- "This is Robot Wars Revealed, where we take a unique undercover look at the world of Robot Wars, following teams of intrepid robotic warriors and their quest to be crowned the ultimate champion. We've seen them come, we've seen them go. In the beginning, there were 72. 68 of them were hatched, dispatched, and are now rusting in the scrapheap! Only four of the baddest and the best survive to fight it out here in the Robot Wars Grand Final! This is where the talking stops, and the fighting starts!"
- — Philippa Forrester's introduction
Episode 15 of Robot Wars Revealed was originally aired on BBC Choice as the final instalment of the spin-off series. Covering the Grand Final of Robot Wars: The Second Wars, it presented recapped highlights and behind-the-scenes footage of the four series Grand Finalists, along with the Eliminators, Playoff and the climatic UK Championship battle.
Notably, this episode placed more emphasis on the production elements of the show, with brief interviews and insights from various Robot Wars crewmembers. Among those to be featured included director Stuart McDonald, series producer Stephen Carsey, art director Steve Clark (who is seen leading preparations for the arena and The Sentinel), and several members of the BBC Visual Effects department including House Robot designer Chris Reynolds.
Robots Featured[]
Newcomers[]
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|---|---|---|
| Panic Attack (winner of Heat F, qualified from Semi-Final 1) | ||
| Weight | 81.8kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.25 x 0.7 x 0.2m | |
| Speed | 9mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 25mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | Electric lifting spikes | |
| Notes | Spider graphics by a Year 7 pupil | |
| From: Cwmbran, Wales | ||
| Team Members: Kim Davies, Kevin Pritchard & Lee Wicombe | ||
Veterans[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Roadblock (seeded 1st, winner of Heat G, qualified from Semi-Final 2) | ||
| Weight | 80.9kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.6 x 1.1 x 0.45m | |
| Speed | 5mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 5mm | |
| Power | 4 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | 12' tungsten tipped circular saw | |
| Notes | Reigning Robot Wars Champion, seeded number one | |
| From: Bodmin Community College | ||
| Team Members: Hender Blewett, Chris Kinsey & Peter Kinsey | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Killertron (seeded 4th, winner of Heat E, qualified from Semi-Final 1) | ||
| Weight | 75.0kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.45 x 0.7 x 0.6m | |
| Speed | 15mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 100mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | Pick axe | |
| Notes | A veteran of Robot Wars - but no longer tickled pink! | |
| From: Bromley in Kent | ||
| Team Members: Richard Broad, Abdul Degia & Ian Degia | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cassius (seeded 5th, winner of Heat H, qualified from Semi-Final 2) | ||
| Weight | 79.3kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.45 x 0.84 x 0.35m | |
| Speed | 25mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 0-110mm (Variable) | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | 1.5 tonne gas powered ram | |
| Notes | Controlled with 2 microprocessors, weapon powered with CO2 | |
| From: Stowmarket | ||
| Team Members: Rex Garrod, Simon West & Edward Bull | ||
Content[]
Competitor Recaps[]
Killertron[]
Killertron's recap began with Mat Irvine's technical segment from Episode 5, which was followed by video diary clips of its axe weapon being tested. Highlights of its Arena victories against Behemoth and Technophobic were shown alongside Richard Broad and Abdul Degia's delighted reaction to the latter.
Panic Attack[]
Mat Irvine's technical segment on Panic Attack was followed by clips from the robot's video diaries (both previously shown in Episode 6) and highlights of its Heat F Gauntlet run.
Cassius[]
Mat Irvine’s technical segment from Episode 8 was followed by Cassius self-righting during its historic Pinball run in Semi-Final 2. A sample of Rex Garrod's initial interview from Episode 8, where he explained the robot's name and pneumatic suspension system, was also shown.
Roadblock[]
Mat Irvine's technical segment from Episode 7 was followed by Bodmin Community College's video diary on their process of building the defending champion's Series 2 incarnation. A clip of Roadblock's Series 1 trophy presentation was followed by highlights of its then-recent Semi-Final victory over King Buxton, and an interview where the team explained the changes for its rebuild.
Behind the Scenes[]
Directing and Mixing[]
- "From our vehicle here, we can see all the shots from the arena, we can watch all the battles. We control the battles, too. We start them, we stop them, and I'm also the voice of the robots. Roboteers, stand by!"
- — Stuart McDonald explains his roles and responsibilities
The Series 2 production control room, overseen by director Stuart McDonald
The first behind-the-scenes segment was introduced by Robot Wars director and announcer Stuart McDonald, who was initially seen giving directions to one of his colleagues from inside the arena. This was followed by a short montage of McDonald and his colleagues working in their production control room, marking the start of the segment. McDonald first explained his roles and responsibilities to the camera - both in directing the footage and the battles themselves. Sound mixer Paul next showed the effects faders used for robots, Craig Charles and the audience, which he would then mix to compile the 'most exciting sound' for each event. Likewise, visual mixer Ian Trill emphasised his cooperation with McDonald to find the most 'appropriate' and 'relevant' shots to use in the finalised programme. As a technique to keep up with the 'unpredictable' nature of Robot Wars competitions, Trill explained that multiple cameras were set up to capture 'action replay' shots from different angles.
Next to be featured was floor manager Katie Thompstone, whose primary roles were to ensure that the robots and main arena were kept safe, and that production ran as smoothly as possible. Series producer Stephen Carsey was then seen explaining the 'reset' procedures for each Gauntlet, Trial and Arena event, in a clip previously shown in Episode 11.
The Pits[]
A montage of clips from within The Pits and the audience stands was followed by speaking parts from the following crewmembers:
- Pits floor assistant Alex, responsible for ensuring that all competitors were available when required.
- Costume designer Tabitha, entrusted with dressing arriving competitors, alongside 'taking Craig and Philippa shopping'.
- Usher Celia, one of several supervising and building up anticipation for the 400-strong audience.
- An uncredited sound engineer who was often seen reciting the rhyme One, Two, Three, Four, Five.
- Production runners Lisa and Chris, responsibilities for whom included clearing up, providing refreshments, assisting colleagues and making the Robot Wars Pit passes.
- Production secretary Shiraz Al Shwok, who took on various management roles and whose segment happened to coincide with her birthday.
- Contestant researcher Sophy Rankin, entrusted to look after the roboteers and maintain their wellbeing during filming.
BBC Visual Effects (House Robots)[]
Chris Reynolds works on Dead Metal in the arena
Malcolm James with Shunt and Sergeant Bash (left)
James Davies explains the upgrades made to Matilda for this series
A montage of the House Robots being maintained in The Pits and the arena lead to a clip where special effects supervisor - and lead House Roboteer - Chris Reynolds was seen working on Dead Metal. Reynolds concisely explained his role and introduced Sergeant Bash, leading to a clip of the latter torching Milly-Ann Bug's Kevlar hair in Heat D. Other BBC Visual Effects designers - Malcolm James and James Davies - were profiled with their respective House Robots Shunt and Matilda. Davies outlined and demonstrated a weapon upgrade for the latter, in the form of a more powerful flipping mechanism for her tusks.
A segment on Sir Killalot - previously shown in Episode 1 - combined his demonstration from Heat A with speaking parts from his operator, Colin Tilley. Jokingly dubbing him "Daisy" or "Sir Killawatt", Tilley explained Sir Killalot's hydraulic weaponry while also showcasing a prototype head with the red eyes later added for The Third Wars onwards.
- "What we're trying to do, what we want to do, is get him hooked onto one of the other robots and lift them up and swing them around... and as you can see, it's quite heavy. So, it could be nice to sit on top of the other robots as well!"
- — Colin Tilley explains the idea behind Sir Killalot
Filming[]
Another sequence of clips and short interviews from The Pits, featuring the following crewmembers involved with filming the televised series:
- 2nd Unit director James Ditchfield, responsible for filming interviews and reaction shots from within The Pits. Another element of his role involved documenting the teams as they built, repaired and progressed with their robots throughout the competition.
- 2nd Unit cameraman Jeremy Braven, responsible for further filming in The Pits including continuity links with Philippa Forrester.
- Floor manager Esa, who was entrusted with looking after the 2nd Unit crew despite facing language barriers between herself and her colleagues.
- 2nd Unit camera assistant Dominic, responsible for logging, providing filming equipment and ensuring the 'smooth running' of the division and, in turn, the show's production.
Philippa Forrester interviews the team of an unidentified robot
During the opening montage for this segment, Philippa Forrester could be seen interviewing a father-and-son team with an unidentified robot not featured in the main series. The machine featured checkerplate armour and two large drive wheels, along with proportions and a shape similar to those of Super Heavyweight Championship applicant Harm.
Arena/Set Design[]
The above sequence transitioned into another segment focusing on the assembly and maintenance of the arena. Behind-the-scenes footage of the King of the Castle set being assembled (itself recycled from Episodes 5 and 12) was followed by a brief interview with Robot Wars art director and set designer Steve Clark. Standing in front of the Semi Final Gauntlet course, Clark explained his role and responsibility in designing the arena itself, along with the individual Gauntlet and Trial configurations used throughout the series. A segment on The Sentinel was reused from Episode 8, in which Clark explained the process of it being converted from a Hanix mini-excavator within a period of three days.
Eliminators[]
- "We think that Cassius is going to be our biggest threat. The other guys, they're very up for fighting the thing. Anyone who's got this far is obviously a good contender."
- — Chris Kinsey, upon being asked about Roadblock's chances in the Grand Final
All four Grand Finalist teams were seen working on their machines in preparation for the Eliminators, after which Philippa Forrester interviewed them on their expectations and tactics. Kevin Pritchard and Lee Wicombe from Team Panic Attack promised a 'hard and quick' strategy. Meanwhile, Killertron's Ian Degia expressed no fear against any of his potential opponents, as father Abdul refused to reveal on camera any of the tactics their team had planned. Bodmin Community College identified Cassius as Roadblock's 'biggest threat'; Chris Kinsey and Hender Blewett also recognising the generally improved standard and equality of competitors in the now heavyweight-exclusive UK Championship. The proclaimed 'king' of roboteers, Rex Garrod, remained nothing more than excited for the battles that were about to follow.
- "I think it really will be a good one, because [Roadblock] is a good robot, I've got the greatest admiration for them. They won last year... and above all, they're really nice people. I won't worry two hoots if they beat me, and they feel the same way..."
- — Rex Garrod, as Cassius is wheeled into the arena to face Roadblock
The first Eliminator pitched Roadblock against Cassius. Despite the high stakes attached to Roadblock's status as defending champion, Garrod and Bodmin Community College both kept their focus on putting on a well-fought and enjoyable battle between themselves, regardless of whichever robot won. Roadblock initially had the upper hand by getting underneath and pushing Cassius across the arena, with Cassius also being forced to self-right once again following a run-in with Sir Killalot. However, the Bodmin machine found itself under attack in the PPZ, allowing Cassius to thrust it up on its side against the arena railings.
The internal damage inflicted by Cassius' first slam was also highlighted by Bodmin Community College - as in the main Grand Final episode - which Hender Blewett admitted 'a bit of personal disappointment' towards in terms of Roadblock's design. By contrast, an ever-jovial Rex Garrod told Philippa Forrester that Cassius had sustained no damage aside from a few extra scratches.
- Cameraman [offscreen]: "So, is there any rivalry?"
- Abdul Degia: "Err, I don't think so. Nah... it's just, go up there and just, do the job."
- Richard Broad: "Do the job! If we always do a change when we out there, it'll probably be me..."
- Abdul Degia: "When we're out there, it's different. When we're in here... when you're in The Pits, you have to behave yourself a bit. Isn't it?"
- — The Killertron team share last-minute laughter with Team Panic Attack prior to their Eliminator
Team Trojan deny a supposed 'rivalry' with Team Panic Attack
In anticipation of the second Eliminator, Richard Broad spoke praise of Panic Attack while in the process of discussing possible tactics with the Degias. Clips from Killertron's first video diary (previously shown in Episode 5) were followed by a light-hearted exchange between the trio and Team Panic Attack, along with a behind-the-scenes clip of both robots in the arena during final pre-battle checks. Philippa Forrester asked Kim Davies of his potential tactics against Killertron, to which he intended to 'bash him up' before putting the orange axe-wielding machine down the pit.
True to Davies' words, Panic Attack rammed Killertron early into the fight, the attack single-handedly immobilising the latter before it was eventually attacked by the House Robots. Not content with this, Panic Attack proceeded to ram Shunt and pit Sergeant Bash - along with itself - all while Sir Killalot suspended the defeated Killertron over the Flame Pit. A clip of Panic Attack - now with a burnt Welsh flag - showed it being extracted from the pit, with Kevin Pritchard being left surprised by Killertron's sudden defeat upon its return to The Pits. Having retrieved the component from the arena floor, Abdul Degia presented the power pin which Panic Attack had forcibly dislodged from inside Killertron.
Playoff[]
- Richard Broad: "Here we are again!"
- Abdul Degia: "Anything can happen!"
- Richard Broad: "Anything can happen... in Robot Wars!"
- Ian Degia: "And we proved it in the last round... anything can happen!"
- — The Killertron team prior to the Playoff against Roadblock
Brief interviews with Hender Blewett and the Killertron team lead directly to highlights of the battle for third place – a rematch of the very first Heat Final. Roadblock quickly scooped Killertron up and pushed it into the PPZ multiple times, eventually emerging triumphant once again by pitting the Bromley machine. With third place secured, the battered Bodmin machine returned to its Pit bench for one last examination, revealing that its internals had remained virtually intact.
Final[]
- Philippa Forrester: "For the team from Wales, who never thought they'd get further than the first round, you are doing fantastically well because you're now... one... battle... away... from total victory! A: What's the damage? And B: Really, how do you feel?"
- Kim Davies: "No damage whatsoever. We're just about to change the batteries, and really... elation, I suppose! It's, really my wildest dreams how far we got. Really, really is!"
- — Kim Davies updates Philippa Forrester ahead of Panic Attack's final clash
Kim Davies shared his elation and an update on Panic Attack's condition going into the final, stating that the only attention it needed was a battery swap. The first Panic Attack video diary (initially aired in Episode 6) was shown, before Rex Garrod joked about a potential 'sabotage' when he found out that Cassius' arm had been wedged open. Kevin Pritchard pondered about the positioning of Cassius' drive wheels as he tried to work out Panic Attack's strategy, all while ruling out the possibility of turning Garrod's machine over with its forks.
- "I hope he drives it well! It's all down to Rex now - the robot can do it, it's just a matter of whether he can..."
- — Simon West as Cassius is about to be placed into its starting position
- Kevin Pritchard: "Go for gold!"
- Kim Davies: "Give it a try... it's very doubtful we'll win against Rex, but we'll certainly give it a good go!"
- Kevin Pritchard: "Glory or bust, I think! Glory or bust!"
- — Team Panic Attack mull over their chances in the arena
Clips of Simon West, Kevin Pritchard and Kim Davies evaluating their machines' prospects of winning were followed by one of Philippa Forrester with the Series 2 trophy in hand. Highlights of the final itself began with tentative nudges from both machines, then two separate attacks from Cassius allowing it to drive underneath Panic Attack with ease. Panic Attack responded by first shoving Cassius underneath Dead Metal, then - in a major upset - sideways into the pit, emerging as Grand Champion of The Second Wars. The sequence of Craig Charles and Philippa Forrester congratulating Team Panic Attack included one clip where Forrester entered the balcony from stage left to present the trophy to the Welsh newcomers.
- "Well, a better team couldn't have won, as Rex said on the podium. Not necessarily the better robot in terms of engineering, but the best team won. The fact they were doing it for charity makes it even more enjoyable, so... very pleased for them. Can't wait 'til the next series, can't wait 'til the next event that we televise, so that we can see them in action again!"
- — Stephen Carsey congratulates the newly-crowned Panic Attack
Back in The Pits, Stephen Carsey shared his praise for Panic Attack and its team, looking forward to its title defence in The Third Wars. Kevin Pritchard and Kim Davies were each seen kissing and patting their machine in affection before it was due to leave the arena for the last time. Charles and Forrester's sign-off from the main Grand Final episode was followed by a final close-up of Pritchard, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
Team Panic Attack show affection for their championship-winning machine
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