Deadliest Warrior

[Sighphi]

spoilers:

Dude, despite my initial bet of the Monks winning, a ways into the episode I then thought the Maori would win due to having a 3-category weapon advantage over the Shaolin. But I forgot that technology (steel > wood/bone) also played a vital role in this show.

end of spoilers

All-and-all, seeing both the Maori and Shaolin weapons in action on the testing ground made the ep worth it.

spoilers:

As i was watching the ep i also started to want the Maori to win but...... there is HISTORICAL FACT, unlike what was said in the show, of Shaolin monks while extremely outnumbered putting up a serious fight. So if we even take out the technology i still think that one Monk can take out several Maori dudes

end of spoilers

And yeah, the Maori weapons were really cool and nasty.

[passer-by]

The weapons comparison was like Steel Age meets Stone Age.

Or in other words Jet Li meets Fred Flintstone. And it was very well demonstrated that skill outmatches brute force. That's the biggest win-loss difference in the show so far - almost 70-30 %.

[Tien Long]

spoilers:

I was very surprised with the results, since throughout the entire show, the scientists and doctors all stated that the Maori had the weapons which delivered the killing blows. Thus, it was very, VERY surprising to see that the Shaolin won in the end, mainly due to the Hook Swords.

end of spoilers

This had to be one of my favorite episodes this entire season. I think from the opening montage, when you saw both the Shaolin and Maori weapons just smashing pots, bones, and ballistics gel dummies, you knew that this was going to be a very violent show.

In terms of what was presented with the Shaolin, I had been familiar with alot of the weapons displayed, though had never seen them tested in such a way. Indeed, seeing the Spinning Spikes COMPLETELY eviscerate that human head (holy CRAP those eyes were skewered the hell out!) to the Chain Whip cracking all of those jars with such velocity, i realized that such weapons really are weapons and not made solely for graceful Wushu demonstrations. Liked the short mention of the horse stance, and how one had to hold it until a stick of incense burns out (and trust me, those incense sticks take quite a while to burn down.)

As for the Maori, after this show, I definitely have a profound respect for their warrior culture. Seeing Sala Baker use the Polynesian weapons to smash through bricks and that cow skull was so awesome, especially considering they were made out of very natural elements. There was something oddly appealing about the "haka" dance, as every movement and technique seemed to exude ferocity. Coincidentaly, I think that the Maori and Chinese fighters had a lot more in common that what was mentioned. The Maoris' discussion of worshipping ancestors reminded me very much of the importance of ancestors in Chinese culture.

Still, there were some issues I had with the Shaolin. For instance, the practice of branding of the forearms with the dragon and the tiger has been disputed. Matt Polly in his book "American Shaolin" has stated that the monks he trained with at the Shaolin temple dismissed such a practice as a fabrication. Also, in the simulation fight, the Shaolin monk uses a Meteor Hammer i.e. rope with a metal weight attached at the end. That weapon WASN'T tested during the show. Also pissed that, while they showed them in action, the scientists didn't include those ring blades in the final fight.

Still, thought the show was cool. Nice contrast b/w two warrior cultures. Indeed, I think you could see that contrast towards the end of the show when Alfred Hsing and Sala Baker kinda get into a argument.

Can't wait for Shaka Zulu vs. William Wallace next week!

[Tien Long]

Just thought i would post the link to a preview of next week's episode, William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu. Here's a demonstration of the Claymore:

http://www.spike.com/video/sneak-peek-testing/3173479

What's got me giddy about this episode is the fact that one of my favorite fight choreographers, Anthony De Longis is going to be featured! Anthony specializes in a variety of weapons, especially Western swords and fencing. Here's a demonstration of his work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O1Cs...e=channel_page

[nervmeister]

Indeed, seeing the Spinning Spikes COMPLETELY eviscerate that human head (holy CRAP those eyes were skewered the hell out!) to the Chain Whip cracking all of those jars with such velocity, i realized that such weapons really are weapons and not made solely for graceful Wushu demonstrations

Yeah. For me too, the emei piercers were the gruesome highlight of the episode. Not to mention the hilarious commentary on them from the analysts.("Fuck man! What the fuck was THAT?" and "I thought Shaolin monks were supposed to be passive!") LOL.

[Tien Long]

Hey all, just saw the latest episode, William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu, and I must say it was one of my favorites. In terms of history and culture, it was an interesting match-up. There is a definite poetry in the idea of a Scottish rebel vs. a Zulu king.

As for the weapons tested, MAN, loved them all! For the Scottish weapons, I definitely got the sense of "one-shot, one-kill" and power. Seeing the Claymore just decapitate three heads so effortlessly and slice through the Ishlangu shield, or the War Hammer crack and pierce skulls with such strength was awesome. Seeing guys like Kieron doing the "smack talk" in his thick Scottish accent, calling Iwisa "a wee little stick" was very funny.

However, totally, TOTALLY loved the weapons and fighting tactics from the Zulu representatives. Seeing the quick cuts and piercing power from the Iklwa blade (going through chain mail) and the MASSIVE cuts in that side of beef from the Zulu axe was exhilirating. Seeing the Iwisa smash through the glass was cool as well. Underlying all of that, however, I liked the mentality of the Zulu warriors, keeping fast and mobile and striking at odd angles. Found myself chanting "ZULU!" along with them.

spoilers:

Very surprised with the final match. After seeing the Zulu weapons tested, I totally thought Shaka was going to win. Guess I shouldn't have doubted the power of the Claymore, which racked up the most kills

end of spoilers.

Anyway, soon Deadliest Warrior will have its final episode for the season, with IRA vs. Taliban. Turns out it WILL NOT show next Tuesday, but rather be broadcast this Sunday, May 31st, at 9 PM. Can't wait!!!

[passer-by]

Hey all, just saw the latest episode, William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu, and I must say it was one of my favorites. In terms of history and culture, it was an interesting match-up. There is a definite poetry in the idea of a Scottish rebel vs. a Zulu king.

Couldn't have said it better. Making things personal with famous individuals adds a bonus to the excitement of watching them fight.

One of my favourite episodes as well.

I'd rather they give up the fights like those of episodes 5,6 and 9 and stick to fights like in episodes 1-4, 6 and 7.

Yakuza/Mafia, Spetsnaz/Green beret, IRA/talibans - don't really care who the winner is, because it could be either one and it would be acceptable in both cases. In those match-ups with such similar weaponry there is no suspense for me.

Unlike Apache/Gladiator, Viking/Samurai, Spartan/Ninja, Pirate/Knight, Shaolin/Maori, William Wallace/Shaka Zulu - those were genuine shows, both spectacular and intriguing with the differences in weaponry.

[Tien Long]

Couldn't have said it better. Making things personal with famous individuals adds a bonus to the excitement of watching them fight.

One of my favourite episodes as well.

I'd rather they give up the fights like those of episodes 5,6 and 9 and stick to fights like in episodes 1-4, 6 and 7.

Yakuza/Mafia, Spetsnaz/Green beret, IRA/talibans - don't really care who the winner is, because it could be either one and it would be acceptable in both cases. In those match-ups with such similar weaponry there is no suspense for me.

Unlike Apache/Gladiator, Viking/Samurai, Spartan/Ninja, Pirate/Knight, Shaolin/Maori, William Wallace/Shaka Zulu - those were genuine shows, both spectacular and intriguing with the differences in weaponry.

I see your point. However, i've appreciated all the episodes so far mainly b/c of the action and fighting, regardless if the warriors share weapons and strategies which are similar to one another. Furthermore, when you look closer at the fighters who share similarities, you'll notice that there are differences. Green Berets didn't roll and dodge like the Spetnaz do. Mafia's bats certainly were different from the nunchucks of the Yakuza. So, in a way, there's still the conflict of differences, and that's interesting to me.

However, I agree with your other point. When you have fighters who's differences are a much more distinct, whether in terms of weapons, culture, or tactics, that REALLY is cool. Furthermore, I like your "favorite matches" list also mainly b/c of the time periods from where these fighters come from. I'm more of an "ancient" and "premodern" history buff, rather than a more modern one. Like seeing guys go up close and fight sword to sword.

Also, just rewatched the William Wallace/Shaka Zulu match, and I'm still gushing over it. Very impressed to see the speed of the Zulu (ZULU!) fighters, especially in the Spit of Poison demonstration, though I think a bit more credit should have gone to the Scottish Warhammer. From the tests, I think it's a very versatile weapon, as it smashed and pierced really well. Didn't catch this before, but when the Warhammer spiked through the gel skull, it actually penetrated through the skull into the hard palete of the mouth !

Hope this show gets renewed for a second season. Been thinking of some matches and warriors I'd love to see featured. Genghis Khan vs. Alexander the Great. Roman Centurions. Aztec Jaguar Knights. Texas Rangers. British SAS. Navy S.E.A.L's. And of course, the contest of champions amongst the past winners. The choices and combinations are endless and exciting.

[Jamal]

Great episode it seemed poor Shaka shared the same fate as the Ninja; one weapon he couldn't around the Claymore. Just like the Spartan's shield there wasn't much the Zulus could do to get past it.

Still it was great seeing all the Zulu weapons demonstrated to there full protental. Aside from some shows on Stick Fighting ( Which they were practicing in the background ) I've only read about indigenous African fighting system and it was good to see visualy what I've been picturing in my head.

This along with the Moari and Apache episodes put a light on three fighting arts that mostly likely would have stay hidden outside of their communities.
( There is a show on the History Channel called Warriors that has a episode on Zulu warrior culture but I haven't seen it yet.)

Also I knew William Wallace was a bad ass but good god that's somebody I would have never wanted to face on the battlefield. The Claymore alone would have made me have second thoughts and the ball chains was just brutal when it hit. The Brits are really lucky he and his warriors never made it to england.

[Tien Long]

. Still it was great seeing all the Zulu weapons demonstrated to there full protental. Aside from some shows on Stick Fighting ( Which they were practicing in the background ) I've only read about indigenous African fighting system and it was good to see visualy what I've been picturing in my head.

Yeah, seeing those Zulu weapons demonstrated was great and I wish there was a bit more time devoted to seeing the usage of the stick fighting. It definitely reminded me of Filipino martial arts, though it was odd to see how some of them gripped the stick, as the hand held the weapon in the middle Turns out that is somewhat related to the usage of the shield:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_qgilAJi4U

This along with the Moari and Apache episodes put a light on three fighting arts that mostly likely would have stay hidden outside of their communities.
( There is a show on the History Channel called Warriors that has a episode on Zulu warrior culture but I haven't seen it yet.)

I know, right? I love the fact that the show is highlighting fighting cultures that are not very well known. In the process, were seeing martial arts that at once are unique and at the same time, share commonalities with other styles.

[Atom_basher]

i liked the shaka zuku, william wallace epiosde, and while i do agree with the outcome, i think that the effectiveness of the poison spit was severely underplayed

[Rabid Trekkie]

i liked the shaka zuku, william wallace epiosde, and while i do agree with the outcome, i think that the effectiveness of the poison spit was severely underplayed

I think that the poison spit and the ninja powder were played down more because you can't really test its effectiveness. I mean they can't really use it on a person or animal without getting into more trouble than they know what to do with, so they assume it's akin to pepper spray.

As for the last two eps, they were some of the most fun I've had watching tv. The Shaolin's twin hooks was one of the most impressive things I've ever seen. I've seen those in books but never saw how they were supposed to be used. That cut through the torso when he hooked them together shocked the hell out of me. Even with that though, I still expected the Maori to take it what with the devastating power of their stone weapons. I now look at stone weapons completely differently.

I was also surprised with the Zulu weapons. Admittedly I know next to nothing about African warfare, but I had no clue that they had metal weapons before the British moved in, or such a disciplined fighting style. I still expected Wallace to win, a pissed off Scot with a claymore is a hard thing to beat, but I have a new found respect for Shaka and the Zulus.

Is this show getting a second season?

[Tien Long]

Is this show getting a second season?

Max Geiger gets this question asked alot on Twitter. He says that if fans want to see a second season, they should contact Spike at <spike-feedback@spike.com> and tell them so. Off to write a request right now!

[Jamal]

My pick for person vs. person would be Alexander the Great vs. Genghis Khan.

Who would be your pick?

[Robotech Master]

The Season finale premiered on Sunday after a marathon. IRA vs. Taliban, a surprising matchup, though despite the controversy I thought their picks for representatives were good choices; its not like actual Taliban people were there, just counter-terrorists who have knowledge about them.

I was rooting for the Irish mainly just because I'm half Irish, so it was nice to see them win. Close match though. I think its up there with the Samurai vs. Viking for closest.