University Challenge S53E03 Birkbeck v Oxford Brookes

[@gabsymalone6307]

Don't know if the questions were easier, but those bonus conversion rates were utterly first class by both teams - first time we've had a joint score of 400 + since 2018-19, and the first time both teams have hit 200 since the 2013-14 series and that QF with Trinity/Manchester - Mr. Rajan getting through the questions at a brisker pace certainly makes these scenarios much more likely - my excitement over this series has only continued to grow ;).

[@brendangraham3946]

They were much easier than usual, I scored really well when usually I am happy with a few answers . Things like "precipitation", "Compound" are high school answers to name a few.

[@anttihelin6820]

Questions getting asked at a brisker pace probably helps.

[@Ramboost007]

Combination of easy questions and the new host being so much faster than Paxman. In the last maybe 6 season 150 points was safe enough to qualify for the repachage, now 180 might not even get you in

[@seadkolasinac7220]

Must be easier, I got 15 right. I usually get about 5-8

[@simonhill9553]

Hats off to McMillan, he was brilliant

[@nickyfield137]

That question near the end where the answer almost evaded him !

[@emmapeel829]

What a fantastic match! Loved it and loving Amol Rajan's delivery of the questions. He's got such a lovely way about him. And zipping along nicely to keep things moving. Thank you so much, CosmicPumpkin, for putting this up for us. I'm lovin' you too! 😍

[@michaelkennedy3372]

Can i sell you some double glazing maam ?

[@paulweir5031]

Rajan's delivery is shit and he mispronounces.

[@sharanyaray2454]

Loved this episode of UC. Both the teams are very well all rounded. The Captain of Oxford Brookes is very knowledgeable and so is McMillan of Birbeck. Gardner and Broadbent did pretty well too. Both teams deserving of semis. But I felt that Birbeck were taking too much time conferring. Especially in the music round where instead of discussing they were singing along.

[@zaphbrox8239]

Thanks @CosmicPumpkin ! Your service is much appreciated. Amol Rajan seems to be doing well so far. Nice to see him build a collegial atmosphere. At some point he'll need to develop some sort of signature to make his mark on the program. Today's questions were way too easy IMHO. But the tussle made it interesting.

[@holden190]

You must have low expectations.

[@troo_story]

@@holden190and you must have the arseache.

[@holden190]

@@troo_story No, I don't like when a master presenter retires and is replaced with a woke clown with no talent.

[@KD-zc6tw]

Pretty sure others have noticed it too, but Broadbent sure is the spitting image of Buzz McCallister from Home Alone!

[@varoonnone7159]

He's hotter

[@artistsanomalous7369]

Gardner is breathtaking.

[@lindorsibande]

MATCH STATS BELOW *Birkbeck - London: 220* *Oxford Brookes: 205* *Starter Questions Stats* BIRKBECK - LONDON: 100 McMillan = 7/9 {70 minus 5} Mariner = 0 Chadha = 3/5 {30 minus 5} Huntley = 1/1 {10} Starter Success Rate: 73.33% OXFORD BROOKES: 85 Caldecott = 1/1 {10} Gardner = 2/2 {20} Manton = 4/5 {40 minus 5} Broadbent = 2/4 {20} Starter Success Rate: 75.00% *Bonus Questions Stats* BIRKBECK - LONDON: 120 Bonus Success Rate: 80.00% (24/30) OXFORD BROOKES: 120 Bonus Success Rate: 88.89% (24/27) -------------------- *Top 4 Losing Scores* 1. Oxford Brookes (205) 2. Trinity - Cambridge (175) 3. Birmingham (125) 4.

[@peteryouel9631]

Nice work (*Birkbeck)

[@lindorsibande]

@@peteryouel9631 my bad! Thank you.

[@XoIoRouge]

These are fun to read. Though I'm not sure I follow with "Top 4 Losing Scores" - not the top 4 winning scores? Or at least, not the "Bottom 4 scores" and IDK why we'd care for the people at the bottom?

[@lindorsibande]

@@XoIoRouge thank you for your comment. After the 1st round is done, the top 4 teams out of the teams that lost their 1st round matches play against each other for a chance to go through to the 2nd round (two out of the 4 get to go through). I thought it might be useful to keep record of who might still be in the running for a 2nd chance match.

[@XoIoRouge]

@@lindorsibande Ah, I see! I figured I was misunderstanding something. Thanks. Only started watching this show literally today.

[@josephkarl2061]

Both these teams are very learned, and everyone pulled their weight. Really looking forward to seeing them both again 💯

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

Indeed. And not much time wasting - maybe thanks to the close race, but still with the effect that the loser most likely will reappear.

[@martinstent5339]

It wasn’t quite Bamber Gascoigne speed, but still much better than recent games! I reckon many of the questions must have been easier just because I knew the answers, but still a good show!

[@freddiethecutestcavapoo9184]

Good match! With the faster delivery of questions we are going to see scores more like in the days of Bamber Gascoigne! He never allowed the long deliberation times that Paxman permitted! I still think teams should have a SET time limit to answer bonus questions.

[@carolineben-ari2798]

But he was much nicer about it. He would say, "I'm going to have to hurry you" not "Oh, get on with it!"

[@michaellawlor5000]

Good contest. In the 3 contests so far generally higher scores than in recent series, partly, I think, due to the fact that, with less conferring time allowed, more questions are asked. Over recent years a team could qualify for the repechage round with a score of 150, or even less. Looks like it will be circa 200 this time round.

[@sarak.1742]

Everytime the announcer says Birkbeck it sounds like a chicken clucking 😂

[@chrishobbs58]

Thanks again for the upload, CosmicPumpkin! This season has been fantastic so far! Just loving the pace of the questions and answers, and the conferring seems to take less time as well. These were two very good teams, and I feel we'll see the losers again. Last season I could say that with complete confidence. This season it's a bit dicier. Good job by both teams, and my best to each contestant!

[@arkdeniz]

Who knew Biff Tannen was actually quite knowledgeable?

[@QueenEponine]

I was waiting ALL episode for the trailer of manure to appear!

[@pedrorochadacunha8129]

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 I knew there would be comments about it. Dude looks like a 80s character

[@redmed10]

Hilarious when he thought Eva Peron was president of Argentina and the rest of the team went along with him.

[@johnahearn7964]

Biff might’ve confused Eva with Isabel Peron who was indeed one of the world’s first female heads of government albeit not elected into office by election. She was overthrown in 1976.

[@redmed10]

@johnahearn7964 Oh no I'm going to have to watch it again now to check what he said.

[@shinichikudo3515]

Wow this is a really good game I'm just proud of both of them and kinda rooting for both 😅

[@billbar8532]

Another good job by CosmicPumpkin. Special thanks for the subtitles. Keep up the good work. Many thanks. 👍

[@lucylou5766]

Terrific match up. My word, doesn’t the score line reflect the sense of urgency brought by the new host?

[@HerrTipple]

I hope Broadbent got on well at the Bros fan convention afterwards.

[@varoonnone7159]

What do you mean? He's hot

[@HerrTipple]

@@varoonnone7159 Look up the 80s band Bros. Whether he means to or not, he is dressed and has his hair styled like them.

[@ofnothing]

Thanks for the upload! What an exciting match 😮 I wonder how high we’ll see the scores go this season

[@rtblues]

Actually they owe McMilan that stiff drink! He was feedibng the the Captain all of the late, game-winning answers. Watch and listen closely,

[@andrewclifton9772]

Thanks for posting CP; and I think Rajan is getting into his stride. I would like them to return to the cards rather than reading off a screen: Paxman was able to convey much just with the way he tossed the card aside after use.

[@araucariapasquale1]

This opinion is getting recycled much too often I fear. It wasn't all that. He'd just shove them aside brusquely from time to time. Not much by way of dramatic timing to coincide with any action.

[@holden190]

"Getting in his stride"? He has no gravitas whatsoever! BBC went with a woke choice!

[@abhirupan7630]

"woke" says the snowflake crying for white hosts@@holden190

[@EAFSQ9]

Broadbent has a very expressive face.

[@Oonggaboong]

Thank you very much again, CosmicPumpkin! :)

[@_o_-I-_o_]

Captions are much appreciated!!

[@accountnamewithheld]

Seemed to me the questions were quite a bit easier this week... got about 15 right

[@carnalea2424]

They're only easy if you know the answers!

[@VLind-uk6mb]

@@carnalea2424 Sure -- but they are not as academically challenging as they were when I started watching it. I mean, movies with the names of UK PMs in them...starting with Blair Witch -- and the other two, fearfully obvious. Things like the first woman PM stymied them, though.

[@varoonnone7159]

@@VLind-uk6mb The questions correspond also to current popular general knowledge. I'm sure you had questions on Sophia Loren and Benny Hillback in your days

[@VLind-uk6mb]

@@varoonnone7159 The scope of "popular general knowledge" is my issue. Ours was wide-ranging. Current trends appear to be limited to pop culture of their own time, and their own field.

[@mlml984]

Thrilling match!

[@adelynne]

It’s lovely to see my country’s flag in UC! 🇲🇾

[@Dalexb]

Thank you.

[@alij8920]

Broadbents dancing ears distracted me entirely...

[@raphaeleyald]

I wonder if the failure to mention the average age of each team was intentional and will be omitted from this point on or was inadvertent. I like to hear all the information re each team including their average age.

[@gooscarguitar]

They might have been cutting out bits to save time

[@mjmcb1]

I noticed it, and I do think it is about time they dropped it. It's a rather patronising and awkward throwback which doesn't add anything. It was a bit amusing when the Open University teams had an average age of 72, or there's a mother-and-son duo on a team like we had last season, but I'd be happy for it to be interred.

[@redmed10]

Antipodal seems to have become a popular basis of questions on UC. 2 out of 2 shows I've seen out of new series.

[@ayye5208]

@19:55 I'm confused about why it's wrong. Can someone tell me why?

[@rodrigomarinho1807]

Actor Jim Broadbent looks so young

[@varoonnone7159]

And hunky

[@carnalea2424]

The sports questions can be very challenging: I got ruck and chicane - but said googly instead of doosra.

[@varoonnone7159]

Samir Chaddha has no excuse, he must know how to count from one to ten in Hindi or Punjabi !

[@pikachude5490]

Didnt know we were getting johnny Bravo on this episode

[@Andy2kk]

They got Cousin Richie in university challenge 😮

[@frederiquehobson4221]

I agree with all the comments written by " our " great worldwide UC 's community ! Thank you CosmicPumpkin

[@grimupnorth]

I must say that I am settling into things now. Not that it had anything to do with the fact I knew more of the answers this week! And if you don't know much about a particular set of questions, at the rate that they are delivered, you don't have long too wait for something more up your street.

[@Solovyov]

Gardner can definitely fix me.

[@j_cbat]

The gold watch and monogrammed cuff?

[@bungaIowbill]

Along with flexing on the students that he can afford to go to Harry's bar!

[@MrQuimDosMontes]

Unfortunately for you guys I'm claiming dibs on a crush on Gardner, bad luck y'all, more episodes to come tho

[@josephkarl2061]

In all the years I've watched UC I've had a partial crush on about half a dozen contestants. I was going to add one more, but you've made my life a little less maddening 😂👍

[@mjmcb1]

No way. It's Mariner for me. I love that understated elegance and cool demeanour.

[@jameshogan6142]

She reminds me of Fay Cooke from last season. Both sweet delightful women like the girl next door.

[@aydc6740]

gardner id give you this whole world

[@freddiethecutestcavapoo9184]

...... and thanks Cosmic Pumpkin!

[@karlt134]

"OXFORD BROOKES MANTON"

[@DragonsEyeTours]

Thanks

[@patrickmoran4908]

The contestants in the episode really do highlight the different grooming standards for women and men! Three women with great hair/makeup/clothes, and five men who look like they got out of bed 5 minutes ago

[@johnahearn7964]

Biff looked pretty spiffy! But yes, the men otherwise need to freshen up!

[@varoonnone7159]

Broadbent is a hunk

[@krislove1167]

Disagree, I thought the men cleaned up well. Broadbent has a stylish jacket on (even though it looks too warm compared to the others), Manson has a nice, ironed out button up, and Caldecott, although in a simple hoodie, has immaculate hair, which takes effort (trust me, I spotted the same look in the 80s!). Both McMillan and Chadha have blazers on, and extra kudos to Chadha for his bold choice! Let’s give the lads credit where it’s due! I know Caldecott and Chadha would particularly appreciate it. And of course the ladies look lovely, as you’ve pointed out.

[@SpencerTwiddy]

I can’t stand fashion. Why waste so much time on your own physical appearance? Other than to trick the primal (less human) part of other people’s brains into thinking you are more valuable?

[@SpencerTwiddy]

More time to groom your mind and soul. That’s meaningful.

[@oakpope]

Easiest questions since quite some time.

[@shariffahatikah1725]

Manton is a genius.. and McMillan too! Irish men!

[@grimftl]

Actually got a few that both teams missed. Must've been an easy round😁

[@ChidiyaSethi]

Cosmicpumpkin -You are the new Dave Garda🤓😂😇

[@liamwalsh4008]

Hopefully without the scams and fake existence.

[@ChidiyaSethi]

@@liamwalsh4008 Exactly!🤞😐😇

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

A figment of someone's imagination?

[@Tker1970]

Shout out for Blair Witch Project. I don't live far from where that was filmed.

[@liamwalsh4008]

Oh yeah? Then how are you still alive?

[@Tker1970]

@@liamwalsh4008 i cooperated with the witch. It all worked out.

[@liamwalsh4008]

@@Tker1970 Makes sense to me, no further questions.

[@aphex179]

An excellent competition

[@MultiVince95]

Monday 31st July 2023

[@annakarlien1952]

I was a bit weary of a new presenter, just because it's change and I liked Paxman lol, but Rajan's really excellent! Also, I feel that the questions this season are a little different from before, going into much more recent and current topics, so that might play a part, but I do feel like the teams this year (at least so far) are quite good. Hoping for one of those truly amazing teams though - they are always so fun to watch.

[@bobburroughs6241]

You mean wary.

[@hayekianman]

says more about you than rajan. judging people before they have a chance.

[@annakarlien1952]

@bobburroughs6241 thanks! Not a native speaker so forever learning :p

[@varoonnone7159]

@@hayekianman Your mean comment says much about you He explained his very understandable anxiety about change which we all share and him recognising that he was wrong speaks favourably about him

[@paulweir5031]

Rajan is crap.

[@MrTrilly1]

Amol is doing a fair job , but is habit of repeating the answer given instead of just saying correct is beginning to grate on me

[@alij8920]

Totally drives me mad- along with his ever moving hands, he can't keep them still for a second!

[@holden190]

I'd say poor job.

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

@@alij8920 Yep, that is the lack of cards. Maybe he should hold a clicker to control the computer so he has something to cling to.

[@WonderWhatHappened]

James Broadbent .. any relation to Jim Broadbent?

[@kenmunsell1364]

Another great game. As to speed, early Paxman episodes were very fast, too. The last couple of years were slower. Can anyone figure out if the high scores are related to the fast pace?

[@tinashechaonwa2679]

The questions this week were easier

[@cameupstarvin7351]

This new presenter is far better than Jeremy Paxman.

[@italianstallion9170]

Oxford Brookes was a bus station in the 80s wasn't it?

[@vig6321]

Huntley, what a babe.

[@Jambler257]

Is it just me, or is Broadbent dressed up as MatPat of Game Theory fame?

[@m78991234]

McMillan on fire

[@sentimentalbloke185]

Give us an easy one, Bambi, ya big bottom boil.

[@catherinehanner284]

Paxman was long past his sellby date. Incredibly rude impatient and arrogant.

[@bobburroughs6241]

I thought Paxman looked rather slow in his last seres. Thought so - if you google him see that his doc saw him on here and diagnosed early Parkinsons.

[@peachfreude]

I didnt know paxo retired?

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

to no one in particular… Amol is much better than Paxman who was rude and supercilious. If you don’t find Amol adequate (he is superior to Paxman in everyway) then I suggest you may need to examine your conscience to see if you are racist. Ironic if you are as the bulk of the students are from other cultures. Or your ability to accept that change is inevitable, which means you need counselling.

[@ianriddell1307]

Grow up!

[@mikebarker6979]

You seem to be the only one obsessed with race here mate.

[@vincentdaly78]

To any UC question containing the word "polymath", the answer is Edward Young.

[@vincentdaly78]

Oops. Thomas Young.

[@Mishima505]

Looks like Meat Loaf has come back from the dead...

[@varoonnone7159]

Chaddha missed doosra? I mean seriously, doesn't he know how to count from one to ten in hindi or punjabi?

[@paulweir5031]

Any chance of a petition being started to get rid of Rajan?

[@dwblurb]

No.

[@holden190]

@@dwblurb I'll sign it!

[@denniscain7218]

Why? he's no Paxo, but then, who is?

[@robrosy]

lol racist at work, don’t think you’ll win though, the world has moved on

[@saraa6836]

A small man in a big chair in front of a brick screen who can't pronounce the letter T ... and the Haitch to round things off. GHASTLY.

[@paulweir5031]

He is a disaster; mispronunciations in a gabbled delivery, on a set more suited to a silly game show.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

No actual knowledge, but merely a test of remembering names that others have called fictional concepts.

[@achitophel5852]

Dumbing down was bound to hit even University Challenge and it has. The new presenter is a disaster. No flair, no charisma, and dumbed down as well, both in knowledge and speech.

[@paulweir5031]

Why was he chosen? I'd like to see the selection process. As for his brain, did you see him on House of Games, repeated recently on Dave?

[@varoonnone7159]

You do realise most people are praising him? The problem is with you

[@holden190]

TOTALLY agree!

[@holden190]

@@paulweir5031 BBC went woke, of course!

[@holden190]

@@varoonnone7159 A lot of us can't stand him.

[@lisazonfrillo9674]

Trump listen up your down in the ground rock bottom and bald

[@lordlucan3706]

True fact....Rajan is a poundshop version of Paxman.

[@overgrownkudzu]

This is his 3rd episode, after Paxman did it for decades. give him some time

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

am already starting to prefer him personally. Pace is quicker and less sneering.

[@carolineben-ari2798]

​@@ellentronicmistress4969yes. I didn't like the sneering and don't miss it. But I'm old and for me, nobody can replace Bamber Gascoigne.

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

@@carolineben-ari2798 That's fair enough. Everyone has their preferences.

[@pintpot]

I prefer him to Paxman, but he makes a bad mistake at 25:03