Obviously we’re discussing this in the Discord, but as they’re uploading them to Youtube might as well have a chat here. The changes are good – Cyril Feraud brings energy as host (perhaps a bit too much, he seemed to make more noise outside of the cells than the team), pleasingly it feels like they’ve stopped being scared of their own format, it feels more like a gameshow again with rules and things that happen and good things and jeopardy rather than a sort of variety show where celebrities do things for two hours but not much of that is really consequential as it gets to the same end point anyway it seemed to become. I like the remixed theme music and graphical packages, although I think the games lack the musical identity they ought to have. The “Highlights” to earn bonus cash are fun, decent events to incorporate existing characters in meaningful ways, although I hope they have more than one game planned for the Thermal Baths and the Collective Adventure. Even the Council, usually a pretty boring bit, feels fun and meaningful. And it’s lean – most of the between game sketches (and the pre-cell rules!) have gone, and we don’t get a menu of adventures any more so they’re a surprise again, which is good!
First episode got the show’s best overnight in five years – much of that will be people tuning in just to see what it’s like, and I haven’t paid much attention to see if there are any real draws in future celeb bookings. Still though, you have to suggest pretty decent changes for a show in its 37th season.
Edit: Video swapped to international version with English subs.
I haven’t read the comments elsewhere, but just finished watching the show and I didn’t skip through any of it, which I cannot say I’ve done for a number of years (except the talky bits pre-council). The Thermal Baths have at least one alternative that is known; and there is mention in the publicity that there are collective adventures high up as well. The show is heading in the right direction; and one that I would hope the UK takes notice.
In general I’m a bit take-it-or-leave-it about Fort Boyard, but I rather enjoyed this one, which was perhaps a bit dialed-back from previous years in terms of less of the obviously vicious stuff. I would say it rattled past and kept me entertained, but everything rattles past when you’re wathcing on 2x speed. Thank you for sharing.
If I am searching for a negative, some of the kerning on some of the graphics seemed a bit off. I’ve seen much worse and if this is the worst thing I can say about it then it’s really not struggling.
Bit disappointed with episode two, the show promises us teeth, makes all the right noises and then… last minute swerve saves the team from a complete car crash. Or any sort of penalty despite taking massive losses throughout.