User blog comment:RA2/Robot Wars Rankdown: Extreme 1 & Series 5/@comment-4700688-20180713110553

oh it was my turn this entire time

Asta La Vista: Arnold A. Terminegger. It came down to that and Splinter, and ultimately Arnold just has a couple too many weaknesses, with broad sides, non-damaging weaponry which was starting to become obsolete, a lack of appearance in Series 5, and a lack of a head-to-head victory. 29th is perfectly respectable.

My Gut Reaction: Reactor II. It's easy to think that because Prizephita and Reactor reached the same stage of the competition, they're of a similar competency. In actuality, Prizephita was much better, and it's often forgotten that Reactor was being utterly dominated by Gemini before it landed the killer flip.

As a side note, I have no intention of binning Suicidal Tendencies - there's a rumour gaining traction that Suicidal Tendencies was not withdrawn from Series 5 for irreparable damage, but rather for Ed Hoppitt turning up on the team uninvited after failing to qualify, leading to a disqualification. There's no evidence, but somehow it seems more believable than a robot which easily won four fights suddenly giving up the ghost. It's not like it "lost" in Round 1.

The Pool: Bulldog Breed 3, Crushtacean, Drillzilla, Manta, Panzer Mk 2, Reactor II, Splinter, Stinger, Suicidal Tendencies