Ok, let's talk about guesting "arithmeticians" for a moment. This season, what we learned is that having skills at the CD numbers game in NO WAY correlates with being a good presenter. Some of the guest arithmeticians added zero value to the show. Definitely rethink that for next season. The best one was actually Fiona Titcombe, because she:-
1. Looked happy to be there.
2. Was close to the camera, well lit, and spoke clearly.
3. Did not moan that EVERY SINGLE ROUND was "boring".
For the information of any numbers experts reading, you dismissing the rounds as "dull" or "boring" does not make the rest of us think you are a genius, just a smug pain in the hole. Your purpose there is to tell us how many ways there were, give an overview of the depth and breadth, and then perhaps single out one to talk through in detail, and with enough enthusiasm/care that everyone can follow along.
The craziest gaffe -in my opinion- but it went completely unchecked by new ZD team (no surprise there) - was that time when a guest mathematician tried to show how clever they were by (predictably) moaning about how dull a numbers round was - in spite of the fact than an actual SERIES CHAMPION had just missed the solve. That goes beyond poor presentation skills, and veers into the category of plain bad manners.
On a positive note - OMFG... where did Strongarm George come out of all of a sudden?!
That was a hosting performance of Paul Anderson skill levels, possibly even higher. Less waffly for sure, and that's a plus.
I almost forgot how good Zoomdown used to be... but I don't remember George being that good when he was on the old versions of ZD.
He was cheeky, smart, quick-witted, engaging, and inclusive of the viewers. It was a revelation.
Adam's ridiculousness in Rd1 of the 2nd QF where he said the next consonant that came out would also have provided a 7-max - yet (for some bizarre reason) would not divulge to the viewers what that consonant would've been, just goes to underline how disappointing S5 has been on that front sometimes. What is the point of needless secrecy about stupid things? Is it that you don't want the viewers to feel part of things? If so, well done. Mission accomplished. It contrasted with George's carefree glee in letting us peek behind the curtain regularly, with little quips, astute observations, and regular shout outs to the chat, and allusions to Countdowners and moments from Countdown community lore (and not just his own little clique either).
If you can persuade George to take on hosting duties for S6, with perhaps Darren taking on the role played by Adam Beach in S5, then go for it. May end up being a winning formula.