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{{episode
 
{{episode
|episode_name=Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2 - Commonwealth Carnage
+
|episode_name=Commonwealth Carnage
 
|image=[[File:CommonwealthCarnageLogo.jpg|200px]]
 
|image=[[File:CommonwealthCarnageLogo.jpg|200px]]
 
|caption=The Commonwealth Carnage logo from the introduction titles
 
|caption=The Commonwealth Carnage logo from the introduction titles
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|winner=[[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]]
 
|winner=[[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]]
 
|broadcast=January 31st 2003
 
|broadcast=January 31st 2003
|channel=BBC Choice
+
|channel=[[BBC|BBC Choice]]
 
|preceded= [[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2/University Challenge|University Challenge]]
 
|preceded= [[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2/University Challenge|University Challenge]]
 
|suceeded= [[European Championship]]
 
|suceeded= [[European Championship]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
The '''Commonwealth Carnage''' was an international competition featuring robots from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations Commonwealth of Nations]. It was featured during the penultimate episode of [[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2]] and was originally shown on BBC Choice on January 31, 2003, but the series was dropped by the BBC before it could be shown on BBC Two. It was first repeated on ''Dave'' on 15 January 2011.
 
The '''Commonwealth Carnage''' was an international competition featuring robots from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations Commonwealth of Nations]. It was featured during the penultimate episode of [[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2]] and was originally shown on BBC Choice on January 31, 2003, but the series was dropped by the BBC before it could be shown on BBC Two. It was first repeated on ''Dave'' on 15 January 2011.
*The winner of the All-Stars Championship was originally intended to automatically qualify for the Commonwealth Carnage, but Firestorm, a semi-finalist in the All-Stars, represented England instead, presumably because the winner, Razer, was already fighting in the European Championship.
 
*This episode featured the rekindling of two grudges, between Panic Attack and Firestorm, and Panic Attack and Shunt. Incidentally this was the last time that Panic Attack would fight Firestorm one-on-one.
 
*Also featured in this episode was the only occasion in UK Robot Wars where Mr. Psycho was flipped.
 
*This episode featured the team that had travelled the furthest to get to Robot Wars, a distance of over 10,000 miles.
 
*This episode marked the last appearances of seasoned competitors [[Weld-Dor]] and [[Cerberus]].
 
*Graham Bone, captain of [[Team Firestorm]], proposed to girlfriend Hazel Heslop after winning this competition.
 
*Kevin Pritchard rejoined the Panic Attack team in this episode, after leaving to form the [[Evil Weevil]] team at the end of Series 2.
 
*[[Philippa Forrester]] made constant mention of Corkscrew driving itself into the pit during Series 6 to mock the team. Despite this, the Commonwealth Carnage featured two other robots which drove into the pit during Series 6. Crushtacean and Firestorm have both pitted themselves, the latter driving itself into the pit three times in the history of Robot Wars, and the former pitting itself for the second time upon beating Corkscrew.
 
*A mistake with the battle board showed [[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]] with the United Kingdom flag, instead of a English flag.
 
 
 
==Format==
 
==Format==
 
The competition featured eight robots, each representing their respective countries from the Commonwealth. The robots came from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Canada, Australia and South Africa. The eight robots were split into two four-way melees for the first round from which two would go through to the semi-finals. Two robots then went through to the final to decide the Commonwealth Carnage champion.
 
The competition featured eight robots, each representing their respective countries from the Commonwealth. The robots came from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Canada, Australia and South Africa. The eight robots were split into two four-way melees for the first round from which two would go through to the semi-finals. Two robots then went through to the final to decide the Commonwealth Carnage champion.
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Cerberus]]
 
|name=[[Cerberus]]
|image=[[File:CerberusE2.png|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Cerberus EX2.JPG|200px|center]]
 
|weight=87kg
 
|weight=87kg
 
|dimensions=0.53 x 1.50 x 0.80m
 
|dimensions=0.53 x 1.50 x 0.80m
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Crushtacean]]
 
|name=[[Crushtacean]]
|image=[[File:Crushtacean.gif|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Crushtacean EX2.jpg|200px|center]]
 
|weight=100kg
 
|weight=100kg
 
|dimensions=0.40 x 1.35 x 0.85m
 
|dimensions=0.40 x 1.35 x 0.85m
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]]
 
|name=[[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]]
|image=[[File:Firestorm.gif|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Firestorm IV.jpg|200px|center]]
 
|weight=100kg
 
|weight=100kg
 
|dimensions=0.36 x 1.10 x 0.83m
 
|dimensions=0.36 x 1.10 x 0.83m
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Panic Attack]]
 
|name=[[Panic Attack]]
|image=[[File:Panic Attack.jpg|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Panic Attack EX2.jpg|200px|center]]
 
|weight=96kg
 
|weight=96kg
 
|dimensions=1.30 x 1.10 x 0.90m
 
|dimensions=1.30 x 1.10 x 0.90m
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Terror Turtle]]
 
|name=[[Terror Turtle]]
|image=[[File:Extreme terror turtle.JPG|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Terror Turtle EX2.jpg|200px|center]]
 
|weight=95kg
 
|weight=95kg
 
|dimensions=0.54 x 1.60 x 0.77m
 
|dimensions=0.54 x 1.60 x 0.77m
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{{Stats
 
{{Stats
 
|name=[[Weld-Dor|Weld-Dor 3]]
 
|name=[[Weld-Dor|Weld-Dor 3]]
|image=[[File:Weldor3.jpg|200px|center]]
+
|image=[[File:Weld-Dor 3.jpg|200px|center]]
 
|weight=96kg
 
|weight=96kg
 
|dimensions=0.55 x 1.16 x 0.85m
 
|dimensions=0.55 x 1.16 x 0.85m
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==Round 1==
 
==Round 1==
===Bondi Titch (AUS) vs Corkscrew (SCO) vs Weld-Dor 3 (NIR) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG)===
+
===Bondi Titch (AUS) vs Corkscrew (SCO) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG) vs Weld-Dor 3 (NIR)===
[[File:Firestorm Weld-Dor.png|thumb|left|Firestorm 4 slams Weld-Dor 3 into the CPZ]]
+
[[File:Firestorm Weld-Dor.png|thumb|left|Firestorm 4 slams Weld-Dor 3 into the CPZ...]]
  +
[[File:Firestorm IV vs Weld-Dor 3.jpg|thumb|...and over the wall]]
  +
[[File:Bondi-Titch vs Corkscrew.jpg|thumb|left|Bondi-Titch, damaged by Corkscrew, retaliates]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1.1.jpg|thumb|Mr. Psycho attacks Bondi Titch]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1.1.jpg|thumb|Mr. Psycho attacks Bondi Titch]]
Firestorm went into this battle as the overwhelming favourites, and it was quick off the mark, immediately flipping Weld-Dor, although the Irish machine comfortably self-righted, only to be overturned again. Firestorm then attacked Bondi Titch, but Corkscrew got in the way of the attack. Meanwhile, after a long time inactive, Weld-Dor tried to self-right, but found itself unable to, and Firestorm pushed it to the CPZ and flipped it out. Bondi Titch hit the pit release, but was then attacked by Firestorm, who flipped it up against the arena wall, but Bondi Titch crashed down again. Corkscrew, meanwhile, very nearly pitted itself under no pressure, as [[Phillipa Forrester]] suspected pre-battle, but veered away and crashed into an immobile Bondi Titch. A second impact from Corkscrew dislodged a panel from Bondi Titch.
+
Firestorm 4 went into this battle as the overwhelming favourites, and it was quick off the mark, immediately flipping Weld-Dor 3, although the Northern Irish machine comfortably self-righted, only to be overturned again. Firestorm 4 then attacked Bondi Titch, but Corkscrew got in the way of the attack. Meanwhile, after a long time inactive, Weld-Dor 3 tried to self-right, but found itself unable to. This was a result of an untelevised attack from Corkscrew<ref>Private correspondence between Anthony Murney and Phelim Lundy</ref>, which saw Corkscrew hit the wheel of Weld-Dor 3, twisting its frame and causing CO<sub>2</sub> to vent out of the machine violently. Firestorm 4 pushed Weld-Dor 3 into the CPZ and pressed it against the arena wall with its flipper a few times, before eventually flipping it out of the arena completely. Bondi Titch hit the pit release, but was then attacked by Firestorm 4, who flipped it up against the arena wall, but Bondi Titch crashed down again. Corkscrew, meanwhile, very nearly pitted itself under no pressure, as [[Philippa Forrester]] suspected pre-battle, but veered away and crashed into an immobile Bondi Titch. A second impact from Corkscrew dislodged a panel from Bondi Titch.
 
{{quote|The Australians- surfing their way out of the competition it would seem!|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
{{quote|The Australians- surfing their way out of the competition it would seem!|Jonathan Pearce}}
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1.2.jpg|thumb|left|Corkscrew shreds Matilda]]
+
[[File:Firestorm IV vs Bondi-Titch.jpg|thumb|left|Firestorm throws the Australian hopes out]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1.2.jpg|thumb|Corkscrew shreds Matilda]]
Firestorm then took over the battering of Bondi Titch, pushing it into the CPZ, and then, after levering against the arena wall, left it to Mr Psycho, who hammered it. Bondi Titch appeared to have a brief spell of mobility, but this was cut short by a charge from Firestorm 4, and the subsequent flip out of the arena. After cease was called, Corkscrew caused massive damage to the side of Matilda.
+
Firestorm 4 then took over the battering of Bondi Titch, pushing it into the CPZ, and then, after levering against the arena wall, left it to Mr. Psycho, who hammered it. Bondi Titch appeared to have a brief spell of mobility, but this was cut short by a charge from Firestorm 4, and the subsequent flip out of the arena. After cease was called, Corkscrew caused massive damage to the side of Matilda.
{{dialogue a-b|Philippa Forrester|You did very well for Australia, you should be very proud. Congratulations and thank you for coming all this way.|Jonathan Pearce|And now go home.|Conflicting opinions on the performance of Bondi Titch.}}
+
{{dialogue a-b|Philippa Forrester|You did very well for Australia, you should be very proud. Congratulations and thank you for coming all this way.|Jonathan Pearce|And now go home.|Conflicting opinions on the performance of Bondi Titch}}
   
 
Qualified: '''Corkscrew & Firestorm 4'''
 
Qualified: '''Corkscrew & Firestorm 4'''
   
===Terror Turtle (CAN) vs Cerberus (CYP) vs Panic Attack (WAL) vs Crushtacean (RSA)===
+
===Cerberus (CYP) vs Crushtacean (RSA) vs Panic Attack (WAL) vs Terror Turtle (CAN)===
  +
[[File:Crushtacean vs Cerberus.jpg|thumb|left|Crushtacean grabs hold of Cerberus]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2.1.jpg|thumb|Cerberus is pitted]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2.1.jpg|thumb|Cerberus is pitted]]
  +
[[File:Panic, turtle and crab.JPG|thumb|Panic Attack and Crushtacean approach Terror Turtle]]
Panic Attack met Cerberus head on, but the two spun away. Crushtacean then took over, and rammed Cerberus into the pit release. Panic Attack then attacked Terror Turtle with the forks, meanwhile Crushtacean managed an almighty charge to pit Cerberus. Panic Attack and Crushtacean then teamed up to bully Terror Turtle, pushing it into the CPZ, and Panic Attack lifting it up with its forks. Crushtacean then grabbed the wheel guards, and pushed Terror Turtle, before releasing it. Panic Attack then pushed Terror Turtle into [[Sir Killalot]], who lifted it up, whilst Crushtacean clawed at the back of Sir Killalot.
+
Panic Attack met Cerberus head on, but the two spun away. Crushtacean then took over, and rammed Cerberus into the pit release. Panic Attack then attacked Terror Turtle with the forks, meanwhile Crushtacean managed an almighty charge to pit Cerberus. Panic Attack and Crushtacean then teamed up to bully Terror Turtle, pushing it into the CPZ, and Panic Attack lifting it up with its forks. Crushtacean then grabbed the wheel guards, and pushed Terror Turtle, before releasing it. Panic Attack then pushed Terror Turtle into [[Sir Killalot]], who lifted it up and over, causing JJ Frizell to lift a sign in support of his robot.
{{quote|Save the Turtle!|The Terror Turtle team's banner}}
+
{{quote|Save the Turtle!|[[Team Terror Turtle]]'s banner}}
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2.2.jpg|thumb|left|Terror Turtle lies on its back]]
 
  +
[[File:PA vs Shunt.jpg|thumb|left|Panic Attack engages with Shunt]]
Towards the end of the battle, Panic Attack reignited its famous rivalry with Shunt, lifting the house robot off its wheels. Sir Killalot appeared to break down towards the end of the fight, only able to move his jaws, and so could not inflict further punishment on the overturned Terror Turtle. From the three that made the end of the battle, the judge's decided that Crushtacean and Panic Attack had done enough to make the next round.
 
  +
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2.2.jpg|thumb|Terror Turtle lies on its back]]
 
Responding to the banner, Crushtacean gripped the back of Sir Killalot, but caused no damage. Towards the end of the battle, Panic Attack reignited its famous rivalry with Shunt, lifting the house robot off its wheels. Sir Killalot appeared to break down towards the end of the fight, only able to move his jaws, and so could not inflict further punishment on the overturned Terror Turtle. Jonathan Pearce remarked that Sir Killalot's defeat of Terror Turtle, which could not self-right, was an illegal manoeuvre, so it was disregarded in the resulting Judges' decision. Regardless, they decided that Crushtacean and Panic Attack had done enough to make the next round.
   
Qualified: '''Panic Attack & Crushtacean'''
+
Qualified: '''Crushtacean & Panic Attack'''
   
 
==Round 2==
 
==Round 2==
 
===Panic Attack (WAL) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG)===
 
===Panic Attack (WAL) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG)===
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.1.1.jpg|thumb|Panic Attack gets stuck on the side]]
+
[[File:Panic Attack vs Firestorm IV.jpg|thumb|left|Panic Attack slips under Firestorm 4]]
  +
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.1.1.jpg|thumb|Panic Attack, stuck on its side]]
The battle between the two old rivals began with Panic Attack dodging Firestorm, before it ran up on its forks, but Panic Attack was unable to capitalise on this. Firestorm then fought back, and pushed Panic Attack into the CPZ, almost flipping it onto its back in the process. Panic Attack was unable to regroup and come in on another attack as Firestorm mercilessly hounded it; however once again it ran up on the forks of Panic Attack, who again failed to capitalise. Firestorm pushed Panic Attack the length of the arena, and into [[Sergeant Bash|Sergeant Bash's]] CPZ, but both robots escaped. Firestorm again tried to flip Panic Attack but failed to. Firestorm got stuck on an angle grinder temporarily, and Panic Attack took the initiative, momentarily taking the upper hand in the battle. Firestorm retaliated and pushed Panic Attack against the arena wall. Panic Attack's srimech was designed for protecting it from getting stuck on its back, so was useless on its side. First Refbot, then Mr Psycho tried to free Panic Attack, but failed, so Panic Attack was counted out, and Firestorm pressed the pit release.
+
The battle between the two old rivals began with Panic Attack dodging Firestorm, before it ran up on its forks, but Panic Attack was unable to capitalize on this. Firestorm then fought back, and pushed Panic Attack into the CPZ, almost flipping it onto its back in the process. Panic Attack was unable to regroup and come in on another attack as Firestorm mercilessly hounded it; however once again it ran up on the forks of Panic Attack, who again failed to capitalize. Firestorm pushed Panic Attack the length of the arena, and into [[Sergeant Bash|Sergeant Bash's]] CPZ, but both robots escaped. Firestorm again tried to flip Panic Attack but failed to. Firestorm got stuck on an angle grinder temporarily, and Panic Attack took the initiative, momentarily taking the upper hand in the battle. Firestorm retaliated and pushed Panic Attack against the arena wall. Panic Attack's srimech was designed for protecting it from getting stuck on its back, so was useless on its side. First Refbot, then Mr. Psycho tried to free Panic Attack, but failed, so Panic Attack was counted out, and Firestorm pressed the pit release.
 
{{quote|Six foot two, eyes of blue, Mr Psycho's after you!|Jonathan Pearce as Mr Psycho exacts revenge on Firestorm}}
 
{{quote|Six foot two, eyes of blue, Mr Psycho's after you!|Jonathan Pearce as Mr Psycho exacts revenge on Firestorm}}
[[File:Firestorm flips Mr Psycho.png|thumb|left|Firestorm flips Mr Psycho]]
+
[[File:Firestorm IV vs Sgt Bash.jpg|thumb|left|Mr. Psycho holds Panic Attack while Firestorm flips Sgt. Bash]]
  +
[[File:Firestorm flips Mr Psycho.png|thumb|Firestorm 4 topples Mr. Psycho]]
Mr Psycho picked up Panic Attack, and paraded it around the arena, whilst Firestorm took on Sergeant Bash and flipped it. Mr Psycho left Panic Attack to attack Firestorm who had tried, and failed to get underneath. After hammering Firestorm, Psycho returned to Panic Attack, dumping it in the pit. As Mr Psycho reversed, he landed himself on the wedge of Firestorm. Cease was called, but Firestorm continued anyway, managing to flip the gargantuan house robot. Post battle, it took nearly a dozen people to re-right Mr Psycho.
+
Mr. Psycho picked up Panic Attack, and paraded it around the arena, whilst Firestorm took on Sergeant Bash and flipped it. Mr. Psycho left Panic Attack to attack Firestorm who had tried, and failed to get underneath. After hammering Firestorm, Psycho returned to Panic Attack, dumping it in the pit. As Mr. Psycho reversed, he landed himself on the wedge of Firestorm. Cease was called, but Firestorm continued anyway, managing to flip the gargantuan house robot. Post-battle, it took nearly a dozen people to re-right Mr. Psycho.
 
{{quote|Mr Psycho saved by the cease! No!|Jonathan Pearce watches as Firestorm flips Mr Psycho}}
 
{{quote|Mr Psycho saved by the cease! No!|Jonathan Pearce watches as Firestorm flips Mr Psycho}}
   
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===Crushtacean (RSA) vs Corkscrew (SCO)===
 
===Crushtacean (RSA) vs Corkscrew (SCO)===
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2.1.jpg|thumb|Crushtacean grips Corkscrew]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2.1.jpg|thumb|Crushtacean grips Corkscrew]]
Corkscrew spun up to full speed and attacked Crushtacean, but only managed to bump off the South African machine. Crushtacean stopped Corkscrew spinning by pinning it against the arena wall, and grabbing the blades with its claws, fulfilling the pre-match prophecy that Corkscrew would 'fit perfectly' in the claws of Crushtacean.
+
Corkscrew spun up to full speed and attacked Crushtacean, which sent the South African machine spinning away, but did not cause major damage. Crushtacean quickly responded and stopped Corkscrew from spinning by pinning it against the arena wall, and grabbing the blades with its claws, fulfilling the pre-match prophecy that Corkscrew would 'fit perfectly' in the claws of Crushtacean.
  +
{{quote|This would be something of an upset if South Africa were to win this!|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2.2.jpg|thumb|left|Growler nudges Crushtacean in]]
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2.2.jpg|thumb|left|Growler nudges Crushtacean in]]
Corkscrew was dragged around the arena, and eventually into the pit release tyre, causing the top decoration to fall off. Crushtacean then managed to push Corkscrew into the pit, managing to fall in itself, after being nudged by Growler.
+
Corkscrew was dragged towards the pit release, but resisted and managed to delay the process of pressing the button, but could not stop the inevitable, causing the decorative corkscrew to fall off in the process. Crushtacean then managed to push Corkscrew into the pit, driving its own wheels over the pit as well. Growler nudged Crushtacean in completely, but Corkscrew was eliminated due to it being pitted first.
{{quote|Once they had got us in their claws, there was no stopping that|Lewis Heatlie}}
+
{{quote|Once they had got us in their claws, there was no stopping that!|Lewis Heatlie}}
   
 
Winner: '''Crushtacean'''
 
Winner: '''Crushtacean'''
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==Final==
 
==Final==
 
===Firestorm 4 (ENG) vs Crushtacean (RSA)===
 
===Firestorm 4 (ENG) vs Crushtacean (RSA)===
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageFinal.1.jpg|thumb|Refbot counts out Crushtacean]]
 
 
{{quote|Brave Commonwealth Carnage finalists. But, this was a small crab in a very, very big pool.|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
{{quote|Brave Commonwealth Carnage finalists. But, this was a small crab in a very, very big pool.|Jonathan Pearce}}
  +
[[File:Firestorm IV vs Crushtacean.jpg|thumb|left|Firestorm 4 flips Crushtacean]]
Firestorm 4 started the battle with an onslaught on Crushtacean, attempting several times to flip Crushtacean. Dead Metal then attacked Crushtacean, who attacked the exposed wheels. Firestorm again got in underneath Crushtacean, and flipped Crushtacean over, and then onto its side, from where it could not self-right. Refbot then counted down the South African machine, and Firestorm was crowned Commenwealth Champion, their first trophy in four years of trying.
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageFinal.2.jpg|thumb|left|Sergeant Bash crushes Firestorm]]
+
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageFinal.1.jpg|thumb|Refbot counts out Crushtacean]]
 
Firestorm 4 started the battle with an onslaught on Crushtacean, attempting several times to flip Crushtacean. Dead Metal then attacked Crushtacean, who attacked the exposed wheels. Firestorm again got in underneath Crushtacean, and flipped Crushtacean over, and then onto its side, from where it could not self-right. Refbot then counted down the South African machine, and Firestorm was crowned Commonwealth Champion, their first trophy in four years of trying.
Firestorm in celebration took on the House Robots as it had done before, pressurising Dead Metal, almost flipping it over. Sergeant Bash came in with its jaws, and crushed the shell of Firestorm. Refbot tried to separate the three machines. The fight ended with Firestorm balancing Dead Metal precariously on its flipper. After this battle, Graham Bone proposed to girlfriend Hazel Heslop.
 
 
[[File:CommonwealthCarnageFinal.2.jpg|thumb|Sgt. Bash crushes Firestorm 4, which lifts Dead Metal]]
 
Firestorm in celebration took on the House Robots as it had done before, pressuring Dead Metal, almost flipping it over. Sergeant Bash came in with its jaws, and crushed the shell of Firestorm. Refbot tried to separate the three machines. The fight ended with Firestorm balancing Dead Metal precariously on its flipper, with Sergeant Bash locked onto the back of Firestorm 4.
 
{{quote|After all this time you've won something! Would you like the trophy?|Craig Charles presents the Firestorm team with their prize}}
 
{{quote|After all this time you've won something! Would you like the trophy?|Craig Charles presents the Firestorm team with their prize}}
   
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{{quote|After all the fighting, one country roars, it's the Commonwealth champions, on Robot Wars!|Craig Charles' sign-off}}
 
{{quote|After all the fighting, one country roars, it's the Commonwealth champions, on Robot Wars!|Craig Charles' sign-off}}
  +
  +
== Trivia ==
 
*The winner of the All-Stars Championship was originally intended to automatically qualify for the Commonwealth Carnage, but Firestorm, the runner-up of the All-Stars, represented England instead, presumably because the winner, Razer, was already fighting in the European Championship.
  +
*This episode, as well as the [[European Championship]], was originally intended to have 12 competitors <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021114155421/http://www.robotmayhem.com/forum/messages/49/10069.html?1031884009 Robot Wars Forum (Archived)]</ref>.
  +
**Representatives from Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Pakistan were supposed to feature in this episode too.
 
*This episode featured the rekindling of two grudges, between Panic Attack and Firestorm, and Panic Attack and Shunt. Incidentally, this was the last time that Panic Attack would fight Firestorm one-on-one.
 
*Also featured in this episode was the only occasion in UK Robot Wars where Mr. Psycho was flipped.
 
*This episode featured the team that had travelled the furthest to get to Robot Wars, a distance of over 10,000 miles.
 
*Graham Bone, captain of Firestorm, proposed to girlfriend Hazel Heslop after winning this competition.
 
*Kevin Pritchard rejoined the Panic Attack team in this episode, after leaving to form the [[Evil Weevil]] team at the end of Series 2.
 
*[[Philippa Forrester]] made constant mention of Corkscrew driving itself into the pit during Series 6 to mock the team. Despite this, the Commonwealth Carnage featured two other robots which drove into the pit during Series 6. Crushtacean and Firestorm have both pitted themselves, the latter driving itself into the pit three times in the history of Robot Wars, and the former pitting itself for the second time upon beating Corkscrew.
 
*A mistake with the battle board showed [[Firestorm|Firestorm 4]] with the United Kingdom flag, instead of an English flag.
  +
  +
==References==
  +
<references/>
   
 
{{Extreme Series 2}}
 
{{Extreme Series 2}}

Revision as of 00:59, 6 December 2019

The Commonwealth Carnage was an international competition featuring robots from the Commonwealth of Nations. It was featured during the penultimate episode of Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2 and was originally shown on BBC Choice on January 31, 2003, but the series was dropped by the BBC before it could be shown on BBC Two. It was first repeated on Dave on 15 January 2011.

Format

The competition featured eight robots, each representing their respective countries from the Commonwealth. The robots came from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Canada, Australia and South Africa. The eight robots were split into two four-way melees for the first round from which two would go through to the semi-finals. Two robots then went through to the final to decide the Commonwealth Carnage champion.

Competing Robots

Bondi-Titch
Bondi Titch
Weight 100kg
Dimensions 0.66 x 1.07 x 0.87m
Power 2 x Electric motors
Weapons Pneumatic hammer
Strengths Very agile
Weaknesses Inexperienced team
From: Brisbane, Australia
Team Members: Matthew Jennings & Linda Jennings
Cerberus EX2
Cerberus
Weight 87kg
Dimensions 0.53 x 1.50 x 0.80m
Power Electric motor
Weapons Crushing jaw
Strengths Fast and manoeuvrable
Weaknesses Paint job
From: Cyprus
Team Members: Theo Kaccoufa, Alex Kaccoufa & Alex Wink
Corkscrew2
Corkscrew
Weight 99kg
Dimensions 0.65 x 0.88 x 0.88m
Power 3 x Electric motors
Weapons 6 Revolving blades
Strengths 360 Degree killing zone
Weaknesses Difficult to control
From: Selkirk, Scotland
Team Members: John Heatlie, Lewis Heatlie & Laurence Heatlie
Crushtacean EX2
Crushtacean
Weight 100kg
Dimensions 0.40 x 1.35 x 0.85m
Power 36V Electric motor
Weapons Crushing claws
Strengths Very tough
Weaknesses Poor handling
From: South Africa
Team Members: Michaela Visser, Dominic Visser & Ian Visser
Firestorm IV
Firestorm 4
Weight 100kg
Dimensions 0.36 x 1.10 x 0.83m
Power Electric motors
Weapons Pneumatic flipper
Strengths Excellent manoeuvrability
Weaknesses 2 Wheel drive
From: Durham, England
Team Members: Graham Bone & Hazel Heslop
Panic Attack EX2
Panic Attack
Weight 96kg
Dimensions 1.30 x 1.10 x 0.90m
Power 2 x Electric motors
Weapons Lifting forks
Strengths Very strong and powerful
Weaknesses Slow to self-right
From: Cwmbran, Wales
Team Members: Kim Davies & Kevin Pritchard
Terror Turtle EX2
Terror Turtle
Weight 95kg
Dimensions 0.54 x 1.60 x 0.77m
Power Electric motor
Weapons Spinning arm
Strengths 360 Degrees of attack
Weaknesses It's a turtle!
From: Vancouver, Canada
Team Members: John Frizell & Jacob Frizell
Weld-Dor 3
Weld-Dor 3
Weight 96kg
Dimensions 0.55 x 1.16 x 0.85m
Power 2 x Electric motors
Weapons Flipper and rotating blade
Strengths Speed & power
Weaknesses Untested in battle
From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Team Members: Phelim Lundy & David Lundy

Round 1

Bondi Titch (AUS) vs Corkscrew (SCO) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG) vs Weld-Dor 3 (NIR)

Firestorm Weld-Dor

Firestorm 4 slams Weld-Dor 3 into the CPZ...

Firestorm IV vs Weld-Dor 3

...and over the wall

Bondi-Titch vs Corkscrew

Bondi-Titch, damaged by Corkscrew, retaliates

CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1

Mr. Psycho attacks Bondi Titch

Firestorm 4 went into this battle as the overwhelming favourites, and it was quick off the mark, immediately flipping Weld-Dor 3, although the Northern Irish machine comfortably self-righted, only to be overturned again. Firestorm 4 then attacked Bondi Titch, but Corkscrew got in the way of the attack. Meanwhile, after a long time inactive, Weld-Dor 3 tried to self-right, but found itself unable to. This was a result of an untelevised attack from Corkscrew[1], which saw Corkscrew hit the wheel of Weld-Dor 3, twisting its frame and causing CO2 to vent out of the machine violently. Firestorm 4 pushed Weld-Dor 3 into the CPZ and pressed it against the arena wall with its flipper a few times, before eventually flipping it out of the arena completely. Bondi Titch hit the pit release, but was then attacked by Firestorm 4, who flipped it up against the arena wall, but Bondi Titch crashed down again. Corkscrew, meanwhile, very nearly pitted itself under no pressure, as Philippa Forrester suspected pre-battle, but veered away and crashed into an immobile Bondi Titch. A second impact from Corkscrew dislodged a panel from Bondi Titch.

"The Australians- surfing their way out of the competition it would seem!"
— Jonathan Pearce
Firestorm IV vs Bondi-Titch

Firestorm throws the Australian hopes out

CommonwealthCarnageRound1.1

Corkscrew shreds Matilda

Firestorm 4 then took over the battering of Bondi Titch, pushing it into the CPZ, and then, after levering against the arena wall, left it to Mr. Psycho, who hammered it. Bondi Titch appeared to have a brief spell of mobility, but this was cut short by a charge from Firestorm 4, and the subsequent flip out of the arena. After cease was called, Corkscrew caused massive damage to the side of Matilda.

Philippa Forrester: "You did very well for Australia, you should be very proud. Congratulations and thank you for coming all this way."
Jonathan Pearce: "And now go home."
— Conflicting opinions on the performance of Bondi Titch

Qualified: Corkscrew & Firestorm 4

Cerberus (CYP) vs Crushtacean (RSA) vs Panic Attack (WAL) vs Terror Turtle (CAN)

Crushtacean vs Cerberus

Crushtacean grabs hold of Cerberus

CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2

Cerberus is pitted

Panic, turtle and crab

Panic Attack and Crushtacean approach Terror Turtle

Panic Attack met Cerberus head on, but the two spun away. Crushtacean then took over, and rammed Cerberus into the pit release. Panic Attack then attacked Terror Turtle with the forks, meanwhile Crushtacean managed an almighty charge to pit Cerberus. Panic Attack and Crushtacean then teamed up to bully Terror Turtle, pushing it into the CPZ, and Panic Attack lifting it up with its forks. Crushtacean then grabbed the wheel guards, and pushed Terror Turtle, before releasing it. Panic Attack then pushed Terror Turtle into Sir Killalot, who lifted it up and over, causing JJ Frizell to lift a sign in support of his robot.

"Save the Turtle!"
Team Terror Turtle's banner
PA vs Shunt

Panic Attack engages with Shunt

CommonwealthCarnageRound1.2

Terror Turtle lies on its back

Responding to the banner, Crushtacean gripped the back of Sir Killalot, but caused no damage. Towards the end of the battle, Panic Attack reignited its famous rivalry with Shunt, lifting the house robot off its wheels. Sir Killalot appeared to break down towards the end of the fight, only able to move his jaws, and so could not inflict further punishment on the overturned Terror Turtle. Jonathan Pearce remarked that Sir Killalot's defeat of Terror Turtle, which could not self-right, was an illegal manoeuvre, so it was disregarded in the resulting Judges' decision. Regardless, they decided that Crushtacean and Panic Attack had done enough to make the next round.

Qualified: Crushtacean & Panic Attack

Round 2

Panic Attack (WAL) vs Firestorm 4 (ENG)

Panic Attack vs Firestorm IV

Panic Attack slips under Firestorm 4

CommonwealthCarnageRound2.1

Panic Attack, stuck on its side

The battle between the two old rivals began with Panic Attack dodging Firestorm, before it ran up on its forks, but Panic Attack was unable to capitalize on this. Firestorm then fought back, and pushed Panic Attack into the CPZ, almost flipping it onto its back in the process. Panic Attack was unable to regroup and come in on another attack as Firestorm mercilessly hounded it; however once again it ran up on the forks of Panic Attack, who again failed to capitalize. Firestorm pushed Panic Attack the length of the arena, and into Sergeant Bash's CPZ, but both robots escaped. Firestorm again tried to flip Panic Attack but failed to. Firestorm got stuck on an angle grinder temporarily, and Panic Attack took the initiative, momentarily taking the upper hand in the battle. Firestorm retaliated and pushed Panic Attack against the arena wall. Panic Attack's srimech was designed for protecting it from getting stuck on its back, so was useless on its side. First Refbot, then Mr. Psycho tried to free Panic Attack, but failed, so Panic Attack was counted out, and Firestorm pressed the pit release.

"Six foot two, eyes of blue, Mr Psycho's after you!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Mr Psycho exacts revenge on Firestorm
Firestorm IV vs Sgt Bash

Mr. Psycho holds Panic Attack while Firestorm flips Sgt. Bash

Firestorm flips Mr Psycho

Firestorm 4 topples Mr. Psycho

Mr. Psycho picked up Panic Attack, and paraded it around the arena, whilst Firestorm took on Sergeant Bash and flipped it. Mr. Psycho left Panic Attack to attack Firestorm who had tried, and failed to get underneath. After hammering Firestorm, Psycho returned to Panic Attack, dumping it in the pit. As Mr. Psycho reversed, he landed himself on the wedge of Firestorm. Cease was called, but Firestorm continued anyway, managing to flip the gargantuan house robot. Post-battle, it took nearly a dozen people to re-right Mr. Psycho.

"Mr Psycho saved by the cease! No!"
— Jonathan Pearce watches as Firestorm flips Mr Psycho

Winner: Firestorm 4

Crushtacean (RSA) vs Corkscrew (SCO)

CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2

Crushtacean grips Corkscrew

Corkscrew spun up to full speed and attacked Crushtacean, which sent the South African machine spinning away, but did not cause major damage. Crushtacean quickly responded and stopped Corkscrew from spinning by pinning it against the arena wall, and grabbing the blades with its claws, fulfilling the pre-match prophecy that Corkscrew would 'fit perfectly' in the claws of Crushtacean.

"This would be something of an upset if South Africa were to win this!"
— Jonathan Pearce
CommonwealthCarnageRound2.2

Growler nudges Crushtacean in

Corkscrew was dragged towards the pit release, but resisted and managed to delay the process of pressing the button, but could not stop the inevitable, causing the decorative corkscrew to fall off in the process. Crushtacean then managed to push Corkscrew into the pit, driving its own wheels over the pit as well. Growler nudged Crushtacean in completely, but Corkscrew was eliminated due to it being pitted first.

"Once they had got us in their claws, there was no stopping that!"
— Lewis Heatlie

Winner: Crushtacean

Final

Firestorm 4 (ENG) vs Crushtacean (RSA)

"Brave Commonwealth Carnage finalists. But, this was a small crab in a very, very big pool."
— Jonathan Pearce
Firestorm IV vs Crushtacean

Firestorm 4 flips Crushtacean

CommonwealthCarnageFinal

Refbot counts out Crushtacean

Firestorm 4 started the battle with an onslaught on Crushtacean, attempting several times to flip Crushtacean. Dead Metal then attacked Crushtacean, who attacked the exposed wheels. Firestorm again got in underneath Crushtacean, and flipped Crushtacean over, and then onto its side, from where it could not self-right. Refbot then counted down the South African machine, and Firestorm was crowned Commonwealth Champion, their first trophy in four years of trying.

CommonwealthCarnageFinal

Sgt. Bash crushes Firestorm 4, which lifts Dead Metal

Firestorm in celebration took on the House Robots as it had done before, pressuring Dead Metal, almost flipping it over. Sergeant Bash came in with its jaws, and crushed the shell of Firestorm. Refbot tried to separate the three machines. The fight ended with Firestorm balancing Dead Metal precariously on its flipper, with Sergeant Bash locked onto the back of Firestorm 4.

"After all this time you've won something! Would you like the trophy?"
— Craig Charles presents the Firestorm team with their prize

Commonwealth Carnage Champion: Firestorm 4

"After all the fighting, one country roars, it's the Commonwealth champions, on Robot Wars!"
— Craig Charles' sign-off

Trivia

  • The winner of the All-Stars Championship was originally intended to automatically qualify for the Commonwealth Carnage, but Firestorm, the runner-up of the All-Stars, represented England instead, presumably because the winner, Razer, was already fighting in the European Championship.
  • This episode, as well as the European Championship, was originally intended to have 12 competitors [2].
    • Representatives from Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Pakistan were supposed to feature in this episode too.
  • This episode featured the rekindling of two grudges, between Panic Attack and Firestorm, and Panic Attack and Shunt. Incidentally, this was the last time that Panic Attack would fight Firestorm one-on-one.
  • Also featured in this episode was the only occasion in UK Robot Wars where Mr. Psycho was flipped.
  • This episode featured the team that had travelled the furthest to get to Robot Wars, a distance of over 10,000 miles.
  • Graham Bone, captain of Firestorm, proposed to girlfriend Hazel Heslop after winning this competition.
  • Kevin Pritchard rejoined the Panic Attack team in this episode, after leaving to form the Evil Weevil team at the end of Series 2.
  • Philippa Forrester made constant mention of Corkscrew driving itself into the pit during Series 6 to mock the team. Despite this, the Commonwealth Carnage featured two other robots which drove into the pit during Series 6. Crushtacean and Firestorm have both pitted themselves, the latter driving itself into the pit three times in the history of Robot Wars, and the former pitting itself for the second time upon beating Corkscrew.
  • A mistake with the battle board showed Firestorm 4 with the United Kingdom flag, instead of an English flag.

References

  1. Private correspondence between Anthony Murney and Phelim Lundy
  2. Robot Wars Forum (Archived)