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johngambon
Reviews
Legends of the Hidden Temple (2021)
The Revival Review
Ok, so after watching some of the first few episodes, I have decided to give a review on my thoughts on the show, with trying to stay in order of the shows production
First some general information. I do love how the show is outside although it does have the con of bad weather delaying production. Being outside though gives it a jungle theme they claim to have and while they may not be necessarily in the jungle, it is better than always being inside.
Next there is the host, Cristela Alonzo. Now, she is a good host and does a good job at what she does but the only problem I have though is that I wish they would've brought back Kirk fogg. It is the equivalence of replacing bob barker on the price is right with Drew Carrey. Drew is a fantastic host, as is Cristela on Legends, and I have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AGAINST THEM, but Bob and Kirk are the og's here, so I do wish they would bring Kirk back for more than just cameos.
Last thing I'll say before the set up portion. I find the interviews and personal info to be unnecessary. Reason being is because some of these teams don't make it far. In the original show, Kirk would interview those who made it to the temple games. That is where we got to know them and see if they're talents could pay off. But we hardly get to know someone if they don't cross the moat. Also when they put a commercial in the middle of the temple run, that was sad. I don't find it necessary to do so. Sure it builds up the suspense but so does player number 2 going in with only 90 seconds to go. Commercials then at that moment are not ok.
Now onto the set up. The main issue here is that there is so much to do in one challenge. The most crossing has multiple parts to it which while it does not make it difficult for people to follow, gives away the original concept of simply getting across a moat with a raft or going across on a slide or something like that.
The steps of knowledge stay the same and that makes me very happy! However it should be noted that the story of the legend is told throughout the episode, not just at the steps of knowledge and during the explanation of the temple games.
Speaking of the games, there are only two games and don't expect half pendants. The rules state that after two games, if there is a tie, they go to a tie breaker question, and that determines who goes to the temple. The set up for the games are long and sophisticated unlike the set up in the 90's. Understandable that being adults they can accomplish more, but with all the rules and procedures throughout the games, almost made it not worth watching.
Lastly, there is the temple. New layout with some similar rooms. Btw happy to see the monkey has returned. The new layout and challenges are great and exciting to see what it will take to get through the temple. But then there are the guards. Now the guards in the 90's scared me a little bit, but these guards scare me even more. The company, in my opinion, overproduced their entrance, which was unnecessary. Just have them come out, startle the contestant, have them take their pendant (or escort them out the temple) and move on. And also the original temple run music is gone, and I love that music
So overall, the show is ok to watch but I wouldn't recommend for little kids or people wanting to see the og cast. They did bring back Dee Bradley Baker for the voice of Olmec, and as stated Kirk does make some cameos, but I just wasn't impressed. I wish they'd just bring the show back for kids and set it up the same way it was done in the 90's. I hope the production team understands these factors that mad me give this review and wish them all the best.