This is the best TV show I've seen for a VERY long time. Every episode was riveting. Like all Sylvester Stallone's projects it was SO simple, but pushed all the right buttons, provided 1st class entertainment - and made a fortune. If I wore a hat I'd sure take it off in respect. The basic 'plot' was bringing together 16 of the world's finest Middleweight boxers, the only condition being none of them had ever got the chance to fight for a world title. One by one they fought each other until only 2 guys remained, and the winner received $1,000,000. Each one of these brave young men had an equal chance to be "the contendor". The drama in each installment was un-rivalled. Who can ever forget how "underdog" Alfonso Gomez picked the strongest opponent in the first episode - and won, or how Anthony (Mr Selfish) Bonsante got his just desserts in spectacular style, or the come-back of Peter Manfredo. Fantastic. Every one of these athletes (even Bonsante) deserved a million dollars and I admit I shed a tear or two when I heard what happened to Najai. He had a beautiful family.
Stallone & Sugar Ray made all 16 of these guys feel like stars and i reckon 99% of schoolteachers will be green with envy at how an actor and a boxer managed to bring out all this talent and potential in so short a time. Even though we all know who won I'd happily watch the whole show again. It was THAT good. My final thought, Sly, if you're reading, how about re-making the show next year with heavyweights? I give The Contendor 9 out of 10.
Stallone & Sugar Ray made all 16 of these guys feel like stars and i reckon 99% of schoolteachers will be green with envy at how an actor and a boxer managed to bring out all this talent and potential in so short a time. Even though we all know who won I'd happily watch the whole show again. It was THAT good. My final thought, Sly, if you're reading, how about re-making the show next year with heavyweights? I give The Contendor 9 out of 10.