I generally don't watch panel shows, but I've seen every single episode of this. I really love the "This is... " segment.
All the same, I wasn't really looking forward to the new series - maybe it had run its course? It looked like the same guests were booked - Rhod Gilbert & Stephen Mangan have definitely been on before; I'm pretty sure Dara O Brian has, and I seem to remember Denise Van Outen too; possibly even Vernon Kay as well. So then possibly all the guests in the first episode had been on before.
Why does that matter, especially if they're great like Rhod Gilbert & Mangan? I suppose that, for me, part of the appeal of the series is seeing what they're like at lying, how skilled they are, and what tactics they use. Do they take the game seriously, or are they mainly out to get laughs, or enjoy themselves (like Gilbert). So having the same guests re-appearing means you lose some of that discovery.
But... the first two episodes were great. I needn't have worried. The second episode was one of the best, in fact. Lee Mack really shines. It's a wonderful vehicle for his quick-fire gags and style of humour. There seemed to be less banter between him and David Mitchell than before, which used to be a strong feature, or at least it was less pointed/edgy.
Maybe they've become pals now, so Lee doesn't want to take so many digs at him? But I think it helps Mitchell to have to fend off the digs, gets him worked up, and makes him funnier, so that might be a loss if it becomes a marked trend for this series. But Lee Mack is in top form, and if he keeps that up, it should compensate somewhat for Mitchell taking more of a back seat.
And I like Rob Brydon as the host. Again, he's someone for Lee Mack to play off, and maybe he'll get more involved now that things seem more cosy between Mitchell and Mack?
