‘Mastermind’ devoted to second-timers

Press, 3 August 1985, Page 17

‘Mastermind’ devoted to second-timers

There is a new twist to “Mastermind” this year — all the contestants have taken part before.

“Mastermind” in Britain has always had one inviolable rule stating no repeat appearances or second attempts. But with a smaller population to draw from, New Zealand made its own adjustment to that rule and “Mastermind-ers” who did not make it to the top spot were allowed back to try again, after a lapse of two years. The reasoning behind this was that if insufficient brave souls stepped forward each year, then secondtimers would bolster the number. But somebody under-estimated the numbers of those contestants eager to return. Over the past decade the trickle of New Zealanders wanting to sit in the “Mastermind” chair has grown to a roaring swell. Each year more than 10 times as many people as are needed send in their applications and are auditioned. According to producer, Max Cryer: “Most of them are very good. That is the problem. Each year only a few applications are truly not suitable, and a few are

outstanding. In between are the hundreds who really are good enough but have to be turned down. Places are limited to just 32 people.” In 1982 it was decided that the two year wait had to become three years because Cryer was adamant that “new applicants must be given a chance ahead of second-timers.” But the second-timers were patient, and continued to apply year after year. 1985 has, therefore, been declared a clearing house and all the contestants in this year’s series have appeared before. “They may be masochists but they are also faithful and experienced, so the series will be even brisker than usual,” says Cryer. 1986 leaves the way open for an entirely fresh start, with 300-odd applications already being processed. In- the meantime, however, B.C.N.Z. Enterprises is publishing “New Zealand Mastermind,” a quiz book containing general knowledge questions used on the programme over the past 10 years. The paperback goes on sale from August at a price of $3.95.

The first in the “Mastermind” series screens on One tomorrow at 8 p.m.