The catchphrase 'I've started so I'll finish' will have a certain resonance for the over 30s viewer by instantly reminding them of 'Mastermind' (BBC2) and the magnificent Magnus Magnusson. In the multi-channel, multi-platform world of today, we might consider the universal appeal of a high-brow quiz show to be quaint and strange. When a taxi driver took on and beat University lecturers and professionals it was remarkable; you could have easily renamed the show 'Battle of the Classes'. The downside for many, but not in the opinion of 'thetvreviewguy', is that 'Mastermind' heralded the way for a generation of pale imitations and mountebanks to the world of knowledge and, yes, they're probabl thinking of the egregious Anne Robinson. The question writers never set out to embarrass; this is solely done achieved by the poor contestants themselves who crash and burn under fire. It's a contest of wits and a clean fight to boot; there's no room for strategizing or tactics, your score depends on how well you know your specialist subject and how you stand up against the pressure of being on TV. It's a family favourite too and demonstrates that the pursuit and expression of knowledge can make for excellent viewing. Although 'thetvreviewguy' doesn't warm as much to the present host John Humphreys as to his predecessor, he still enjoys watching one of the smarter programmes on the box.
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