Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, BBC1:
Whisper it quietly, but I’m a little concerned that Michael McIntyre’s ego may be getting the better of him.
Calling a programme Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, I could understand. But there was no need to plaster his name all over his new show.
I’m now wondering whether he lives at Michael McIntyre’s House with Michael McIntyre’s Wife and Michael McIntryre’s Children, all of whom are expressly forbidden from going anywhere near Michael McIntyre’s Man Drawer.
And having watched Saturday’s first episode, I’m also wondering whether it is too late for Michael to take his name off it.
It’s not a total disaster, but his wheel could certainly do
with a little reinvention. Primarily in the editing department.
The main problem was that it dragged like it had several punctures. Being shown straight after yet another exhilarating hour or so of Strictly Come Dancing didn’t help its cause, either.
It was also needlessly complicated. The production team had clearly decided that a fun Saturday night game show with an entertaining host, a cool gimmick, lively celebrity guests and a small amount of jeopardy wouldn’t be enough for BBC1 viewers.
So they meddled with it. And then they meddled some more.
And the meddling resulted in an overcomplicated mess that, fittingly enough, went round and round in circles without really going anywhere.
Criminally for a game show, The Wheel also lacked that crucial play-along-ability factor.
All is not lost, however. I have every confidence that Michael McIntyre’s Second Series of Michael McIntryre’s The Wheel will not be a similar waste of Michael McIntyre’s Talents.