Unforgettable Gifts for Greg Davies—The Taskmaster Way
When tasked with buying the ultimate gift for the majestic Greg Davies, contestants of the first series of Taskmaster didn’t just rise to the occasion; they launched themselves into the realm of bizarre gift-giving like it was a trampoline park. Tim Key opted for book tokens, which, surprisingly, is not a hint to stay indoors all day. Frank Skinner presented glasses that allowed you to view the sordid details of the universe behind you—because who wouldn’t want an existential crisis on demand? Roisin Conaty gifted a live mouse, because nothing says “I care” like small furry creatures that inspire panic. Meanwhile, Josh Widdicombe tattooed Greg’s name on his foot, marking a pivotal moment when the show leaped solemnly into the chaotic abyss it now embraces. Truly, a culinary adventure in friendship and questionable choices. – LM
Physically Recreate a Classic Computer Game (S7, E10)
Here, we enter a task that was less about gaming and more about a chaotic explosion of creative madness. Rhod Gilbert took on Space Invaders, tossing tennis balls as if he were preparing for a picnic in the crossfire. Kerry Godliman’s Tetris created a minor meltdown, while Jessica Knappett piloted her own Mario Kart to questionable results. Yet, the crowning achievement belonged to James Acaster’s GTA rendition, which involved meticulously mimicking jump movements and—oh, horror—actually assaulting Alex Horne in a way that made onlookers question the ethical implications of their entertainment choices. Spoiler alert: Game over never felt so tragically hilarious. – RF
Give Alex a Special Cuddle (S5, E1)
This task teetered dangerously close to inappropriate joy. Aisling Bea introduced her “Sexy Cuddle Bot 5000” in what can only be described as a misguided attempt at creating a day spa. Nish Kumar fashioned a pillow for a more… intimate embrace. Watch as Sally Phillips treated Alex like a cake coupon, inadvertently suggesting he might just be the world’s most undervalued piñata. But the pièce de résistance was Bob Mortimer, who engaged Alex in a wrestling match within the confines of his own car boot. “Can you turn your arse towards me?” Bob inquired with a gleefulness that only comes from stranger danger. If awkward cuddles existed in a hall of fame, this would be the first inductee. – LM
Surprise Alex When He Emerges from His Shed in One Hour (S3, E2)
Taskmaster’s knack for chaotic brilliance shines when comedians brainstorm shocking ways to startle a friend. I mean, who wouldn’t want to kidnap Alex Horne’s children? Al Murray’s strategy involved a pants-less saga of shrieking gongs and air horns, while Paul Chowdry went the Midsummer Murders route, hiding conclusively in a box. The highlight? A caffeine-addled Rob Beckett dressed as an elderly lady, pelting Alex with a pressure washer in a fit of maniacal laughter. It was shocking, unusually relatable, and utterly side-splitting. What can we say? The absurdity of comedy at its finest! – ED
Eat as Much Watermelon as Possible (S1, E1)
The inaugural Taskmaster task involved contestants consuming watermelon as if their lives depended on it. Roisin Conaty took her sweet, frustrating time, diligently carving the melon while her competitors devoured their burdens like ravenous hyenas. Romesh Ranganathan escalated matters by smashing his melon as one would a pumpkin on Halloween, leaving a watermelon battlefield behind him, not to mention a vomit-inducing aftermath. It was simple, it was ludicrous, and it set the hysterical tone for what was to come: a horrifically marvelous ride of laughter and absurdity. – LVG
Get All the Rubber Rings on Your Bargepole (S15, E1)
Finally, on series 15, we encounter the highly anticipated barge task, which will be remembered less for its novelty and more for its glorious incompetence. Frankie Boyle and Jenny Eclair’s attempts can only be described as nautical calamities; Boyle managed to catch one rubber ring, while Eclair created a delightful new definition of “crashing.” Meanwhile, Mae Martin treated it like a motivational seminar, proclaiming, “I feel so alive!” In the end, it was pure comedic chaos, complete with phrases like “brace brace” and someone oddly singing, “one/two/four on a bargepole for meee.” Who says you need skill to be entertaining? – ED
Write and Perform a Song about This Woman (S5, E8)
And in the apex of Taskmaster creativity, we venture into a musical challenge where Bob Mortimer croons, “Rosalind. Rosalind. Rosalind’s a nightmare…” It’s an anthem that paves the way, blending absurd inquiries with cunning lyrical genius, leaving audiences wondering if they’ve stumbled onto an avant-garde theatrical performance. With contributions from Nish and Mark that rival professionalism, the real treat emerged from the “Products of Conception,” who managed to rhyme “dreamier” with “septicaemia.” Yes, dear readers, that was the birth of greatness. Every contestant dazzled, reminding us why we tune in: to witness chaos incarnate. – LM
Mark your calendars, folks! Taskmaster series 16 kicks off September 21 at 9 p.m. on Channel 4, where future contestants might just challenge what it means to be ‘funny’—assuming any fail at basic tasks.
