Comments on: Tolkien on BBC's Mastermind Feb 12th

by: Trotter

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:58:12 +0000

I think they used to do that but not now, I'd love to be proved wrong though. They should consult people like Tom Shippey.

by: wellinghall

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:52:19 +0000

Mastermind are meant to pay careful attention to question setting. I have seen a couple of TV programmes about it (quite a few years ago now), and they do contact several experts in each field.

- wellinghall

by: Trotter

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:42:33 +0000

Sadly I don\'t think they will even go so far as to consult C&G (they would have to have a copy for a start). I expect the question setter will type Tolkein(sic) into Google and then click on Did you mean Tolkien and finally click on the first link, Wikipedia. I think it will be interesting to check if all the questions are on the Wikipedia article.

by: Khamul

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:58:23 +0000

Facinating trivia! Quite looking forward to watching now; questions will undoudtedly be a load of nonsense though. I guess, now, all they have to do is have a copy of C&G to hand to set the questions! Like to see if any questions (or how many) are film orientated.

by: Trotter

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:29:46 +0000

Tolkien is quite a popular subject for Mastermind, the last time he was the specialist subject was 2005.

The 1974 round was in the semi-final and the contestant was Elizabeth Horrocks, who eventually won the tournament that year.

by: Urul�k�

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:12:02 +0000

Hilarious article, Trotter!

I read that Shippey set the questions on the previous round (1974 I think?)

It sounds like they will just use reference books for the most part. I really doubt that they would try to reach Christopher, and I am certain that he would not reply if they did try to reach him.

by: Trotter

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:20:51 +0000

Who sets the questions on Mastermind.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5144933/Mastermind-contestant-called-by-BBC-researcher-to-set-questions-for-his-own-round.html

by: Khamul

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:05:45 +0000

Does anyone know who they consult to question set? Wellinghall (I was going to say Andrew, but that's not going to work with you two...), when your father in law was on, did he get an inclination later as to who had been asked to set the questions for any of his subjects? Would they ask Christopher about this sort of thing? I think we should try & get a transcript posted up for a bit of fun & discussion after it's been shown.

by: wellinghall

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:34:03 +0000

That's the one!

by: Trotter

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:32:33 +0000

1996 Mastermind Champion

http://oxford-consultants.tripod.com/richard_sturch.htm