BBC is to screen a new Swedish version of Total Wipeout, which fully explores the symbolism of loud people falling into deep water in a comic fashion as a comment on the essential futility of life.
Presented by TV detective Kurt Wallander, Swedish Total Wipeout is filmed in black and white.
It uses a set similar to other versions of the game show, but features the figure of Death, clad in black and carrying a scythe, standing in the water ready to clasp each failed contestant in his icy embrace.
The winner of each show must then tackle Death in a ritualistic game of chess to clinch the top prize, the will to carry on.
Wallander told the Radio Times: “There will be none of this merry laughter and comedy haircuts in our Total Wipeout.
“We thought the obstacle course nature of the game very accurately represented the grave difficulties we must all surmount in life, and that is by no means a laughing matter.
“Further, the helpless, terrified plunge into cold, cold water, so dark and infinitely shocking, reminds us that the relentless pursuit of material wealth is futile because in the end what awaits us all is the helpless descent into the black silence of the grave.”
BBC 1 controller Tristan Lively said: “Look, we’re talking Saturday evening telly here. If you’ve seen Strictly Come Dancing and Ant and fucking Dec on ITV, Swedish Total Wipeout is going to seem like a Carry On movie.”
Hat tip to Reg Skoda
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BBC to screen Swedish version of Total Wipeout
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FraserWords
offlineMemberPosted 1 year ago # -
I like it, but feel like I'm missing something. Why is the Swedish version all depressive?
Still, thoroughly enjoyed it, so have some stars.
Posted 1 year ago # -
FraserWords
offlineMemberThanks VCG - it's so gloomy because of all those gloomy Scandinavian dramas on the telly, and the Death reference is to gloomy old Ingmar Bergman, then there's the Swedish reputation for gloom. Nothing wrong with a bit of lazy stereotyping on a difficult day, I say - wrote it last week but didn't sub it for obvious reasons, Al. Sorry it's so lame I had to explain it.
Posted 1 year ago #
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