Robot Week (TV story): Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Story | {{ImageLinkTV}} | ||
{{Infobox Story SMW | |||
|image = The Robot Reveal.jpg | |image = The Robot Reveal.jpg | ||
|main character = [[Hacker | |main character = [[Bl1nk Bot 3]] | ||
| | |featuring = Hacker T Dog{{!}}Hacker T Dog | ||
|setting = [[CBBC]] | |featuring2 = Karim Zeroual (in-universe) | ||
|network = | |setting = [[CBBC HQ]], [[2016]] | ||
|release date = | |network = CBBC | ||
|release date = 24 - 28 October 2016 | |||
| | |clip = Doctor Who TARDIS reveals CBBC's new robot! | ||
}} | }} | ||
''''' | The [[CBBC]] content block '''''Robot Week''''' was broadcast to coincide with the October half-term holidays in [[2016 (releases)|2016]]. | ||
It | It began with the licensed appearance of [[the Doctor's TARDIS]] on [[Monday]] [[24 October (releases)|24 October]], which was used to create the [[robot]] [[Bl1nk Bot 3]] who acted as a CBBC co-presenter for the remainder of the week. | ||
== Synopsis == | == Synopsis == | ||
[[Hacker | [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] and [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Karim]] borrow [[the Doctor's TARDIS]] with the intention of finding a winner to their design a [[robot]] competition. However, the TARDIS actually creates [[Bl1nk Bot 3|a functioning robot]] and after Hacker and Karim return home it decides to stick around in [[Salford]] too. | ||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
''to be | === Monday: 3:55PM<ref>[https://twitter.com/HackerTDog/status/790539830845435904 Twitter]</ref> (Hacker and Karim) === | ||
[[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] and [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Karim]] are at the desk of [[CBBC HQ]] sorting through piles of [[robot]] designs that the viewers of [[CBBC (in-universe)|CBBC]] have sent in, unsure of what to do with them now. Hacker recalls he has "[[Twelfth Doctor|a friend who might just do the job]]" and lets out a call, causing [[the Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] to materialise close by. Hacker explains [[the Doctor]] "always lets [him] have a play when he's busy" and that the TARDIS will take the designs and make their new [[metal]] [[friend]]. | |||
Hacker and Karim enter the TARDIS. Karim is overwhelmed by the size and beauty of it but is still unsure how to proceed. Hacker tells him to show the TARDIS the viewers' designs as "she'll know what to do next". Karim searches to no avail causing the TARDIS to communicate with Hacker, telling him to feed the designs into [[TARDIS control console|the console]], which he translates for Karim. Karim obeys and pulls a lever to begin the process which makes the TARDIS materialise. | |||
Hacker and Karim both desperately push the [[button]]s on the console, eventually culminating in the TARDIS returning to CBBC HQ. The TARDIS has also produced [[Bl1nk Bot 3|a robot]], who immediately scarpers upon revealing himself to the duo. They chase the robot out of the TARDIS and it dematerialises once again. | |||
Hacker and Karim both examine the robot, with Karim wondering if he can use it to charge his [[phone]] but it refuses. Hacker asks if they can keep him to which Karim responds "I guess so". The robot then questions why, despite having the oppurtunity to travel through [[time]] and [[space]], he was brought by Hacker and Karim to CBBC HQ. Hacker tells him not to worry and that it's "great here", noting the brand new [[hand dryer]] in "[[Bathroom|the lavvie]]". Karim then faces the [[camera]] and thanks everyone who sent in robot designs, promising they'll find out more about him right after ''[[Just Kidding]]'', with the robot repeating the show's title. | |||
=== Friday: 4PM<ref name="Friday schedule">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p01kv86b/2016/10/28 Friday 28 October 2016]</ref> (Lauren) === | |||
[[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] and [[Bl1nk Bot 3|the robot]] enter [[CBBC HQ]] and she excitedly proclaims that it's [[Friday]] on [[CBBC (in-universe)|CBBC]], and the last [[day]] of [[Robot Week]] as a result, with the robot giving his felicitations. Lauren tells the robot that she really likes him and has decided to take him under her [[wing]] as a result, revealing that she believes herself to be the best [[presenter]] out of [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Karim]], [[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Katie]] and [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]]. Lauren elucidates that she will show him how to do things "professionally" and the robot agrees with the sentiment, noting the importance for him to accumulate [[knowledge]]. As an example, she suggests instead of saying "we're transmitting in real time" he could say "we're live on CBBC!". She begins whooping and the robot joins her, though questions if the action is a little excessive. | |||
They then move to screen to take a look at the programmes coming up which include ''[[Just Kidding]]'', ''[[The Dumping Ground]]'' and the ''[[CBBC Official Chart Show]]''. They are joined by [[Cel Spellman|Cel]] via the screen who gives them more information on the latter, teasing they will be catching up with [[Twin Atlantic]], playing [[Truth or dare?]] with [[Charlie Puth]], as well as [[James Arthur]] joining them for a performance of "[[Say You Won't Let Go]]". Lauren and the robot both agree this is exciting at which point Cel remembers he has recently installed a new [[Robo-App]]. He tests it by swiping left and right, causing the robot to fly about the room before knocking himself down by running into the [[camera]]. | |||
Lauren severs the link with Cel and checks on the robot, who believes he needs a new [[MOT]]. Lauren allows him to introduce ''Just Kidding'' as the next show to make him feel better but he finally collapses from his injury after doing so. | |||
=== Friday: 5PM<ref name="Friday schedule"/> (Lauren) === | |||
[[Bl1nk Bot 3|The robot]] looks up and notes the "lovely [[sky]]" that [[evening]]. [[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] agrees before informing the audience that [[fan]]s of [[Shaun the Sheep]] should keep watching due to the upcoming broadcast of the [[Academy Award|Oscar]]-winning ''[[Wallace and Gromit]]: [[A Close Shave]]''. The robot enquires if the Oscars are significant and Lauren tells him they are "massive", though says it is finally time to find a [[name]] for the robot before then. | |||
Lauren states viewers have been in touch discussing the [[colour]]s of the robot and she suggests Bl1nk Bot. This causes the robot to shake and fizzle with [[electricity]]. He is initially unsure why this has occurred but soon posits that maybe his [[hard drive]] is reacting positively to the name. Reflecting that "perhaps the name chooses the robot", the name is agreed upon but Bl1nk thinks a [[number]] should be included and christens himself [[Bl1nk Bot 3]]. Lauren welcomes Bl1nk Bot, or simply Bl1nk for short, and the two engage in a vigorous [[handshake]] while Lauren introduces ''Wallace and Gromit''. | |||
=== Friday: 6:25PM<ref name="Friday schedule"/> (Lauren) === | |||
[[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] excitedly states they have named the robot [[Bl1nk Bot 3|Bl1nk]], as well as that ''[[The Deep]]'' is coming up next. In response, Bl1nk says they will be naming Lauren, whom he calls "this fellow", next [[week]]. Lauren tells him she already has a name before quickly redirecting her attention to the screen and asking [[Cel Spellman (in-universe)|Cel]] for an update on the ''[[CBBC Official Chart Show]]''. Cel says they will be joined by [[James Arthur]], [[Twin Atlantic]] and [[Charlie Puth]] at 7[[PM]]. He signs off with a [[salute]], commenting "be there or be square". Lauren says they can't wait and then asks Bl1nk about his week who in reply presses a [[button]] on his chest unit to show her some of his [[Memory|memories]]. | |||
The camera cuts to a shot of Bl1nk outside of a [[BBC]] [[building]], who wonders if his recording equipment is on before wishing [[planet]] [[Earth]] a good [[morning]]. He reflects that, with "[[The Sun|the lightbulb]] in the [[sky]] shining bright", it is a wonderful [[day]] to explore and he then sets off to do just that. He encounters an inanimate [[Pudsey|Pudsey Bear]] which he mistakes for a [[banana]], attempts to communicate with [[Dog (Robot Week)|a dog]] in its [[Dog (language)|native language]] by making the noise of an [[owl]], and is confused by a [[branch]] of [[Leaf|leaves]] until he is told by two [[child]]ren it is a [[tree]]. He later encounters two more [[human]] children, with [[Girl 2 (Robot Week)|the girl]] putting her [[finger]] in Bl1nk's [[mouth]]. Bl1nk then attempts to gain access to the BBC via a [[glass]] wall and makes the observation that humans create [[force field]]s around their buildings. He decides he must enter and tries this by running into the glass but he is unsuccessful and simply slips to the floor. | |||
Back in [[CBBC HQ]], Lauren reflects that the impact looked rough and asks Bl1nk if he had a good week in spite of it. He replies in the negative, optimistically stating "better [[luck]] next week". Lauren agrees and introduces ''The Deep'', earning a compliment of "good lad" from Bl1nk. | |||
=== Friday{{note|This segment features no explicit lead-in to the next programme though [[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] did make reference to ''[[Danger Mouse]]''. If this was indeed the next programme, this segment was broadcast just prior to 6:50PM.}} (Lauren) === | |||
The robot introduces himself as [[Bl1nk Bot 3|Bl1nk]]. [[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] says that "he" is "amazing" and "fantastic" in spite of Bl1nk's protests that the compliments will cause him to [[rust]] and overheat. Lauren realises the mistake and explains she was actually referring to [[Danger Mouse]]. Bl1nk asks if he is not also amazing and fantastic, a question to which Lauren responds unconvincingly in the affirmitive. Bl1nk asks why she can't be sincere and claims he can handle the [[truth]]. Lauren responds by telling him he isn't amazing or fantastic but is in fact "the greatest". In return for the praise which Bl1nk states "made [his] [[decade]]", he presses a [[button]] on his chest unit. | |||
=== Unplaced{{note|Episodes of ''[[The Dumping Ground]]'' were broadcast on every day of Robot Week, with the exception of [[Wednesday]].}} (Katie) === | |||
[[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Katie]] hunches over [[Bl1nk Bot 3|the robot]], attempting to find the [[USB]] port. The robot insists he is not a [[docking station]] but Katie protests that she only has 5%, to which the robot again reiterates he does not wish to "sync up". Katie apologises to the camera for the commotion, revealing ''[[The Dumping Ground]]'' is coming up and that they will also be talking about ''[[The Next Step]]'' superfan competition. She then once more attempts to insert her [[phone charger]] but the robot swats her away and tells her to get back. | |||
=== Unplaced (Katie) === | |||
[[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Katie]] asks [[Bl1nk Bot 3|the robot]] if he minds giving her some [[power]] because she has a [[blouse]] she needs to [[Ironing|iron]] for [[tonight]]. The robot rejects her on the basis of the plug having three [[prong]]s when he only has two. She complains that she needs to do her ironing and holds up the iron, prompting the robot to become attracted to the object. | |||
=== Unplaced (Karim) === | |||
[[Bl1nk Bot 3|The robot]] whizzes about the floor of [[CBBC HQ]], noting the "wonderfully smooth" surface, while [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Karim]] attempts to give him a [[high five]]. Karim gives up after the robot surges past him again, introducing himself and "our new little friend, the robot" to the camera. | |||
=== Unplaced{{note|An episode of ''[[Dragons: Defenders of Berk]]'' was broadcast on every day of Robot Week at 6PM.}} (Katie) === | |||
[[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Katie]] tells viewers to stay where they are because ''[[Dragons: Defenders of Berk]]'' is coming up next. She also tells [[Bl1nk Bot 3|the robot]] he is facing the wrong way to be seen by the [[camera]]. The robot denies this to be the case but eventually realises his error. Katie comforts him by saying that everyone makes mistakes, including [[robot]]s. | |||
=== Unplaced{{note|''[[Dixi]]'' does not appear in the listed CBBC schedules due to its short runtime. The fact Bl1nk was not named until the [[Friday]] of Robot Week and this segment features mail with his name is perhaps indicative that this segment is from sometime after the ''Robot Week'' content block had officially ended.}} (Lauren) === | |||
[[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] states ''[[Dixi]]'' is coming up next but that before they can check in with the gang it is [[post]] time. With much strain [[Bl1nk Bot 3|Bl1nk]] is able to print some post, describing it as "some thick [[paper]]". He and Lauren examine the mail which is from a viewer named [[Sophie (Robot Week)|Sophie]]. Bl1nk enjoys the drawing depicting "[himself] and the [[creature]]s" (referring to [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] and [[Dodge T Dog|Dodge]]) while Lauren appreciates a top-ten list of Sophie's favourite shows, although she laments the placing of ''[[The Dengineers]]'' at a measly fifth position. Bl1nk suggests she should celebrate a top-five but Lauren says she wants a top-three for ''The Dengineers''. She thanks Sophie for the post which she describes as "brilliant" nevertheless and Bl1nk prints out some more correspondence. | |||
The next picture is from [[Megan (Robot Week)|Megan]] and features several CBBC presenters — Bl1nk, [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Karim]], Dodge, Hacker, Lauren, [[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Katie]] and [[Rhys Stephenson|Reece]] — which Bl1nk and Lauren point out one-by-one before Lauren declares it "brilliant" as well. She encourages viewers to continue sending things in to [[PO Box 9989]]. Bl1nk then leaves to change his [[ink jet]]s while Lauren introduces ''Dixi''. | |||
== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
* [[Hacker | * [[Bl1nk Bot 3]] - [[Warrick Brownlow-Pike]] | ||
* Himself - [[Karim Zeroual]] | * [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] - [[Phil Fletcher]] | ||
* [[Karim Zeroual (in-universe)|Himself]] - [[Karim Zeroual]] | |||
* [[Katie Thistleton (in-universe)|Herself]] - [[Katie Thistleton]] | |||
* [[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Herself]] - [[Lauren Layfield]] | |||
* [[Cel Spellman (in-universe)|Himself]] - [[Cel Spellman]] | |||
* [[Boy 1 (Robot Week)|Boy 1]] - Unknown | |||
* [[Girl 1 (Robot Week)|Girl 1]] - Unknown | |||
* [[Boy 2 (Robot Week)|Boy 2]] - Unknown | |||
* [[Girl 2 (Robot Week)|Girl 2]] - Unknown | |||
== Crew == | == Crew == | ||
'' | For the ''Robot Week'' ident: | ||
=== CBBC Team === | |||
* [[Creative director|Creative Director]]: [[Sam Moran]]<ref name="Ident crew">[https://vimeo.com/193713065 CBBC Robot Week - Vimeo]</ref> | |||
* Creative: [[Kasia Klajn]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
== | === Design & Animation === | ||
* Hacker is | * [[Creative director|Creative Directors]]: [[Ink and Giants]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | ||
* The | * [[Producer]]: [[Jumoke Ogunkoya]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | ||
* Character Design: [[Peter Dobes]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
* Environment Design: [[Dianne Dela Torre]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
* 3D Animation: Peter Dobes and Dianne Dela Torre<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
* Compositing: Dianne Dela Torre<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
* Music: [[BBC]]<ref name="Ident crew"/> | |||
== Worldbuilding == | |||
* Logos for ''[[Blue Peter]]'', ''[[Danger Mouse]]'', ''[[The Dumping Ground]]'', ''[[The Next Step]]'', ''[[Wolfblood]]'', ''[[Operation Ouch!]]'', ''[[The Worst Witch]]'' and ''[[Horrible Histories]]'' can been in the headquarters. | |||
* [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] suggests using the [[robot]] designs to make a thousand [[origami]] [[swan]]s. | |||
* Hacker comments that [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] is the best [[Dimensional transcendentalism|transcendental]] [[time machine]] he's ever seen. | |||
* Hacker gets [[Travel sickness|travel sick]] while the TARDIS is in flight. | |||
* He also comments that they lose the [[wi-fi]] during the flight. | |||
* [[Bl1nk Bot 3|The robot]] notes the excitement he and [[Lauren Layfield (in-universe)|Lauren]] are causing to the viewers must be tough on their [[parent]]s. | |||
* As described by the robot, the ''[[CBBC Official Chart Show]]'' "mainly comprises of a list of popular [[music]] recordings". | |||
* "[[Say You Won't Let Go]]" spent three [[week]]s at number one. | |||
* Bl1nk is made from "hard stuff", mostly [[titanium]]. | |||
* Viewers can catch up with programmes they miss using the [[CBBC iPlayer]]. | |||
* [[Sophie (Robot Week)|Sophie]]'s favourite shows include ''[[Hacker Time]]'', ''[[Naomi's Nightmares of Nature]]'', ''[[Absolute Genius]]'', ''[[All Over the Place]]'', ''[[Offically Amazing]]'', ''[[Art Ninja]]'' and ''[[The Dog Ate My Homework]]''. | |||
* [[CBBC HQ]] is located in [[Salford]] and its [[PO Box]] has a [[postcode]] of [[M5 0DP]]. | |||
* Bl1nk claims the [[sky]] is [[blue]] above the [[grey]] [[cloud]]s due to [[light refraction]]. | |||
== Story notes == | == Story notes == | ||
''to | [[File:Robot Week BTS 1.jpg|thumb|A publicity photo.]] | ||
* The [[TARDIS console (The Snowmen)|TARDIS prop]] is the one used in ''[[Doctor Who]]'' [[Series 8 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 8]] and [[Series 9 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 9]]. | |||
* [[Bl1nk Bot 3]] actor [[Warrick Brownlow-Pike]] posted to [[Instagram]] on [[21 October (production)|21 October]] about visiting the BBC studios in [[Cardiff]] to film the TARDIS scene for ''Robot Week''. The trip marked his first visit to [[Wales]].<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/BL1plj4BFBT/ Instagram]</ref> | |||
* [[Rhys Stephenson]]'s first name is mispelled Reece in [[Megan (Robot Week)|Megan]]'s drawing. | |||
=== Other features of ''Robot Week'' === | |||
* Throughout ''Robot Week'' [[Hacker T Dog]]'s official [[Twitter]] account made several in-character posts which referenced [[Bl1nk Bot 3]] and the event itself. | |||
* As part of ''Robot Week'' [[CBBC]] released a [[YouTube]] video listing the top five famous [[robot]]s, though seven appeared in total. These were [[Sir Killalot]] from ''[[Robot Wars (series)|Robot Wars]]'', WALL-E from {{w|WALL-E|the film of the same name}}, [[R2-D2]] from ''[[Star Wars]]'', Johnny Five from {{wi|Short Circuit (1986 film)|Short Circuit}}, Eve from {{w|Eve (British TV series)|the TV series of the same name}}, {{w|Optimus Prime}} from ''[[Transformers (franchise)|Transformers]]'', and Bl1nk himself. | |||
* Various features were collated on the [[CBBC website]] for ''Robot Week'', including quizzes such as "Do you have robot recall?" and "Can you survive Robopocalypse?" and robot-related non-fiction pieces like "The Robots working together with humans" and "New robots to help at Japanese airport" which was sourced from ''[[Newsround (series)|Newsround]]''. The game {{wi|Airmageddon|Airmageddon: Flight Patrol}} was also featured, as was a clip from ''[[Blue Peter (series)|Blue Peter]]'' detailing how to create [[Dalek]] [[cupcake]]s.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180115232018/https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/curations/robot-week CBBC website (archived)]</ref> | |||
* Hacker's borrowing of [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] was highlighted as number 2 in a YouTube video of Hacker's 6-and-a-half "best bits" which was produced in celebration of Hacker's [[birthday]] on [[Thursday]] [[27 October (releases)|27 October]] [[2016 (releases)|2016]], the fourth day of ''Robot Week''. [[Warrick Brownlow-Pike]] posted a behind-the-scenes picture of Hacker, [[Lauren Layfield|Lauren]] and Bl1nk to mark the occasion.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/BMEoulMBNCR/ Instagram]</ref> | |||
=== Schedule === | |||
Several [[robot]]-themed programmes and technology-centric episides of other shows were specially broadcast as part of ''Robot Week''.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04dbl45 Robot Week on CBBC]</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
! Programme || Episode || Type || Release date | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom|Absolute Genius Super Tech with Dick & Dom}} | |||
|''Robots'' | |||
|rowspan=5|Repeat broadcast | |||
|[[Monday]] [[24 October (releases)|24 October]]<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p01kv86b/2016/10/24 Monday 24 October 2016]</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|''Technobabble'' | |||
|''Robots'' | |||
|rowspan=6|[[Wednesday]] [[26 October (releases)|26 October]]<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p01kv86b/2016/10/26 Wednesday 26 October 2016]</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (2009 TV series)|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher}} | |||
|''Special Delivery'' | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Shaun the Sheep}} | |||
|''Bitzer's New Wistle'' | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Eve (British TV series)|Eve}} | |||
|''Children of Eve'' | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom|Absolute Genius: Monster Builds}} | |||
|''Mile High City'' | |||
|rowspan=2|Premiere broadcast | |||
|- | |||
|''Eve'' | |||
|''New Born'' | |||
|- | |||
|''How to Be Epic @ Everything'' | |||
|Series 1, Episode 10 | |||
|rowspan=3|Repeat broadcast | |||
|rowspan=2|[[Thursday]] [[27 October (releases)|27 October]]<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p01kv86b/2016/10/27 Thursday 27 October 2016]</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|''Eve'' | |||
|''Children of Eve'' | |||
|- | |||
|{{wi|Wallace and Gromit}} | |||
|{{wi|A Close Shave}} | |||
|[[Friday]] [[28 October (releases)|28 October]]<ref name="Friday schedule"/> | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
== Gallery == | |||
{{main|Robot Week (TV story)/Gallery}} | |||
== Continuity == | |||
* [[Hacker T Dog|Hacker]] mentions [[the Doctor]] is taking a break on [[Florana]], first mentioned as an ideal [[holiday]] destination in [[TV]]: {{cs|Invasion of the Dinosaurs (TV story)}} and first seen in [[PROSE]]: {{cs|The Hungry Bomb (short story)}}. | |||
* Hacker's borrowing of the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] in this story is reminiscent of [[River Song]]'s use of it in [[TV]]: {{cs|The Husbands of River Song (TV story)}} although, unlike Hacker, River took the TARDIS without the Doctor's knowledge or permission. | |||
== Footnotes == | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
== References == | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{TitleSort}} | {{TitleSort}} | ||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category:Crossovers with non-DWU series]] | |||
[[Category:2016 television stories]] | [[Category:2016 television stories]] | ||
[[Category:Non-DWU television stories]] | |||
Latest revision as of 09:24, 3 December 2024
The CBBC content block Robot Week was broadcast to coincide with the October half-term holidays in 2016.
It began with the licensed appearance of the Doctor's TARDIS on Monday 24 October, which was used to create the robot Bl1nk Bot 3 who acted as a CBBC co-presenter for the remainder of the week.
Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]
Hacker and Karim borrow the Doctor's TARDIS with the intention of finding a winner to their design a robot competition. However, the TARDIS actually creates a functioning robot and after Hacker and Karim return home it decides to stick around in Salford too.
Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]
Monday: 3:55PM[1] (Hacker and Karim)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Hacker and Karim are at the desk of CBBC HQ sorting through piles of robot designs that the viewers of CBBC have sent in, unsure of what to do with them now. Hacker recalls he has "a friend who might just do the job" and lets out a call, causing the TARDIS to materialise close by. Hacker explains the Doctor "always lets [him] have a play when he's busy" and that the TARDIS will take the designs and make their new metal friend.
Hacker and Karim enter the TARDIS. Karim is overwhelmed by the size and beauty of it but is still unsure how to proceed. Hacker tells him to show the TARDIS the viewers' designs as "she'll know what to do next". Karim searches to no avail causing the TARDIS to communicate with Hacker, telling him to feed the designs into the console, which he translates for Karim. Karim obeys and pulls a lever to begin the process which makes the TARDIS materialise.
Hacker and Karim both desperately push the buttons on the console, eventually culminating in the TARDIS returning to CBBC HQ. The TARDIS has also produced a robot, who immediately scarpers upon revealing himself to the duo. They chase the robot out of the TARDIS and it dematerialises once again.
Hacker and Karim both examine the robot, with Karim wondering if he can use it to charge his phone but it refuses. Hacker asks if they can keep him to which Karim responds "I guess so". The robot then questions why, despite having the oppurtunity to travel through time and space, he was brought by Hacker and Karim to CBBC HQ. Hacker tells him not to worry and that it's "great here", noting the brand new hand dryer in "the lavvie". Karim then faces the camera and thanks everyone who sent in robot designs, promising they'll find out more about him right after Just Kidding, with the robot repeating the show's title.
Friday: 4PM[2] (Lauren)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Lauren and the robot enter CBBC HQ and she excitedly proclaims that it's Friday on CBBC, and the last day of Robot Week as a result, with the robot giving his felicitations. Lauren tells the robot that she really likes him and has decided to take him under her wing as a result, revealing that she believes herself to be the best presenter out of Karim, Katie and Hacker. Lauren elucidates that she will show him how to do things "professionally" and the robot agrees with the sentiment, noting the importance for him to accumulate knowledge. As an example, she suggests instead of saying "we're transmitting in real time" he could say "we're live on CBBC!". She begins whooping and the robot joins her, though questions if the action is a little excessive.
They then move to screen to take a look at the programmes coming up which include Just Kidding, The Dumping Ground and the CBBC Official Chart Show. They are joined by Cel via the screen who gives them more information on the latter, teasing they will be catching up with Twin Atlantic, playing Truth or dare? with Charlie Puth, as well as James Arthur joining them for a performance of "Say You Won't Let Go". Lauren and the robot both agree this is exciting at which point Cel remembers he has recently installed a new Robo-App. He tests it by swiping left and right, causing the robot to fly about the room before knocking himself down by running into the camera.
Lauren severs the link with Cel and checks on the robot, who believes he needs a new MOT. Lauren allows him to introduce Just Kidding as the next show to make him feel better but he finally collapses from his injury after doing so.
Friday: 5PM[2] (Lauren)[[edit] | [edit source]]
The robot looks up and notes the "lovely sky" that evening. Lauren agrees before informing the audience that fans of Shaun the Sheep should keep watching due to the upcoming broadcast of the Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave. The robot enquires if the Oscars are significant and Lauren tells him they are "massive", though says it is finally time to find a name for the robot before then.
Lauren states viewers have been in touch discussing the colours of the robot and she suggests Bl1nk Bot. This causes the robot to shake and fizzle with electricity. He is initially unsure why this has occurred but soon posits that maybe his hard drive is reacting positively to the name. Reflecting that "perhaps the name chooses the robot", the name is agreed upon but Bl1nk thinks a number should be included and christens himself Bl1nk Bot 3. Lauren welcomes Bl1nk Bot, or simply Bl1nk for short, and the two engage in a vigorous handshake while Lauren introduces Wallace and Gromit.
Friday: 6:25PM[2] (Lauren)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Lauren excitedly states they have named the robot Bl1nk, as well as that The Deep is coming up next. In response, Bl1nk says they will be naming Lauren, whom he calls "this fellow", next week. Lauren tells him she already has a name before quickly redirecting her attention to the screen and asking Cel for an update on the CBBC Official Chart Show. Cel says they will be joined by James Arthur, Twin Atlantic and Charlie Puth at 7PM. He signs off with a salute, commenting "be there or be square". Lauren says they can't wait and then asks Bl1nk about his week who in reply presses a button on his chest unit to show her some of his memories.
The camera cuts to a shot of Bl1nk outside of a BBC building, who wonders if his recording equipment is on before wishing planet Earth a good morning. He reflects that, with "the lightbulb in the sky shining bright", it is a wonderful day to explore and he then sets off to do just that. He encounters an inanimate Pudsey Bear which he mistakes for a banana, attempts to communicate with a dog in its native language by making the noise of an owl, and is confused by a branch of leaves until he is told by two children it is a tree. He later encounters two more human children, with the girl putting her finger in Bl1nk's mouth. Bl1nk then attempts to gain access to the BBC via a glass wall and makes the observation that humans create force fields around their buildings. He decides he must enter and tries this by running into the glass but he is unsuccessful and simply slips to the floor.
Back in CBBC HQ, Lauren reflects that the impact looked rough and asks Bl1nk if he had a good week in spite of it. He replies in the negative, optimistically stating "better luck next week". Lauren agrees and introduces The Deep, earning a compliment of "good lad" from Bl1nk.
Friday[nb 1] (Lauren)[[edit] | [edit source]]
The robot introduces himself as Bl1nk. Lauren says that "he" is "amazing" and "fantastic" in spite of Bl1nk's protests that the compliments will cause him to rust and overheat. Lauren realises the mistake and explains she was actually referring to Danger Mouse. Bl1nk asks if he is not also amazing and fantastic, a question to which Lauren responds unconvincingly in the affirmitive. Bl1nk asks why she can't be sincere and claims he can handle the truth. Lauren responds by telling him he isn't amazing or fantastic but is in fact "the greatest". In return for the praise which Bl1nk states "made [his] decade", he presses a button on his chest unit.
Unplaced[nb 2] (Katie)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Katie hunches over the robot, attempting to find the USB port. The robot insists he is not a docking station but Katie protests that she only has 5%, to which the robot again reiterates he does not wish to "sync up". Katie apologises to the camera for the commotion, revealing The Dumping Ground is coming up and that they will also be talking about The Next Step superfan competition. She then once more attempts to insert her phone charger but the robot swats her away and tells her to get back.
Unplaced (Katie)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Katie asks the robot if he minds giving her some power because she has a blouse she needs to iron for tonight. The robot rejects her on the basis of the plug having three prongs when he only has two. She complains that she needs to do her ironing and holds up the iron, prompting the robot to become attracted to the object.
Unplaced (Karim)[[edit] | [edit source]]
The robot whizzes about the floor of CBBC HQ, noting the "wonderfully smooth" surface, while Karim attempts to give him a high five. Karim gives up after the robot surges past him again, introducing himself and "our new little friend, the robot" to the camera.
Unplaced[nb 3] (Katie)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Katie tells viewers to stay where they are because Dragons: Defenders of Berk is coming up next. She also tells the robot he is facing the wrong way to be seen by the camera. The robot denies this to be the case but eventually realises his error. Katie comforts him by saying that everyone makes mistakes, including robots.
Unplaced[nb 4] (Lauren)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Lauren states Dixi is coming up next but that before they can check in with the gang it is post time. With much strain Bl1nk is able to print some post, describing it as "some thick paper". He and Lauren examine the mail which is from a viewer named Sophie. Bl1nk enjoys the drawing depicting "[himself] and the creatures" (referring to Hacker and Dodge) while Lauren appreciates a top-ten list of Sophie's favourite shows, although she laments the placing of The Dengineers at a measly fifth position. Bl1nk suggests she should celebrate a top-five but Lauren says she wants a top-three for The Dengineers. She thanks Sophie for the post which she describes as "brilliant" nevertheless and Bl1nk prints out some more correspondence.
The next picture is from Megan and features several CBBC presenters — Bl1nk, Karim, Dodge, Hacker, Lauren, Katie and Reece — which Bl1nk and Lauren point out one-by-one before Lauren declares it "brilliant" as well. She encourages viewers to continue sending things in to PO Box 9989. Bl1nk then leaves to change his ink jets while Lauren introduces Dixi.
Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Bl1nk Bot 3 - Warrick Brownlow-Pike
- Hacker - Phil Fletcher
- Himself - Karim Zeroual
- Herself - Katie Thistleton
- Herself - Lauren Layfield
- Himself - Cel Spellman
- Boy 1 - Unknown
- Girl 1 - Unknown
- Boy 2 - Unknown
- Girl 2 - Unknown
Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]
For the Robot Week ident:
CBBC Team[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Creative Director: Sam Moran[3]
- Creative: Kasia Klajn[3]
Design & Animation[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Creative Directors: Ink and Giants[3]
- Producer: Jumoke Ogunkoya[3]
- Character Design: Peter Dobes[3]
- Environment Design: Dianne Dela Torre[3]
- 3D Animation: Peter Dobes and Dianne Dela Torre[3]
- Compositing: Dianne Dela Torre[3]
- Music: BBC[3]
Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Logos for Blue Peter, Danger Mouse, The Dumping Ground, The Next Step, Wolfblood, Operation Ouch!, The Worst Witch and Horrible Histories can been in the headquarters.
- Hacker suggests using the robot designs to make a thousand origami swans.
- Hacker comments that the TARDIS is the best transcendental time machine he's ever seen.
- Hacker gets travel sick while the TARDIS is in flight.
- He also comments that they lose the wi-fi during the flight.
- The robot notes the excitement he and Lauren are causing to the viewers must be tough on their parents.
- As described by the robot, the CBBC Official Chart Show "mainly comprises of a list of popular music recordings".
- "Say You Won't Let Go" spent three weeks at number one.
- Bl1nk is made from "hard stuff", mostly titanium.
- Viewers can catch up with programmes they miss using the CBBC iPlayer.
- Sophie's favourite shows include Hacker Time, Naomi's Nightmares of Nature, Absolute Genius, All Over the Place, Offically Amazing, Art Ninja and The Dog Ate My Homework.
- CBBC HQ is located in Salford and its PO Box has a postcode of M5 0DP.
- Bl1nk claims the sky is blue above the grey clouds due to light refraction.
Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The TARDIS prop is the one used in Doctor Who series 8 and series 9.
- Bl1nk Bot 3 actor Warrick Brownlow-Pike posted to Instagram on 21 October about visiting the BBC studios in Cardiff to film the TARDIS scene for Robot Week. The trip marked his first visit to Wales.[4]
- Rhys Stephenson's first name is mispelled Reece in Megan's drawing.
Other features of Robot Week[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Throughout Robot Week Hacker T Dog's official Twitter account made several in-character posts which referenced Bl1nk Bot 3 and the event itself.
- As part of Robot Week CBBC released a YouTube video listing the top five famous robots, though seven appeared in total. These were Sir Killalot from Robot Wars, WALL-E from the film of the same name, R2-D2 from Star Wars, Johnny Five from Short Circuit, Eve from the TV series of the same name, Optimus Prime from Transformers, and Bl1nk himself.
- Various features were collated on the CBBC website for Robot Week, including quizzes such as "Do you have robot recall?" and "Can you survive Robopocalypse?" and robot-related non-fiction pieces like "The Robots working together with humans" and "New robots to help at Japanese airport" which was sourced from Newsround. The game Airmageddon: Flight Patrol was also featured, as was a clip from Blue Peter detailing how to create Dalek cupcakes.[5]
- Hacker's borrowing of the TARDIS was highlighted as number 2 in a YouTube video of Hacker's 6-and-a-half "best bits" which was produced in celebration of Hacker's birthday on Thursday 27 October 2016, the fourth day of Robot Week. Warrick Brownlow-Pike posted a behind-the-scenes picture of Hacker, Lauren and Bl1nk to mark the occasion.[6]
Schedule[[edit] | [edit source]]
Several robot-themed programmes and technology-centric episides of other shows were specially broadcast as part of Robot Week.[7]
| Programme | Episode | Type | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Genius Super Tech with Dick & Dom | Robots | Repeat broadcast | Monday 24 October[8] |
| Technobabble | Robots | Wednesday 26 October[9] | |
| Dennis the Menace and Gnasher | Special Delivery | ||
| Shaun the Sheep | Bitzer's New Wistle | ||
| Eve | Children of Eve | ||
| Absolute Genius: Monster Builds | Mile High City | Premiere broadcast | |
| Eve | New Born | ||
| How to Be Epic @ Everything | Series 1, Episode 10 | Repeat broadcast | Thursday 27 October[10] |
| Eve | Children of Eve | ||
| Wallace and Gromit | A Close Shave | Friday 28 October[2] |
Gallery[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Main article: Robot Week (TV story)/Gallery
Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Hacker mentions the Doctor is taking a break on Florana, first mentioned as an ideal holiday destination in TV: Invasion of the Dinosaurs [+]Loading...["Invasion of the Dinosaurs (TV story)"] and first seen in PROSE: The Hungry Bomb [+]Loading...["The Hungry Bomb (short story)"].
- Hacker's borrowing of the the TARDIS in this story is reminiscent of River Song's use of it in TV: The Husbands of River Song [+]Loading...["The Husbands of River Song (TV story)"] although, unlike Hacker, River took the TARDIS without the Doctor's knowledge or permission.
Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- ↑ This segment features no explicit lead-in to the next programme though Lauren did make reference to Danger Mouse. If this was indeed the next programme, this segment was broadcast just prior to 6:50PM.
- ↑ Episodes of The Dumping Ground were broadcast on every day of Robot Week, with the exception of Wednesday.
- ↑ An episode of Dragons: Defenders of Berk was broadcast on every day of Robot Week at 6PM.
- ↑ Dixi does not appear in the listed CBBC schedules due to its short runtime. The fact Bl1nk was not named until the Friday of Robot Week and this segment features mail with his name is perhaps indicative that this segment is from sometime after the Robot Week content block had officially ended.
