Spoilers For Thursday December 17th 2009

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:16 pm

Craig Beevers wrote:Wondered whether Chris has seen SLEEPSUIT and held on it for a few seconds or just buzzed straight away when he saw it.

I was uncertain of it, one I'd rationalise about for a moment before buzzing in with. Dunno if that's just because my mind is still mangled from Malaysia though where I would have struggled to confirm whether CAT and DOG were valid.

Without offering congratulations or praise to either player, you've somehow managed to shoehorn into the thread that A) you got the conundrum, and B) you've been to the World Scrabble Championships.

Bravo.

Derek Hazell · Post by **Derek Hazell** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:18 pm

This game was ssooo good, that even if Jennifer Turner made one of her occasional comebacks she'd have something great to say about it!

Phil Makepeace · Post by **Phil Makepeace** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:23 pm

Extraordinary drama. Congratulations to both players.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:23 pm

Simply sensational. Innis missed very little and Chris' face when he missed SOLENOID was a picture. 15 down with 2 rounds to play he and most of the audience thought he was out. There were a lot of confused faces in the audience when Innis said 2 large (but Innis had said he felt so much more comfortable with that than 1 large) and to see Chris look in Innis' direction for half the last numbers game hoping he'd missed it was a picture of tenseness.

Hitting the buzzer for SLEEPSUIT on 26 seconds startled most and then for there to a big pause and Jeff to say "let's take a look" and hearing Chris in the background go "Oh my God!" was just epic.

Talking of epic, what a lovely conundrum scramble: EPITUSSLE. It certainly was an epic tussle.

Best game I've ever seen and is certainly better than mine and Neil's semi final even though I played in that!

Awesome performance lads, well done.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:24 pm

I wonder if Innis saw SLEEPSUIT, but like me at least, was unsure of its validity, and didn't risk buzzing in.

Innis Carson · Post by **Innis Carson** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:32 pm

Cheers everyone, I absolutely couldn't have gone out in a better way. The tension throughout this whole game was unreal, I was an absolute nervous wreck towards the end, so can barely imagine what it must have be like for Chris! But he overcame it to nail two very tough rounds at the crucial moment, and that's seriously impressive. Very well done Chris, it couldn't have been a better game and I'm very proud to have been a part of it.

Marc Meakin wrote:I wonder if Innis saw SLEEPSUIT, but like me at least, was unsure of its validity, and didn't risk buzzing in.

I wish! Besides "pestulise" I don't think I saw anything at all. No idea how Chris managed it.

Chris Davies · Post by **Chris Davies** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:44 pm

Innis Carson wrote:Cheers everyone, I absolutely couldn't have gone out in a better way. The tension throughout this whole game was unreal, I was an absolute nervous wreck towards the end, so can barely imagine what it must have be like for Chris! But he overcame it to nail two very tough rounds at the crucial moment, and that's seriously impressive. Very well done Chris, it couldn't have been a better game and I'm very proud to have been a part of it.

Marc Meakin wrote:I wonder if Innis saw SLEEPSUIT, but like me at least, was unsure of its validity, and didn't risk buzzing in.
I wish! Besides "pestulise" I don't think I saw anything at all. No idea how Chris managed it.

It was just tremendous. I couldn't have asked for a better contest, or a more gracious opponent. I went from being furious at myself for missing SOLENOID to absolutely thrilled, just a few minutes later. Countdown just doesn't get better than that. I could feel the nerves all over again while watching it. Very well played, and thanks for a terrific experience.

AnnieHall · Post by **AnnieHall** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:46 pm

Well done Chris, hope You win the final (Don't tell us!!)

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:47 pm

Smashing game.
Thanks to both players.
Occasionally the cameras have shown a particular look on the face of Innis - something
between being petrified with fear and being about to burst into hysterical laughter.
I like it.
Great match.

Ray Folwell · Post by **Ray Folwell** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:52 pm

Fantastic game, just watched it on C4+1.
Congrats to both Chris and Innis.
It looked as though Chris spent about 15 secs looking at the conundrum without getting it and then wrote the letters down to see if that helped (which it did).

For what it's worth yet another 1st numbers : (10+6) x (9+2)

Alec Rivers · Post by **Alec Rivers** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:02 pm

Well done both on a cracking semi!

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:06 pm

Where was the hug at the end?

Neil Zussman · Post by **Neil Zussman** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:12 pm

What an amazing match! Well done to both players for making it such a great game to watch as a neutral. I totally agree with everyone who has said it was better than the semi in the previous series- I certainly enjoyed watching this one more!

It must be heartbreaking to lose in that manner though, I feel so sorry for Innis. Any easy numbers game, and a place in the final was in the bag, such tough luck. But well done to Chris, winning whilst not playing at your best (surprised you missed intense) could be the sign of a champion...

Also, well done to Damian for a great choice of conundrum. Watching the seconds tick away wondering if someone is going to buzz in is great entertainment. But the fact that Chris solved it in the end shows that it wasn't impossible, which is obviously a good thing as well.

If the final is anywhere near as good, it'll be a great spectacle.

Richard Priest · Post by **Richard Priest** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:28 pm

I was sat next to Mike Brown in the audience and after the last letters round I said to him "1 large now, surely" so was a bit surprised, but as has previously been mentioned it may not have made for any easier a target.

Felt really sorry for Innis but he took it on the chin.Fantastic battle, the sort of game that makes Countdown great and a real privilege to have watched it live.

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:29 pm

D Eadie wrote:
Craig Beevers wrote:Wondered whether Chris has seen SLEEPSUIT and held on it for a few seconds or just buzzed straight away when he saw it.

I was uncertain of it, one I'd rationalise about for a moment before buzzing in with. Dunno if that's just because my mind is still mangled from Malaysia though where I would have struggled to confirm whether CAT and DOG were valid.
Without offering congratulations or praise to either player, you've somehow managed to shoehorn into the thread that A) you got the conundrum, and B) you've been to the World Scrabble Championships.

Bravo.

Except it's impossible to reasonable reach A) or B) without guesswork or having read stuff posted elsewhere. So that just leaves you who've diverted the topic to engage in pointless sniping, as happened to yesterday's thread.

I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already, and in a lot better way than what I'd have said. So I add a different observation as Chris seemed unsure of the conundrum as I was.

I don't really need to justify myself to anyone, so don't think I'm making a habit in replying to your bullshit here.

Lets hope the final tomorrow is as good as today's game and the thread stays free of nonsense like this.

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:32 pm

Just as exciting watching it for a second time. Brilliant game, both of you. Such a shame that one had to lose. Congrats on making it one of the best games ever.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:38 pm

Epic.

Matthew Green · Post by **Matthew Green** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:38 pm

Wow. That was so nailbiting, I couldnt cope with the tension. Part of me was really worried and felt terrible for Chris but in the end it was all dandy. Innis finally shook his hand.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:47 pm

Just want to say lads (if you're reading) for drama that was one of the best contests I have ever watched: you didn't disappoint and lived up to the hype. I was gutted for Innis (I had him as favourite) and I think that nerves had a part to play in the last numbers. Anyway, hats off to Chris - you had an incredibly difficult game and got through it: well done!

Hoping for more of the same tomorrow but I am going out on the rip and will probably catch it Saturday.

JimBentley · Post by **JimBentley** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:18 pm

Astonishing game. I had no idea who was going to win before it started and I still had no idea who was going to win ten seconds before the whole thing finished. Well done Chris for unscrambling an absolute bastard of a conundrum and commiserations to Innis - but it's congratulations to both of you really for playing so well throughout the series and making this show one of the best I've ever watched. Well done to everyone, tomorrow's should be a good 'un too.

Clive Brooker · Post by **Clive Brooker** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:12 pm

I've allowed myself a bit of time to reflect on this. The best game I can remember, just eclipsing Wills/Williams (surely someone can upload this one).

Yet again one of those enigmatic simple-looking 2 larges brings down the best!

Bad luck Innis. Perhaps one day l'll be able to say I was beaten by a CofC.

Richard Adams · Post by **Richard Adams** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:15 pm

Jeff's splutter, and the look on his face, when Steve buzzed after 26 seconds, said it all far better than I can.

That was wonderful to watch. Many thanks to Chris and Innis.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:16 pm

Christ, that was amazing. Just brilliant. Probably the most exciting game I've seen. Mortified for Innis at the end, but well done to Chris for finding the nerve to pull those last two rounds out after looking so shattered at missing the eights in the last letters round. Brilliant conundrum too, obviously just the right difficulty for the occasion. Awesome. Special mention from me as well for Innis's gracious behaviour when he must have been wondering what had just happened.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:29 pm

I too thought Innis was exceptionally graceful. I also think I didn't really appreciate at the time what an incredible turn around Chris achieved, especially considering all the nerves.

Well done both for making my favourite episode evarrr.

Also, in the studio, when Chris buzzed, there were some really loud screams/shocked noises coming from the gallery and the audience (mainly the gallery), but you couldn't hear any of them today, but just the noise of Jeffs loud flabbergastedment, which I found amusing.

Ian Dent · Post by **Ian Dent** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:30 pm

The Dent household is gutted for Innis tonight but what a great game.

Andrew Herbertson · Post by **Andrew Herbertson** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 11:58 pm

Wow only just watched it, true champs are never beaten even when the task looks hopeless they just need a sniff of a chance, Chris got one and stepped in like Phil Taylor would when his opponent has just missed a double for the match.

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:00 am

Fucking awesome. Loved every minute of it. (Sorry for the language but sometimes it really is justified

)
Excellent win Chris and gutted for Innis - there were some magnificent spots in there.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:04 am

Richard Adams wrote: when Steve buzzed after 26 seconds

Who?

D Eadie · Post by **D Eadie** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:27 am

Craig Beevers wrote: Except it's impossible to reasonable reach A) or B) without guesswork or having read stuff posted elsewhere. So that just leaves you who've diverted the topic to engage in pointless sniping, as happened to yesterday's thread.

I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already, and in a lot better way than what I'd have said. So I add a different observation as Chris seemed unsure of the conundrum as I was.

I don't really need to justify myself to anyone, so don't think I'm making a habit in replying to your bullshit here.
.

The bullshit is all yours my dear. It's there in black and white. Don't give me the rubbish about being unable to offer congratulations or praise, because of "I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already", when practically every other person did just that in their own individual way. A well done, or a back-slapping sentiment was obviously beyond you, and that my dear, isnt bullshit, its fact. Your post on this semi-final, perhaps the best game of Countdown ever, reeks of nothing but egomania and immaturity.

You don't need to justify yourself, sure, but you need to get off your ego cloud and take your foot out of your arse.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:36 am

D Eadie wrote:
Craig Beevers wrote: Except it's impossible to reasonable reach A) or B) without guesswork or having read stuff posted elsewhere. So that just leaves you who've diverted the topic to engage in pointless sniping, as happened to yesterday's thread.

I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already, and in a lot better way than what I'd have said. So I add a different observation as Chris seemed unsure of the conundrum as I was.

I don't really need to justify myself to anyone, so don't think I'm making a habit in replying to your bullshit here.
.

The bullshit is all yours my dear. It's there in black and white. Don't give me the rubbish about being unable to offer congratulations or praise, because of "I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already", when practically every other person did just that in their own individual way. A well done, or a back-slapping sentiment was obviously beyond you, and that my dear, isnt bullshit, its fact. Your post on this semi-final, perhaps the best game of Countdown ever, reeks of nothing but egomania and immaturity.

You don't need to justify yourself, sure, but you need to get off your ego cloud and take your foot out of your arse.

Are you ever going to forgive Craig for snubbing the COC?

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:54 am

Absolutely phenomenal game! Loved every minute of watching it back. Thanks ever so much lads for making it happen. You're both champions and absolute legends in your own right

Also I think this little snippet of conversation from the studios should be broadcast to the forum audience:

Me: (looking over at Charlie before the match) I wish I could measure Charlie's excitement.
Neb: I want to measure Charlie's excitement with a ruler!
Charlie: (after the game) You'll need a fucking tape measure!!!

Liam Tiernan · Post by **Liam Tiernan** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:00 am

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Absolutely phenomenal game! Loved every minute of watching it back. Thanks ever so much lads for making it happen. You're both champions and absolute legends in your own right

Also I think this little snippet of conversation from the studios should be broadcast to the forum audience:

Me: (looking over at Charlie before the match) I wish I could measure Charlie's excitement.
Neb: I want to measure Charlie's excitement with a ruler!
Charlie: (after the game) You'll need a fucking tape measure!!!

Fell off my chair laughing.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:16 am

That was the most exciting thread I've ever read. Craig Beevers almost had it but then Damian Eadie threw the killer punch right at the death.

I loved this game and I only saw the final two thirds. Gonna watch it all again in a minute on 4od. Congrats Chris and bad luck Innis, played pretty much perfectly til those last two rounds. It's never comfortable when your opponent is <20 points behind.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:31 am

Ben Hunter wrote:That was the most exciting thread I've ever read. Craig Beevers almost had it but then Damian Eadie threw the killer punch right at the death.

I loved this game and I only saw the final two thirds. Gonna watch it all again in a minute on 4od. Congrats Chris and bad luck Innis, played pretty much perfectly til those last two rounds. It's never comfortable when your opponent is <20 points behind.

I am going mental. It's 4:30, I have to be up in four hours. Why are you not on MSN Ben, you could have been keeping me sane through this troubling time.
COUNTDOWN.

Ben Hunter · Post by **Ben Hunter** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:45 am

Not been at home our kid.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:42 am

Ben Hunter wrote:Not been at home our kid.

Just in case anyone is wondering in the morning, I've had a lovely chat with Ben. It's time for bed now, 1 hour and 45 minutes before I need to get up.

Richard Adams · Post by **Richard Adams** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:49 am

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Richard Adams wrote: when Steve buzzed after 26 seconds
Who?

I have no idea. Apologies. Was slightly drunk and v excited.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:08 am

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Charlie: (after the game) You'll need a fucking tape measure!!!

Make sure you use the right end though

Matthew Green · Post by **Matthew Green** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:10 am

Richard Adams wrote:
Kirk Bevins wrote:
Richard Adams wrote: when Steve buzzed after 26 seconds
Who?
I have no idea. Apologies. Was slightly drunk and v excited.

No need to apologise Robin, Danny was just confused by your post.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:28 am

D Eadie wrote:I'm starting to think the James Robinson Defence League is beginning to overdo things a little.

It reminds me of the whole Jedward thing. Everybody complains that they're really annoying at first and hates them, but then people start to feel bad for all the shit they're getting and think it's unfair, and public opinion seems to swing the other way.

However, now they've published the true results of all the phone votes, everyone realised that the shift wasn't really that great and that they actually were never really that popular, it was all an illusion

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:51 am

D Eadie wrote:
Craig Beevers wrote:Wondered whether Chris has seen SLEEPSUIT and held on it for a few seconds or just buzzed straight away when he saw it. I was uncertain of it, one I'd rationalise about for a moment before buzzing in with.
Without offering congratulations or praise to either player, you've somehow managed to shoehorn into the thread that [...] you got the conundrum

D Eadie wrote:Don't give me the rubbish about being unable to offer congratulations or praise, because of "I don't see what I can add about that game that others haven't said already", when practically every other person did just that in their own individual way. A well done, or a back-slapping sentiment was obviously beyond you, and that my dear, isnt bullshit, its fact. Your post [...] reeks of nothing but egomania and immaturity.

Would it be too bitchy to link this? Yeah, that'd be too bitchy. Two hours sleep bitchy.

Martyn Simpson · Post by **Martyn Simpson** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:52 am

An absolutely fantastic game to watch, well done to both players - certainly the most enjoyable game of Countdown that I've had the pleasure of watching.

I thought it was nice and sporting of the players to shake hands before the conundrum, too.

Here's hoping that today's final is similarly compelling entertainment.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:12 pm

Jon Corby wrote:
Dinos Sfyris wrote:Charlie: (after the game) You'll need a fucking tape measure!!!
Make sure you use the right end though

Wait, so does this mean I don't really have an 11' 9" willy?

Lesley Hines · Post by **Lesley Hines** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:37 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:
Jon Corby wrote:
Dinos Sfyris wrote:Charlie: (after the game) You'll need a fucking tape measure!!!
Make sure you use the right end though
Wait, so does this mean I don't really have an 11' 9" willy?

OMG! Haven't you got a metric tape measure?

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:42 pm

Imperial is best for knob gags.
e.g I've got 12 inches but I don't use it as a rule. Boom boom

Joyce Phillips · Post by **Joyce Phillips** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:37 pm

Fantastic game! I could almost feel how much Chris wanted to win, and i think it was that extra bit of determination that got him through in the end. Well done Innis too. On any other day, you'd have wone easily.

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:17 pm

Wow. Legendary, legendary game. Congratulations to both of you for producing some of the best drama I've ever witnessed.

martin moore · Post by **martin moore** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:30 pm

it was the best episode i have ever seen .....though i was more gutted that my brother got the conundrum and i missed it !!!

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:19 am

martin moore wrote:it was the best episode i have ever seen

Is Apterous killing Countdown? Certainly not!

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:50 pm

What a game, and what a gasp! I don't think I'll ever forget that gasp!

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:51 pm

D Eadie wrote:I'm starting to think the James Robinson Defence League is beginning to overdo things a little.

Where was my defence league five or so years ago? Bastards!

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:23 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:
D Eadie wrote:I'm starting to think the James Robinson Defence League is beginning to overdo things a little.
Where was my defence league five or so years ago? Bastards!

I would've been in it had I been on the scene five or so years ago.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:04 pm

This Episode is on again today apparently.

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:26 pm

What the fuck?! They've put the wrong episode on.

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:36 pm

Accoring to RT, this one's on Thursday. Well Thursday's repeat is one which has Rory McGrath in DC.

Oh shit! I've just replied without asking permission. Sorry!!

JackHurst · Post by **JackHurst** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:37 pm

OK Howard, cheers. The episode they have on at the moment is a good one anyway.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 3:13 pm

Wow. Watching it again gave me goosebumps and I knew the result. Amazing drama, close contest and high-calibre contestants. How can they not have CofC?

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 3:35 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:Wow. Watching it again gave me goosebumps and I knew the result. Amazing drama, close contest and high-calibre contestants. How can they not have CofC?

Maybe with the popularity of Mastermind CofC, Damo might have a change of heart.

Ryan Taylor · Post by **Ryan Taylor** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 4:29 pm

Marc Meakin wrote:
Kirk Bevins wrote:Wow. Watching it again gave me goosebumps and I knew the result. Amazing drama, close contest and high-calibre contestants. How can they not have CofC?
Maybe with the popularity of Mastermind CofC, Damo might have a change of heart.

Are you punning again?