Retro show shines in spite of presenter

The crysTal maze (channel 4, Fri, 9pm)

THE fad for revisiting the ’80s and ’90s continues with the return of the game show that originally ran from 1990-96.

It returned last year for a one-off special and did so well that Channel 4 ordered a new series.

It was always going to be a hard task to successfully step into the shoes of original host Richard O’Brien.

His gentle ribbing and subtle sarcasm towards the contestants enhanced the show and Stephen Merchant did a great job replicating that in last year’s special.

For the new series though, Merchant has been replaced by IT Crowd actor Richard Ayoade, whose standoffish nature and overt sarcasm adds nothing to the show.

Everything else remains the same from the original – the style of games (unaffected by advances in technology), the graphics, even the jumpsuits the contestants wear.

The first three episodes in this new series are celebrity specials. As is the way with these, at least a couple of the “celebrities” are people you’ve never heard of.

The star of the first episode was former reality star, now TV presenter, Vicky Pattison, who once again showed she’s more than just a pretty face.

All in all, it’s a welcome return for the show, but whether it appeals to the current generation or remains a retro throwback for thirtysomethings remains to be seen.

veep (sky aTlanTic, Tues, 10.10pm)

If there’s a more quick-witted, cruelly satirical show on TV, I’ve yet to see it.

Armando Ianucci’s comedy about American politician Selina Meyer and her team delivers one-liners and putdowns as rapid as machine gun fire and requires multiple viewings just to catch them all.

Season seven can’t come quick enough.