Richard's sneaky loophole

Richard immediately goes into analytical mode, re-reading the task brief to identify a smart solution.

He then ascends the hill without any balls, fetches the yoga mat from the top, and returns to the bottom with it. He then places all the balls on the mat at the lower altitude, apparently satisfied that he has solved the task that way.

Back in the studio, Greg questions whether Richard is a genius, or whether his attempt should be disallowed. Everyone is convinced that the task brief states that the balls must be on the top of the hill, but Alex has already consulted with Susie Dent (lexicographer, etymologist, and media personality, best known for her role on the television show Countdown).

According to Alex, Susie stated that the wording of the task was “open to interpretation”, and that Richard’s interpretation of it was “unusual, but not impossible”.

Joe Wilkinson attempts to impugn Susie’s testimony on the matter by suggesting she was probably drunk. However, Greg decides to trust in Susie’s expertise and reward Richard’s creative solution to the task.

Alex does not reveal, in the episode, what Richard’s actual time was, but it was clearly faster than anyone else, as he is awarded first place in the task.

(Written by Karl Craven)

(Illustrations collected and adjusted by: Karl Craven)