talkmagic.co.uk

Watched it was a group of laymen friends who absolutely loved it.

I completely loved it. I love the idea of the show I love it so much is because I want it to be real, because this is exactly the type of performance I've wanted to do for years. Although I wanted to do it with children in a more fantasy based setting (Narnia, lord of the rings type thing). But this is the twilight zone made real plus zombies! Awesome!

A couple of non-magi friends have mentioned that they loved the whole thing as well.

All the lay people I know who saw it weren't impressed at all. Some very dismissive comments on Facebook.
The actor in the show has been in a few adverts.

Not seen the show yet - forgot to set the box on Friday so PVR set for Sunday's repeat. I'll be interested after the mixed reviews and want to see it before I get to the office on Monday morning. I did like Derren's earlier stuff that was more magic and mentalism orientated - it would be good to see him go back to that stuff sometime.

From the RT interview it looks like Derren Brown does Truman Show. Is that an accurate starting point?

On a slightly related note (mentalism on tv) it appears that The Mentalist is back. I'm surprised that they have managed to spin this premise out for so long, but I'm happy to see it back on the telly.

Sad to say there does seem to be some damning evidence that this show is a performance.

http://derrenbrownexposed.wordpress.com/

I spotted the Brain, Courage and Heart reference but not the others - hmmmmm etc.

Perhaps this time he's not deliberately manipulating the subject or any studio audience but us the viewing public - to see how far we'd go with this event before saying, "Yeah, right, come off it Derren!"

Im hoping the second part will reveal him to be an actor and itll turn out the trick is on us somehow.I liked the small wizard of oz nuances though, the mechanic was from Kansas cars and the safe path into Wales was the yellow path.

I wasn't aware that the Oz references were supposed to be secret, I figured it was part of the fun.

Additionally, a lot of lay people are convinced. Heck I still am! Maybe actors are particularly susceptible to hypnosis and this guy just applied to the show, after all, if he's having trouble finding work, a place on a reality TV show could make him a household name.

Even if it is all stooged though, why would he admit it at the end if most of the audience has no idea?

-Stacy

Apocalypse was c*** (not the best). That's all me and the missus have to say!

Perhaps we should now await part two and see what transpires.......

more lies perhaps? more actors maybe? I felt Derren had lost his edge about 4 or 5 years ago, sadly I now think he's lost the plot! A shame considering I was a massive fan 'Devils Picturebook' and 'Pure Effect' days.

I've seen all the "it's just an actor!" theories flying about and, IMHO, even if it was actored i'd still watch and tune in for the next one (people still watch eastenders don't they?!).
But then I like my zombie flicks

The last time I watched Eastenders, Den and Angie were still happily married....

It might be a cunning experiment where he reveals he had manipulated his fan base so well that they'd watch any old dross he churns out. Since The Events I feel a real sadness when watching Derren's shows.

Earlier in his career he would have to listen to people who would tell him the truth and it seems these days he's surrounded by yes men who'd let him produce absolutely anything no matter how poor or self indulgent it is. A real shame.