'American Gladiators' lights up NBC
Travis Weldon
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Intermission
"American Gladiators" has been a cult classic for many years after the show ended its seven-season run in 1995. To the rejoice of many, NBC has brought the show back for a new generation to enjoy.
Even though the classic names like Laser, Turbo and Zap have been changed, the show is essentially the same of what made the show from my childhood one of the best on television. Average people compete against superior athletes for the chance at fame and glory.
But does the show hold a candle to the original?
To paraphrase, sort of.
For every new twist the show brings, it also brings a negative aspect to the show.
Some of the best events make a return. Assault, joust, powerball and others make a return with new twists in each.
The shooting stages are different in assault and seem a little more cramped than the original show. Nitro would be able to shoot three times before the contestant was able to make it to the next shooting stage. In the newer version, the gladiator is only able to shoot once before being at the next stage, making it easier for the contestant.
One of the cooler twists this time around is that a gladiator slings back from the cannon into a pool of water, giving the sense that you beat the gladiator.
The same goes with joust. Instead of having a mat to land on, now the victim splashes into a pool. It's a pretty unique change.
The change to one of my personal favorites powerball is questionable. In the older show, the contestants would attempt to mow through the gladiators to score points. Now, the scoring cylinders are much larger and contestants can perform jump shots instead of having to get right next to the cylinder. It cheapens the game.
Just like the original, the gladiators make the show. Wolf and Hellga jump out as early favorites. Wolf has a distinct personality as he howls to the referee to signal that he is ready. He doesn't stack up to an early Malibu, but Wolf has the best presence at Gladiator Arena.
Even though the classic names like Laser, Turbo and Zap have been changed, the show is essentially the same of what made the show from my childhood one of the best on television. Average people compete against superior athletes for the chance at fame and glory.
But does the show hold a candle to the original?
To paraphrase, sort of.
For every new twist the show brings, it also brings a negative aspect to the show.
Some of the best events make a return. Assault, joust, powerball and others make a return with new twists in each.
The shooting stages are different in assault and seem a little more cramped than the original show. Nitro would be able to shoot three times before the contestant was able to make it to the next shooting stage. In the newer version, the gladiator is only able to shoot once before being at the next stage, making it easier for the contestant.
One of the cooler twists this time around is that a gladiator slings back from the cannon into a pool of water, giving the sense that you beat the gladiator.
The same goes with joust. Instead of having a mat to land on, now the victim splashes into a pool. It's a pretty unique change.
The change to one of my personal favorites powerball is questionable. In the older show, the contestants would attempt to mow through the gladiators to score points. Now, the scoring cylinders are much larger and contestants can perform jump shots instead of having to get right next to the cylinder. It cheapens the game.
Just like the original, the gladiators make the show. Wolf and Hellga jump out as early favorites. Wolf has a distinct personality as he howls to the referee to signal that he is ready. He doesn't stack up to an early Malibu, but Wolf has the best presence at Gladiator Arena.