The TWT - a peculiar event

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 152062

> >>Geoff:
> <snip>
> Looking at the question of points again, it is not normal for a 
> competition which is effectively a knockout contest. where one 
> person alone gets the prize at the end, to have aggregated points 
> during its currency.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
It kind of reminds me of the Tour de France.  That race has one 
winner.  But it's done in stages, and the rank you achieve in one 
stage effects your standings in the next stage.  Like how Cedric and 
Harry were able to go into the maze first.  They started the third 
task with an advantage, because of the points they'd earned.

> >>Geoff:
> Another oddity, which has been commented on in the past by other 
> contributors I believe, is the spectator element. The pupils turn 
> out to the side of the lake to see what? They see four contestants 
> jump into the lake and disappear under the water. So they chat     
> among themselves about the weather and taxes and the standard of   
> Hogwarts food until eight people surface at various times from the 
> depths of the lake. Exciting stuff

> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
Not all sporting events are spectator friendly.  My sister's doing a 
triathalon in a few weeks and she's wanting me to go along and makes 
it a "sisters' weekend".  I'm desperate for us to be allowed to 
bring husbands, because oh my goodness, triathalons are boring for 
spectators.  (Except for the brief moments of excitement when they 
switch from one event to another.)

I'm betting Bagman kept up a running commentary (not necessarily of 
the race itself).  And one of the things I liked in the media that 
must not be named was the band playing at the Maze event to keep the 
crowd pumped.

> >>Geoff:
> That apart, there could easily have been a serious injury or death 
> in the first task if one of the four made an error of judgement in 
> approaching their dragon. Harry was cut and Cedric burned on the   
> face.  

Betsy Hp:
Which reminds me of NASCAR.  (Um, that's a car racing thing, for 
those not of the US. <G>)  People do die in that competition if they 
make an error of judgement.  (Actually, people have died in the Tour 
de France too.)

And that's not even counting rodeos, which are a sporting event and 
do pit man against large, quick moving and dangerous beasts where 
one moment of error can lead to serious injury or death.

> >>Geoff:
> <snip>
> No, the TWT is quirky and contains actions which are effectively 
> redundant and would get very little TV air time in the 21st       
> century real world.

Betsy Hp:
The TWT *is* quirky.  I won't deny you that.  But it does contain 
elements of sports that do get some air time.  (More in some areas 
than others.)

For what it's worth. (Shout out to Steve! <g>)

Betsy Hp