I looked up at the moon, hanging in the misty sky. Venus twinkled, just next to it. Meanwhile the moon was a ghostly white crescent, diffuse behind the thin clouds of a cool spring evening.
I didn’t get in. The email from the producer was pleasant, acknowledging that it was ‘mixed news’ although I’d scored ‘highly’. I really had too - I checked the answers to find I’d come in at 28/30 on the multiple choice quiz, which I think I ought to be proud of. Nevertheless, 93% was not quite enough to get through - and the producer was kind enough to include me (and presumably a large number of others) automatically in next year’s process.
That, I assumed was the bit that made it ‘mixed news’ rather than the rest of the information about how to listen to the show when it goes out.
Disappointed? Yes, I guess so, though less than I might have been. I chanced my arm and proved to myself that I could do it - that makes me feel proud more than upset. I’m also a little relieved, as this means I can go easy on the revision for a while. I also think Sammy won’t miss me asking Siri what the second largest cities of various countries are, just after lights-out.
I also wondered whether there might be other things I could apply for. Am I brave enough for Mastermind? Should I try something less challenging (and more lucrative) but harder to get into? Or just have a rest from the quizzing for a while? What’s obvious to me anyway, is that none of these producers care particularly about finding people who know stuff; they just make entertainment, and the focus will always be on ratings. For those of us in the hot seat though, is the adventure worthwhile? Is it something to pursue, or just leave alone?
The moon didn’t know the answer. Neither did Venus. Both where silent, stumped and indifferent perhaps to the question, dumbfounded in the ink-black sky. I know the feeling.
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