S21 | EXCLUSIVE: Time Team Episode Preview

I also agree with the above comments. Love that time team is back. I hope the production team will look at feedback on these comments! To me it feels a bit rough around the edges and reminds me very much of the first few Time Team. As in the beginning I'm sure the team, and the presenters will pick up the pace and polish new Time Team into something great!

Dyfan & Jemma Graves

I absolutely agree with your sentiments... particularly in regard to the host situation and more fun and excitement. I sort of felt I was in my favorite concert tee ready for a good romp at the pub, but when the narration started I suddenly felt as though I was in a tight collar with too much starch watching a golf tournament at some horrid country club. Obviously I miss Mick and Victor very much, as we all do I am sure, but it's almost worse that Tony and Phil aren't present, because they could conceivably be participating. I would definitely prefer Natalie as the main presenter if we can't have Tony. I'm sure Gus is a lovely person, and has plenty to offer, but my disappointment over the tone and pace of the narration can't be ignored. I will watch them all regardless, but I definitely feel the need to go watch old episodes afterward.

Wow. Having watched all three new episodes, I am really excited. This was everything I had hoped for when I signed up as a Patreon. The new graphics are amazing -- even the resolution one the cameras from the drones is noticeably better. I know it is early days, and the new team is still figuring out what this new show will be. I think I am in agreement with many others -- Gus and Natalie needed more screen time. In the original, Tony was our avatar, asking our questions and being our view into the process. I find I also rather missed his running from trench to trench. I would also really prefer if Gus used his normal speaking voice in the narration. When he's just talking on camera, he has a great voice. The narration sounds too much like the hushed tones of Sir David Attenborough, afraid to startle whatever amazing critter he is talking about. I would prefer if Gus simply talked, and I don't think the archaeology is going to startle. I am picking at small things. If every episode were like this one, I would still be pleased as anything and eagerly watching all of them.

Mik Firestone

I'm so happy Time Team is back. So glad to have helped out a little bit by supporting them here on Patreon. But I was slightly disappointed overall. As others have said you need more of a "lead", a Mick type person, someone to make decisions on camera. We also need more fun and excitement. I think Gus is a great addition, but not as a host. Natalie seems like a better fit for sole host. Hopefully she will be more prominent in the future. There was discussion on here several weeks ago about how much to emphasize the "only 3 days!" aspect. I think after seeing the 3 episodes the conclusion is that it needs to be emphasized much more. We need that extra energy and excitement that we used to have. Still, I'm glad it's back and hopefully no one is offended by my thoughts.

I agree there is a need for the presenters to represent the viewers and challenge the archaeologists, and there probably needed to be a little more of that. Tony though had grooved that approach over 20 years, and already knew Mick before they began filming, so he would have felt more confident even from Day 1 of doing that. Over the three episodes I thought Gus showed some real strengths in terms of making a connection between the archaeology and the human story, culminating in an atmospheric and thoughtful final piece to camera. He has a warmth that feels genuine. Hoping to see more of Natalie too in Dig 2, as, apart from anything else, she's very funny.

Richard Moss

I agree also he adds the ability to draw. He should explore that more. I miss the contributions of Victor Ambruz. I've seen Gus on his other show and he was often drawing.

I am enjoying Gus's approach. He's clearly not trying to mimic Tony's style or to "replace" Tony in any other way. He's got his own way of conveying excitement about the topic. Yes, he is more low-key, but his voice becomes very intense when there is something especially interesting for him to tell us about. Two different styles, but both are valid in my view.

Melissa K.

I certainly reserve them critiques for patreon. I am nothing but supportive on YouTube. We need more patreon members to continue these digs.

Trish Murphy

After watching day 1 twice, I’m still hyped but the rose colored glasses are starting to clear. Gus sound more like he’s whispering a script on safari, trying not to disturb the animals. I miss Tony’s assertive tone. So far the presenters are playing a part (reading a script) instead of reacting genuinely to the archeology. I’m still happy to be here & my hope is I just need to get used to the new format ✌️💚

Trish Murphy

After watching day 1 twice, I’m still hyped but the rose colored glasses are starting to clear. Gus sound more like he’s whispering a script on safari, trying not to disturb the animals.

Trish Murphy

After watching day 1 twice, I’m still hyped but the rose colored glasses are starting to clear. Gus sound more like he’s whispering a script on safari, trying not to disturb the animals

Trish Murphy

Watched it twice now, and it benefited from a second watch. It's great it's back and there was a lot to enjoy, but I agree with comments that Natalie was treated oddly at the top of the show. No comment on Gus who does a fine job, but I hope she is as prominent going forward as what she was given to do showed signs of what she could offer that is distinctive and valuable. If I was being really pernickety the storytelling could have been slightly sharper. The new tech is great, but it's the human interaction and unfolding of the story that makes Time Team compelling. Also who's in charge? You need a central figure (a Mick) for the presenters to question and interrogate. I wasn't sure who it was here? But there'll be some bedding down and development to do and I appreciate its the first show back. It's a fascinating site and great to see John, Carenza, Matt, Stewart, Helen meshing with new team members. Can't wait to see the next episodes.

Richard Moss

Great! Not a big fan of the new presentation. Sounds like he's whispering dramatically at us all the time. Relax my man, TALK!

Watching the YouTube premiere now. I’m so proud to have played a small part in bringing back the treasure that is Time Team, and I’m so grateful to my fellow patrons. A world with Time Team in it is markedly a better world!

Joshua M

Wow, just wow! That was great. I can't wait for the next two episodes. I will definitely be tuning in for the "official" YouTube premiere later today.

The new imaging technology is excellent, and very nicely presented. Good job.

Mary Madelaine Sutton