THE DOG'S BLOG
SERIES 1 REVIEW
SATURDAY AUGUST 30, 2008
Every Gladiators fan should tune in to this week's episode as eight of the legendary Glads return to the arena for what is probably the ULTIMATE showdown! Lightning, Hunter, Rebel, Trojan, Rocket, Ace, Flame and Wolf have dusted off their pugil sticks and donned their Lycra costumes to take on Sky 1's new breed of Gladiators.
Lightning and Wolf are two of the longest serving Gladiators ever, having stayed with the show for it's original entire 8-year run. Lightning, who was often regarded as one of the toughest females of all time, returns to compete in Hit & Run and The Wall. Wolf, who has flown over especially from New Zealand, has come back to square up to Oblivion on Earthquake and to prove who really is the meanest Gladiator of them all! It was a good job John Anderson was on call to try and keep things under control...
Hunter, who won the title of 'Ultimate Gladiator' during the final original series, was back to take on Spartan in Duel. This was probably one of the most hyped battles as both Gladiators have outstanding track records in this event. Sadly Hunter was injured so he couldn't take part in his speciality event, The Wall, which I know he was quite gutted about.
Rebel, who has always been one of my favourites, was back and looking amazing. I was probably most excited to see her back as she is a good friend and I get really nervous when she is up doing the events. She faced Panther on Duel, and although Panther is one of my favourite new Gladiators I have to admit I was cheering for Rebel to win on this one, as I know she isn't the most confident swimmer and definitely didn't want to end up in the pool! She also competed on The Wall in which she was only ever beaten once in competition over 4 series. This time round she was being chased by Tempest who remains unbeaten this series. I cheekily tried to intimidate Tempest backstage by telling her how good Rebel was, but you'll have to tune in on Sunday to find out how she gets on...
Flame, who was one of the original 12 Gladiators and hadn't competed in the arena for 15 years, was back and looking very glamorous. Gone had gone the flame red hair and perm and she was looking very elegant with long blonde hair. She was the only Glad I never had the chance to meet during the original series so it was an honour to finally say hello and see her compete in Hang Tough against Tempest.
Trojan had flown in all the way from L.A to compete. His daughter Ella, (Zodiac is her Mum) was in the audience and had the chance to see her Dad compete live in Gladiators for the first time. He was pitted against Tornado in Hang Tough.
Rocket and Ace also both made welcomed returns to the arena. Rocket was pitted against Battleaxe on Earthquake – definitely one of the highlights of the show! Ace, who was sporting a new blond look, scaled The Wall and had his first experience of being Gladiator prey!
A few of the other originals, including Zodiac, Jet, Vogue and the original Panther were in the audience to show their support to the Legends, so it was great to catch up with them and I know a few of them were keen to make a possible return next year.
It was absolutely fantastic to meet up with the Legends. I hadn't seen many of the team since the final series was recorded in 1999 and I never thought I'd see them live in action again. The biggest dilemma was deciding who to cheer for - the original Gladiators or the new team?
Paul Noddings
Editor & Designer of the Gladiators Zone
