Pottery Throwdown 2021

[LIZS]

Starts 10th January 7:45pm

Keith needs to stop crying - it's annoying

@StellaDendrite agree it was a bit aww/ cringe / oh he’s really passionate about pottery. Now it’s just a bit much bordering on creepy.

I agree, it was fine the first couple of times, now it is really annoying. It's the equivalent of Paul Hollywood's handshake on GBBO and it just doesn't work.
I just shout at the telly when he does it!
He must spend the whole time at home blubbing. Most unattractive

I just think he’s massively passionate, don’t think it’s put on or that he can do it at will. Doesn’t bother me at all, think it’s endearing actually.

Sal went down in my estimation, throwing in the towel when it got tough. I think the different challenges have been to move the potters out of their comfort zone. Sal is the most experienced by miles and has clearly known what she is doing up to now. As soon as it went majorly wrong for her, she jacked it in. Poor show. I admire the less exerienced potters faced with new techniques who keep on ploughing through to the bitter end.

I agree. I was disappointed in Sal. She threw a strop

To be fair, I think it was too late for her to try and rescue it. I actually thought it was quite good to see that she wasn't infallible and unflappable!

I think the producers are probably encouraging it as a sort of show signature, as you said, like an equivalent to Paul Hollywood’s handshake. I find less annoying than the Hollywood handshake — it’s not so bloody self-satisfied, and as a display of emotion, it makes KBJ look like a bit of a twit, rather than PH regarding his own handshake as the ultimate accolade.

I tell you what I’m missing from this series — the more design-focused commentary of Sue Pryke. Rich is a kind, warm, likeable and obviously knowledgeable presence, but his approach doesn’t differ much in focus from that of Weepy Keith. I felt Sue Pryke and Kate Malone before her offered a more differentiated type of judging.

I liked Keith’s moss-green jacket/cardigan or whatever. It suited him!

I like these types of shows but I wish the producers would keep it simple. The interesting bit is the pottery/cooking/sewing part, they don’t need to try and ramp up the drama with ridiculous tasks that are designed to fail or with hammy TV characters,

BTW Has anyone watched the Great British Model Railway Challenge (not sure if that the exact title). It’s pure genius. It really benefits from not being as slick as the other shows. It’s also very funny.

Sal didn't really have a strop, just a quiet moment of despair. I felt for her.

Slightly boring episode overall though for me. I just didn't find it that interesting watching them make busts. I'll miss Lee; he's a bit useless but he's sweet.

I enjoyed Jodie's story about seeing Bruce Springsteen live: 'Didn't go off until the lights went up and they had to drag him off stage then, let me tell you.'

And it's completely true! The only time I saw BS live, I left before he did as the cost of the babysitter was going to be ruinous if I stayed till the end of the encores!

I thought Sal was very restrained. I'd have thrown a full on GBBO BinGate-style walk-out and probably self-immolated in the nearest kiln out of frustration.

I think Keith get tearful when he knows that someone doesn’t think their work is that great/ has low self esteem etc and their work is actually good and that makes me like him. He likes to see the underdog doing well. Also, I think all emotions are a likely to be heightened in this series due to them all living together in the bubble e.g. was it Lee who cried when the Elina got sent home? Sorry, I can’t remember the names.

@StellaDendrite

I like these types of shows but I wish the producers would keep it simple. The interesting bit is the pottery/cooking/sewing part, they don’t need to try and ramp up the drama with ridiculous tasks that are designed to fail or with hammy TV characters,

BTW Has anyone watched the Great British Model Railway Challenge (not sure if that the exact title). It’s pure genius. It really benefits from not being as slick as the other shows. It’s also very funny.

Yes - agree with all you say about keeping it simple.

And where do I find this Model Railway challenge . . . ?

Thanks @LaChatte interesting to know, and I hope you're right about the kiln Gods!

I agree that Keith's crying is more genuine them the Hollywood handshake

I am also keen to watch any sort of gently competitive hobby show- where can I find trains?

I lived Lego masters

I would be struggling with plasticine to make anyone recognisable. Apart from Morph

Bragging again!

I can't even make snakes. (I thought they'd be a doddle

schadey

If you want bragging, you should see my playdoh Chas!

Don’t worry. They look more Lowry than TakeHart.

And it's completely true! The only time I saw BS live, I left before he did as the cost of the babysitter was going to be ruinous if I stayed till the end of the encores!

Everyone I know who's seen Bruce says he puts in the hours. He's a class act.

I love BS and have seen him a couple of times. I was conflicted about Alon’s because I just don’t like Alon.
Sal for the win

Theres an American glass blowing one called Blown Away on Netflix @Furbylicious

Is it any good, @TrashPanda?

My sister loves it but I've not started it yet, it's on my list.

It's a way shorter format, so many things get broken and the artists are just like 'meh, let's try that again'.

Blown away is great. Loved it but lacks humour!

I thought Blown Away was very interesting, but as kitten says lacks humour, and the contestants (that I saw - i only watched the first series) don't seem as caring of each other as they do on Throwdown.

I also think it's a bit cruel as everything rests on one challenge - so if you trip up on the way the the display place you've nothing to fall back on. It doesn't let us see what they can do with unfamiliar techniques either.

I watched the first Blown Away and have started the new series. Agree that it doesn't have the gentleness of the Throwdown, Bake Off et al, or the humour. There is a British guy in this series though who is flying a bit of a Brit abroad flag.
It is fascinating learning about the materials and techniques though. And you get some sense of the personalities, which is one of the best bits of these kinds of shows.