Episode 3: A pyjama of solutions

Episode synopsis

In this episode, the contestants must bring in something that doesn’t get the respect it deserves, reach the front gate without triggering an alarm, eat a lemon without changing their facial expression, make time stand still, get a slice of bread into a toaster from as far away as possible, squeeze orange juice into a bowl using only the items they’ve unknowingly selected for the purpose, and make their rubber gloves and galoshes as heavy as possible. The guest contestant is Mafalda Creative.

Title context

During the ‘Make time stand still’ task, Ana ‘Pipoca’ García Martins refers to a burning bucket full of clocks as “a pyjama of solutions”. The word ‘pyjama’ in this expression is used in a similar way to the English word ‘hodgepodge’.

Taskmaster Intro

Stretch forth the red carpet for the stars of this sort of Globos de Ouro ceremony, celebrating stupidity and futility, which, as in this legendary SIC award show, has one award category by excellency. Behold this award, how it is excellent! A gold-foiled version of my head, my noggin. My head which, in its original format, is gold-foiled on the inside! It’s all gold. [Markl: I mean, not literally gold-foiled on the inside.] Why not? [Markl: Because that’d most likely imply serious health problems, and even an inability to host any kind of TV programme.] It’s metaphorical gold, alright? Made of intelligence, wisdom and, above all, a lot of modesty. Thank you for that, Markl. Welcome, everyone, to another episode of Taskmaster!

Note: The Globos de Ouro (Golden Globes) is an annual awards ceremony in Portugal, broadcast on the SIC TV channel, issuing awards in categories relating to cinema, theatre, music, and fashion.

Assistant Intro

Beside me is a man who, just a short while ago, confided in me that the reason he has dogs is because with all his work, he doesn’t always have time to feel a human’s tongue. Sometimes, the touch of another animal’s tongue is the best thing there is.

Taskmaster's Sign-off

Snap your fingers and the time stops. It’s silent.
Except for a siren, because you didn’t stay quiet.
Life can play you for a sucker. Instead,
Just play basketball with a toaster and some bread.
If life gives you lemons, don’t squeal.
Make a pretty face and eat it – even the peel.
I hope you find someone you love, who’ll favour
Making juice with a lawnmower, or with a fish scaler.