- "This is it! This is where the carnage gets cranked up a gear. The Premier League of robots, pushed to the limits! It's sheer destruction! It's death, or glory, and it's gonna give Hell a bad name! So are you ready for it? [Audience cheers] I said are you ready for it?! [More audience cheers] Then let's go... Extreme! Tonight... who's got the bottle to challenge the awesome Behemoth?"
- — Craig Charles' introduction
Episode 1 of Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1 was originally broadcast on 8 October 2001 on BBC Choice and repeated on 26 October 2001 on BBC Two.
Like most subsequent episodes of Extreme 1, it featured battles from multiple competitions running throughout the entire series, as well as a main event. Here, the main event was the first battle of the Challenge Belt.
The BBC Two broadcast managed to attract 2.87 million viewers. According to BARB, this meant it ranked fourteenth in the top thirty highest rated BBC 2 broadcasts during 22-28 October, between Natural World and The Simpsons.
Featured Robots[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Behemoth | ||
| Weight | 95kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.1m x 0.62m x 0.57m | |
| Power | 24v Motor | |
| Weapons | Pneumatic Scoop | |
| Strengths | Self-righting Mechanism | |
| Weaknesses | Slow & Sluggish | |
| From: Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire | ||
| Team Members: Anthony Pritchard, Michael Pritchard, Kane Aston | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chaos 2 | ||
| Weight | 83kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.9m x 0.71m x 0.38m | |
| Power | 24v Electric Motor | |
| Weapons | Pneumatic Powered Flipper | |
| Strengths | Unbeaten in competition | |
| Weaknesses | Limited CO2 Supply | |
| From: Bramford, Ipswich | ||
| Team Members: George Francis, Ian Swann, Richard Swann | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Diotoir | ||
| Weight | 93kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.17 x 1.04 x 0.39m | |
| Power | 36V Motor | |
| Weapons | Wedge & Scoop | |
| Strengths | Low Ground Clearance | |
| Weaknesses | Flammable | |
| From: Clondalkin, Dublin | ||
| Team Members: Peter Redmond, Joe Gavin, Dr. Zulu | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pussycat | ||
| Weight | 97kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.56m x 0.73m x 0.97m | |
| Power | 2 x Electric Motors | |
| Weapons | Spinning Blade | |
| Strengths | Always lands on its feet | |
| Weaknesses | Exposed Tyres | |
| From: Gloucester | ||
| Team Members: Alan Gribble, Robert Bettington, David Gribble | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| S.M.I.D.S.Y. | ||
| Weight | 99kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.2m x 0.8m x 0.26m | |
| Power | 2 x 24v Electric Motors | |
| Weapons | Jaws, Fangs & Disc | |
| Strengths | Multiple Weaponry | |
| Weaknesses | Unreliable | |
| From: Cyberspace | ||
| Team Members: Mik Reed, Robin Bennett & Andy Pugh | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stinger | ||
| Weight | 83kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.71m x 0.61m x 0.38m | |
| Power | 2 x 24v Electric Motors | |
| Weapons | Bludgeoning Spike | |
| Strengths | Heavy Duty Weapon | |
| Weaknesses | Exposed Tyres | |
| From: Branston, Lincoln | ||
| Team Members: Kevin Scott, Tim Mann, Karl Skinner | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sumpthing | ||
| Weight | 98kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.4m x 1m x 0.4m | |
| Power | 24v Motor | |
| Weapons | Crusher, Axe & Lifter | |
| Strengths | Multiple Weaponry | |
| Weaknesses | Exposed Mechanics | |
| From: Leicester | ||
| Team Members: Dig, Geoff Germaney & Paul Bacon | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Steel Avenger | ||
| Weight | 100kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.3m x 0.7m x 0.8m | |
| Power | 2 x 750w Industrial Motors | |
| Weapons | Pneumatic Axe & Rear Flipper | |
| Strengths | Powerful Axe | |
| Weaknesses | Inaccuracy of Weapon | |
| From: Holton St Mary | ||
| Team Members: John Willoughby, Jacky Willoughby, Tony Bates | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | ||
| Weight | 97kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.85m x 0.7m x 0.25m | |
| Power | 2 x 750w Motors | |
| Weapons | 2000rpm Spinning Disc | |
| Strengths | Invertible | |
| Weaknesses | Easily Flipped | |
| From: Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire | ||
| Team Members: Andrew Marchant, David Gamble, Bryan Moss | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wheely Big Cheese | ||
| Weight | 99kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.32m x 0.95m x 0.44m | |
| Power | 2 x 24v Motors | |
| Weapons | Titanium Flipper | |
| Strengths | Self-righting Mechanism | |
| Weaknesses | Exposed Wheels | |
| From: Langport in Somerset | ||
| Team Members: Roger Plant, John McGugan, Murray Wharf | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| X-Terminator | ||
| Weight | 99kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.8m x 0.6m x 0.5m | |
| Power | 24v Electric Motors | |
| Weapons | Pneumatic Axe | |
| Strengths | 37kg Axe & Base | |
| Weaknesses | Poor Manoeuverability | |
| From: Belmont in Hereford | ||
| Team Members: Marlon Pritchard, Paul Lewis, Simon Baldwin | ||
Main Event[]
- "Yes, that's right Craig, tonight's main event will be our Challenge Belt. Behemoth, the current holders have thrown down the gauntlet to any would-be challengers. But while we find a team with both the brains and brawn to beat those Behemoth boys, let's take a look at what else is on tonight's show. In a moment, there's a chance to settle old scores in our Vengeance battle between Tornado and Stinger. There's full-on carnage in our metal-mashing Mayhem and there are two battles featuring the best of the best in our All-Star competition. And all that before our main event, the Challenge Belt, and Behemoth are in the pits right now with a message of intent for tonight's show"
- — Jonathan Pearce
The main event of Episode 1 was the first round of the Challenge Belt. Behemoth was awarded the titular Challenge Belt during the episode and could be challenged by any competitor for ownership of the belt. Unlike later appearances, Behemoth's opponent was not initially presented, under the guise that a challenger had not been found.
- "We're Team Behemoth. This is the Challenge Belt. We got it, we deserve it. If you want it, come and get it!"
- — Anthony Pritchard
Battles and Build-Up[]
Vengeance: Stinger vs. Tornado[]
The first battle of the episode was a Vengeance battle between Stinger and Tornado, with Tornado looking to prove its superiority over its opponent after the Stinger team claimed Tornado was "just a big boring box on wheels".
- Andrew Marchant: "Stinger have said we're a box on wheels, we're gonna show them what we can do. They're boring, my mother hates them, they just spin round in a circle. We're gonna show them who's boss!"
- Julia Reed: "Well, if Andrew's mum's not happy, nor am I!"
- — Pre-match declaration
Tornado sent Stinger flailing away after using its drum
Stinger swings and hits the side of Tornado
As the battle started, Tornado drove straight at Stinger and began to push it around the arena, with Stinger hitting it with its mace, but with no great effect. Stinger then tried its spinning tactic, but was instead pushed over by Tornado. Tornado continued to pressurize Stinger and attempted to push it on the flame-pit, but backed away before this could happen. A second try managed to get Stinger on the flame pit, but no obvious damage was caused.
- "...and throughout this series of Robot Wars Extreme, the Vengeance Battles give plenty of opportunity for teams to get their own back"
- — Jonathan Pearce on the Vengeance battles
Dead Metal grabs hold of Stinger
Dead Metal slices the backend of Tornado
Tornado struck Stinger again, this time flipping it over, but as Stinger was invertible, this had no effect. Stinger tried spinning again, but Tornado pushed it into Dead Metal's CPZ, who attempted to grab it by its axle. Stinger escaped before this could happen, hitting the house robot on the "head" in the process. Stinger drove away and began hitting Tornado again, but could not prevent the lower robot from pushing it around the arena. Another slam from Tornado flipped Stinger over again, but in its aggressive attacks, Tornado strayed towards Dead Metal, who cut into it with his saw.
- "Wanting vengeance of its own, perhaps?...Dead Metal is very much part of the warzone now!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Dead Metal attacks Tornado
Tornado forces Stinger around
Killalot hangs Stinger over the edge
Stinger briefly got caught under Dead Metal, but Tornado pushed it away and towards the other end of the arena, this time into Sir Killalot's CPZ. Stinger was boxed into the corner and Sir Killalot grabbed hold of it by the axle and dangled it over the arena wall, threatening to drop it out.
- ""Oh no!" he's saying, "No!" Yes, yes, yes, yes! Get the wig off!"
- — Jonathan Pearce, in response to the reactions of a Stinger fan in the audience
However, Sir Killalot reversed away from the arena wall before it let go of Stinger, but the axlebot seemed a lot more sluggish as Tornado pushed it towards the angle grinders. Stinger drove away, but both robots seemed somewhat lethargic, with a bit of foam sticking out of Stinger's tyres. As they continued pushing each other, Refbot counted down to the end of the battle, and the judges were called to make a decision.
Tornado was declared the winner on what was deemed a very close match, a decision the team stated they were pleased with, although not without Team Stinger declaring that they would win a future battle between them.
- "We'll back back, stronger, faster, better than it was before, you have been warned!"
- — Tim Mann after the battle
Winner: Tornado
Build-Up 1[]
- "Now another robot who doesn't take any prisoners is Behemoth. They're back and this time they say they're unbeatable. Well, Julia, I'd say prove it."
- — Craig Charles
Following on from this fight was the first build-up segment for the Challenge Belt. Julia Reed presented Behemoth with the Challenge Belt, provided by the fictitious World Association of Robotics (W.A.R.), on claims that Team Make Robotics had made that their robot was "indestructible".
- "We are the best. We are indestructible"
- — Kane Aston
Reed then explained the rules - any team could challenge Behemoth for the belt and Behemoth would lose the belt if the challenge was declined. If Behemoth could win three challenges, then the team would be allowed to keep the belt. Team Make Robotics accepted the terms and were given the belt, before Reed left to search for a challenger.
Mayhem: Pussycat vs. Sumpthing vs. S.M.I.D.S.Y.[]
The second fight of the episode was the first of the Mayhem battles, where three robots would fight to qualify for one of two annihilators held during Extreme Series 1.
- "But now, I feel the need for three robots in a free-for-all rumble, and there's only one word for that, folks...MAYHEM! Let's go mental!"
- — Craig Charles introduces the rumble
Sumpthing impales itself on Sergeant Bash
The first Mayhem battle of the series started with S.M.I.D.S.Y. pushing Pussycat towards the flame pit. Pussycat veered away and attacked S.M.I.D.S.Y. again, but S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s jaws deflected it. Eventually, Sumpthing made an attack on the two seeded machines, but its first attack on Pussycat dislodged the drive-chain for its saw. S.M.I.D.S.Y., meanwhile, activated the pit (this was the first time the pit release button was shown, despite the pit release button being torn from the wall), but then nearly drove down it, as did Sumpthing. After this, all three robots drove to the other end of the arena, continuing to attack each other. Sumpthing seemed much more sluggish than its two opponents, who began pushing each other, and in trying to catch up managed to impale itself on Sergeant Bash.
- "Sumpthing are nothing"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Sumpthing tries to free itself.
Pussycat nudges S.M.I.D.S.Y. into the pit
Matilda eventually dislodged Sumpthing from Sergeant Bash, and attempted to attack Pussycat, who had just pushed S.M.I.D.S.Y. into the CPZ. At this point, part of the cyberspace machine's drive broke, leaving it spinning in circles for the rest of the battle. Sumpthing then rammed into Pussycat, impaling its spike into the previous runner-up's side, but it could not take advantage of this. It took a few shoves from Refbot to finally separate the two, and they both then started attacking the limping S.M.I.D.S.Y., with these attacks forcing it closer and closer to the pit until it got itself beached, whereby Pussycat hit it one last time and forced it in. Time ran out just as Pussycat got S.M.I.D.S.Y. into the pit properly, and the judges ruled in favour of it over Sumpthing.
- "They're one of the robots we've always wanted to fight, one of the best robots out there"
- — Alan Gribble on fighting Sumpthing
Winner: Pussycat
Build-Up 2[]
- "Behemoth, you got that belt and we want that belt from you! We accept the challenge, and we want to hang it up with the rest of our trophies"
- — John Willoughby issues a challenge
Following the Mayhem, Craig Charles announced that The Steel Avenger had issued a challenge for Behemoth's Challenge Belt, with team captain John Willoughby showcasing a "trophy stand" (consisting of the team's armoured costumes, The Steel Avenger's former axe-heads and its feather duster) that they intended to hang the belt up from. After asking the audience if they wanted to see the fight, Charles passed back down to Julia Reed, who received confirmation from Team Make Robotics that they accepted the challenge.
All-Stars: Chaos 2 vs. X-Terminator[]
- "Alrighty, that's what we like! And we also like the biggest, baddest meanest robots. So much so, that we've given them their own competition! So are you up for the most dangerous robots!? Then bring on the All-Stars!"
- — Craig Charles introduces the All-Stars tournament for the first time
The third and fourth fights were the start of the All-Stars tournament, a competition featuring the robots deemed by the show as "the best of the best". The first fight was between two-time reigning champion Chaos 2 and semi-finalist X-Terminator. Team X-Terminator displayed confidence that they could beat Chaos 2 as the robot had been completely modified. George Francis, meanwhile, revealed he had made improvements to Chaos 2's gas canister and rams, expressing slight optimism that it would be able to handle the extra 20kg added to the weight limit.
- "Chaos 2 is an old robot. This is all new, he hasn't seen it working before, and Chaos 2, we're coming to get you!"
- — Simon Baldwin
Chaos 2 flipping X-Terminator
Almost immediately, Chaos 2 drove straight at X-Terminator and flipped it over just as the axe fired. X-Terminator was able to right itself using its axe, only to land on top of Chaos 2, who flipped it aside. The two drove at each other again and Chaos 2 attempted another flip, but missed. This time, however, the flipper locked open, and despite several attempts to get it closed, it was left powerless as X-Terminator struck it from the rear with its axe.
- "X-Terminator has sensed that something is wrong with the all-powerful Chaos 2"
- — Jonathan Pearce makes no attempts to hide Chaos 2's favoured status
X-Terminator shoved Chaos 2 towards Shunt's CPZ, and in doing so, the Suffolk-based machine's flipper actually did close, but when it missed another flip, it jammed again. X-Terminator struck Chaos 2 once more, but not only did this cause its own weapon to jam, but it also knocked Chaos 2's flipper back into place. As a result, it was only a matter of time before Chaos 2 flipped X-Terminator over, and with its axe broken, X-Terminator could do nothing as Refbot counted it out. As the house robots closed in to attack, X-Terminator was actually re-righted, only to be flipped by Chaos 2 straight onto Matilda's flywheel.
- "X-Terminator immobilised, given the red card by Refbot...X-Terminator, exterminated"
- — Craig Charles strikes his cliched response to X-Terminator's loss
Winner: Chaos 2
All-Stars: Diotoir vs. Wheely Big Cheese[]
The next fight was between the highly experienced Diotoir and semi-finalist Wheely Big Cheese. Before the fight, both teams displayed rather dismissive thoughts about their opponents, with Julia Reed believing that Diotoir was in "serious trouble" based on claims Roger Plant had made.
- "They've got a flipper that's powered by a couple of car springs, which is no problem because we can flip an entire car"
- — Roger Plant's thoughts on Diotoir
Diotoir flips Wheely Big Cheese in the opening seconds of the fight
Wheely Big Cheese hurls Diotoir over
The two robots drove slowly towards one another, with Diotoir landing the first attack, flipping Wheely Big Cheese up slightly, but not over. After this, the two machines began a bit of a shoving match, getting under each other a few times, but making no attempt to flip each other. Then, as Wheely Big Cheese drove at Diotoir, its spiked wheel broke off one of Diotoir's eyes. Moments later, it flipped Diotoir over, breaking the second eye clean off.
- "OH! One of the eyes has come of DIOTOIR!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Diotoir loses an eye then gets flipped
Sir Killalot attacks Diotoir before it is counted out
Dead Metal chases a now upright Diotoir
Wheely Big Cheese then threw Diotoir again, getting it caught on the arena wall. Refbot came to count Diotoir out, only for Sir Killalot to attack the Irish machine, despite the fact that it was not yet officially immobilised or in a CPZ. Refbot issued Killalot with a yellow card, but this did not matter much, as moments later, he counted Diotoir out, allowing Killalot and Dead Metal to attack it properly. They pushed Diotoir towards the flame pit, but it escaped before it could catch fire, not without shedding part of its fur, though.
- "The warzone is strewn with parts of Diotoir"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Cease is called
Following the fight, Reed spoke to both teams and notably expressed that the fight seemed too easy for Wheely Big Cheese, prompting the team to promise that they'd "save the best til later".
Winner: Wheely Big Cheese
Challenge Belt: Behemoth vs. The Steel Avenger[]
- Main article: Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1/Challenge Belt#Challenge 1
Pre-Fight[]
Behemoth and its Challenge Belt
Following on from the All-Stars, Charles announced the first fight of the Challenge Belt between Behemoth and The Steel Avenger. In the pits, Reed interviewed both teams, with Team Make Robotics showing confidence and dismissing The Steel Avenger as "pants". Team Steel Avenger retorted by bragging that they'd take the belt from Behemoth.
Charles subsequently stated that he believed Behemoth was the favourite for the battle, before passing to Jonathan Pearce for his opinion. Looking at the past performances, Pearce admitted that Behemoth had the greater success, but declared the fight was too close for him to call, given The Steel Avenger's upgrades and previous Best Engineered Award.
The Battle[]
Behemoth flips The Steel Avenger
Behemoth drove straight at The Steel Avenger, but missed a chance to flip it over. Instead, Steel Avenger was pushed onto the flame pit, which threatened to burn its feather duster. It then drove at the side of Behemoth and began pushing it around the arena, hitting it a total of nine times with its axe before Behemoth could break away. The two made a frontal assault at each other, and this was when Behemoth finally got its scoop to work, lifting up Steel Avenger, but not flipping it. After a second failed attempt, it finally managed to flip Steel Avenger over on its third attempt, before attempting to pin it down. It then pushed Steel Avenger towards the flame pit, the feather duster falling off in the process, before flipping it onto the flame pit.
- "With the feather duster left behind, The Steel Avenger is in no shape to avenge anything"
- — Jonathan Pearce
The Steel Avenger did not appear able to right itself, but Refbot then pushed it off the flame pit. Steel Avenger launched another side attack on Behemoth, and hit it again with its axe, only to be flipped once more. Behemoth then attempted to flip Steel Avenger out of the arena, but the silver robot was able to push itself away with its axe. Steel Avenger was then pushed into the CPZ and was forced to fend off Sir Killalot, causing some minor damage by breaking the house robot's flashing eyes with the axe. It then darted away, driving around the arena in an attempt to attack the former semi-finalist, but Behemoth eventually caught it side on and flipped it again. It blocked its next attempt at self-righting, but Steel Avenger eventually escaped.
- "Moving quickly, trying to avoid trouble, knowing that it is the "second best" out there, really"
- — Jonathan Pearce on The Steel Avenger
The Steel Avenger hangs in the arena.
Eventually, Behemoth flipped Steel Avenger again. Blocking its self-righting attempts once again, it pushed the Essex based robot towards the CPZ and flipped it onto its top, where it was unable to right itself. Sir Killalot then came in to attack Steel Avenger, but as he picked it up, Behemoth tried to flip Sir Killalot over.
- "A well timed attack there by Anthony Pritchard, seeing that Sir Killalot may have been off-balance. He's OK now, but Behemoth went on the attack of Sir Killalot, and Sir Killalot doesn't like it!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Behemoth attacks Sir Killalot
The house robot fell onto his front, but landed back on his tracks. He then left Steel Avenger to attack Behemoth, and in the confusion, Behemoth sportingly righted Steel Avenger again. However, after a bit more dodging, Behemoth flipped its opponent over one more time, and it became clear that Steel Avenger had no more gas left to right itself. It was counted out and pushed towards the now-open pit by Behemoth. It was pushed back onto its wheels moments before falling in, and managed to drive away, but cease was called immediately afterwards.
With this victory, Behemoth's first defence of the Challenge Belt was successful and the team were able to keep hold of the belt. The team admitted in the post-match interview that Behemoth's attack on Sir Killalot was a deliberate attempt to rescue The Steel Avenger.
Winner: Behemoth
- "Steel Avenger are suffering from low self-esteem. Behemoth keep the Extreme Belt on Robot Wars Extreme"
- — Craig Charles' sign-off
David Gribble Tribute[]
The tribute to David Gribble, featured at the end of this episode
Following the initial BBC Choice premiere of this episode, a short tribute to Cold Fusion Team driver David Gribble was added to later broadcasts following his death on 13 October 2001. The tribute is also present in the remastered version currently available on Mech+.
Trivia[]
- Chaos 2, The Steel Avenger and S.M.I.D.S.Y. would also appear in the first Heat of The Fifth Wars.
- The Vengeance battle between Stinger and Tornado was the first battle to be filmed for Extreme 1. Due to this, several firsts took place:
- It marked the first time in the UK Series that original technical consultant Mat Irvine acted as a Judge, also appearing on the panel in the concurrently-filmed first season of Robot Wars: Extreme Warriors.
- It was the first UK Series battle to demonstrate Refbot's newly-added countdown timer, although it was used to signal the end of the fight rather than to count out either contestant.
- It was the first UK Series battle to take place in the fifth incarnation of the Robot Wars Arena, which would remain in use until the end of the Classic run.
The Steel Avenger's combat record is misconstrued before the first Challenge Belt battle
- Ahead of the Challenge Belt event between Behemoth and The Steel Avenger, a statistics board erroneously claimed that The Steel Avenger had lost in the first rounds of Series 3 and 4, when it actually reached the second round and the Heat Final respectively.
- This episode marked the last time that director Stuart McDonald says an original pun for Craig Charles' introductions. For this episode the pun would be known as 'Please welcome the master of mayhem', and therefore was used as the generic voiceover announcement at the start of all remaining episodes in the Classic run.
- "Next time, on Robot Wars Extreme, has Hypno-Disc, the most destructive robot ever, finally spun its last in the mechanical mother of all Mayhems?"
- — Craig Charles' preview for Episode 2
[]
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