at the intended times. A comic moustache and the occasional appearance of a genuine, former All Black can do little to bolster a poor script and weak acting. Only Alex Trousdell’s Ces held up. It is encouraging that New Zealand television is taking on comedy. Some of it has been good. But this one turns back the clock.