Episode 2: The dong and the gong

Episode synopsis

In this episode the contestants must bring in the heaviest shoebox-sized item, surprise Alex when he emerges from his shed, release Alex from some handcuffs, create an upside-down self-portrait using condiments, burst all of the balloons, and unravel an entire roll of sellotape.

Title context

'The dong and the gong' was how Alex Horne described Al Murray's attempt at the 'Surprise Alex' task.

Alternate Titles

• On Denmark's TV2 Play streaming platform, this episode is titled 'Gynteren og gongongen', which translates as 'The dong and the gong'. The word 'gynter' is a slang word in Danish, which can be used to refer to a large nose or penis. The word 'gynteren', then, is somewhat equivalent to 'the dong'.
• On Finland's MTV Katsomo streaming platform, this episode is titled 'Penis ja gongi', which translates as 'The penis and the gong'. [Translator credit: zador]
• On Sweden's SVT Play streaming platform, this episode is titled 'Bränna ljuset i båda ändarna', which translates as 'Burn the candle at both ends'. This is a reference to the 'Melt the candle' task. [Translator credit: DANI]

Taskmaster Intro

Hello there! I'm Greg Davies and this is Taskmaster. Five of the nation's most competitive comedians are going head to head in hope of winning my head in all its golden glory. Yes, at the end of all five episodes, one of them will be awarded the Taskmaster trophy and that person's career will at last take off. Let's meet our contestants.

Assistant Intro

And next to me, on his slightly smaller throne is Alex Horne.

Taskmaster's Sign-off

And what have we learnt today, then? Well, what we've learnt is if Alfred Hitchcock wanted to make the end of Psycho really scary, he should've shoved a jet washer in that old woman's hands. And of course, we've also learnt that against the odds, our winner tonight is Rob Beckett! Well done! Thanks, everybody, and goodbye!