American Gladiators "Episode 210" (2008)

Well the semi-finals are here as we leave behind all the crappy gimmick episodes and the unworthy contenders as the season's best compete for the championship. I'm guessing that this year's winning contenders won't be moving onto Gladiator status next year as Jet and Rocket did this year. Maybe the other new Gladiators took all the open spots or the producers figured that more lackluster Gladiators (although Rocket is awesome on the Wall) wouldn't help ratings as much as human interest stories that grip the hearts of the audience. Well either way the semi-finals have eliminated all the wannabes and just left us with the top contenders which makes for more gripping events and tighter Eliminator races. It's the light at the end of the tunnel we've waited all season for and it's certainly been a more entertaining episode than the last few.

Atlasphere makes it's long-awaited return in this episode and I wish it had kicked off the episode rather that then the usually lackluster RocketBall. I know ever since season one of the new series started my friend and I always wanted to see the event with the giant metal ball cages, an iconic image in American Gladiators history. They previews have been teasing its return since before the second season started and it finally made its much delayed debut in the first episode of the semi-finals. It's a pretty straightforward event with the contenders and Gladiators in 650 pound cages in the shapes of spheres which the contenders must roll onto sensors mounted on small hills on the floors while the Gladiators try to knock them out of the way. It must be really gruelling to get those cages moving, let along getting over that small hill if you don't have enough momentum. It was certainly a welcome addition to the current line-up and I hope it replaces some of the other events which just are a waste of space.

A new Gladiator also makes make his debut in this episode, another addition that's been teased for weeks. The ferocious and caged Beast steps onto the scene taking his trial by fire with Joust where he easily dispatches both contenders. Beast and Wolf? Kind of an overlap in personalities but I guess Wolf is the showman for the audience and Beast is just the out of control wild animal that gets the dirty work done. Too early to say how much of an impact he has made on the viewing audience but at least his premiere is more memorable than many of the other Gladiators introduced this season. So far only Phoenix has displayed any real staying power in being both a hard-hitting competitor and easy on the eyes to boot (get rid of that man voice though).

Tim once again set a record in the Eliminator and should secure a spot in the final round as it looks more and more like only he can beat himself in the Eliminator. I have to say he's come far from how I first perceived him but it's a testament to how rapidly circumstances can change in the competition when one person gives it his all at the final stage. Tim is okay in my book and I certainly would be pleased to see him secure the male contender championship for this year.

Favorite moment: Brick steps back into the competition when Alexander, the all-American hero, has to drop out because of a broken finger. I'm not taunting. Well, maybe I am a little. For someone who barely was able to squeeze into the semi-finals, he's pretty cocky going into the Eliminator telling Tim he's going to have to take him down. Is Brick aware he's competing against the first seed? I understand keeping an optimistic outlook on your chances but Brick, buddy, you didn't even qualify and you're talking trash. The fact that Brick is determined not to have egg on his face and Tim's super speed made for one of the most tight Eliminator races this season.