- "A robot which when it first started competing I described as a fun, cute, comedy lobster-bot, now it holds one of the most feared flippers in the war zone!"
- — Jonathan Pearce in Series 6
Thermidor 2 was a competitor robot that entered the British TV show Robot Wars. The third-longest appearing robot in the history of the show, Thermidor 2 (and its predecessor Thermador) appeared in Series 3-8, as well as both series of Robot Wars Extreme.
Thermidor 2 had one of the most erratic records in the show. It reached the semi-finals of Series 4 and 7, came second in the Extreme 2 Annihilator and amassed fifteen combat victories across its career. However, it was also no stranger to first round defeats, suffering such defeats in three of its six attempts at the UK Championship title in Series 5, 6 and 8, as well as the Extreme 1 Annihilator.
Thermidor 2 is well-remembered for its ability to flip opponents out of the arena. It was the first robot to defeat two opponents in a single battle in this way (Behemoth and Stinger) and would go on to tally a total of four in its career.
Versions of Thermidor[]
Thermador[]
- "Our first idea was for a very powerful box with no weapons - this we rejected after about a week as it wasn't very original and was most definitely boring, not what anyone would want to see. Our next plan was to go for a robot that was visually exciting, perhaps not the most easily defendable design, but one that would be entertaining. It was decided that the robots were better if they had a theme like Elvis or Nemesis. After much thinking and rough sketches the final idea was to build a robot in the shape of a lobster, which gave us the ideal opportunity to have the front claws as weapons, and an angle grinder for the tail."
- — Team Lobster website[1]
Team Lobster competed in Series 3 with Thermador, the team's original creation. The robot used a two-wheel drive, with distinctive large wheels taken from a 1983 Austin Metro (mostly commonly referred to as the Mini Metro), allowing it to run inverted. The wheels did not have the tyres attached to them, instead having polycarbonate wrapped around the rim and a thin rubber coating around the wheels; the caps were also removed, exposing the wheels' centre hubs. It was designed to look like a cooked red lobster, and as such, its main weapons were horizontal grabbing claws, powered by a pnuematic piston, and made from 2mm steel. [2].
- "In order to get the pincers to move both quickly and powerfully pneumatics have been used. Both pincers are driven from one piston mounted in the middle of the robot, via a linkage system which is designed to remove any sideways force that would be applied to the piston shaft when using the robot to ram other inferior robots. The piston is powered from a CO2 bottle via a electrically controlled 5 port valve"
- — Team Lobster website on the pincers
It was armoured in 3mm aluminium alloy, with a steel box section chassis, and a small lobster's head made from a cycling helmet where its successor's flipper would be. The robot was powered by dynamos from a 1964 Ford Anglia[3], one of which was found in the team's spare parts, the other was purchased from a local car accessory shop.
- "These are used in reverse as motors and have been modified to enable them to run in reverse. Power from the two motors is transmitted via a ½ inch chain reduction system to the wheels giving a total reduction ratio of 18:1. Steering is achieved tank style by independently controlling the motors, each motor driving the wheel on one side."
- — Team Lobster website on the motors
As well as the lobster claws, it was equipped with a spike at the front and a 9 inch cutting disc, powered by an electric motor, in the tail. The robot had a castor wheel at the back of the robot to keep the robot level. Building of the robot started in March 1999, and was finished midway through May, only days before the Series 3 auditions.[4]
The robot was originally designed with The Gauntlet and The Trial in mind, though these were no longer a part of the series from Series 3 onwards.
- "It was really built for The Gauntlet [No longer part of Robot Wars]. The claws were to catch the ball and it had extra ground clearance to get over the bridge. It should have been spot-on for getting us through the games. Then they changed the format to an all-battles one."
- — David Harding, interviewed in Ultimate Real Robots magazine[5]
Thermidor 2[]
- "After reviewing why we lost last year, it was decided we needed more power and a more effective weapon. Fortunately, potentially minor modifications which shouldn’t take to long. Thermidor was stripped down and new motors ordered along with new gears. This time we used 3/8 chain instead of the ½ inch chain which gave us a significant weight reduction. With this weight in hand our weapon of choice would be a flipper. This was to form the head instead of the current cycle helmet arrangement. A hydraulic ram was now required. A trip to a scrap reclaim yard provided a number of pneumatic rams and a hydraulic pump all for £2 (not required but at that price they were a bargain, and nobody can resist a bargain, can they?) Talking at work it turned out that a colleague's brother worked for a hydraulic company. Enquires were made and in exchange for £60 a hydraulic cylinder was modified exactly to our requirements. With the cylinder now in stock the old head and front steelwork was cut away, along with all the steel that used to hold the internal gears and motors. A quick sketch on a scrap of paper and we were welding in new steel to support the ram and flipper. ... Looking at the new chassis it was obvious that we had replaced virtually all of it! So much for our minor mods. The drive for each side was assembled as a separate unit, including both the motor and layshaft. This made the assembly much quicker without the alignment problems of the previous design."
- — Team Lobster website on the changes for Series 4[6]
Thermidor 2, styled by the team as Thermidor II, was equipped with a full CO2 powered flipper that could lift a ton and throw other robots over with ease. The flipper was depicted with an angry face, which would become synonymous with the robot. The robot retained Thermador's long tail section, though the rear cutting disc was removed to save weight, and spring-loaded lobster claws to help grab hold of its opponents, although the claws were now rarely used. The flipper was powered by a fire extinguisher, with a high pressure valve assembly made from fire extinguisher valves, and hydraulic fittings to resist the 750psi gas pressure. The robot had two 750-Watt Bosch motors, giving the robot a top speed of 15mph[7]. To keep within the weight limit, the 3mm armour was removed from the sides of the robot, replaced with 1mm aluminium, and shortly before the qualifiers, more than 60 holes were drilled into the claws. The electronics were the same as the Series 3 version, apart from the output stage.
- "This time because of using a permanent magnet motor field coil switching to give direction control was not an option. This means having to reverse the armature current. Whilst this can be done using a large relay we opted for using a full bridge which gave complete control electronically. Because of the high currents drawn the PCB needed to be thicker than the standard. Taking massive advantage of a supplier visit, and picking a moment when the lunchtime alcoholic beverage was particularly free flowing, Rob Emery scrounged some 2oz copperclad material from a PCB supplier, and armed with a can of photoresist from RS we attempted to make a useable circuit board. After much swearing we managed to get a board that was useable. Only another 3 to make. The thickness of copper and the rather inadequate etching facilities meant that each board took about a day to produce. This had to be a record! With the speed controllers built up we were rolling."
- — Team Lobster website on change the electronics for Series 4[8]
For Series 5 and Extreme, a new version of Thermidor 2 was built, retaining the wheels, flipper, and height, but with new claws, and a different back end. The claws were redesigned to be wedge-shaped, preventing them from getting in the way of the flipper, and no longer featured holes which previously were needed to reduce the robot's weight.
- "Our weakness in the last war was our claws. All those holes had done them no favours they were just too weak. A new claw was designed this time with a sloping front. This has the advantage of using less metal as well as keeping clear of the flipper, even with the claws closed. Ian was tasked with the building (he just loves it) after a couple of days in the shed he emerged with two claws (Don't worry he hadn't mutated). New stronger mounts were added to the body of Thermidor and the claws were fitted. The new design looks superb."
- — Team Lobster website[9]
Instead of being pneumatically powered so they could close together, the claws now had springs attached to the back, so that they would push against robots that pushed them.
- "The first ones were pneumatic-powered - from inside the robot. But then we fitted the flipper, so we had to make the claws less powerful to save weight. The ones on here just have springs. The idea is that the claws kind of guide opponents on to the flipper. But it dosen't always work that way!"
- — Ian Harvey, interviewed in Ultimate Real Robots magazine[10]
The robot's back end was shortened and altered to be a curved shape instead of the conical back end of the previous Thermidor 2, which allowed it to self-right. Even so, it was proven to be capable of running inverted, as seen in its first-round battle that series. The internals were updated, with new battery mounts, a second fire extinguisher was added, and the power modules were made smaller. The new robot had 5mm aluminium armour, after a plan to mould polycarbonate armour for the new robot failed.
- "To cover the robot we decided to use 6mm polycarb. After purchasing a suitable piece from a fellow roboteer we tried to bend it round the chassis using 2 heatguns to warm it up. The results could only be described as a complete mess. Abandoning the polycarb plan we got a local sheetmetal work company to bend us up 5mm aluminium cover, a vast improvement."
- — Team Lobster website[11]
A new PCM radio was added for Series 5, but after it failed in Thermidor 2's Round 1 battle, the radio was changed back for Series 6. Aside from the antennae on top of the robot being removed, the robot was largely unchanged, a matter which embarrassed Team Lobster when Philippa Forrester asked them about the robot's improvements on TV.
- "Embarrassingly little work had been done since the last outing. The only modification being to reverse the previous modification and refit our old radio. The body still had the damage from previous battles. We would argue this made it look battle hardened."
- — Team Lobster website[12]
For Series 7, a kick-down device was added to the rear and the flipper's power was improved. Thermidor 2 could drive at speeds of up to 15mph, but was easily flipped, had a limited CO2 supply, and from Extreme 1 onwards its aluminium armour was comparatively weak. At the time, it weighed 95kg.
- "When we first built it, the front end tended to tip up when you accelerated - useless for a flipper - so we added the kick-foot to push the back up and the front down. We can retract it - for self-righting - or to lift the nose and prevent it from fouling if the arena floor is uneven."
- — David Harding, interviewed in Ultimate Real Robots magazine[13]
For Series 8, Thermidor 2 was brought out of retirement and reworked. Now armoured in 5mm polycarbonate, the robot weighed 110kg, and featured modern-day internals including 25.9v lithium polymer batteries, also sporting a greater gas supply[14]. In its official photographs, Thermidor 2 appeared to use a brighter orange colour-scheme, although in televised combat, the robot used its more well-known red colours, with the addition of a new face on the flipper.
Thermidor 2's lobster design was a high and fun point of the robot. Jonathan Pearce particularly made numerous jokes throughout its appearances about Thermidor 2 being "broiled" (since lobsters do not turn red until they are cooked), often when it was defeated.
Etymology[]
Thermador and Thermidor 2 were named after the French lobster dish. In Series 3, Thermador was mistakenly spelled with an a. It was not until filming that the team were informed that they had spelt it wrong.
- "One of the production crew looked at our robot and pointed out that 'Thermador' is spelt 'Thermidor' (the spelling was debated at the start of the project – could we be wrong?). She assured us she was right as she was a amateur French cook (she was French, so it might have been true). To double check she went to ask the cook. On her return with confirmation from the cook we agreed to change the spelling for the show."
- — Team Lobster website[15]
The Team[]
- "David is the man behind all the electronics in the robot. He holds an HND in Electronic Engineering and works for a world class instrument manufacturer, where he is pictured in front of his always tidy and organised desk. An incurable optimist, and holds possibly the world's largest collection of old bangers."
- — Team Lobster website on David Harding[16]
Thermidor 2 was entered into Robot Wars by Team Lobster, who were based in Costessey in Norwich. The team captain was David Harding, an electronic engineer who at the time of Series 8 was aged 48, with over 25 years of industry experience. David Harding was the co-builder of the machine, and managed the electronics of Thermidor 2, also operating the weaponry in battle, and taking the lead in most of the team's interviews.
- "Dave has put his house renovation on hold to focus on rebuilding Thermidor 2. Dave’s daughter Poppy named her cat after her favourite house robot, Matilda."
- — The Robot Wars website on David Harding in Series 8
The other static teammate of Team Lobster was Ian Harvey, who was present in all of the team's appearances except for the Annihilator in the second series of Extreme. According to the Team Lobster website, Ian Harvey "decided to call it a day" after Series 6, but for unknown reasons he returned to the team for Series 7, and later Series 8. Ian Harvey was a service technician at the same business as David Harding, aged 47 in Series 8. Alongside being the co-builder of the machine, Ian Harvey was the driver of Thermidor 2 in battle, and was also a prominent speaker in many of the team's interviews.
- "Ian has responsibility for the mechanical construction of the robot, although in view of the fact that he's set light to himself and other things before, possibly not to be trusted with welding equipment. Manages to keep David's aspirations in perspective."
- — Team Lobster website on Ian Harvey[17]
In Series 3 and 4, the eleven-year old schoolboy Eli Kirkpatrick was also part of Team Lobster, although he did not appear on the show after these first two series. Other young team members of Team Lobster included Christopher Snowling in Series 5 (who did not appear on television despite being listed on the statistics board), and Sarah Snowling in Series 6.
- "Eleven-year-old Eli was a member of the team in the third and fourth wars. He has now left the group to pursue a solo career."
- — Team Lobster website on Eli Kirkpatrick[18]
In the second series of Extreme only, Nigel Blackenberry joined the team to assist with repairs and maintenance because Ian Harvey had to drop out of the team briefly due to other commitments[19]. Blackenberry had assisted Team Lobster since the team's inception, manufacturing the robot's PCB components. However, the Team Lobster website described him as 'shy', explaining why he only appeared as a televised team member on one occasion.
- "Nigel's known for being a little bit shy and didn't want his picture to appear. However, he didn't have enough money to pay us not to publish. On a day release course from work at the local college, and hence in a perfect position to use the college's facilities to manufacture all the pcb's."
- — Team Lobster website on Nigel Blackenberry[20]
The team's official website also credits three extended team members who never appeared on the televised lineup. Rob Emery, a colleague of David Harding, Ian Harvey and Nigel Blackenberry, was briefly the webmaster for the Team Lobster website. Ian Greenaway was also responsible for the graphic design on the website. Finally, David Harding's partner Diana Kirkpatrick, aunt of Eli Kirkpatrick, was responsible for transporting Team Lobster to events.
- "Girlfriend of David and Aunt of Eli, Diana's been appointed Transport Manager, having recently passed her driving test. Calculations as to how the robot plus the other team members will now fit in Diana's Astra are continuing."
- — Team Lobster website on Diana Kirkpatrick[21]
Qualification[]
Thermador was only finished the day before the Series 3 auditions, with the team only having time for one test drive. Thermador attended the auditions overweight and unpainted, but quickly caught the eye of the producers.
- "It was back in the days when if your robot moved, you got on the TV. There were all these other team queuing up with their's. Mst of them were like boxes, but because ours was different, we got waved ahead and jumped the queue."
- — David Harding, interviewed in Ultimate Real Robots magazine[22]
Thermador took the driving course, and the failsafe test, and was accepted into the series. In between the auditions and the series, the team lost weight from Thermador wo that it met the weight limit, and changed the 12V batteries for larger one to get more speed and power[23].
- "First up was the weigh-in - we knew we were slightly over weight, as we hadn't had time to lighten the gears used in the drive train. The scales showed we were 4.4kgs over the weight limit - not a disaster. We explained why it was overweight, and this was marked on our sheet. The chaps on the weigh bridge seemed enthusiastic about the design which was good to hear. ... Next was our technical check with Mat Irvine. He seemed very enthusiastic about our theme. Checks were made on the position of the gas cylinder, grinding disc motor speed, failsafe, etc. The only technical things we needed to change were the positioning of the on/off switch, and the lack of insulation on the battery terminals. Mat then gave us advice on the colour to paint the robot, and extra details to add to the design to enhance the lobster theme. ... The last test was the driving course - we collected our transmitter, hooked up our batteries and waited our turn. After a short lecture on safety procedures we turned the robot on. With Ian driving (being used to radio controlled cars) we had to complete a number of tasks including pushing some concrete blocks, running up a ramp, spinning on the spot, and generally showing we had some control. The last test was a check that the failsafe worked by driving in a straight line whilst the transmitter was switched off. The robot stopped dead (unlike some we observed). We were finished, which co-incided nicely with a break for lunch. ... Everyone we met both on the production side and the competitor side were so friendly and enthusiastic it made for a very enjoyable day."
- — Team Lobster website on the Series 3 auditions[24]
At the Series 4 qualifiers, Thermidor 2 had a seal blow on the pressure side before the battle, which could have left them with no weapon.
- "Turning the gas on there was a loud pop, followed by a lot of hissing. Disaster stuck - we had blown a seal on the high pressure side. Now not only did we not have a spare it was obvious that the problem was a design fault and that replacing it would do no good anyway. Only one thing left - we would have to fight with no weapons and face the consequences, ie we would get creamed! With the robot loaded on the trolley we took our place in the queue. We told Mat that because of our seal problem we would have no weapons. He offered us more time if we had a chance of fixing saying the last battle wasn’t until four in the afternoon. Over a cup of coffee we reviewed our options. A plan was hatched requiring the use of 2 jubilee clips and a new ‘o’ ring. As usual we had nothing of any use. Asking others including the guy who runs the house robots yielded not much more. Time for a trip out - first call the second hand tyre shop opposite the main gate. The bloke looked at us as if we were stupid and suggested we tried the caravan centre up the road, who were very helpful , but didn’t have a clip big enough. Our luck changed at the car mechanic next door . A full range of clips, and he even threw in some thin aluminium. Back at the studio after borrowing some tinsnips we began to fabricate a suitable bodge. Just as we had almost finished cutting the aluminium the house robot guy returned with a proper hydraulic seal and asked if that would be any use. The aluminium/jubilee Heath Robinson arrangement was immediately binned and the pucker part fitted. We were rolling again!"
- — Team Lobster website[25]
Fortunately, the problem was fixed, so Thermidor 2 fought against Generation X in its qualifier, which it won. Thermidor 2 qualified as a result.
- "Their robot was fabricated from quite thick aluminium all welded, and polished to give a shiny finish. Very well made with a petrol powered cutter on the front. After a bit of a wait we got almost in the arena when it was relayed that they had problems. Just as we were about to be pulled off (the arena, what did you think?) news came that they were OK and raring to go. The robots were driven out in the arena and we took our place in the box. The crowd seemed quite excited. The introductions were made and after the countdown we charged at their robot. Our flipper went right under the body - Fire 1! The flipper launched Generation X three feet into the air (so reports told us later). As soon as they landed - Fire 2. We flipped them again, and after a few more goes they looked pretty dead. After a victory dance we were declared the winner. Ian returned to drive the robot home whilst Eli and I had to talk to the presenter bloke. Back in the pits we talked to the guys from Generation X who were disappointed that they had not done better. Whilst their robot could run upside down, the battery had broken free and snapped the head of one of the servos, leaving them without drive. Bad luck!"
- — Team Lobster website[26]
Thermidor 2 did not have to go through the Series 5 qualifiers, nor the Series 7 qualifiers, due to being seeded, and it qualified for Series 8 through open applications. It had to go through the Series 6 qualifiers due to it not being seeded, though who it fought that year is unknown.
Robot History[]
Series 3[]
- "The heaviest in the field with its huge pincers at the front of the lobster shape, 3mm alloy shell, cycle helmet and all, start peddling boys, otherwise you could be on your bike!"
- — Jonathan Pearce introduces Thermador
Thermador competed in Heat M of its first televised Robot Wars appearance, and was drawn against previous Semi-Finalist Plunderstorm in the first round of the heat. For unknown reasons, it was absent from Philippa Forrester's walk around the pit at the start of the episode.
- "Eventually we got to enter the studio, and as we pushed Thermidor into the arena the crowd cheered and banged on the windows. Not bad as we hadn’t done anything yet. ... Then the proud moment we had been waiting for - "From Norwich, Thermidor". All those late nights had been worth it, our few moments of fame had arrived"
- — Team Lobster website[27]
However, Thermador was essentially guaranteed victory right from the start, as Plunderstorm only had one track working. As Thermador drove across the arena towards its opponent, Plunderstorm turned around on the spot, driving into the arena wall. It turned back, but could not move away from its starting position, merely turning back and forth on one track. Thermador charged at it, but rode up the front wedge, so reversed away to the arena centre. Thermador turned around on the spot, whilst Plunderstorm soon stopped moving entirely. Thermador charged at it, this time driving at its side, and pushed it towards the wall. Thermador backed away for another charge, then drove back into Plunderstorm's side, pushing it against the arena side wall.
- "The robots were untethered, and on hearing the word activate we charged at the Plunderbirds robot. A superb hit with hardly any retaliation, we backed off and kept attacking, pushing the other robot against the arena wall. It was at this point we realised that the Plunderbirds had a problem. We kept ramming into them and offered our grinding disc to their bodywork before giving the house robots space to finish the job"
- — Team Lobster website's description of the battle[28]
With the House Robots beginning to close in, Thermador reversed away to the other side of the arena, as the House Robots attacked Plunderstorm. Thermador stayed away from the House Robots as Sir Killalot hoisted up Plunderstorm with its lance and carried it over to the pit of oblivion, before dropping it down.
- Philippa Forrester: "The Thermador did good!"
- Ian Harvey: "Yeah, it did well, we're pleased, very pleased!"
- Philippa Forrester: "You're still in shock, aren't you! You're Round 2 material now, in Robot Wars!"
- — Post-battle interview
As a result of this easy victory, Thermador was put through to the second round of the heat. Here, Thermador was put up against fellow newcomer Scutter's Revenge, which proved to be a much more eventful battle.
- "This time when the battle started the other robot moved. Disaster! We were going to have to fight."
- — Team Lobster website[29]
The two competitors charged at each other, with Scutter's Revenge getting its scoop under one of Thermador's arms. Scutter's Revenge turned and tried to push Thermador towards the pit, but Thermador turned away as it got close to the pit, so Scutter's Revenge reversed.
- "Thermador with the glaring eyes, and the lobster pincers, on the attack. There the cycle helmet in the front as well, but Scutter's Revenge has that huge front bulldozer blade, and plenty of power..."
- — Jonathan Pearce in the early moments of the battle
Thermador turned around on the spot, and Scutter's Revenge drove at it its side. As Scutter's Revenge tried pushing, Thermador turned and drove around Scutter's Revenge. The two robots turned to face each other, and Thermador got at Scutter's Revenge's side. Though Scutter's Revenge struggled to get away, Thermador pushed it up the arena, towards Sgt. Bash's CPZ, but Scutter's Revenge managed to push back and turn away from the CPZ. Thermador let go of Scutter's Revenge and reversed, and Scutter's Revenge drove at its front. Scutter's Revenge overpowered Thermador, pushing it towards the pit of oblivion and forcing it over the edge.
- "Well, Thermador wants to get it in its claws, and then force towards a CPZ, but is being pushed towards the pit itself! And the lobster is in the net and caught, and it's Scutter's Revenge who go through!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Scutter's Revenge pushes Thermador towards, and into, the pit
As a result, Thermador was eliminated.
- Philippa Forrester: "What happened? Apart from the obvious, what happened from your point of view?"
- David Harding: "We just didn't have enough traction, they... they beat us!"
- Philippa Forrester: "There's Lobster a la pit, which we never expected!"
- — Post-battle interview
Series 4[]
- Julia Reed: "Wheels from a Mini Metro, I believe, are they going to go back?"
- David Harding: "No."
- — Pre-first round
In the first round of the Fourth Wars, Thermidor 2 was put up against newcomer Kronic the Wedgehog and the number thirteen seed Gravedigger.
- "It was at this point we found out who we was in our heat. Not good news. Our first battle included Gravedigger. Victory looked so far away we would need a telescope to see it! The only handy bit was Kronic the Wedgehog looked quite vulnerable, and they might just have gone out before us. Never mind - let battle commence. It wasn’t going well when we drove the robot out into the arena and walked up the steps to the booth only to find the robot had wandered over the fire pit and was being toasted. A low transmitter battery meant that the robot was a bit twitchy."
- — Team Lobster website on the team's worries before the battle started[30]
At the start of the battle, Kronic the Wedgehog drove at Thermidor 2, getting its flipper under one of the claws and lifting Thermidor 2 up. As it did so, Thermidor 2 fired its flipper and tried to reverse off, but Kronic the Wedgehog was holding the wheels off the ground, so Thermidor 2 could not get free. Kronic the Wedgehog lowered Thermidor 2, and as Thermidor 2 reversed, Gravedigger got behind Kronic the Wedgehog and drove under the side. However, its flipper was not working, so it reversed. Thermidor 2 drove towards the side wall on the other side of the arena, and Kronic the Wedgehog drove after it. Thermidor 2 turned to face it, but Kronic the Wedgehog got the flipper under one of the claws again, and lifted Thermidor 2 up. Gravedigger charged into the back of Kronic the Wedgehog, pushing it and Thermidor 2 against the wall. Kronic the Wedgehog kept holding Thermidor 2 off the floor, and despite swinging its claws and spinning the wheels, Thermidor 2 could not get free, until Kronic the Wedgehog turned away from the wall, letting Thermidor 2 slide off. Kronic the Wedgehog pushed it against Gravedigger, then drove into Gravedigger itself, letting Thermidor 2 slip away.
- "...smashing Thermidor 2 against the arena wall. Lifting underneath Thermidor 2 now is Kronic the Wedgehog, with that front flipper, it's pneumatic. Thermidor 2, scuttling away into the deep recesses of the Robot Wars pool to come again."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Kronic the Wedgehog holds Thermidor 2 against the wall, then Thermidor 2 gets away
Thermidor 2 drove across the arena and turned around, then drove at the side of Kronic the Wedgehog as it fought Gravedigger. However, as it did so, it closed its claws, which prevented it from getting under Kronic the Wedgehog's side, and it fired the flipper at thin air. Thermidor 2 drove around Kronic the Wedgehog and Gravedigger to get at Kronic the Wedgehog's other side, and tried to flip, but failed as the flipper was not under Kronic the Wedgehog properly. Thermidor 2 reversed, bumping into Gravedigger as it drove past, then drove away from Kronic the Wedgehog as it turned around and drove after it. Kronic the Wedgehog chased Thermidor 2 to the pit, but Thermidor 2 turned and drove up the arena, and as Kronic the Wedgehog drove over the pit, it became stuck. As Gravedigger got behind Kronic the Wedgehog and pushed, Thermidor 2 drove back down the arena and drove at the back of Gravedigger. However, it fired the flipper prematurely, before it was underneath Gravedigger, so missed. Thermidor 2 reversed for another attack, and Gravedigger backed away from Kronic the Wedgehog, leaving it stuck on the pit. Thermidor 2 rammed into Kronic the Wedgehog's side, failing to get underneath with the flipper, but pushing it off the pit. Gravedigger rammed into Thermidor 2, getting underneath, but Thermidor 2 reversed off of Gravedigger's top. Kronic the Wedgehog turned around and drove at Thermidor 2's front, but Thermidor 2 got under Kronic the Wedgehog's front with its flipper, tipping Kronic the Wedgehog up and nearly on its side. Kronic the Wedgehog fell back down, and Gravedigger drove in between the two, getting underneath Kronic the Wedgehog's front.
- "This is a good battle, isn't it? Very, very level so far! Good aggression from all three!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as the three competitors come together
Gravedigger reversed away, and after reversing a little, Thermidor 2 drove at Kronic the Wedgehog, trying to get under the back, but Kronic the Wedgehog turned away as it got close. After hitting Gravedigger, Kronic the Wedgehog turned around and got its flippers under Thermidor 2's front, between the flipper and one of the claw, and lifted it up a little, lifting the wheels off the ground. Kronic the Wedgehog pushed Thermidor 2 to the arena wall and dropped it there, bending one of the claws upwards.
- "Oh, one of the claws has gone!"
- — Jonathan Pearce after Kronic's attack
Gravedigger reversed into Thermidor 2's side, pinning it against the wall, but Kronic the Wedgehog got under its side, and lifted the front off the ground. This gave Thermidor 2 the chance to escape, as Kronic the Wedgehog pushed Gravedigger against the wall, holding its front end on the edge of the wall and dropping it there. With Gravedigger's front held up on the wall, with its wheels off the ground and unable to drive away, Thermidor 2 drove under Gravedigger's side and flipped it onto its side. With Gravedigger unable to right itself due to the flipper not working, it was deemed immobilised.
- "And Gravedigger's on its side! Gravedigger, the seeded robot, in major, major trouble here, it was Thermidor doing the damage. Thermidor 2 got in with the flipper at the front of the lobster, underneath and up and over she goes! Well, Gravedigger could be in a coffin here!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Gravedigger on its side
The pit opened, and Sir Killalot grabbed Gravedigger by the flipper. Thermidor 2 and Kronic the Wedgehog continued to fight as Sir Killalot held Thermidor 2 up and spun it round. Sir Killalot tossed it aside, and it landed on its wheels. Gravedigger then drove straight into Thermidor 2, which was running down the arena away from Kronic the Wedgehog. Gravedigger pushed Thermidor 2 up against Refbot, who was waiting by Matilda's CPZ, but Refbot drove away, allowing Thermidor 2 to get free and drive away. Thermidor 2 drove across the arena, and then drove behind Kronic the Wedgehog, which had driven into Matilda. Thermidor 2 tried to get underneath the back, but Gravedigger rammed into Kronic the Wedgehog's side, getting underneath. Cease was called, putting Thermidor 2 and Kronic the Wedgehog through to Round 2.
- "This was not really the outcome we had planned as both we and the Gravedigger team are from Norwich, but in the end it was either them or us - sorry guys"
- — Team Lobster website[31]
Thermidor 2's second round battle saw it up against the 29th seed Dreadnaut XP1. Thermidor 2 had an immediate advantage, because Dreadnaut XP-1 had been heavily damaged by Warhog and Sir Killalot in Round 1, and the team had to go through a lot of repairs to get the robot working for Round 2.
- "Our next battle was with Dreadnought, so after a quick bit of repair we were ready to fight again. As it turned out we had quite a bit of time due to the amount of repairs required to Dreadnought after its first round. Further problems arose just before we went into battle as we turned the robot on - and the claws closed and would not reopen. By turning the robot on and off we could make the claws lock in the open position. After a quick check that the flipper still worked we decided to carry on."
- — Team Lobster website[32]
Thermidor 2 slowly made its way forward towards its opponent, but Dreadnaut XP1 was only rocking back and forth on one wheel, having seemingly lost drive on one side straight away. Thermidor 2 got its flipper under Dreadnaut XP1's front and flicked it up a little, then got under the side and rammed Dreadnaut XP1 into the arena wall, where it flipped it against the arena wall, turning it onto its back with one stroke.
- "Great power in this flipper, looks quite unassuming but it's one of the strongest weapons we've seen so far in this series."
- — Jonathan Pearce after Thermindor 2 flipped Dreadnaut XP1 over
Left upside down with no way of self-righting, Dreadnaut XP1 was immediately classed as immobilised. The House Robots closed in, with Matilda slicing through Dreadnaut XP1's fibreglass shell and one of its tyres with the chainsaw, and Dead Metal dragged it to the flipper, which chucked it a fair distance. Thermidor 2 held back on the other side of the arena as the House Robots continued to attack. Shunt axed it, and Sir Killalot grabbed it with his pincers, carrying it to the flame pit. After some more punishment from Shunt and Sir Killalot, Dead Metal finally pushed it into the pit, and the 29th Seed was eliminated, putting Thermidor 2 through to the Heat Final.
- Craig Charles: "Well, well, well, well! You're doing alright, aren't ya?"
- David Harding: "Not doing too bad, no. We had a big problem just before we came on as well, the claws wouldn't work, but the flipper, thank God, did work!"
- Craig Charles: "The flipper just flipped them straight away! It was like it was the end of it straight away!"
- David Harding: "That's right, we only just met, didn't we, and that was the end of it really."
- — Post-battle interview
In the Heat Final, where it had to fight Kronic the Wedgehog again. Before the fight, Team Lobster were concerned that its flipper wouldn't work. Its claws had also broken, and it was being put back together just beforehand.
- "Of course he knew what he was doing Jules. It's a screwdriver and a screw. It's a bit of metal. It's not brain surgery, Jules... women in the pits"
- — Jonathan Pearce on Julia Reed's asking Eli Kirkpatrick if he knew what he was doing
Kronic the Wedgehog had the quicker start, turning away from Thermidor 2 and driving down the arena. Thermidor 2 slowly drove forwards, and the two robots turned to face each other, and Thermidor 2 tried to get under Kronic the Wedgehog, but Kronic the Wedgehog drove around to Thermidor 2's side, trying to get its flipper under one of Thermidor 2's wheels, but Thermidor 2 drove around to Kronic the Wedgehog's side to avoid the flipper. Thermidor 2 tried to turn away from Kronic the Wedgehog, and Kronic the Wedgehog got at its side and tried to flip, but Thermidor 2 turned to get off the flipper, causing Kronic the Wedgehog to miss. Thermidor 2 reversed away from Kronic the Wedgehog, and Kronic the Wedgehog drove into its front. Kronic the Wedgehog fired the flipper prematurely before it was underneath Thermidor 2, so it missed. Thermidor 2 also fired its flipper prematurely, so it only hit the bottom of Kronic the Wedgehog's flipper.
- "...and the flipper of Thermidor 2 is working! Now that was a concern for them. We know that one of the pincers was buckled earlier on. Well, they may not be at their most effective, but they are working."
- — Jonathan Pearce
Kronic the Wedgehog turned away, and Thermidor 2 reversed as Kronic the Wedgehog turned around. Kronic the Wedgehog drove at Thermidor 2, getting its flipper under one of the claws and lifting Thermidor 2 up. Thermidor 2 slipped off the flipper, and fired its flipper, hitting the bottom of Kronic the Wedgehog's flipper, ripping through the flipper panel. Thermidor 2 lowered the flipper and pushed, but Kronic the Wedgehog turned away. Kronic the Wedgehog drove back at Thermidor 2, as it drove away across the arena, getting its flipper under one of the claws and lifting one of Thermidor 2's wheels off the floor. Kronic the Wedgehog pushed Thermidor 2, but it slipped off the flipper. Thermidor 2 reversed, and turned as Kronic the Wedgehog tried to get under it with the flipper. As it turned, Kronic the Wedgehog missed its flip. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper mistakenly, then turned away from its opponent. Kronic the Wedgehog also turned and drove away, then the two competitors turned to face each other and charged together. As they came together, Kronic got its flipper under Thermidor 2's front, and Thermidor 2 fired the flipper. Kronic the Wedgehog lifted its flipper and pushed Thermidor 2, pinning it against the wall on the edge of Shunt's CPZ.
- "...and certainly the more power, belongs to Kronic the Wedgehog, that's evident there! Both flippers came into use, but it was Thermidor 2, the lobster was sent scurrying back!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Kronic the Wedgehog pushes Thermidor 2 against the wall
Shunt came over and fired the axe, narrowly missing. Kronic the Wedgehog turned and reversed away, then drove to the top of the arena. Shunt got his scoop under one of Thermidor 2's claws and lifted it up, but Thermidor 2 slid off, and drove after Kronic the Wedgehog, which turned and drove down to the middle of the arena. Thermidor 2 drove after it, and Kronic the Wedgehog turned around to face it as it got close. Kronic the Wedgehog got its flipper under one of Thermidor 2's claws and tried lifting it, but the flipper panel was starting to come loose, and the weight of lifting up Thermidor 2 caused it to fall off entirely.
- "Splendis stuff! Got sort of half side-on to Thermidor 2 and that's why the front flipper was bent and torn straight off! So all they can do now I think is buffet the Thermidor..."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Kronic the Wedgehog's flipper falls off
Thermidor 2 fired the flipper and reversed, and Kronic the Wedgehog turned and tried driving away, but Thermidor 2 drove at its side. It tried to flip Kronic the Wedgehog, but the flipper wasn't properly under the side, so it failed. Both machines turned away from each other, then Thermidor 2 drove around the back of Kronic the Wedgehog, trying to flip, but failed to get the flipper under the back properly, so only managed to flick it up a little. Thermidor 2 reversed a little as Kronic the Wedgehog turned around. Kronic the Wedgehog pushed against one of Thermidor 2's claws, but Thermidor 2 reversed, and turned, but Kronic the Wedgehog drove at one of its wheels. It tried pushing, but Thermidor 2 turned and reversed. Kronic the Wedgehog turned and drove at Thermidor 2's front, getting under its flipper. Thermidor 2 fired its flipper and reversed, then turned around as Kronic the Wedgehog drove after it, driving at one of its wheels. Thermidor 2 drove past, and turned around as Kronic the Wedgehog drove after it. Kronic the Wedgehog soon caught up, but Thermidor 2 drove around to its back, getting the flipper underneath and flicking it up. Thermidor 2 turned away and held back, and Kronic the Wedgehog was only turning back and forth on one wheel. The House Robots quickly came out, and Thermidor 2 stayed away as the House Robots attacked, then pitted it. As a result, Thermidor 2 was through to the Series Semi-Finals.
- Julia Reed: "You need to find another Mini Metro to nick some wheels off"
- David Harding: "Yeah, we'll have a look in the car park before we go!"
- — Post-Heat Final
In the Series Semi-Finals, the unseeded Thermidor 2 was put up against the number 19 seed and future runner-up for the series Pussycat in the first round.
- Julia Reed: "How did you win the Heat?"
- Ian Harvey: "I think it was pure luck!"
- Julia Reed: "I think they're gonna need it!"
- — Pre-battle interview
At the start, both robots drove forwards, but Pussycat was quicker, driving around Thermidor 2, which turned to face Pussycat. Thermidor 2 tried to get its flipper under Pussycat, and though it missed, Pussycat tipped itself on its side as it turned to avoid the flipper. Thermidor 2 turned, and Pussycat turned into Thermidor 2's side, still stuck up on its wheels, before Thermidor 2 could attack. Pussycat tried turning away from Thermidor 2, and though it tipped itself off its side, Thermidor 2 kept up with it, and flipped it. After a brief pause, Pussycat tried to drive away, but Thermidor 2 kept after it, getting under its side and flipping Pussycat again. Pussycat did a 360 degree spin, but landed on its wheels as it was invertible.
- "Pussycat though, at the moment, flipped over by Thermidor 2, once and twice! It's not just the claws here, it is that front flipper on Thermidor 2, and look at the damage sustained there for Pussycat..."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Pussycat
Pussycat drove around Thermidor 2, driving past an arena flame jet. Thermidor 2 chased after Pussycat, getting under the side, but as it did so, it drove onto the flame jet. Pussycat turned, but in doing so, rode up Thermidor 2's flipper, and Thermidor 2 tossed it up in the air. Pussycat spun around and landed on the flame jet on its side.
- "...and again, just tossed up in the air here! Like a cat on a hot tin roof, Pussycat!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Pussycat
Pussycat managed to tip itself back to its wheels, but Thermidor 2 kept chasing after it, getting under the side again and rolling it over. The two robots fought at the top of the arena, and Pussycat managed to get its blade in Thermidor 2's shell, behind one of the wheels, and pushed it down the arena. Pussycat briefly stopped, and Thermidor 2 turned away, but drove into Refbot. Pussycat took advantage, attacking one of Thermidor 2's exposed wheels with its cutting disc. Thermidor 2 turned around, getting its flipper under Pussycat's side and tipping the robot up on its side. Pussycat quickly swerved to right itself, whilst Thermidor 2 turned around for another attack. However, as it drove at Pussycat, Pussycat's blade hit the underside of the flipper. Pussycat pushed Thermidor 2, but Thermidor 2 turned and pushed back, trying to get the flipper underneath, but Pussycat turned as it tried to flip, so Thermidor 2 only managed to flick Pussycat up a little. Thermidor 2 turned around, and as it tried to drive away, Pussycat tried using its blade on Thermidor 2's back, but Thermidor 2 spun on the spot to deflect its attack. When Thermidor 2 stopped spinning, Pussycat charged at it, but Thermidor 2 reversed to avoid it.
- "At this moment in time, I'd say Thermidor 2, just about on top against Robin Herrick's team."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 turns to avoid Pussycat's attacks
Pussycat turned and slammed into one of Thermidor 2's wheels with its blade. Pussycat pushed against Thermidor 2's wheel, and though Thermidor 2 closed its claws, Pussycat turned and drove over Thermidor 2's claws with its cutting blade, then quickly reversed and went over them again. Thermidor 2 turned, and Pussycat drove into its front, then reversed. Thermidor 2 kept driving at Pussycat, but was notably slower, and Pussycat kept driving back and forth at it, cutting a large gash in Thermidor 2's top, and Pussycat was moving too fast for Thermidor 2 to attack. Thermidor 2 could no longer flip as it had run out of C02.
- "And look at the damage here! Slicing into the very head of the lobster! A great gash appears!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Pussycat cuts into Thermidor 2
Pussycat slammed into Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 turned away, with Pussycat ramming into its side. Pussycat attacked one of Thermidor 2's wheels as it weekly drove at it, then drove around to Thermidor 2's other side and cut into the claws. Thermidor 2 turned to try and get at Pussycat's side, but Thermidor 2 was too slow to attack Pussycat reversed away before it could use the flipper. Pussycat drove back at Thermidor 2, getting the blade between one of the claws and the flipper and pushing Thermidor 2 to the arena wall. Pussycat reversed, then drove around to the back of Thermidor 2, hitting the back. Thermidor 2 tried to drive away across the arena, driving over the flame pit as it did so, but Pussycat soon caught up, hitting the back. Thermidor 2 turned around, but Pussycat merely turned with it, hitting the back again. Thermidor 2 managed to get away from the blade for a moment, and turned around as Pussycat drove after it. Pussycat pushed against one of Thermidor 2's claws, and Thermidor 2 tried to get the flipper underneath, but Pussycat drove over the claw. Pussycat drove around to the back of Thermidor 2, and though Thermidor 2 limped away to try and avoid the blade, Pussycat chased after it, clipping the back with the blade. Thermidor 2 turned, and Pussycat got one last attack on the back as time ran out.
- "...and I wonder whether the damage sustained by Thermidor 2 at the end will prove too costly!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as the battle ends
Thermidor 2 managed to survive to a Judges' decision, but the decision went in favour of Pussycat, eliminating Thermidor 2 from the competition.
- "The only problem we now had was to repair the damage ready to compete in the Sumo event. This involved the use of a sledgehammer to straighten the claws (we're not joking), a couple of new body panels, a tub of car filler, and the spare set of wheels. This took about a day of working like idiots to complete. The recorded time for the Sumo was about 4 seconds. Was it worth it? Yes of course it was."
- — Team Lobster website[33]
Thermidor 2 also took part in the Sumo Basho competition of the Fourth Wars, where it was the last competitor shown to compete. Thermidor 2 started with its claws closed, but as activate was called, it opened the claws. Shunt drove towards it, and Thermidor 2 drove forwards, trying to get at the side of Shunt's scoop. However, this proved to be a mistake, as Shunt got his scoop under Thermidor 2's flipper and started pushing Thermidor 2. Before Thermidor 2 had a chance to get away, Shunt got its scoop under one of the claws and pushed it straight off the edge. Thermidor 2 had only lasted 5.03 seconds, and placed 13th on the leaderboard at the end of the series.
- "Go on, get that flipper in underneath Shunt! Lift Shunt away and out of the arena! Go on the attack, you have to attack now! Do not be conservative and defensive! It will not do you any... I was gonna say "It won't do you any good"! What was the point? "
- — Jonathan Pearce's commentary for Thermidor 2's short-lived Sumo Basho run
Thermidor 2 was also nominated for the Best Design Award at the end of the series, but lost out to Gemini.
Extreme 1[]
- "We're Team Lobster. My name's Dave, this is Ian, this is our robot Thermidor 2. We're angry, we're ready to fight, keep out of our way."
- — David Harding's straight-to-the-point introduction
A newly-improved Thermidor 2 made a wide range of appearances in Extreme Series 1, with varying success. Thermidor 2's first appearance was in the Tag Team Terror tournament, alongside Cerberus. In the first round, the pair went up against S.M.I.D.S.Y. and Sumpthing. In this battle, Thermidor 2 entered the arena wearing the Robot Wars cap it would wear during its team introduction.
- Julia Reed: "You're an unusual pairing, how did you get together?"
- David Harding: "We met in the Third War, we've been good friends ever since."
- Julia Reed: "And do you think your robots will compliment each other in this particular event?"
- David Harding: "We will, yeah."
- — Pre-battle interview
Cerberus started the battle for the team, battling S.M.I.D.S.Y. while Thermidor 2 waited in the corner. After a brief tussle, S.M.I.D.S.Y. suffered control problems, becoming stuck in forward drive, and immobilised itself up against the arena wall. Sumpthing came out before S.M.I.D.S.Y. was counted out, so Thermidor 2 did as well.
- "...Sumpthing have come out, they weren't technically tagged. Sumpthing in the arena though, and of course, that has allowed now both Cerberus and Thermidor to come into the ring! We've got mayhem!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 comes out with Cerberus
Thermidor 2 drove around Sumpthing, whilst Cerberus got at the other side. The two partners attacked Sumpthing, with getting under the side and Cerberus preventing it getting away. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, tossing Sumpthing onto its front, where it was lying on its saw arm, pinned up by its front spikes. Sumpthing could not use its saws to push itself back down, and Refbot counted it out. Meanwhile, Shunt axed the immobile S.M.I.D.S.Y. and dragged it by the pit. Thermidor 2 drove down the arena and flipped it over.
- "Sumpthing gone, S.M.I.D.S.Y. gone! Leaving Thermidor and Cerberus to create what mayhem they want!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips S.M.I.D.S.Y.
Refbot swiftly counted it out as well, and Thermidor 2 and Cerberus left Sumpthing and S.M.I.D.S.Y. at the mercy of the House Robots. As a result, Thermidor 2 and Cerberus went through.
- Craig Charles: "It was quite easy, wasn't it?"
- Theo Kaccoufa: "Oh well, you know, our robots are both superb! You know, he flips, we bite!"
- David Harding: "They were rubbish!"
- — Post-battle interview
In the Semi-Final round, Thermidor 2 and Cerberus fought against The Steel Avenger and Suicidal Tendencies.
- "They've got no chance!"
- — Confidence from David Harding before the fight
Cerberus started against Suicidal Tendencies, but neither robot could line up an effective attack on their opponent. Eventually, Thermidor 2 came out of its CPZ whilst Cerberus was pushing against the side of Suicidal Tendencies. As Thermidor 2 drove at the other side of Suicidal Tendencies, Suicidal Tendencies drove away from Cerberus, causing Cerberus to drive forwards into Thermidor 2. The two separated, and Cerberus held back as Thermidor 2 drove past Suicidal Tendencies and towards the CPZ of the opposing team to attack The Steel Avenger. As it did so, Suicidal Tendencies got behind Thermidor 2 and pushed it into the CPZ, whilst The Steel Avenger turned to avoid Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 turned to face Suicidal Tendencies, but could not get its flipper under the front, and Suicidal Tendencies pinned it up against the wall. Thermidor 2 managed to get free and drove out of the CPZ, but as it did so, Cerberus then rammed into Thermidor 2's wheel, pushing it back, seemingly attacking its own team-mate.
- "Cerberus, again tagging Thermidor, almost as if they're trying to have a go at one another! The old Claw and Paw, Claw and Roar, Claw and Jaw, whatever you like to call it!"
- — Jonathan Pearce
Cerberus reversed, and after firing the flipper at thin air, Thermidor 2 turned around as Suicidal Tendencies drove after it. Thermidor 2 got the flipper under the front of Suicidal Tendencies' scoop and fired, but only managed to flick it up a little, as the flipper was not fully under the scoop. Meanwhile, The Steel Avenger came out of its CPZ and axed Cerberus. The Steel Avenger reversed, and Suicidal Tendencies drove at the side of Thermidor 2, trying to get its scoop under one of the wheels, but Cerberus reversed between the two, pushing its partner free. Thermidor 2 turned around and let Cerberus attack Suicidal Tendencies. Suicidal Tendencies drove at the front of Cerberus, but couldn't get under it, so reversed, and Cerberus charged forwards and drove into the arena wall. Meanwhile, The Steel Avenger drove after Thermidor 2, which drove away. Thermidor 2 turned around as The Steel Avenger chased after it, but missed a flip. Thermidor 2 drove away across the arena, but suddenly came to a stop by the flame pit. Steel Avenger then pushed Thermidor 2 onto the flame pit and finally managed to land an axe blow. Cerberus tried to use what was left of its jaw to push Steel Avenger away, before slamming into Thermidor 2 again in a bid to get it off the flame pit.
- "Well erm, I don't know what's happened to that team, because they've been at each other all the way through this, tooth and nail!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Cerberus rams into the immobile Thermidor 2
Unfortunately for Cerberus, the aid came too late, as Thermidor 2 had already broken down due to a wire falling off the battery[34]. Suicidal Tendencies and The Steel Avenger attacked Cerberus, who left its fallen teammate to continue fighting, pushing against Suicidal Tendencies. The Steel Avenger meanwhile drove to the side of Thermidor 2 and axed the top, as Refbot came over to count it out. As Refbot counted Thermidor 2 out, The Steel Avenger tried to axe it again, but narrowly missed, with the axe briefly becoming stuck in the floor. Refbot finished his count, and Cerberus rushed over to Thermidor 2, but was blocked by Sgt. Bash. Cerberus kept pushing despite Sgt. Bash being in the way, and the two pushed Thermidor 2 off of the flame pit. Suicidal Tendencies got its scoop under Cerberus and pushed it away, and as it fought The Steel Avenger and Suicidal Tendencies, Sgt. Bash grabbed the back of Thermidor 2 and dragged it away from the wall, down the arena. Sir Killalot joined in, grabbing the back with the claw, puncturing the armour. Sir Killalot lifted Thermidor 2 up and spun it around, tossing it aside, straight into The Steel Avenger. Sir Killalot grabbed Thermidor 2 with his claw again and pushed it against the other competitors, then pushed it up the arena to the floor flipper. Thermidor 2 was flipped across the arena, and actually hit The Steel Avenger again whilst landing, rolling over the top. Cerberus survived to the end of the battle, but Thermidor 2's immobilisation proved crucial in the judges' decision. As a result, they lost the decision and did not make it through to the final.
- Craig Charles: "What about your team? You weren't much help either!"
- David Harding: "Well, if we hadn't broke down, we'd have had 'em for sure! So they were lucky!"
- — Post-battle interview
Thermidor 2 also fought in the Flipper Frenzy, where it fought. Chaos 2, Bigger Brother and Wheely Big Cheese. However, before the battle, the teams conspired to attack the House Robots instead of each other.
- Julia Reed: "Have you had much success with your flipper in the past?"
- Ian Harvey: "We certainly have!"
- Julia Reed: "You're confident?"
- Ian Harvey: "Very confident!"
- Julia Reed: "'Cause I think of you more of a pincer than a flipper."
- David Harding: "Oh no, the pincers are there for show, be very wary of the flipper!"
- — Pre-battle interview
Thermidor 2, Bigger Brother and Chaos 2 all started by driving down the arena, where Wheely Big Cheese was also driving at Matilda, but Sgt. Bash drove up the arena, so Chaos 2, Bigger Brother and Thermidor 2 turned around and drove at him instead. As they did so, Sgt. Bash drove away from the CPZ, driving between Chaos 2 and Thermidor 2, which got either side of him. Thermidor 2 tried to get under Sgt. Bash's side, but didn't get the flipper underneath properly, so the flipper merely hit the armour, lifting it up a little. Chaos 2 meanwhile got under Sgt. Bash's back and flipped it up. Sgt. Bash landed on his wheels and quickly reversed away, but Bigger Brother chased after him, and when he turned, Bigger Brother got under his side and flipped him over.
- "Thermidor gets the first flip in - on Bash, who retreats away, to fight another day - and is toppled! Look at this, Thermidor, straight in, up goes the flipper, Bash flies! ... Already we can see the power of these pneumatic flippers!"
- — Jonathan Pearce watches the replay as the competitors flip Sgt. Bash
Thermidor 2 drove towards the overturned House Robot, and Bigger Brother reversed, accidentally backing onto one of Thermidor 2's claws. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, and Bigger Brother quickly drove off. Meanwhile, Matilda immobilised Wheely Big Cheese with her flywheel. Thermidor 2 and Chaos 2 drove down the arena to fight Matilda. As they drove down, they briefly drove into each other, but turned and kept driving at Matilda instead of fighting each other. Thermidor 2 tried getting under her side, but fired the flipper prematurely before it was underneath, so failed. Whilst Chaos 2 opened the pit, Thermidor 2 reversed and turned away, then drove back up the arena. In a moment not fully shown in the televised battle, Thermidor 2 stopped briefly halfway up the arena, and Chaos 2 drove at it, getting its flipper under the front, but then reversed without flipping it. Bigger Brother drove down the arena to join Chaos 2 and Thermidor 2, but then reversed back up the arena[35]. The televised battle resumed as Bigger Brother was trying to push the overturned Sgt. Bash towards the arena wall. Thermidor 2 drove into Bigger Brother, then turned around for another attack.
- "There's something strange going on you know, out there! All the robots are attacking the House Robots! No one's having a go at each other! Is this some sort of...conspiracy against our machines? You, you, you...dastardly competitors, you! This is not in the rules of House Roboteering, I'm sure. Our poor robot - Bash, look, they're ganging up on him!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2, Chaos 2 and Bigger Brother work together to attack Sgt. Bash
As Bigger Brother backed into Sgt. Bash to try and push him, Chaos 2 got its flipper under his front jaw and flipped it towards the arena wall. Thermidor 2 held back as Bigger Brother and Chaos 2 flipped Sgt. Bash together, lifting him clean off the ground. However, in doing so, Bigger Brother broke down. Chaos 2 got its flipper under Sgt. Bash's flamethrower and flipped him so he was leaning on the arena wall, and Thermidor 2 drove around Chaos 2, getting its flipper under Sgt. Bash's side and flipping him up. Sgt. Bash landed back on his wheels, with his back panel hanging loose, but before he could get away, Chaos 2 got behind him and flipped him over again, with his flamethrower hanging on the wall.
- "They want to put Bash out of business for all time, I think!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Chaos 2, Bigger Brother and Thermidor 2 flip Sgt. Bash
Chaos 2 tried to flip Sgt. Bash out of the arena, but did not have enough strength to flip the House Robot over the fence. Suddenly, Matilda charged up the arena, crashing into Chaos 2. Matilda drove between Chaos 2 and her fellow House Robot, and Thermidor 2 charged at her, but fired the flipper prematurely so missed, landing resting on Matilda's back. Matilda pushed Thermidor 2 back, and Refbot came over to push Chaos 2 back as well. Chaos 2 tried to flip Refbot over, but failed to get its flipper fully under Refbot, so it only managed to lift him up a little, and turned itself over. Thermidor 2 turned and reversed around Matilda, backing into Refbot. Thermidor 2 drove at Matilda, but as it drove at its front, Matilda pushed back, and Thermidor 2 fired the flipper prematurely, so missed again. Thermidor 2 drove out of the CPZ, and in a part not shown in the televised battle, stopped outside of the CPZ and turned around. After a pause, it drove at the side of Matilda, but failed to get underneath, and reversed away as Matilda turned towards it with her flywheel. Thermidor 2 then turned, and drove at the immobile Bigger Brother, getting its front between its flipper and one of its claws, and pushed it past the floor flipper, leaving it by an empty CPZ[36]. The televised battle resumed as Matilda reversed into Chaos 2, which was trying and failing to right itself after turning itself over. Matilda hit it with her flywheel, turning it onto its side. As she did so, Thermidor 2 drove at Chaos 2 and fired its flipper. It missed because Matilda hit it with her flywheel first, but this was the first time in the battle that a competitor had attempted to attack another.
- "Look at this, with a little flip, not on Matilda but on Chaos 2! Chaos 2 is overturned, George Francis may smile, and Thermidor 2 at long last, has taken on one of the other competitors here!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 tries to flip Chaos 2
Refbot counted Bigger Brother out, and Thermidor 2 was left as the only mobile competitor. Thermidor 2 drove into the arena centre, and Matilda reversed towards it with her flywheel. Thermidor 2 drove into the back of Matilda, avoiding the flywheel, and tried flipping, but failed to get the flipper underneath, so missed its flip. Matilda turned and got her tusks under Thermidor 2's front, and after trying to drive off, Thermidor 2 reversed off the tusks. Matilda drove towards the arena side wall, and Thermidor 2 charged at her back, but drove into her flywheel. Thermidor 2 reversed, and drove into Matilda's back again before she could get the flywheel back up to speed. It tried to flip, but Matilda turned away, causing Thermidor 2 to miss again. Thermidor 2 drove around Matilda and drove towards the arena centre, then turned to face Matilda. Matilda reversed towards Thermidor 2 with her flywheel, and Thermidor 2 cautiously approached, but again failed to get the flipper underneath and fired prematurely when the flipper was merely beside her, so missed again. Cease was called, and Thermidor 2 was declared the winner, as it was the last competitor robot left standing.
- "Alls I can say is that Thermidor were actually the only contestant robot still moving at the end, of the Flipping Frenzy {sic}, so I declare you, personally, the winners!"
- — Craig Charles after the battle
Thermidor 2's Mayhem battle to qualify for the first Annihilator was one of the highlights of Extreme Series 1, despite the fight being rather short. Up against Behemoth and Stinger, two former annihilator competitors themselves.
- "We're not scared at all! Their weapons are rubbish, ours is the only good weapon!"
- — Confidence from David Harding before the Mayhem battle
Thermidor 2 started in the middle of Stinger and Behemoth, and when activate was called, it reversed as Stinger drove at Behemoth. Behemoth drove after Stinger, but then drove away, and Thermidor 2 drove at its side, getting the flipper underneath and tossing Behemoth over. Behemoth rolled over, and Thermidor 2 reversed into its side. Behemoth reversed and turned away, and Thermidor 2 reversed away up the arena as Stinger drove after Behemoth.
- "Only one survives and goes through to our Annihilator final, three of the very best though! ... Behemoth is turned over by Thermidor! One of the most improved robots we've seen around, Thermidor!"
- — Jonathan Pearce in the early moments of the battle
Thermidor 2 then drove back down the arena as Behemoth was fighting Stinger. Behemoth tried getting under Stinger, but Stinger turned away. Thermidor 2 drove behind Behemoth as it drove away from Stinger, towards the arena wall. Thermidor 2 got under the back of Behemoth and flipped it, throwing it head-over-heels out of the arena.
- "Look at that, 95 kilos simply dumped out of the arena! Bang! They're almost unbeatable, Behemoth - until this moment! Great power from Thermidor!"
- — Jonathan Pearce after Thermidor 2 flips Behemoth out
The pit was opened, and Thermidor 2 cautiously approached Stinger. Stinger charged at Thermidor 2's flipper, and Thermidor 2 tried to flip it, but Stinger drove over the flipper before it could fire, causing Thermidor 2 to miss. Thermidor 2 reversed as Stinger took a swing at them with the mace, and Stinger reversed, swinging back the mace. Thermidor 2 drove towards Stinger, but stopped short of it, and reversed to dodge another blow from Stinger's mace. Stinger drove at Thermidor 2 and hit the top with its mace, but as it did so, Thermidor 2 got the flipper underneath and flipped Stinger up.
- "I bet even George Francis of the Chaos team is making notes about Thermidor this time around"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 fights Stinger
Stinger bounced back down, and began spinning as Thermidor 2 drove at it, hitting Thermidor 2 and deflecting it away, with Thermidor 2 missing a flip. Stinger drove away, but made the mistake of driving close to the arena wall. Thermidor 2 rushed over and tried to get under one of the wheels, but Stinger drove off the flipper, causing Thermidor 2 to miss the flip. As it did so, it drove into the arena wall, and though it tried turning away, it turned back into the wall. Thermidor 2 drove back at Stinger, but Stinger drove over the flipper as it did so, and Thermidor 2 drove into the arena wall. Thermidor 2 reversed and turned to face Stinger, but as it did so it reversed onto a flame jet, so had to turn away. Stinger was moving rather slowly, turning aimlessly, then stopped. Thermidor 2 drove around it, but after driving at one of the wheels, turned away, then drove up the arena. Stinger slowly drove down the arena, close to the pit, and Thermidor 2 drove after it. Stinger turned away from the wall, and Thermidor 2 tried to get underneath Stinger, but Stinger went on top of one of the claws, so Thermidor 2 missed its flip. Thermidor 2 reversed, and Stinger turned into an angle grinder. Thermidor 2 rammed Stinger into an angle grinder, and managed to flip one wheel over the arena wall, so that its weight caused it to fall out, lying just inches away from Behemoth. This was the first time a robot flipped two opponents out of the arena in a single battle, and the only time that those circumstances led to only one robot remaining inside the arena at the end of the battle.
- "They've got both of them out! Thermidor - last man standing, the only one in!"
- — Jonathan Pearce
Thermidor 2 was through to the Annihilator. It failed to carry across this success to the Annihilator, despite Jonathan Pearce citing it as one of the favourites to win, along with Hypno-Disc. It went up against Splinter, X-Terminator, Pussycat (who it lost to in Series 4), Hypno-Disc and Arnold A. Terminegger. Apart from Arnold A. Terminegger, all five of the competitors were Semi-Finalists in Series 4, including Thermidor 2.
- "The most impressive performer in Extreme so far, the pneumatic flipper is devastatingly powerful, the claws will drag opponents, and with 95 kilos slamming into you at 15mph, the Thermidor's cooking!"
- — Jonathan Pearce introduces Thermidor 2 in the first Extreme 1 Annihilator
As the battle started, Thermidor 2 reversed as Pussycat drove at the side of Arnold A. Terminegger. Thermidor 2 drove past Arnold A. Terminegger, brushing past it with one of its claws, and narrowly avoided Hypno-Disc, which was driving around X-Terminator. Pussycat turned around Arnold A. Terminegger as it attacked, pushing against Thermidor 2's side, but Thermidor 2 kept driving across the arena. Thermidor 2 turned around, and drove back across the arena, targeting X-Terminator, which was fighting Hypno-Disc. Thermidor 2 drove into the back of X-Terminator and pushed it against Hypno-Disc, but then reversed. X-Terminator continued to attack Hypno-Disc, and Thermidor 2 drove at X-Terminator's side, but Thermidor 2 failed to get under its side, and X-Terminator turned away. As Hypno-Disc attacked X-Terminator's side, Thermidor 2 got under its front and flipped it up, with Hypno-Disc falling on top of X-Terminator.
- "It's Bash-A-Disc! They're all after Hypno-Disc!"
- — Jonathan Pearce after Thermidor 2 flips Hypno-Disc, then X-Terminator rams it
Thermidor 2 reversed, but drove into X-Terminator as it pushed Hypno-Disc into Pussycat. Thermidor 2 bumped into Pussycat, and turned around, but fired the flipper prematurely whilst it was at Pussycat's side. Pussycat turned around, getting under Thermidor 2's flipper before it could reset, and Splinter rammed into Thermidor 2's back, pinning it against Pussycat. Splinter got its arms around Thermidor 2, and turned it around, whilst Pussycat attacked Thermidor 2. Splinter axed Thermidor 2 as it pushed it and Pussycat towards the flipper. Pussycat turned and drove away, and Splinter rammed Thermidor 2 up to one of the top CPZ's, slamming it into the corner and leaving it there.
- "Thermidor's being pushed away into the CPZ, that's a good drive there, by Splinter! Are Thermidor immobilised? They need to get going very, very quick!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Splinter rams Thermidor 2 into the top corner
Splinter drove down the arena to continue fighting the other competitors, but Thermidor 2 was immobile, the battery having failed, going completely open circuit[37]. Shunt soon noticed Thermidor 2's immobility and came over to the CPZ, puncturing the top with his axe, and dragged it out of the CPZ. Shunt then dragged by the middle arena entry gate, then pushed it to the floor flipper, where Refbot counted it out.
- "Thermidor is being broiled! Well that is a huge surprise for me! ... Poor old Thermidor, never got going at all! ... That was one of my favourites! What's happened to my lobster. Oh dear! "The world's your lobster"? It ain't! Your just a "prawn in our game" I'm afraid!"
- — Jonathan Pearce laments the loss of Thermidor 2 as it is immobilised, then counted
Pussycat had also been immobilised, and Hypno-Disc also broke down, but because Thermidor 2 had stopped moving first, it was counted out. Cease was called before Thermidor 2 could be flipped by the Arena Floor Flipper. Nevertheless, Thermidor 2 was eliminated from the Annihilator in the first round.
- "Well, Thermidor were doing flipping good, but then they conked out, and they're out of the competition!"
- — Craig Charles announces Thermidor 2's immobilisation
Thermidor 2 also participated in a Vengeance battle against Napalm in the final episode of Extreme, due to a staged 'sexist' comment made by Team Lobster.
- Julia Reeed: "Thermidor, what's that you've been saying that Robot Wars isn't a place for women?"
- David Harding: "That's right, girls are soft, and they're nice and friendly, it's a man's game!"
- Julia Reeed: "Soft and friendly you say? You haven't met Vicki!"
- — Julia Reed and Vicki Allgood confront David Harding about his 'sexist' comment
Thermidor 2 drove straight at Napalm 2 as it slowly moved forwards, getting under the front wedge with its flipper and throwing the robot up and over its back. Thermidor 2 turned around for another attack as Napalm weakly drove at it, easily getting underneath again. This time, Thermidor 2 got under Napalm's body before it flipped, and when it flipped, it threw Napalm up and over onto its back.
- "Napalm against Thermidor, who believe the Napalm team should be back in the kitchen, broiling lobster perhaps, and it's the lobster at this moment in time, reaching boiling point!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Napalm 2 around the arena
Thermidor 2 quickly turned around and got under the side, then flipped again, tossing the whole robot up in the air, and it turned back over to its wheels. Napalm landed on the flame pit, and Thermidor 2 got under the back, pushing it against the arena wall, then tried flipping it again, but only flicked it up a little because its flipper was not properly under its opponent. Thermidor 2's flips had immobilised Napalm, leaving it unable to get away from the wall. Thermidor 2 reversed for another charge, then charged back at Napalm's rear, but missed its charge, with Napalm going up on one of its claws instead of the flipper. Thermidor 2 reversed again, then drove back at Napalm, getting under the electronics and flipping the robot up, tossing the robot up in the air, with it landing on top on one of Thermidor 2's wheels, leaning up on its side between the arena wall and Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 tried to flip Napalm off it, but Napalm's lack of baseplate meant that Thermidor 2's flipper merely went into its framework, so Thermidor 2 reversed. Dead Metal approached the back of Napalm, but Thermidor 2 rushed back, driving between the House Robot and Napalm. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, lifting Dead Metal up a little. Dead Metal backed away, and Thermidor 2 reversed to allow Refbot to count Napalm out. As Refbot's count hit 9, Thermidor 2 got under Napalm and flipped it onto its side against the arena wall as Refbot finished his count. Thermidor 2 reversed for another charge, then drove back at Napalm, getting the flipper under a wheel and flipping the whole robot out of the arena.
- "Their argument you should stay in the kitchen is right. You shouldn't be in the arena....you're out of it now!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 wins the battle of the sexes
However, despite winning the battle, Team Lobster apologised for their 'sexist' comments from before, which the team had of course played up purely for television narrative.
- "Just incase you think we were horrible to the Napalm team, It was just a bit of fun. We get on really well with them and even gave them a hand to rebuild their robot. Girls do make good engineers (honestly), and we don't really think they can't do anything. If that was our opinion I don't think Diana would have agreed to marry me this year."
- — Team Lobster website[38]
Series 5[]
- "A lobster with claws and flipper. Gas pressurised weaponry. Twenty-four volt electric drive. Top speeds of fifteen miles an hour. Semi-Finalists in the last wars, much improved. Watch out for them - this is no Santa Claws!"
- — Jonathan Pearce
Thermidor 2 was seeded number sixteen for the Fifth Wars, relatively low for a Semi-Finalist from the previous series. In the first round, it was drawn against two time Round 1 dropout Prizephita Mach 2.
- "Not many modifications this time. The biggest improvement was a new PCM radio, this type of radio has a bit of intelligence and rejects any interference. Confident of no control problems we were ready for the battle. What a disaster!! We were drawn against Prizefighter {sic}. This isn't a bad robot, but it had never done very well."
- — Team Lobster website[39]
At the start of the battle, Prizephita Mach 2 turned away as Thermidor 2 drove towards it, and drove up the arena. The two robots turned to face each other, and Prizephita drove at Thermidor 2. However, it mistakenly drove onto Thermidor 2's flipper, allowing Thermidor 2 to flip it up, though Prizephita Mach 2 flipped over and fell back onto its wheels. Prizephita Mach 2 drove around in a circle, and Thermidor 2 tried to get under its side. Prizephita Mach 2 turned to avoid the flipper, and Thermidor 2 drove away from Prizephita Mach 2 to turn around for another attack. Thermidor 2 drove at Prizephita Mach 2's side and tried to flip, but only managed to lift it up a little, as the flipper was not fully under Prizephita Mach 2. Thermidor 2 reversed, and Prizephita Mach 2 turned around. Thermidor 2 drove straight at Prizephita Mach 2, but drove onto its opponent's flipper. Prizephita Mach 2 flipped Thermidor 2 over, but Thermidor 2 swiftly self-righted.
- "Firing the flipper turned us back the right way up. This however was the start of our problems, the end of the flipper had bent which meant we were unable to get back under them."
- — Team Lobster website[40]
Themidor 2 turned away as Prizephita Mach 2 tried to get under it with the flipper, and drove away across the arena, where it turned around. Thermidor 2 charged at Prizephita Mach 2, trying to get the flipper under the side, but failed and missed with the flipper. Thermidor 2 reversed for another attack, but when it drove back at Prizephita Mach 2, Prizephita Mach 2 got the flipper under one of the claws and flipped Thermidor 2 over again. Thermidor 2 self-righted, then drove down the arena, where it turned around and drove back up the arena at Prizephita Mach 2.
- "This is flipping good stuff, isn't it! Good old battle, this. Best of the Heat so far! Very close, tenacious, tigrish!"
- — Jonathan Pearce after Prizephita Mach 2 flips Thermidor 2 over again
As Thermidor 2 closed in, Prizephita Mach 2 drove onto one of Thermidor 2's claws. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, but it wasn't under Prizephita Mach 2, so it missed. Thermidor 2 reversed, then drove at Prizephita Mach 2's side to try and get the flipper underneath, but couldn't as the end wouldn't stay down. Prizephita Mach 2 turned and got its flipper under one of Thermidor 2's claws, flipping the robot over. Thermidor 2 tried to self-right, but the flipper no longer had enough power. As Prizephita Mach 2 reversed into Thermidor 2, Thermidor 2 drove away and tried self-righting again, but failed again. As it did so, Thermidor 2 drove onto a flame jet. Struggling for control whilst upside-down, Thermidor 2 drove over the flame jet, but then reversed back over it and turned around. It spun away from the flame jet, then tried to flip itself back over again, but the flipper still didn't have enough power. Thermidor 2 drove up to the top of the arena, firing the flipper as it did so, and this time managed to right itself.
- "Thermidor, hooked out to the side of the arena, can't right itself properly, to get the flipper working in an aggressive mode! Still mobile, now they're right way up! Strange that Prizephita didn't go in there for the kill!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 struggles to self-right, before managing to flip itself back over
It turned and drove back at Prizephita Mach 2, but failed to get underneath. Prizephita Mach 2 turned around, then got under Thermidor 2 and flipped it over. Thermidor 2 drove away from Prizephita Mach 2, then turned around and tried to right itself, but the flipper didn't have enough power. Thermidor 2 spun on the spot, then drove to the arena centre, where it self-righted, but as it did so, it suddenly stopped moving, its new PCM radio having failed. Prizephita Mach 2 drove at its back and tried to flip, but fired the flipper before it was properly underneath and missed. Refbot began counting Thermidor 2 out, and Prizephita Mach 2 got its flipper under the back, but only lifted it up a little before it slid off.
- "This is another major surprise in this heat. Ian Harvey and David Harding - splendid competitors in the past, are to go at the first hurdle."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 is counted out
Refbot finished its count, and Shunt came out and axed Thermidor 2, whilst Sgt. Bash blasted it with his flamethrower. The pit opened, and Sgt. Bash bit into the back and pulled it down to the pit. Shunt pushed Thermidor 2 over the edge of the pit, and Sgt. Bash let go, dropping Thermidor 2 in.
- "Thermidor 2 roasted in the pit!"
- — Craig Charles after the battle
This made Thermidor 2 the first seed from Series 5 to be eliminated in the first round of the main competition and the only semi-finalist from the previous series to fall in the first round.
- "And the cause of our sudden failure you've guessed it the new radio. We'll be sticking to our old Hi-Tec in future. In summary - probably not our best year."
- — Team Lobster website[41]
Thermidor 2 was once again nominated for the Best Design Award at the end of the of the series but lost out again, this time to previous two-time winner Razer.
Series 6[]
- "Dave has tweaked with the speed controllers a bit, so we should get a bit more power behind us"
- — Ian Harvey to Philippa Forrester
An unseeded Thermidor 2 returned for the Sixth Wars, with the only obvious change being the removal of its decorative antennae. It fought in Heat F, and was drawn up against the eleventh seed Stinger (who it threw out of the arena in their Extreme 1 Mayhem), 13 Black and newcomer Chompalot in the first round melee.
- "Embarrassingly little work had been done since the last outing. The only modification being to reverse the previous modification and refit our old radio. The body still had the damage from previous battles. We would argue this made it look battle hardened. The format this year was a four-way melee for the first round with the best two going through to the later rounds. We were in against Chompalot, Stinger, and 13 black. Before the battle we had the usual interview with Philippa this time Ian said a few words. As usual the question of what modifications had we made came up. To cover up our lack of effort spent Ian tried to bluff by saying we had made a few modifications, but Philippa wouldn't let it go so Ian tried to fob her off by saying we didn't want to let the opposition know our secrets. Unfortunately Philippa obviously trying to expose Ian as a complete fraud she pressed the question further. In desperation Ian said that I had modified the Speed Controller to give more power. With the beads of sweat beginning to form she decided to let him off the hook"
- — Team Lobster website[42]
Thermidor 2 started by driving across the arena, to where Chompalot and 13 Black were charging at each other. Chompalot and 13 Black slammed into each other, and as Thermidor 2 closed in, Chompalot turned to face Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 charged between Chompalot and 13 Black, and drove into the front of Chompalot, but failed to get underneath with the flipper, so turned around and drove away a little to turn around for another attack.
- "So, are we watching for 13 Black here, or Thermidor 2, or the seeded Stinger? Great battle!"
- — Jonathan Pearce in the early moments of the battle
Thermidor 2 charged at Chompalot as it drove at 13 Black, but Chompalot drove around 13 Black, causing Thermidor 2 to miss its charge. Thermidor 2 drove down the arena, by an empty CPZ, and Stinger charged down the arena at it. Thermidor 2 turned to face it as it did so, and Stinger drove straight up the flipper. As it did so, it landed a blow on Thermidor 2's top with its mace. Thermidor 2 flipped Stinger over, but this had no effect on the axlebot. Thermidor 2 turned back and forth, but could not longer drive forwards, as Stinger's blow to the top had hit a drive motor directly underneath the armour, bending the motor down and locked up the drive up on one side on the right-hand side.
- "The draw wasn't too bad. In theory this round should have been OK, but disaster struck only a few seconds into the battle. Stinger managed to hit us by accident just catching one of our motors. This left us with drive to only one wheel. Only able to go round in circles we were counted out by the ref bot. ... The bigger disaster was the fact we had now gone out first round two times in a row."
- — Team Lobster website's summary of the battle[43]
Stinger drove over Thermidor 2's flipper as it drove at 13 Black, and Thermidor 2 could only spin in circles as the other three competitors fought each other. Soon, Refbot came over and counted Thermidor 2 out. The House Robots closed in, with Sir Killalot on one side and Dead Metal behind it. Dead Metal got its pincers around it, but as he did so, he put one of his pincers over Thermidor 2's flipper, and Thermidor 2 flipped it off. Thermidor 2 tried to turn away, but drove under Dead Metal's arms.
- "...but Thermidor, they look perplexed! And the Refbot is counting them down an out as immobilised! Funny thing is, I think the weapon's still working. There it is, Thermidor, we'll wait and see... yes it is! Flipped up Dead Metal!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Refbot counts Thermidor 2 out, then Thermidor 2 manages to flip Dead Metal
Sir Killalot grabbed the back of Thermidor 2, but Thermidor 2 slipped out of his grasp as he tried to pull it out from under Dead Metal. Thermidor 2 turned and got its flipper under Dead Metal and flipped it up, though Dead Metal landed on top of it, preventing it from getting away. Dead Metal managed to get off the top of Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 drove at him again, trying to flip him, but Dead Metal turned away, causing Thermidor 2 to miss its flip. Thermidor 2 turned away from Dead Metal, then reversed into him. It drove forwards as Dead Metal turned around, then drove into the pit to avoid further punishment.
- "For me, Thermidor 2's already been counted out. So whatever you see from that robot now... is irrelevant. It certainly is now!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 throws itself into the pit
Thermidor 2 was eventually followed down the pit by Chompalot after it was counted out. As a result, Thermidor 2 was eliminated in Round 1 again.
- "So it is lobster for tea, I'm afraid!"
- — Philippa Forrester to Ian Harvey after the battle
Extreme 2[]
- David Harding: "We're going to hold back, let them destroy themselves and then move in for the kill"
- Philippa Forrester: "Run away basically? Run away until the last minute, where you're going to make it look like you're being aggressive?"
- David Harding: "That's not how we'd describe it"
- — Team Lobster's Annihilator tactics
Thermidor 2 exclusively competed in the Annihilator during Extreme Series 2. Thermidor 2 was against newcomer Typhoon 2, Raging Reality, Revenge of Trouble & Strife, Major Tom and Kan-Opener at first, and went in as one of the favourites to win.
- "It obviously looked bad. Setting our sights realistically we felt that to survive the first round would be an achievement and a significant improvement over our current success rate."
- — Team Lobster website on how they felt at the start of the Annihilator[44]
In the first round, Thermidor 2 started by reversing, as Raging Reality turned and drove at it. Thermidor 2 turned to face Raging Reality and drove at its front, but Raging Reality got its flipper under Thermidor 2's front and flipped it over. Thermidor 2 reversed away from Raging Reality, backing into Kan-Opener, which drove away as Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove into it. Revenge of Trouble & Strife clipped Thermidor 2 with its spinning body, but Thermidor 2 turned away. Thermidor 2 tried to right itself as it turned away, but the flipper failed to turn it over. Thermidor 2 stopped turning, and reversed, and the momentum helped it turn itself over as it fired the flipper. Thermidor 2 reversed as Major Tom drove towards it, bumping into Raging Reality. Raging Reality turned away, and Thermidor 2 reversed towards the arena centre. Raging Reality drove at its side, but Thermidor 2 turned to avoid it, reversing around Raging Reality. Thermidor 2 turned around and drove after Major Tom, trying to get under and flip it, but failed to get the flipper underneath it, so missed with the flipper. As it did so, it pushed Major Tom into Typhoon 2, which was being attacked by Kan-Opener, which punctured the spinning body with its claws. Thermidor 2 reversed as Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove between it and Major Tom. Revenge of Trouble & Strife turned and drove at Thermidor 2. As it did so, Thermidor 2 tried to flip it, but missed as it failed to get the flipper under Revenge of Trouble & Strife. Thermidor 2 drove around Revenge of Trouble & Strife as Kan-Opener drove across the arena. As Thermidor 2 drove at it, Kan-Opener turned to face Thermidor 2. The two drove into each other, with Thermidor 2 getting underneath and flipping Kan-Opener up. Both of them reversed as Kan-Opener fell back down.
- "It's all fairly tentative stuff..."
- — Jonathan Pearce describes the early action as Thermidor 2 flips Kan-Opener, then the two machines reverse away from each other
Thermidor 2 reversed down the bottom from the arena, whilst Raging Reality flipped Typhoon 2 over. Meanwhile, Major Tom had also stopped moving. Thermidor 2 drove back up the arena, chasing after Raging Reality, and after missing a flip, pushed against Raging Reality's side, but Raging Reality drove away. Kan-Opener reversed into Thermidor 2 with its rear ram, and Thermidor 2 turned around and drove after it as it drove past. Kan-Opener reversed around Thermidor 2, backing into it with its rear ram, and Thermidor 2 turned and drove away as Raging Reality drove over. Thermidor 2 drove down the arena, then drove after Revenge of Trouble & Strife. Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove away, but as it did so, it drove onto the edge of the flame pit. Thermidor 2 turned away, driving towards the pit, but Raging Reality drove at it, getting the flipper under one of the claws and flipping Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 somersaulted, landing back on its wheels. Kan-Opener backed into Raging Reality, and Thermidor 2 reversed around the two of them. Meanwhile, Typhoon 2 was counted out by Refbot. Raging Reality got under Kan-Opener and flipped it up, and Thermidor 2 drove underneath Kan-Opener as it fell back down, firing the flipper and turning Kan-Opener over. The battle ended, sending Thermidor 2 to go through to the next round.
- "At least we had made the second round."
- — Team Lobster website[45]
In the second round, Thermidor 2 started by chasing after Major Tom as it drove across the arena. It tried driving around Major Tom, but as it did so, it turned too far and spun on the spot. It turned around, then drove at Major Tom's side and flipped it over, onto Raging Reality.
- "Major Tom takes a tumble! It was an attack from Thermidor..."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Major Tom is flipped by Thermidor 2
Major Tom rolled over, helped by Raging Reality reversing into it, and Thermidor 2 drove into Raging Reality. Raging Reality tried to flip Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 to avoid the flip, but as it did so, it backed into the arms of Kan-Opener. Revenge of Trouble & Strife also drove at Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 quickly drove away as Revenge of Trouble & Strife tried to flip it, causing Revenge of Trouble & Strife to miss with the flip. Thermidor 2 drove to the top half of the arena, keeping away from the other competitors, and Kan-Opener drove after it. Thermidor 2 turned and drove back down the arena as Kan-Opener chased after it, charging at Raging Reality and Major Tom. Raging Reality turned away as Thermidor 2 closed in, and Thermidor 2 rammed into Major Tom, hitting the side and knocking off a large chunk of the front armour.
- "Thermidor, quickly onto the attack. Major Tom sustaining more damage... They're all after Major Tom, it seems."
- — Jonathan Pearce after Thermidor 2 rams into Major Tom
It tried to flip, but fired the flipper under the side without getting it under the side, so missed its flip. Major Tom was caught on one of Thermidor 2's claws, and it tried turning away, and Thermidor 2 reversed, but Major Tom was still caught, until Raging Reality turned into Thermidor 2's side, pushing it free. Thermidor 2 reversed, backing into the wall, and it turned to drive away, but it turned too far, and drove into the angle grinder. Revenge of Trouble & Strife slammed into Major Tom with its spinning body, knocking it towards Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 drove around it to drive at Raging Reality, getting under the side and flipping it over. However, as it did so, Sir Killalot drove down the arena, driving into Major Tom and pushing it into Thermidor 2, bulldozing the two into a CPZ. Thermidor 2 quickly escaped the CPZ, with Raging Reality falling on top of it as it self-righted, rolling off the top. Thermidor 2 tried to drive away from the CPZ, but one of its claws caught on Sir Killalot's claw, and it turned into Sir Killalot's side. Sir Killalot reversed, and Raging Reality drove into the back of Thermidor 2. Raging Reality pushed Thermidor 2, and it tried to turn away, but Sir Killalot was in the way, and Raging Reality pushed it against him. Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove between Raging Reality and Thermidor 2, getting its flipper under the side of Raging Reality and flicking it up, allowing Kan-Opener to reversed under it. Thermidor 2 turned around, driving towards the side wall, and turned and reversed into the wall as Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove at it. Kan-Opener backed Raging Reality into the disc of doom button, and Thermidor 2 tried to get its flipper under Kan-Opener's side, but Revenge of Trouble & Strife got in the way, so Thermidor 2 missed with the flipper and Kan-Opener drove away. Thermidor 2 drove away across the arena, with Kan-Opener chasing after it.
- "Thermidor, backs away to the right, scuttles off into the distance. will come again."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 drives across the arena
Thermidor 2 drove back across the arena, and turned to avoid Revenge of Trouble & Strife's spinning body, but as it did so, it turned straight into the back of Sir Killlalot. Thermidor 2 reversed, but as it did so, Revenge of Trouble & Strife clipped the side with its spinning body, knocking it aside. Thermidor 2 turned away, and drove to the side of the arena, with Revenge of Trouble & Strife driving after it. Meanwhile, Kan-Opener was fighting Raging Reality in the top half of the arena, which suddenly broke down. Revenge of Trouble & Strife got its flipper under one of Thermidor 2's claws and lifted it up, holding its wheels off the floor, but Thermidor 2 slid off. Thermidor 2 turned around to get away as Revenge of Trouble & Strife pushed it, and the two turned to face each other. Thermidor 2 pushed Revenge of Trouble & Strife and tried to flip it, but couldn't get the flipper under the ground clearance, and missed its flip. As the flipper was raised, Thermidor 2 turned a little and tried pushing Revenge of Trouble & Strife to the flame pit, but Revenge of Trouble & Strife pushed Thermidor 2 into Dead Metal. It fired the flipper to push Thermidor 2's flipper off its top, but Thermidor 2 got its flipper under Revenge of Trouble & Strife's flipper and pushed Revenge of Trouble & Strife to the flame pit.
- "We've seen Thermidor locking horns with Revenge of Trouble & Strife, little bit of push from Thermidor."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 pushes Revenge of Trouble & Strife onto the flame pit
Thermidor 2 reversed, backing into the side of Kan-Opener, and Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove off the flame pit. Thermidor 2 drove at Revenge of Trouble & Strife's side, but fired the flipper prematurely without getting it under the side, causing it to miss. Thermidor 2 reversed and turned away, but mistakenly drove straight into the arms of Dead Metal. Dead Metal pushed it against the bottom arena wall, and though Thermidor 2 tried to reverse away, Dead Metal grabbed it, preventing it from escaping. Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove over, and Thermidor 2 turned around in a circle to try and get free, but Dead Metal kept hold. Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove around to Dead Metal's side and got its flipper underneath, lifting him up, allowing Thermidor 2 to get away.
- "Thermidor gets a shove from Dead Metal, away towards the angle grinder and the side walls of the arena, and out of trouble, mainly because Revenge of Trouble & Strife took on the House Robot!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Dead Metal grips Thermidor 2, and Revenge of Trouble & Strife lifts him up
Thermidor 2 turned around, then drove up the arena. It soon turned around and drove back at Revenge of Trouble & Strife, but reversed away without attacking. Major Tom opened the pit, and Thermidor 2 held back from the other competitors. Revenge of Trouble & Strife drove at the back of Kan-Opener, which was holding onto the immobile Raging Reality. As Revenge of Trouble & Strife reversed, Thermidor 2 charged into the back of Kan-Opener, firing the flipper, but only managed to lift it up a little as it was still holding Kan-Opener. Thermidor 2 reversed, and Kan-Opener pushed Raging Reality towards Sir Killalot's CPZ. Sir Killalot pushed Raging Reality away, and Refbot came over to count it out. Thermidor 2 drove up to the top of the arena, whilst Kan-Opener grabbed Revenge of Trouble & Strife. Thermidor 2 turned and drove down the arena, and Kan-Opener pushed Revenge of Trouble & Strife down to the pit and dropped it in, but this did not matter as Raging Reality had been counted out first. Major Tom drove close to Dead Metal's CPZ, and Thermidor 2 drove at it, pushing it to the edge of the CPZ. Thermidor 2 reversed for another charge, and drove back at Major Tom's front as it turned, but Thermidor 2 missed its charge, failing to get its flipper under Major Tom's front and missing with the flipper. Thermidor 2 reversed, but it backed onto the flame pit. Thermidor 2 tried to drive away, but Sir Killalot was pushing the immobile Raging Reality to the flame pit, which blocked Thermidor 2's escape. Thermidor 2 turned off the flames, and got the flipper under the side of Raging Reality, but Sir Killalot lifted it up, so Thermidor 2 could not flip it. Sir Killalot turned and carried Raging Reality to the floor flipper, where it was thrown across the arena, and cease was called, putting Thermidor 2 and the other three through.
- Philippa Forrester: "Thermidor, congratulations! They're all terrified of you! Have they good reason to be?"
- David Harding: "Probably not, no!"
- Philippa Forrester: "No, you're good, you're good! But why are you in bits now?"
- David Harding: "We're just... we had a few little scratches, nothing really serious. Just tidying up."
- Philippa Forrester: "No damage sustained particularly? I saw a little minor dent down here, but no, nothing to worry about? Can you do it? Can you go all the way? Can you beat them? Come on!"
- David Harding: "We're gonna try now, we've had a change of tactics, we've got through the first round, we're gonna really go for it now!"
- Philippa Forrester: "Are you surprised then, is that what it is?"
- David Harding: "Yeah, we are!"
- — Pre-battle interview
In Round three, Thermidor 2 started by driving across the arena, towards Revenge of Trouble & Strife. Thermidor 2 drove around Refbot, and drove into the back of Revenge of Trouble and Strife as it drove at Kan-Opener. Thermidor 2 pushed against the back of Revenge of Trouble and Strife, trying to get its flipper underneath, but couldn't get the end of the flipper under Revenge of Trouble and Strife's ground clearance. Revenge of Trouble and Strife turned away as Kan-Opener pushed it, and Thermidor 2 missed with the flipper as it drove away. Kan-Opener reversed into Thermidor 2 before its flipper closed, but then drove away. Thermidor 2 turned to face Revenge of Trouble and Strife, which was against the arena side wall, by an angle grinder, but Thermidor 2 missed as it charged, driving at the wrong side of the angle grinder, hitting the wall. Revenge of Trouble and Strife drove around the angle grinder, getting its flipper under one of Thermidor 2's claws, but Thermidor 2 reversed to get free.
- "Now, has Revenge of Trouble and Strife... ooh, I thought for a minute there it just had a grip of the lobster's claws!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Revenge of Trouble and Strife gets under Thermidor 2
Revenge of Trouble and Strife turned into the angle grinder, then reversed away. Thermidor 2 started to drive after it, but suddenly, Major Tom charged between the two. Thermidor 2 tried to flip Major Tom, but it didn't have the flipper fully under the front, so only lifted it up a little. Revenge of Trouble and Strife pushed Major Tom, and Major Tom reversed and turned away. Revenge of Trouble and Strife turned back at Thermidor 2, and the two drove at each other, and Thermidor 2 got underneath Revenge of Trouble and Strife and flipped it up. Revenge of Trouble and Strife went up, nearly falling over, but spun around and fell back on its wheels. Thermidor 2 reversed against the arena wall, allowing Revenge of Trouble and Strife to drive away, then drove after it, catching up with it in the arena centre. Thermidor 2 got its flipper under Revenge of Trouble and Strife again and tried flipping it, but only flicked it up a little. Whilst Kan-Opener grabbed Major Tom and rammed it to the top of the arena, and Thermidor 2 got under the front of Revenge of Trouble and Strife and flipped it over.
- "Thermidor has flipped Revenge of Trouble of Strife! Now, will they be able to self-right with the flipper?"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Revenge of Trouble & Strife over
Thermidor 2 reversed, and Major Tom and Kan-Opener charged down the arena, with Kan-Opener driving at the overturned Revenge of Trouble and Strife, and Major Tom drover around to Thermidor 2's front. Thermidor 2 tried to get under Major Tom and flip it, but turned incorrectly, and missed with the flipper. Thermidor 2 drove past Major Tom, but Major Tom drove into its side. Thermidor 2 reversed, and Major Tom chased it for a while as Kan-Opener grabbed Revenge of Trouble and Strife and pulled it down by the pit. Thermidor 2 turned at Major Tom, missing a flip, then continued running away as Major Tom chased it. Thermidor 2 drove around Major Tom, narrowly driving past the front flywheel, then drove by the pit as Kan-Opener left Revenge of Trouble and Strife by the edge of the pit. Kan-Opener reversed over to the pit release button to open the pit, and as the pit descended, Thermidor 2 nudged Revenge of Trouble and Strife over the edge. Major Tom drove at the back of Thermidor 2, and it turned away, leaving Revenge of Trouble and Strife precariously balanced on the edge of the pit. Thermidor 2 drove away from the pit, and Major Tom drove after it. Thermidor 2 turned around as Major Tom got close, and tried to get its flipper underneath, but Major Tom turned and drove away up the arena. Kan-Opener was between Thermidor 2 and Major Tom, so Thermidor 2 turned and drove away as Kan-Opener drove at it, then Kan-Opener finished the battle by pitting Revenge of Trouble and Strife. Major Tom backed in as well seconds afterwards, but it was through with Kan-Opener and Thermidor 2 regardless. Kan-Opener spun on the spot in victory, hitting Thermidor 2 with its claws as it drove close.
In the fourth round, Thermidor 2 started by slowly driving over to Major Tom, but Kan-Opener was quicker, charging up the arena and getting its arms around Major Tom before Thermidor 2 could attack. Kan-Opener pushed past Thermidor 2 as it rammed Major Tom to the top of the arena, pushing it against the middle arena entry gate. Kan-Opener let Major Tom go and turned away, and Thermidor 2 drove at Major Tom. Major Tom turned and tried driving away as Thermidor 2 closed in, but Thermidor 2 quickly got behind it, getting its flipper underneath and ramming it towards the arena wall. Thermidor 2 flipped Major Tom against the arena wall, but its roll-cage hit the side wall, causing Major Tom to bounce off the wall. Major Tom fell onto its top, but it was resting against the arena side wall, and could not roll over. Kan-Opener rushed over, grabbing it in its crushing arms, and pulled it away from the wall.
- "Not exactly a firing squad for the Major, but they're all lining up to have a pop!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 and Kan-Opener attack Major Tom
Kan-Opener turned, and pushed it down the arena, rolling it onto its wheels, then pushed it against the arena wall. Kan-Opener reversed, and drove up the arena, and Major Tom turned and drove away from the wall. Thermidor 2 tried getting under Major Tom's side as it drove across the arena, but Major Tom drove away as it got close. Thermidor 2 kept chasing it, and got close to Major Tom as it turned around, but suddenly Kan-Opener charged at Thermidor 2, blocking it from attacking Major Tom. Thermidor 2 and Kan-Opener reversed, with Kan-Opener backing into Major Tom's flywheel. Major Tom drove to the bottom of the arena, and Kan-Opener followed it, hitting the pit release button. Kan-Opener got its arms around Major Tom, and Thermidor 2 held back as Kan-Opener pushed Major Tom against the wall. Major Tom was left immobile at the bottom of the arena, and Thermidor 2 reversed away as Mr. Psycho drove over to the immobile competitor. Major Tom regained a little mobility, but was only moving on one wheel. Major Tom was counted out by Refbot, and Matilda and Mr. Psycho proceeded to demolish Major Tom, then put it on the Drop Zone. Thermidor 2 and Kan-Opener were therefore the last two surviving competitors.
- "Tee hee, we had a laugh when we had three, but phew, now we're down to two, Thermidor 2 and Kan-Opener go through!"
- — Jonathan Pearce after the battle
Subsequently, Thermidor 2 fought Kan-Opener head to head in the Annihilator final.
- Philippa Forrester: "Now, they've got four tonnes of {grunts and indicates Kan-Opener's crushing arms}, how's he faring?"
- David Harding: "Well, his claws aren't quite so strong as they could be."
- Philippa Forrester: "So they're bent, they don't work, do they?"
- David Harding: "They don't work at all, no!"
- Philippa Forrester: "That's how he's faring! But how much "whoof" have you got?"
- David Harding: "About a tonne."
- Philippa Forrester: "Just a tonne?"
- David Harding: "Yeah, but it's instant, where there's is a bit slow."
- — Pre-battle interview
The two competitors started by charging at each other, and Thermidor 2 flipped Kan-Opener up as it tried to grab hold of it. One of Kan-Opener's arms landed on top of Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 reversed to get out from under it. Kan-Opener reversed, turned and drove down the arena, then turned around and drove back towards Thermidor 2. Kan-Opener tried driving around its opponent, and Thermidor 2 tried to get under the side and flip as Kan-Opener drove by it, but fired the flipper before it was underneath, and missed. As it did so, Kan-Opener got under Thermidor 2 with one of its crushing arms, so Thermidor 2 reversed. Kan-Opener tried to get its arms around one of Thermidor 2's wheels, but Thermidor 2 quickly turned around to avoid it.
- "No robot has ever flipped more opponents out of the arena than this red mean machine, but it comes from the ocean depths, and will it return to the depths of despair here, as Kan-Opener gets it in those greased-up, lobster-crushing claws."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Kan-Opener tries to grab Thermidor 2
Kan-Opener also turned around, hitting Thermidor 2's flipper with its crushing arms as it turned, and Thermidor 2 drove down towards the bottom of the arena. Kan-Opener drove after Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 turned to face it and charged at Kan-Opener. However, as it did so, it tilted up a little, so it drove on top of Kan-Opener's crushing arms. It fired the flipper and fell off, and hit the pit release button. Kan-Opener got its crushing arms under Thermidor 2 and grabbed hold, but it couldn't push Thermidor 2 into the now-open pit, as Thermidor 2 still had one wheel touching the floor, and used it to turn away and struggle against Kan-Opener. Kan-Opener tried turning around to line Thermidor 2 up with the pit for a decisive push, but this allowed Thermidor 2 to turn and drive off the claws.
- "Thermidor trying to get away, look! Trying to get some hold on the arena floor, can't do so! The Kan-Opener has the jaws closed, Thermidor away!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 struggles to get away from Kan-Opener
Kan-Opener kept right behind it, trying to grab hold of it, and Thermidor 2 drove away. However, as it did so, it drove into the arena wall. Kan-Opener drove after it, but as it got close, turned around for another attack. Thermidor 2 reversed and turned away from Kan-Opener, but reversed onto the edge of the flame pit. Kan-Opener quickly drove around Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 tried to flip it as it drove past, but missed. Kan-Opener drove onto the flame pit, but it managed to get its arms around Thermidor 2 as it tried to reverse away from the flame pit, hooking the edges behind a wheel. Kan-Opener turned Thermidor 2 around, and though Thermidor 2 struggled against it, Kan-Opener forced it onto the flame pit, then pushed it against the wall.
- "The tyre looks tattered, to me. In fact, it looks a tired machine, Thermidor 2."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Kan-Opener pins Thermidor 2 against the wall
Kan-Opener pinned Thermidor 2 against an angle grinder and kept hold of it, but as it did so, it was on the flame pit. Kan-Opener was forced to let go of Thermidor 2 and reverse away, and Thermidor 2 reversed up to the top of the arena. Kan-Opener charged at it, and Thermidor 2 drove toward the centre of the arena. Kan-Opener charged after it, and though Thermidor 2 got its flipper under the front and flicked Kan-Opener up with the flipper as it charged at its front, Kan-Opener grabbed Thermidor 2's flipper in its claws. However, this lifted its own wheels off the ground, and Thermidor 2 was able to pull Kan-Opener back, turn it around and push it to a CPZ at the top of the arena. Thermidor 2 slammed it into the corner, then tried reversing away, but Kan-Opener's weight prevented it from getting away.
- "That's good driving by Thermidor 2. This is very close."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 forces Kan-Opener into a CPZ
It fired the flipper, pushed against Kan-Opener, and tried reversing away again, but one of Kan-Opener's crushing arms was still hanging onto the flipper, so it dragged Kan-Opener with it, slowing its escape. Before it could get out of the CPZ, Shunt and Sgt. Bash came over, with Sgt. Bash getting at the side of Kan-Opener, and Shunt blocking Thermidor 2 by getting at its side and axing the top. Thermidor 2 turned out from under Kan-Opener and drove away, but the tip of one of Kan-Opener's arms had become caught in Shunt's side. Thermidor 2 tried driving at Kan-Opener to push it free, but accidentally drove into Sgt. Bash. Thermidor 2 reversed, then drove between Kan-Opener and Shunt, trying to use its flipper to knock Kan-Opener free, but it didn't get enough purchase. Sgt. Bash pushed against Kan-Opener, and Shunt raised his scoop, freeing Kan-Opener's claw from his side. Kan-Opener drove out of the CPZ, straight at Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 flicked it up with its flipper, but Kan-Opener merely fell back down, and kept pushing at Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 got its flipper under one of Kan-Opener's grabbing arms and flicked it up, but this allowed Kan-Opener to grab around one of Thermidor 2's wheels, preventing it from getting away. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, but this did not shake Kan-Opener loose. Thermidor 2 reversed, pushing Kan-Opener against the top arena wall, and struggled to push Kan-Opener off.
- "Thermidor, again trying to get the flipper to work. Close in-fighting there. Very close, very tight, Kan-Opener smashed against the arena side wall."
- — Joanthan Pearce as Thermidor 2 tries to push Kan-Opener off
Kan-Opener held onto one of Thermidor 2's wheels, but Sgt. Bash pushed against Thermidor 2 to push Kan-Opener off. As Kan-Opener drove away, Thermidor 2 pushed against Sgt. Bash, trying to get under the side and flip him, but failed to get its flipper under the side. Sgt. Bash reversed away, and Kan-Opener drove towards Thermidor 2. It reversed for another charge, and Thermidor 2 drove at Kan-Opener's side. It tried to get underneath and flip, but fired too early and missed. Getting one of its claws in Kan-Opener's front, Thermidor 2 pushed Kan-Opener back, and the two struggled against each other, pushing each other around in a circle. Kan-Opener reversed down the arena, and Thermidor 2 drove after it. Thermidor 2 tried to get under the back of Kan-Opener as it turned around, but didn't get the flipper properly under, and Kan-Opener slid off. Kan-Opener drove to the side of the arena, Thermidor 2 turned around, and Kan-Opener rushed over, getting at Kan-Opener's side and getting its arms around Thermidor 2's wheels. Kan-Opener pushed Thermidor 2 to Sgt. Bash, then pinched in Thermidor 2's wheel. Kan-Opener pushed and pulled Thermidor 2, which slipped out of its grasp, but was now only moving on one wheel, spinning around in a circle.
- "Look at the bashed-up effect on Thermidor 2! I'm not too sure if that wheel, as we saw at the far side, is working. I don't think it is."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 is only working on one wheel
Kan-Opener drove at Thermidor 2, but drove onto its flipper, which lifted it up. Kan-Opener reversed for another attack, then drove back at Thermidor 2, getting one arm in a wheel, and puncturing the flipper with the other. It dragged Thermidor 2 to the centre of the arena, and though Thermidor 2 struggled against it, Kan-Opener turned it around so it was facing the pit. Thermidor 2 struggled against Kan-Opener, and fired its flipper, but this allowed Kan-Opener to get the arm that was puncturing the flipper under the flipper, and this helped it push Thermidor 2 over the edge of the pit. With just over four seconds left to the end of the bout, Kan-Opener dropped the limping lobster-bot into the pit of oblivion, becoming the Annihilator champion.
- "Will they go to the judges!? No! Right at the death there, pitted! Kan-Opener the Annihilator champions, Thermidor couldn't quite hold on!"
- — Jonathan Pearce, immediately after his last statement
Series 7[]
- Jayne Middlemiss: "So you are the fourteenth seed this year, what have you done to modify your robot?"
- David Harding: "This year we have added a little 'kick down' piece on the back, just to keep the nose down, we hope that's going to make the difference."
- Jayne Middlemiss: "Is your flipper so powerful that it flips the whole machine?"
- David Harding: "It can lift about a tonne, yeah! We can easily flip 'em out of the ring"
- — Pre-Round 1 interview
Thermidor 2 returned for Series 7, and was granted the fourteenth seed placing due to its status as a veteran and former semi-finalist, despite going out in Round 1 in the two previous wars. Its antennae were reattached and the robot was fitted with a small anti-wheelie device at the back. There was nothing to hint at these previous unsuccessful runs during its first round battle against 8645T 2, newcomer Mobot and Mighty Mouse.
- "Improved from last year with the active wheelie bar. Flipper power improvements. Quick at fifteen miles an hour. Small and strong, but there's a limited CO2 gas supply."
- — Jonathan Pearce on Thermidor 2 in its Series 7 heat
In the battle, Thermidor 2 drove at Mighty Mouse, which drove forwards, which drove towards it. Thermidor 2 hit Mighty Mouse's side, but failed to get underneath. Thermidor 2 turned away, and drove up to the top half of the arena. Mobot turned to face Thermidor 2, but Mighty Mouse drove up to the top of the arena, driving between the two of them. Thermidor 2 quickly drove around Mobot as it drove towards it, and drove at the side of 8645T 2. Thermidor 2 got its flipper under 8645T 2's side and pushed it against the arena wall, then flipped, and 8645T 2 fell onto its back.
- "We've seen the power of Thermidor's flipper in previous wars, and taking on the Beast straight away."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips 8645T 2 onto its back
Thermidor 2 reversed, and 8645T 2 was able to right itself using its axe. Thermidor 2 turned and drove down the arena, away from the other competitors, before driving around Refbot and back up the arena, driving up to the top of the arena at Mighty Mouse. Mighty Mouse reversed away from Thermidor 2, turned, and drove into Dead Metal's CPZ. Thermidor 2 drove after it, but stopped before entering the CPZ, and turned away as Dead Metal grabbed Mighty Mouse. Meanwhile, 86465T 2 was fighting Mobot, and Thermidor 2 drove around to the side of 8645T 2, trying to get underneath. 8645T 2 tried turning away, but Thermidor 2 got behind it, getting its flipper under the back, and pushed 8645T 2 towards the arena wall, and flipped it against the wall. 8645T 2 landed on its side, resting against the wall on its axe, and fired the flipper to get away from the wall, but this left it stuck on its side. Thermidor 2 drove away across the arena as Sgt. Bash drove at the overturned 8645T 2. Thermidor 2 drove across the arena, and when Mobot drove down the arena, Thermidor 2 charged at it. Mobot turned around to face it, and Thermidor 2 got the flipper under its front. Thermidor 2 pushed it towards the arena wall and flipped it against the wall, causing it to topple over the arena wall.
- "Thermidor 2's claws are open to grapple and grasp Mobot, and toss it out! Mobot gone. They were there as cannon fodder they felt, and that's the way it happened..."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Mobot out
Thermidor 2 then chased after Mighty Mouse, which tried turned away, but Thermidor 2 soon drove straight after it, getting at its side and pushing it to a CPZ at the bottom of the arena, then flipped it over, leaving it resting upside-down against the wall. Thermidor 2 drove up the arena, whilst 8645T 2 was counted out, having failed to self-right.
- "Now, was the Beast immobilised before Mighty Mouse was slammed? I'm not too sure. Is Mighty Mouse out of this? The Beast is being counted down, we have seen the power of the number fourteen seeds Thermidor. They know they're through to the second round, and the Beast counted out."
- — Jonathan Pearce
Having immobilised all three opponents, Thermidor 2 spun in victory and fired its flipper, whilst Dead Metal pulled Mighty Mouse back to its wheels. Thermidor 2 drove to the side of the arena at 8645T 2 as Dead Metal closed in on it, and tried to flip, but fired the flipper too early and missed. Thermidor 2 then turned and got the flipper under 8645T 2's side, flipping it back to its wheels. As 8645T 2 started driving despite being counted out, Thermidor 2 drove across to the other side of the arena, near the top arena wall. Thermidor 2 held back, apart from a brief moment where it drove to the arena centre and pushed the immobile Mighty Mouse against Sgt. Bash, before driving away again. 8645T 2 fought with the House Robots, drove down the arena away from them, then drove back up the arena, driving onto the flipper, which threw it down the arena. It tried to push the immobile Mighty Mouse into the pit, but pushed past it and drove straight into the pit. Cease was called, but Thermidor 2 pushed Mighty Mouse into the pit just after the cease was called. Thermidor 2 had convincingly made it past the first round, and Mighty Mouse was also through as Mobot and 8645T 2 were immobilised first.
Thermidor 2 then fought Team Victor's newest machine, The Kraken in the next round.
- Jayne Middlemiss: "Is it going to be a close battle, do you think?"
- David Harding: "It could be, but I hope not!"
- Jayne Middlemiss: "You wanna take them out straight away?"
- David Harding: "Yeah, if we can, that'll be better!"
- Jayne Middlemiss: "How are you feeling then?"
- Ian Harvey: "A little bit more confident than Dave, I think we can have 'em! I think we'll go for trying to get them out of the arena"
- — Pre-battle interview
The Kraken had the quicker start, driving forwards and turning away from Thermidor 2, which turned and drove at The Kraken's side. Thermidor 2 pushed against The Kraken, getting the flipper under one of the wheels and flipping the robot over. The Kraken opened and closed its top jaw to try and right itself, but this failed, and Thermidor 2 pushed it across the arena, flipping it into the CPZ, throwing it against the wall.
- "And we have an intriguing second-round battle, and Thermidor 2 will want to get it over and done with early because of their limited gas supply. Oh, they've flipped The Kraken straight away!"
- — Jonathan Pearce in the early moments of the battle
Thermidor 2 turned, but found itself blocked by Mr. Psycho as he came up the arena to attack The Kraken. The Kraken managed to right itself, but its top jaw had been bent after being flipped. It escaped the CPZ, and drove down to the bottom of the arena. Thermidor 2 tried to drive around Mr. Psycho, but accidentally turned into him. Mr. Psycho drove away down the arena, giving Thermidor 2 space to get away. The Kraken drove up the arena at Thermidor 2, getting its front wedge under one of its claws and pushing it up towards Cassius Chrome's CPZ. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, lifting its front up onto The Kraken's side, and allowing it to fall off the side. Thermidor 2 got behind The Kraken and flipped it against the top arena wall, then reversed.
- "And I think one of The Kraken's beaks, the jaws, is bent. It is, look! ... the original, the very first flip of this contest left that beak bent! No wonder they're amused, David Harding and Ian Harvey, and The Kraken, stunned! Basically, it's weaponry has been made redundant! So it tries a push on Thermidor 2, but Thermidor 2 equal to it, and again bashing!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as The Kraken's weaponry is bent, forcing it to push Thermidor 2
The Kraken fell back to its wheels and got under Thermidor 2, pushing it down the arena, but Thermidor 2 turned off of its front wedge. Thermidor 2 turned around, and The Kraken turned to face it, and The Kraken blocked Thermidor 2 as it tried to drive away from the wall. The Kraken got its front wedge in front of one of Thermidor 2's claws and under the flipper, and pushed it. Thermidor 2 struggled back, and as the two pushed against each other, Thermidor 2 fired its flipper. The Kraken reversed, then pushed Thermidor 2 towards Cassius Chrome, but Thermidor 2 reversed off of The Kraken's front. Thermidor 2 tried to drive away across the arena, but drove into Mr. Psycho, who was out of his CPZ. Thermidor 2 reversed as The Kraken drove at it, and turned around to The Kraken's side. Thermidor 2 got the flipper underneath and pushed it towards the wall. Thermidor 2 flipped The Kraken against the wall, and The Kraken was left stuck against the wall. Thermidor 2 drove under the back and tried to flip The Kraken, but The Kraken was thrown over its top. The Kraken fell onto its side and tried to use its top jaw to self-right, but couldn't. Thermidor 2 pushed The Kraken against an angle grinder and tried to flip it out of the arena again, but failed to flip The Kraken over the angle grinder, and The Kraken fell back to the arena floor.
- "They knocked Stinger and Behemoth out of the ring in the same battle, as Craig was saying, in Extreme, and again they launch themselves at The Kraken, which is in real trouble now!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermiodr 2 tries to flip The Kraken out
The Kraken landed on its back, and managed to tip itself back upright. The Kraken drove around Thermidor 2, driving to the bottom of the arena. Thermidor 2 drove down the arena after it, and The Kraken turned to face it as it closed in. Thermidor 2 got under the front and flipped The Kraken over, then backed into the pit release button. The Kraken could not self-right, and Thermidor 2 drove around to the base and pushed it towards the pit. It tried to flip The Kraken into the pit, but this threw The Kraken away from the pit, landing on its wheels.
- "Thermidor 2 has the battle surely won, and it'll be over now... oh! Well, almost! It tried for the big expansive thrust down the pit, and it didn't quite come off for them."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 tries and fails to flip The Kraken into the pit
The Kraken drove up the arena, and Thermidor 2 drove after it. The Kraken nearly drove into Refbot, and Thermidor 2 got behind it, so The Kraken tried pushing past Refbot. Refbot reversed, but this blocked The Kraken as it tried to drive around Refbot, until Refbot stopped, turned and reversed. Thermidor 2 drove behind The Kraken, but fired the flipper before getting it underneath, so missed. The Kraken drove away, turning and driving up the arena, and Thermidor 2 chased after it. The Kraken drove down the arena, with Thermidor 2 following it, and drove around Refbot, then drove to the top of the arena. Thermidor 2 caught up with it near the top of the arena, getting the flipper under the side and flipping it over onto its back. Thermidor 2 used one of its claws to hold The Kraken as it pushed, but it reversed for another charge, giving The Kraken time to us its top jaw to tip it back onto its wheels. The Kraken tried turning away as Thermidor 2 drove after it, but Thermidor 2 kept right behind it. Thermidor 2 tried to flip it, but failed to get the flipper under the back properly and only flicked it up a little. The Kraken drove into Mr. Psycho's CPZ, and though it quickly reversed out before the House Robot could attack, it backed straight into Thermidor 2, which got under the side. Thermidor 2 turned The Kraken around and pushed it down the arena, but accidentally pushed it into Refbot, allowing The Kraken to turn away. Thermidor 2 turned, and The Kraken mistakenly drove straight onto the flipper, which threw it over, onto its side. Thermidor 2 pushed The Kraken down to the bottom of the arena, slamming it against the bottom arena wall, but this turned it back upright.
- "Improved from the last wars, they needed to improve, and they could be worthy contenders for the title."
- — Jonathan Pearce on Thermidor 2 as it pushes The Kraken down the arena
Thermidor 2 reversed, and drove out of the CPZ, driving around the pit, but The Kraken was too slow to get away as Mr. Psycho came over to the CPZ. It narrowly missed a hammer blow by turning away, and drove straight at Thermidor 2, driving up the flipper, allowing Thermidor 2 to turn it over again. Thermidor 2 turned around, and started pushing The Kraken towards the pit. After stopping to line itself up better, Thermidor 2 pushed The Kraken to the edge of the pit, then turned around and finally pushed it in.
- Craig Charles: "They were quite a heavy robot."
- David Harding: "We tried to get them out of the ring quite a few times, they just weren't going, were they?!"
- Craig Charles: "How many flips have you got on that before it runs out?"
- David Harding: "It's only round about 15, it must have been almost out, we couldn't have had a lot left in there."
- Craig Charles: "Yeah, 15's not that good compared to some of the flippers can do 40!"
- David Harding: "We use so much gas each flip, that's why its so powerful, it's a trade-off really!"
- — Post-battle interview
Thermidor 2 was through to the Heat Final, where the fourteenth seeds faced Mighty Mouse again.
- Jayne Middlemiss: "You are the favourite to win this final, but he has been very lucky, Mighty Mouse!"
- David Harding: "He's a quick little robot, he can nip about! Whether we can catch him remains to be seen."
- — Pre-battle interview
The two competitors drove forwards, but Mighty Mouse swerved to avoid Thermidor 2, driving up the arena. Thermidor 2 turned around and drove after Mighty Mouse as it stopped by Sir Killalot's CPZ and turned around. Mighty Mouse drove towards Thermidor 2, trying to turn and drive around it. Thermidor 2 got at Mighty Mouse's side and tried to flip, but the flipper wasn't properly under Mighty Mouse, so it merely managed to flick it towards Sir Killalot.
- "Thermidor tries a flip, nearly overturned actually. That's okay, will be able to self-right very easily."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Mighty Mouse to Sir Killalot
Thermidor 2 turned and drove towards the arena centre, whilst Mighty Mouse reversed away from Sir Killalot. Mighty Mouse turned around, and Thermidor 2 drove at it, getting the flipper under the side of its front spikes, but as it turned, one of its claws hit Mighty Mouse's side, giving Mighty Mouse the chance to get off the flipper and drive away, causing Thermidor 2 to fail to flip Mighty Mouse as it drove past, only lifting up a tiny bit. Mighty Mouse drove down the arena and turned around, and Thermidor 2 chased after it, nearly getting under the side, but Mighty Mouse drove off the flipper before Thermidor 2 could fire. Mighty Mouse turned and drove across the arena, with Thermidor 2 chasing it. Mighty Mouse nearly drove onto the flame pit, but stopped and reversed. Thermidor 2 was still chasing it and got close as it turned, and nearly got under the front as it reversed, but Mighty Mouse turned to avoid the flipper. Mighty Mouse reversed back down the arena, with Thermidor 2 chasing it. Mighty Mouse stopped and started driving forwards, which allowed Thermidor 2 to catch up, but as it turned and tried to get the flipper under the side, it turned too far and missed with the flipper. Mighty Mouse slid off the flipper, drove around Thermidor 2, driving to the (closed) pit. As Thermidor 2 started driving after it, Mighty Mouse drove up the arena. Thermidor 2 chased it up the arena, but as it got close, Mighty Mouse turned to avoid Thermidor 2, driving around Thermidor 2. Thermidor 2 turned around and drove after it. Mighty Mouse stopped as Thermidor 2 closed in, but before it could get away, Thermidor 2 got under its side and flipped it over to Cassius Chrome's CPZ.
- "It is "Catch me if you can!". isn't it?"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Mighty Mouse into Cassius Chrome's CPZ
Thermidor 2 drove up the arena as Mighty Mouse drove away from the House Robot, and turned to face Mighty Mouse as it charged up the arena at it. Mighty Mouse drove straight onto Thermidor 2's flipper, and Thermidor 2 flipped Mighty Mouse up into the air, but it landed back on its wheels. Mighty Mouse drove to the side of the arena, driving into an angle grinder. Thermidor 2 drove after it, and Mighty Mouse drove down the arena, before turning and driving around the flame pit and Refbot. Thermidor 2 chased after it, also driving around Refbot, and Mighty Mouse drove over the flame pit and down to the bottom of the arena. Thermidor 2 tried chasing it, but drove into Refbot. Mighty Mouse drove around Thermidor 2, but nearly drove into Refbot's side as he reversed. Mighty Mouse turned away as Thermidor 2 drove at it, driving to one of the arena's top corners. Thermidor 2 drove after it, and Mighty Mouse turned around. It tried escaping down the arena, but drove into the arena wall. As it turned away from the wall, Thermidor 2 got under the side and flipped it over. Mighty Mouse landed on its side, and its rollbar allowed it to roll down.
- "You can't play hide and seek in the warzone! Boo, let's play peek-a-boo, oh run away, here I am, I've gone, over here!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Mighty Mouse runs away from Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 catches it with the flipper
Mighty Mouse drove up the arena, staying away from Thermidor 2, but accidentally drove into Sir Killalot's lance. It reversed, but then drove into the CPZ. Seemingly having steering issues, it turned around on the spot instead of driving out, then drove into the corner. It managed to reverse out of the CPZ, and backed across the arena, bumping into Refbot, and drove into the opposite CPZ. It drove forwards out of the CPZ, but Sir Killalot was driving across the arena, and Mighty Mouse drove straight into him. Sir Killalot drove onto its rear discs, and Thermidor 2 held back as Sir Killalot reversed, trying to get off, but pulling Mighty Mouse Back with him. Sir Killalot drove forwards, pushing Mighty Mouse, and as he couldn't get off, pushed Mighty Mouse into the arena wall. Sir Killalot used his claw arm to push down on the arena wall, lifting himself off of Mighty Mouse's discs, and Thermidor 2 rushed in as Sir Killalot reversed, before Mighty Mouse could get away. Thermidor 2 got under Mighty Mouse's side and flipped it, and Thermidor 2 drove into it, helping it to roll back to its wheels. Mighty Mouse mistakenly drove into the wall, and as it tried to reverse away, Thermidor 2 got its flipper under Mighty Mouse and flipped it again, though didn't turn Mighty Mouse over.
- "I saw a mouse. Where? There, without a prayer! Oh I don't know, bouncing away. Y'know, the longer it goes on, they'll hope that Thermidor 2's CO2 runs out!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 flips Mighty Mouse, which rolls over and runs away
Mighty Mouse rushed across the arena, then turned around, driving over the flame pit, and charged at Thermidor 2. As Mighty Mouse drove at Thermidor 2, Thermidor 2 turned and got under the side. Thermidor 2 pushed Mighty Mouse over to the arena wall, and flipped it against the wall. Mighty Mouse landed on its top, and rolled back onto its wheels. Mighty Mouse drove away from the wall, and Thermidor 2 reversed into its side. Thermidor 2 drove forwards, and Mighty Mouse drove down to the bottom of the arena. Thermidor 2 drove after it, and Mighty Mouse turned to face it. Thermidor 2 got under Mighty Mouse's front and flipped it up, but Mighty Mouse rolled over. Mighty Mouse drove up the arena, with Thermidor 2 chasing after it. Mighty Mouse nearly drove into Sir Killalot's CPZ, but stopped, then reversed. Thermidor 2 tried to get its flipper under Mighty Mouse's side as it passed, but the flipper had not properly closed after its last flip, so it couldn't. Mighty Mouse reversed across the arena, and Thermidor 2 drove straight at it, but Mighty Mouse got its spike under Thermidor 2's flipper, which was still partially open.
- "...they're in underneath, momentarily they were underneath the wedge of Thermidor 2, underneath the flipper! They couldn't make it count."
- — Jonathan Pearce as Mighty Mouse gets under Thermidor 2's flipper
Mighty Mouse and Thermidor 2 drove to the top of the arena, where Thermidor 2 got under Mighty Mouse's side and pushed it into Sir Killalot, only for Mighty Mouse to immediately drive away from Sir Killalot, and for Sir Killalot to bulldoze it away from the CPZ. Thermidor 2 drove across the arena, then turned and drove down the arena, whilst Mighty Mouse drove into the middle arena entry gate. Its steering was no longer working, so it could not turn away from the wall, merely driving back and forth along it. Thermidor 2 drove up the arena, but held back from attacking it. Mighty Mouse reversed into Sir Killalot's CPZ, and Sir Killalot pinned it against the wall, and blocked it from escaping using his lance, but as he reversed, the end of the lance scraped Mighty Mouse's front, pulling it away from the wall just enough to get away from the wall. However, it backed into the CPZ, and Sir Killalot used his lance to lift Mighty Mouse up, hooking under the rollbar, and carrying it across the arena. Thermidor 2 stayed away as Sir Killalot held Mighty Mouse over the flame pit, then spun it around. Mighty Mouse hit the floor with its front spikes as he did so, allowing it to slide off the lance. Thermidor 2 backed into the pit release, and Mighty Mouse reversed towards it, then drove away up the arena. Thermidor 2 moved away from the pit release button, but was driving slowly and erratically. Mighty Mouse reversed back down the arena, driving between Thermidor 2 and the pit, and Thermidor 2 got under the side again. It tried to flip Mighty Mouse into the pit, but only managed to get the edge of the flipper, so could only flick it up a little. Thermidor 2 tried to push Mighty Mouse into the pit, but Mighty Mouse turned around. In the last few seconds, Thermidor 2 rammed Mighty Mouse across the arena, and slammed it against the arena wall. The two competitors reversed away as Cease was called. Against all odds, Mighty Mouse survived to a Judges' decision, but the outcome was obvious to everyone.
- "I hope it goes to the Judges technically! I hope they last four seconds, three seconds, two seconds. Come on! Go to the Judges! Make them work! I think we know the decision, don't we? We all do, surely?"
- — Jonathan Pearce in the last few seconds
Thermidor 2 went through to the Series Semi-Finals for the first time since the Fourth Wars.
Thermidor 2's impressive run ended very quickly in its first round battle of the Series Semi-Finals, where it fought eventual champion Typhoon 2, a robot it fought in the Extreme 2 Annihilator. Before the battle, the team admitted they were nervous about their opponent, having heard of the damage it had done in previous rounds.
- Jayne Middlemiss: "They're pretty powerful, and they ripped Iron-Awe to shreds in their last bout, absolutely took it apart!"
- David Harding: "I know!"
- Jayne Middlemiss: "How are you going to defend against that?"
- Ian Harvey: "We are just gonna try and get in quick, and hopefully flip them over before they have a chance to get their weapon up to speed."
- — Pre-battle interview
In the battle, Thermidor 2 had the quicker start, rushing across the arena towards Typhoon 2, but as it did so, Typhoon 2 drove down the arena, and managed to dodge Thermidor 2 as it charged at it, all the while getting its body up to speed. Typhoon 2 drove away from Thermidor 2, which turned around and drove after it. As it did so, Typhoon 2 drove away towards the side of the arena, and when it got close, Typhoon 2 quickly rushed up the arena, stopping close to Sir Killalot's CPZ. Thermidor 2 chased after it and soon caught up, but Typhoon 2 was up to full speed, and hit Thermidor 2's flipper, sending it into a spin. Typhoon 2's spinner came to a stop, and it drove across the arena, hitting one of Thermidor 2's claws as it did so, and pushing past as it drove to the centre of the arena. Typhoon 2's first hit had left Thermidor 2 immobile, the impact having hit the motor magnets into the cooling fan[46].
- "You can feel the effect of Typhoon 2's slam from up here, and I think that is done for Thermidor 2! That is immensely powerful!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Typhoon 2 immobilises Thermidor 2
Typhoon 2 had got its spinning body back up to speed, and it slowly approached Thermidor 2. It hit the rear of Thermidor 2, but the cutting blades passed under Thermidor 2's curved back. Typhoon 2 then clipped Thermidor 2's side as it spun, knocking it into the CPZ. Typhoon 2 landed another blow on Thermidor 2, this time hitting the flipper, but the spinning body was slowing, so it drove away to the arena centre. Shunt drove up from the bottom of the arena to attack Thermidor 2, hitting the top with his axe, puncturing the armour. Shunt lifted Thermidor 2 with his scoop, and landed more blows on its top, creating a large hole. Shunt reversed as Sir Killalot came over to the CPZ. He tried to grab the back, but let go and reversed out of the CPZ as Refbot came over to the CPZ to count Thermidor 2.
- "Oh dear, punctured by Shunt! How much work has gone into this? How many hours? How many hopes, as they fought through their Heat in terrific style, yet again. They reached the Semi-Finals of the Fourth Wars, they were beaten by Pussycat there, and now the lobster has fallen foul of the flying phantom that is Typhoon 2!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 is axed by Shunt, then counted out by Refbot
When his count was finished, Sir Killalot came into the CPZ, grabbing the back of Thermidor 2 with his claw and lifting it up. Sir Killalot carried Thermidor 2 down the arena, and dropped it onto the flame pit. After letting it burn for a moment, Shunt pushed Thermidor 2 off the flame pit, and Sir Killalot backed it onto the floor flipper. Thermidor 2 was thrown across the arena, and as it landed, Shunt charged into it. Shunt tried to axe Thermidor 2, but Thermidor 2 rolled away as Shunt slammed into it, causing Shunt to miss his axe blow. Thermidor 2 was then pushed to the Drop Zone, with Refbot backing it to the spot. A washing machine was dropped onto Thermidor 2, and Cease was called.
- Craig Charles: "Talk me through it, it was just the first hit!"
- David Harding: "It's not going to take long is it?"
- — Post-battle interview
Series 8[]
- "This lobster-shaped robot, with a powerful pneumatic flipper. It can lift 2,300 kilos, the weight of an average Rhinoceros. Has a team of David and Ian, who were best men at each other's weddings, showing that teams that play together, stay together!"
- — Jonathan Pearce introduces Thermidor 2 before the battle
Thermidor 2 was among the returning Classic Series competitors appearing in Series 8, competing in Heat E. Here, it was drawn against two veterans from the original series, Iron Maidens champion Chompalot and Team Outlaw's new robot, Ironside3 and newcomer Pulsar. Thermidor 2 had fought Team Cookie Monsters and Team Outlaw, in Series 6 and Series 7 respectively.
- Angela Scanlon: "Are you confident?"
- David Harding: "...We're confident of something!"
- Angela Scanlon: "What is that?"
- David Harding: "We're gonna lose!"
- Angela Scanlon: "Oh no! (Laughs)"
- David Harding: "No, no, I mean "We're gonna win"!"
- — No confidence from Team Lobster before the battle
Upon the Group Battle starting, Thermidor 2 was quick to avoid both of the spinner-wielding machines, driving after Chompalot as it drove after Ironside3. Chompalot chased Ironside3 into Shunt's CPZ, but Ironside3 turned and escaped the CPZ. Chompalot turned away from Thermidor 2 as it drove into the CPZ after it, but in doing so, drove closer to Shunt. Thermidor 2 pinned Chompalot against Shunt's scoop, and Shunt axed Chompalot, landing a couple of blows on the wings. Thermidor 2 tried to get under Chompalot with its flipper, but failed to get under the side, so when it fired its flipper, it missed.
- "...and immediately Chompalot into the CPZ! Thermidor pushing in there as well, but the CPZ is owned by our House Robots!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Thermidor 2 pushes Chompalot against Shunt
Thermidor 2 turned and reversed out of the CPZ, and Shunt pushed Chompalot out of the CPZ. However, as it reversed out of the CPZ, Ironside3 was nearby, and clipped Thermidor 2's left wheel as it passed, the impact causing the wheel to seize and leave the two-time Semi-Finalist partially immobilised. Thermidor 2 was left spinning around by the arena spikes, and Chompalot drove after it, pushing it towards the wall. Thermidor 2 turned around and tried to flip Chompalot, but failed to get its flipper fully under the front, so could only flick it up a little. Chompalot got under Thermidor 2's front before it could close the flipper, pushing it against the wall, then ramming it over to Shunt's CPZ. Shunt landed an axe blow on Thermidor 2's wheel, puncturing it.
- "And Chompalot, pushing in on Thermidor 2, and Thermidor 2 vulnerable to attack. If that outer skin is punctured, they're in real trouble!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Chompalot pushes Thermidor 2 against Shunt
Ironside3 hit Chompalot's side with its spinning bar, forcing Chompalot to retreat, and Thermidor 2 got out of Shunt's CPZ. It was spinning in circles in an empty CPZ opposite Shunts, and Chompalot charged at it. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, but missed as it was not underneath, and Chompalot pushed it against the arena wall. Thermidor 2 stopped moving completely, and was left immobile between the two CPZs. Ironside3 slammed into it with its spinning bar, knocking it to the edge of Shunt's CPZ. Chompalot drove into Shunt's CPZ, and received an axe blow, but quickly rushed out of the CPZ, pushing past the immobile Thermidor 2 as it did so. Thermidor 2 fired the flipper, but it missed as Chomaplot had passed.
- "Thermidor 2, though the flipper is working, the flipper's working but there's no-one else at home, and they are smoking now!"
- — Jonathan Pearce as Chompalot pushes past the immobile Thermidor 2
The three mobile competitors ignored Thermidor 2 for most of the rest of the battle, apart from a brief moment when Ironside3 drove into it whilst turning around, having driven away from its opponents to line up another attack. In the last few seconds, Thermidor 2 regained some mobility, spinning around on one wheel, but it was too late, as it was already eliminated from the competition having been immobile for too long, whilst the other three robots went to a Judges' decision.
- "Step forward everyone who thinks they're still in, not so fast Thermidor! You're going nowhere!"
- — Dara Ó Briain
Although the decision was given in favour of Ironside3 and Chompalot, Thermidor 2 came near to a second chance when Chompalot withdrew from the competition after its devastating loss to Gabriel. The Judges had to pick between Thermidor 2 and Pulsar to be reinstated in Chompalot's position, but ultimately Pulsar was chosen, having been mobile throughout the battle, and shown more aggression.
- "Thermidor didn't really do much, we had to choose Pulsar."
- — Dr Lucy Rogers
Results[]
THERMADOR - RESULTS | ||
Series 3 | ||
The Third Wars - UK Championship Heat, Round 2 | ||
Heat M, Round 1 | vs. Plunderstorm | Won |
Heat M, Round 2 | vs. Scutter's Revenge | Lost |
Wins/Losses[]
- Wins: 15
- Losses: 9
Series Record[]
Main Series | Thermidor 2 Series Record |
---|---|
The First Wars | Did not enter |
The Second Wars | Did not enter |
The Third Wars | Heat, Round 2 |
The Fourth Wars | Semi-Finals, Round 1 |
The Fifth Wars | Heat, Round 1 |
The Sixth Wars | Heat, Round 1 |
The Seventh Wars | Semi-Finals, Round 1 |
Series 8 | Heat, Round 1 |
Series 9 | Did not enter |
Series 10 | Did not enter |
Robot Wars Extreme | Appearances |
Series 1 | Entered |
Series 2 | Entered |
Gallery[]
Outside Robot Wars[]
Thermidor 2 would appear at a few live events outside of Robot Wars. The Series 5 Thermidor 2, in an unpainted state, was present at the Mad Machines and Roboteers event held at the Inspire Science Centre in Norwich in 2001 along with Cassius 2.[47][48] Both versions of the robot would also appear on display at a 2002 event. Thermidor 2 is known to have been in attendance at the Robot Rumble event in April 2003, though who it fought at the event is unknown.[49]
Thermidor 2 appeared at the 2004 Newark Kit Car Show as a static display and took part in the Manningtree 2005 charity event, fighting in a melee against Chaos 2, The Steel Avenger, IG-88, Kat 3, Lightning and Iron-Awe 3, but lost after breaking down.[50] Afterwards, the team entered a hiatus, with Thermidor 2 remaining in one piece in Ian Harvey's shed until they returned in Series 8.
David Harding revealed on an Inside the Bot podcast episode that he planned to build a new version of Thermidor 2, named Thermidor 3, after Series 8. According to Ian Harvey, Thermidor 3 was '80% completed' for Series 10, however the team missed the applications deadline to apply for the series.[51]
On 13 April 2024, the partially-complete Thermidor 3 appeared on display at the Minibeasts In The East beetleweight event in Norwich, alongside team members David Harding and Ian Harvey. The robot featured smaller internal wheels and lacked armour panels, while sporting the original flipper design and wedge-shaped claws used by Thermidor 2's later incarnations. It was confirmed that the third incarnation was originally planned to enter Series 9, but not selected to compete. The claws used on the Series 4 Thermidor 2, along with the original Mini Metro wheels and a rear armour panel from the Series 5-7 iteration, were also on display.[52]
Appearances in Merchandise[]
- Thermidor 2/Robot Wars: Metal Mayhem
- Thermidor 2/Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction (GBA)
- Thermidor 2/Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction (PC/Xbox)
Trivia[]
- Thermidor 2 was sponsored by David Harding's employers Fluke, who let them use their workshops and provided parts.[53] The robot was also sponsored by Norwich Sheet Metal[54].
- "We made the first one and they became interested when they saw it on TV. They let us use one of the R&D workshops (normally used for prototype instruments) to build them (where we can used a big hammer without upsetting anyone.) There's a guillotine and a metal bender. They bought us the motors and batteries and let us use the company's Vauxhall Zafira to get to events."
- — David Harding, interviewed in Ultimate Real Robots magazine
- A smaller, weaponless version of Thermidor 2 was also built as a practice robot before Extreme 2, so that Dave Harding could practice driving the robot after Ian Harvey left the team. It was featured alongside the Series 4 and Series 5 versions of Thermidor 2 in Ultimate Real Robots Magazine[55].
- "As Ian had been the main driver in the past Dave also constructed a model of Thermidor out of MDF and using a couple of old wheelchair motors and the speed controllers used in series IV. This model was controlled in exactly the same way as the big robot. By practicing every night Dave's skill was improving. Just before the filming Thermidor was taken outside and the last practice was with the real thing. The handling was the same, and after all that practicing the driving wasn't bad."
- — Team Lobster on the practice Thermidor[56]
- The original Thermador was one of sixteen competitors from The Third Wars to appear in Robot Wars: Metal Mayhem, but was mistakenly called "Thermidor 2".
- Thermidor 2’s final win in its career, against Mighty Mouse in Series 7, was its sole victory via judges’ decision, ending a 14-fight streak that had begun in Series 3.
- When the Series 4 version was tested in captain David Harding's kitchen, it made a huge dent in the radiator.
- Thermador and Thermidor 2's first appearances put them up against Semi-Finalists from the previous year in the first round, Plunderstorm and Gravedigger, both of whom it defeated. Ironically, its next two appearances put it up against first round dropouts from the previous year, Prizephita Mach 2 and 13 Black, both of whom it lost to.
- During the original run of the show, Thermidor 2 made the Series Semi-Finals in both years that Philippa Forrester was not the pit reporter, a pattern it shared with X-Terminator.
- On both occasions that Thermidor 2 won its heat, Kronic the Wedgehog was in the same heat.
- Thermidor 2 is one of four UK Series Semi-Finalists to have made the finals in non-sequential series (doing so in the Fourth and Seventh Wars). The other three robots to do so are Tornado, reaching the semi-finals of the Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Wars; X-Terminator, which reached the semi-finals of the Fourth and Seventh Wars; and Behemoth, which reached the semi-finals in the Second Wars and the Grand Final of Series 10.
- Christopher Snowling was listed amongst the team members in Series 5, but did not appear on television.[57]
- Thermidor 2 is one of eleven robots to have fought in five or more series of Robot Wars' initial run, having fought in Series 3 through 7. It shares this pattern with S.M.I.D.S.Y., Bulldog Breed, Team KaterKiller, Team Big Brother, Team Ming, Team Scutterbots, and X-Terminator.
- Ian Harvey is the cousin of YouTube and former Channel Awesome comedian Stuart Ashen. Thermidor 2 is actually referenced by Ashen in a review as part of his POP Station Watch series.
- Strangely, according to Thermidor 2's statistics board for Series 5, its weakness was labelled as "Experienced Competitors", something that would be a strength.
- Thermidor 2 and Plunderbird are the only robots to have reached a semi-final of at least one series and yet lose in the first round of three other series. Coincidentally, the two fought each other in Thermador's first appearance.
- Thermidor 2 is the only robot with more than one semi-finals appearance to bear this unfortunate statistic.
- Thermidor 2's Round 1 losses in Series 6 and 8 saw it placed in a battle featuring Chompalot and a horizontal spinner (13 Black in Series 6, Ironside3 in Series 8). Coincidentally, these heats also featured a thwackbot that reached the Heat Final, and lost on a judges' decision.
- Thermidor 2 and Gravedigger are the only two robots to reach a Semi-Final and then subsequently lose in the first round of the next two series they fought in. Coincidentally, Thermidor 2 was partly responsible for Gravedigger's defeat in Round 1 of The Fourth Wars.
- Thermidor 2 was the only semi-finalist from Series 4 to lose in the first round of Series 5.
- The only House Robot which never shared the arena with Thermidor 2 was Growler.
- Thermidor 2 was one of four robots to have been seeded despite losing in the first round of the previous series. The others were Killerhurtz, Stinger and Plunderbird 4.
- Of those four, Thermidor 2 was the only one to have been seeded in Series 7; the other three were all seeded in Series 4.
- Thermidor 2 only never fought Killerhurtz nor appeared in the same episode as it at some point.
- It also received the highest seed of the four, at number 14.
- Thermidor 2 was the only robot to beat Dreadnaut and not lose its next battle.
- Thermidor 2 was the only robot in Heat 5 of Series 8 not to fight Gabriel.
- If Thermidor 2 had been chosen to be reinstated instead of Pulsar in its Series 8 heat, it would have fought Beast in its first head-to-head in a rematch from Series 7.
- Thermidor 2 was the only robot in the Extreme 1 Flipper Frenzy not to fight Chaos 2 again at any point - Wheely Big Cheese fought it in Series 3 (as The Big Cheese) and the Extreme 1 All-Stars and Bigger Brother fought it in Series 5.
- Mobot was the only robot thrown out of the arena by Thermidor 2 that never won a heat.
- Thermidor 2 was the only fourteenth seed to reach the Semi-Finals in the series in which it was seeded as such, doing so in Series 7.
- Thermidor 2 was the third of six robots to win a heat by defeating two seeded robots in a single episode. It shares this with fellow Series 4 semi-finalists Dominator 2, Tornado and Splinter, as well as S3 and Bigger Brother from The Fifth Wars.
- Despite being red in Series 8, all of Thermidor 2's photos are orange.
- Thermidor 2 is one of three robots to have made the semi-finals on more than one occasion and not advance past the first round. The other two are Spawn Again and Wheely Big Cheese.
- Thermidor 2 is the only one of the three to have not taken part in a Losers' Melee for a chance to advance into the second round.
- Thermidor 2 fought the other two at some point (fighting Team Scutterbots in Series 3 and Wheely Big Cheese in Extreme 1, though they attacked the House Robots rather than each other).
- For unknown reasons, Thermador was not introduced in Philippa's pit report in Series 3.
- In an interview in Ultimate Real Robots magazine after Series 7, David Harding claimed he was planning to copy Gravity's internals to increase the power of the flipper for an intended Series 8, though the show was cancelled before these changes could be made[58]
- "Gravity makes use of a high pressure buffer tank at 1000 psi, that gets rid of the usual bottleneck problem between the main reservoir and the ram."
- — David Harding in Ultimate Real Robots
- In the same interview, he also mentioned plans to remove the pincers, have the wheels enclosed by armour, and improve the armour, but these plans were never implemented.[59]
- Thermidor 2's elimination from Series 8 was the only occasion in which it lost in the Heats and did not get pitted.
- During later appearances, Thermidor 2 featured in the same Heats as three of Team Outlaw's robots - Velocirippa in Series 5, Mighty Mouse in Series 7 and Ironside3 in Series 8. Of those three, Velocirippa was the only one not to have fought it.
- In Series 8, Thermidor 2 fought two teams that it had fought before in the original series, and had it made it past the Group Stage battle, it would have fought a third, Beast.
- Thermidor 2 made a cameo appearance in Extreme Warriors: Season 1/Civil War
Honours[]
Nominations
- Best Design Award - Robot Wars: The Fourth Wars
- Best Design Award - Robot Wars: The Fifth Wars
Honour | ||
First robot to throw two robots out of the arena in one battle |
References[]
- ↑ < Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Design (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots magazine, issue 71, page 13
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots magazine, issue 71, page 13
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Robot Wars: The Official Robot Guide
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 71, Page 13
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 72, Page 13
- ↑ SoundCloud - Inside the Bot, Thermidor 2
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Team (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Team (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Team (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 71, Page 14
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Team (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - The Team (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots magazine, issue 71, page 13
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (Archived)
- ↑ YouTube - Robot Wars: Flipper Frenzy (Extended Battle and Uncut Interview)
- ↑ YouTube - Robot Wars: Flipper Frenzy (Extended Battle and Uncut Interview)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 72, Page 12
- ↑ BBC website - Norfolk - Science
- ↑ BBC website - Norfolk - Science
- ↑ International Robot Rumble 2003 - Savage Toaster website
- ↑ Team Lightning website detailing Manningtree 2005
- ↑ Public YouTube comments between SFCJack and Ian Harvey, 21 May 2022
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialRobotWars/posts/2428168277462923/
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 71, Page 14
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Home (archived)
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 71, Page 13
- ↑ Team Lobster website - Diary (archived)
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLSygXvHPxI
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 72, Page 12
- ↑ Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 72, Page 15
External Links[]
[]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|