Start the fans please!

What do laser-shooting robots, giant spider webs and an interactive crossword have in common? They are all games featured in this episode of The Crystal Maze.

This popular action-packed game show was broadcast on Channel 4 and originally ran from 1990 to 1995. It follows a team of six contestants as they play their way through a range of games to win crystals in four themed zones. In the final game the team members climb inside the crystal dome and must collect gold tokens to win prizes. A variety of fiendish games await each player and usually much of the allotted game time is used up as the player and team mates figure out what to do in order to win the crystal. Watching from windows or screens, team mates shout (mostly confusing) advice to the player.

Skilfully guiding the team through the maze is host Richard O’Brien clad in his trademark leopard print coat. A man full of eccentric charm, it’s likely that some viewers tuned in just to see his comedic asides to the camera during the games. Here, O’Brien characteristically alternates between offering the contestants help and commiserative cuddles, to loudly expressing frustration with the lack of players’ urgency and knowledge. At one point even hoping that a contestant gets locked in!

While the original run of The Crystal Maze ended in 1995, Channel 4 revived the series in a special episode in 2016 and then a series hosted by Richard Ayoade from 2017-2020.

First in the resumed series.