TASKMASTER Series 17 Episode 1 Reaction - "Grappling with my life."

[@rybock]

Just to note two things... I'm happy to see you back, your reaction videos, especially with Taskmaster are fun. But also just to say, you don't owe any of us this, if you ever feel you need a break again or to just go do something else, we won't be hurt. Make sure you're #1 each day.

[@insertgenericusernamehere2402]

A break is fine I just hope they let us know why. A long time break without any explanation can cause people to worry.

[@cre8ivoutlet]

@@insertgenericusernamehere2402 Yes, I was really worried and I kept checking on the channel to see if there would be any note / message. And I even did a websearch to see if he might've said something on another social media platform etc.

[@TheWandererofStarfield]

Neil just needs to know 7+ videos a week, isn’t necessary. As much as we would welcome the reactions of our favorite series to return, we can obviously understand if some get left behind. Doing all the editing, and trying to get a back log for Patreon going again is hard enough.

[@oh2one2]

10 months though?

[@SquiresIsle]

Oh also! In case no one else explains, Nick did an interview where he explained the vampire outfit. He's never been on-camera as "himself" before. Even when he does 8 out of 10 Cats he's playing Mr. Swallow or another character. This was the first time it would be just him, no mask or filter or anything, and he was extremely nervous about putting himself out there like that. So he wanted to separate Task Nick from Real Nick. He also said there was very little thought put into it. "We were discussing options and I said, 'Well, maybe I could be Dracula...' and the producers said, 'Great!' and hung up."

[@davidjb-750]

Steve Pemberton is the best thing to happen to you on taskmaster, he’s opened the door to inside number 9 which you will adore. He’s mainly known for League of Gentlemen which had darkest humour in any tv show ever but amazingly brilliant.

[@crinbob]

Oh my god series 16 was an all-timer! The whole cast were fantastic.

[@NeilTalks]

I'll be diving into it once I've completed 17. Same with COC 3 and the latest New Year's Treat. Can't wait!

[@crinbob]

@@NeilTalks glad to hear it, Neil. Good to have you back.

[@macktlo9]

@@NeilTalks Hey Neil will you react to QI again?

[@MicahSps]

@@NeilTalks And then 15, with Frankie!

[@barneymetcalfe8896]

When the world needed him most, he returned

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

I've fallen head over heels for Sophie, she is an absolute lunatic and I love it.

[@makaveliuk86]

I'm the same for Joanne 😍👊🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@edbad85]

Series 16 was my favourite series

[@MarkPentler]

I love how far John Robins went with his homage to Freddie Mercury only to be absolutely upstaged by Nick's vampire costume. If you know John Robins though this just makes it funnier.

[@paulliversage4479]

Indeed..he already owned the jacket...but had to buy another as you need a spare of everything

[@grunions9648]

I'm absolutely convinced you'd like Inside No.9. Perfect half-hour jewels of standalone storytelling, each with it's own mysteries to ponder.

[@dittmanrat]

Pausing during the prize task because I need to comment already. You are clearly so joyful watching this again... tons of laughs - I'm so glad to see that! As I said before, don't push yourself too hard just to satisfy us, but it's immediately obvious you're satisfied yourself with the show!

[@sircravenuk]

I’m so glad you are well but I’m also glad to see you watch Taskmaster again, your reactions are one of my favourite things

[@NeilTalks]

Thank you so much!!

[@laughinggravyuk]

Sophie and Joanne are the most chaotic for sure..they are the source of most in task entertainment this series, imo. Steve and John are both on the more "efficient" side of things, but both have their moments. Nick is all over the place, surprisingly talented in some areas, and occasionally spectacularly mad.

[@reactions1738]

Welcome back Neil! Glad to see you're back, hope you are doing well! All the best from the Netherlands!

[@NeilTalks]

Dank u wel!

[@davrothelegend]

Keep an eye out for when Nick is on screen as a vampire, you won't be able to see his reflection!

[@ashmullen6964]

Unfortunately you can see his reflection when he's in the river.

[@davrothelegend]

@ashmullen6964 yea, but they did a good job otherwise.

[@kimaboe]

@@ashmullen6964 That's because he's wearing a jumpsuit, we all know its the cape that renders vampires invisible ;)

[@williamburnham3659]

Steve Pemberton is seriously one of the best actors and writers around today, League of Gentlemen, Psychoville and Inside No 9 ( which is a brilliantly darkly comic anthology series ( think Black Mirror, but far better.) His partner in crime is the equally brilliant Reece Shearsmith 😊😊😊😊😊

[@yzolakitchi]

Love Psychoville - deserves more love imho

[@williamburnham3659]

@@yzolakitchi indeed, Maureen and David were standouts for me, and also an early Daniel Kaluuya performance as Tealeaf 😀😀😀😀

[@Surreality22992]

This is my very first series of Taskmaster that I'm following. 7 episodes in, Steve is my favourite task-wise, but Sophie is my favourite for entertainment value.

[@tangawarra]

I can't tell you how happy I am that you are back. There are other people now doing Taskmaster reactions, but you are by far my favorite. I have always enjoyed that you don't just watch an episode, but talk about it afterwards. Season 17 is amazing so far, but 16 was one of the best in my opinion, so I am really looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

[@rybock]

Nick is known by many as Nate from "Ted Lasso", but he does a character - you referenced 8 out ot 10 Cats Does Countdown - as a character, so he's more comfortable having some veil of being someone else when he performs, which I think is why he did the tasks as a vampire, just a bit of camouflage rather than just himself.

[@AmazingChi]

If I'm not mistaken, the vampire was one of his comedy personas already.

[@Wiley_Coyote]

I despise that Cats Does Countdown character. But I like him in everything else.

[@rybock]

@@Wiley_Coyote Well, it's not just an 8 out of Cats character, he's actually better known for that character in the UK than as "Nick Mohammed" it seems.

[@mmasky287]

While I don't watch Fallout, was SO happy to see your name pop back up the other day. Even more excited you're back to TM - happy to be watching a live season with you again though 16 is an all time best so can't wait for you to circle back!

[@MyNameIsNeutron]

S16 has the same energy as NZ S2

[@mmasky287]

@@MyNameIsNeutron very much yes couldn’t have put it better myself

[@lizmills340]

Steve Pemberton is in a show called "inside number 9", which is an anthology of standalone episodes of dark comedy. I think you'd really like it!

[@rossshepherd9836]

And of course, probably more famously, The League of Gentlemen.

[@lizmills340]

Also, as Nick is a vampire, the production team has taken his reflection out of most of the shots, which you can see in the river task

[@michaelcolbourn6719]

​@@rossshepherd9836 Depends on your age I think haha ;)

[@rossshepherd9836]

@@michaelcolbourn6719 and just like that I feel old.

[@jaykafei4815]

Yes Neil!!!!! So happy you're ok and back doing reactions. I used to love SO much watching your reaction after watching the episode myself first. Hope you can catch up on the last season too when you have the time.

[@charlieismydarlin7199]

Steve Pemberton started in a show called The League Of Gentlemen with Reece Shearsmith and Mark Gatiss who I’m sure you will know. They play almost all of the characters in the show which is gloriously dark humour. I am certain that you would love it. Steve has done a number of films as an excellent supporting actor. Nick has also appeared in a recent show called Renegade Nell. I really enjoyed it.

[@robertballard2998]

Glad to see you're back, Neil. One thing that is absurdly subtle that I didn't pick out until someone else pointed it out, is that the editing team blocked out Nick's reflection in the river while he's speaking to Alex. Because he's a vampire.

[@GrubbyJim]

Commenting before the ep starts but I just want to say how happy I am to see you back reacting to TM 😊 nice to get to watch alongside you again

[@Fizzbuzz994]

I'm the kind of person that waited for episode 10 so I could binge whole the series, so I'm late to the party, I'm looking forward hearing your take on it, glad you are posting them and thanks!

[@lauradawson7964]

Oh Neil, I’m so happy to see you back. Just so pleased to see you and know that all is well with you.

[@elricofmelnibone8256]

You totally made my day. Going to KZbin and seeing that you uploaded a new video, put a very big smile on my face. Love and hugs from Germany 😊

[@Cory_Springer]

I just realized that you haven't been on my recommended feed in what feels like a year. Time to catch up on my favorite Taskmaster-Reactor's videos!

[@TheCoreyMadden]

Awh it's just so great to see you back. I missed your videos. I feel like I'm watching it with a friend I haven't seen in a year 😁❤️🇮🇪

[@littleboxesmadeoftickytacky]

Ive been a fan of Steve for ever so was so happy when i saw he was doing TM! I love Nick too ... lovely to see you Neil 👋👋👋 i loved the on stage sausage task 😂

[@TheCulturalBomb]

Glad to see these back, you are THE Taskmaster reactions guy on KZbin.

[@kristinaschlegel2680]

NEIL!!! So happy to see you back!

[@JBLoveSav]

Welcome back, Neil! Like you I didn’t care much for his Mr Swallow character but Nick completely won my heart on Ted Lasso. He’s a legit dramatic actor.

[@Hardbody217]

Glad you're back and okay!

[@FLQueerLiberal1982]

I'm grateful you're back. That sudden departure (it was sudden as far as I'm aware) scared many of us, I even considered that something tragic had befallen you. Missed your reactions. I'm curious it you're gonna pick up where you left off on them. I would be so giddy.

[@woodsward]

So good to have you back! Series 17 has been a lot of fun but series 16 was top tier for me, up there with series 7. Hoping copyright treats you kindly from here on out :)

[@haydnlee7492]

Welcome back. I've never been a fan of Mr Swallow but the real Nick Mohammed has grown on me.

[@joshuaoehler5796]

"Poachers are a real danger to eggs ... not as dangerous as boilers..." 😂 Don't you mean ... friars (fryers)? I'll see myself out...

[@EmmyAngua]

So glad you are back! Was genuinely worried. Loving this - but also can't wait for you to see S16 which was a chaotic joy.

[@serahnkahukura8433]

Yay for more TM! I was just wondering if you have plans to resume other reactions? I was really enjoying rewatching Fringe with you.

[@impossibleprincess926]

Neil! Couldn’t believe it when I saw the KZbin notification. So glad to have you back! Taskmaster has not been the same without your reactions. Hope you are well sir and welcome back.

[@carlwilson6235]

Neil, my Taskmaster passion was flagging a little bit, and having you back sparks it all back again. Hope you're doing well and really happy to see you!

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Whoa. Your departure was so sudden, and so long, I assumed something really bad (and permanent) had happened. Glad to see it was just frustration at KZbin.

[@SquiresIsle]

I'm happier you're in a place where you can do these videos again than I am about the videos themselves. That said, I'm pretty happy about the videos. Definitely the best TM reactor around, and I hope you enjoy the catchup!

[@irisblue2332]

I really enjoyed the Taskmaster Podcast for this episode which had John as the guest. I wasn't familiar with him, but I found what he had to say really interesting. Enjoying having you back!

[@TheFloon]

Came across your channel last week or so, so you came back at a very convenient time for me! Glad to see you are okay. If you watched Season 3, Sara Pascoe brought in a Queen-theme clock for a prize task that belonged to her boyfriend. That boyfriend was John from this season! They are no longer together now, but it's a fun little connection. Definitely can't wait to see series 16 reactions from you, it was an all-timer great cast.

[@onetom2222]

You're back! Looking forward to your commentary ❤

[@DavidSmith-cx8dg]

I've missed your Taskmaster reactions too Neil . They always start with a virtually unknown cast maybe a couple of familiar names and you always get to know and like all of them over the weeks .

[@quinnly23]

Heck yeah let's go! So stoked you're back and SO stoked you're back to reacting to Taskmaster! Fallout reactions have been wonderful but I'm happy for some old familiar 😊 great job as always!

[@carlyhicks7462]

So happy you are back!!!! You are my favourite reaction

[@guvkon]

I'm glad you're back!

[@brillsmith2207]

Steve also goes on lots of regular quiz shows in the uk and he always does very well hes smart.

[@joshua.910]

Great to see you back Neil🥰 your videos were missed

[@ianp1986]

I’m so happy to see you back doing Taskmaster reaction. I’m in hospital at the moment and this has cheered me right up

[@cybus69]

So so lovely to see you back! I want to echo other comments about how this is on YOUR terms, and you don't owe us anything -- everything on this channel is a gift. Hope you're well and thriving xx

[@vaudevillian7]

Great to see you back!

[@emilys9371]

Great to have you back!

[@phil9884]

Welcome back, look forward to your reactions to Taskmaster. Surprised and delighted to see you back.

[@QuickLobster]

Love your taskmaster reactions. Watched all three videos since your break and couldn’t be happier to see you back each time.

[@jamesmccarthy962]

Welcome back Neil series 16 and 17 were great hope you enjoy and Avalon stays cool this time.

[@makaveliuk86]

Taken me a minute, but I finally got round to watching this!🤦‍♂️so glad you're back mate,really missed your tm reactions/breakdowns 👌🏼👏👏💜

[@maarianisula2395]

Good to see you back Neil. Please catch up TM with us.

[@MusicalJackknife]

Hey man! I was just thinking this morning about how I hadn't seen your videos for a while and I was wondering how you were doing, so I'm so glad this just popped up! I've been missing going through the episodes with you as they drop.

[@ChrisInScotland]

Glad you are back Neil!! I didn’t even find your channel until very shortly before you went away. Hope everything is ok with you now.

[@teresacarosella7624]

Miss you and your reactions. Glad you are back

[@GooeyChewie]

So glad to see you doing Taskmaster again! I laughed out loud at the line about poachers being dangerous to eggs (but not as dangerous as boilers!).

[@KB13-hc6kt]

Nick is the son Greg wants. Alex is the son Greg has. Mate, good to see ya❤

[@fatmancunian]

Great to see you back Neil.

[@Zed08gjrkfn]

Good to see you back. As othrrs have said, you ahould check out Leqgue of Gentlemen and Inside Number Nine, both of which are quality. Gentlemen is a dark comedy with a cast of characters set in a twisted English village. Inside Number 9, are half hour individual dramas/comedies that take the best elements of well known themes and play with them. Also dark. I remember some atandout episodes featuring a man having a nervoua breakdown after helping the homeless, a witch trial, suicide hotlines and a robbery where there is no dialogue being good eqrly episodes, but some are beyond that, almost shakespearian. An epiaode where someone saves a last breath for money, and one based at Christmas which is genuinely upsetting. But. You have missed taskmaster series 16, with a great cast. I dont know if you watched it on haitus, but it is well worth a series of videos if not. Anyway, keep up the good work, and make sure it is a pleasure for yourself as well as your audience. Peace.

[@stuartcarden1371]

This has been my favourite cast in a long time - They're all so silly

[@carnifaxx]

I'm so happy you are back. It's like coming home after a long day. Now back to the video :D

[@chug-chug-pickles]

Great to see you and these reactions back, someone may have mentioned it already but John Robins has a KZbin channel with Alex Horne called ‘Bad Golf’. Whether you’re a golf fan or not, I highly recommend anyone to check it out, very entertaining!

[@eddhardy1054]

Glad Ya Back Mate! 🥰

[@georginadevon]

So happy to have you back. I missed watching along with you, so calm. Hope you are well 🎉

[@Harbinger1978]

As others have mentioned, the presence of Steve Pemberton has opened you up to an amazing world. I should stress, I'm not prone to hyperbole. I know these days, people say everything is amazing and the greatest film ever was the one they saw last weekend. So when I say this, I mean it literally: THE WORK OF REECE SHEARSMITH AND STEVE PEMBERTON IS ACTUAL GENIUS AND INSIDE No9 IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SHOWS EVER MADE! You should DEFINITELY seek it out!!

[@LowGrav1ty]

Yes... you need to watch the tv series Inside Number 9 ... I think you will love it... half hour long episodes in this anthology series with twists ... fantastic show if you like the armchair detective work.. and I know you do! ... as always I love the videos and it's amazing to see you back 😌

[@AmazingChi]

Neil reacting to Taskmaster again, nature is healing. As others have said, Steve Pemberton is twisty genius. I expected him to run either the Dara O'Briain 'lives up to the clever expectations' experience or join the list of clever types that came unstuck in this series.

[@D25Bev]

After watching Ted Lasso it was so bizarre to see how nice & happy Nick is in real life ha

[@kimaboe]

I recommend listening to the Off Menu podcast (with Ed Gamble and James Acaster for the people who have managed to miss it) episode he's on. One of the worst menus ever on the show, but such an adorable insight into Nick :p Ed went to Durham University alongside Nick and says its great that everyone gets to see the sweet Nick, and not the characters.

[@grunions9648]

Keep an eye out for any camera shots of Nick which include a reflection......

[@chickflikguru]

If all we had was your excellent previous commentary, my life would've continued happy, but I'm so glad you're back for as long as you're happy doing videos. I hoped you were off working on some great life stuff. Anyway welcome back to season 17s chaos. "In what regard?" From Nick was awesome, I adore him and Steve Pemberton together. Nicks reason for the vampire outfit is funny and sad - he'd just had his 3rd kid and was tired!

[@zakstarchild]

Glad to have you back and looking well, I have wondered how you’ve been over the last year, it’s been a good series this one as they are all slightly bonkers

[@TheWalrusWasPaul23]

So nice to see you back and well Neil. 😁

[@NeilTalks]

Thank you kindly

[@sematalba]

thought of you when I watched new TM. glad to see you back Neil

[@Miroslava_Ivanova]

I'm a little late to this, but boy am I glad to see you back, it's always so much fun to rewatch the episode through your eyes, now I wonder what the next time I think Oh, Neil is going to love that! will be 😁 I'm pretty sure I'd seen Nick around on some panel show and the only things I've seen Steve in was as a nazi in Good omens and when he was on Pointless celebrities with Michael Sheen 😅

[@oOJaelOo]

It is really good to see you again. 😊

[@meronr74]

Good to see you back! Sophie Willans series Alma's Not Normal is great. Semi autobiographical comedy drama.

[@alifarman3229]

I really hope you continue Person of Interest. I really enjoyed wachting you reaction to that show

[@patrickevans2041]

We are so fucking back

[@stevestone2252]

So happy to have you and tm back 💛

[@robertbrookes2000]

Huzzah Taskmaster reactions are back. Like a fair few of the recent series there's only one contestant I was unfamiliar with, that being Joanne. Series 16 is solid, even if I'm not a fan of one contestant. Really fun NY treat for you. And the CoC is also a good one.

[@animalshrew7092]

Lovely to have TM reactions back the 2 series you missed were awesome, hope to have those reacted too one day.

[@austinfull8941]

It's good to see you again!

[@JohnMarsh-v2e]

I know it’s been months since you’ve reacted to Avatar The Last Airbender, but I’d love to see you finish it. Great to see you back!!

[@jeanlafayette7152]

Good to see you back.

[@AlfeyHolmes]

I missed your reactions these past series you were gone, Neil. Glad to see you back, hope everything is okay with you and that you will like series 17 :)

[@YOUANDME527]

Joanne and Sophie are awesome additions

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

Awesome, I was missing your taskmaster reactions!

[@hermijon1]

Series 16 is the best series of Taskmaster ever!!!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Aaaaah! Back to normal. Lovely!

[@stackels97]

Omg yayyyyyy!! Mate absolutely thrilled to see you back again. Hope life's treating ya well. Every week taskmaster has been on in your break time, I've been a little sad remembering we wouldn't have your reaction to share in the joy with.