The first scene from the Death Valley sequence of caves in Series 3 of Knightmare.

Death Valley

By Keith McDonald

Death Valley was a formation of caverns in Series 3. Dungeoneers had to negotiate its dangers to reach the end of Level 2.


Death Valley was a sequence of atmospheric caverns in the second half of Level 2.

Dungeoneers arrived in a large cave with stalactites. The back of the cave usually gave a view of the mountains.

Sometimes, a giant frog was there to test whether teams would waste offensive magic without good cause.

The first part of Death Valley, based on a handpainted scene by David Rowe, as shown on Series 3 of Knightmare (1989).
Scene 1: the stalactite cave

From here, teams needed to follow the opening on the left (the direction of the light).

Dungeoneers progressed to a second area with a large bench or shelf, where they might find a fragment of their quest.

A final area showed the larger cave formation. Teams had to guide their dungeoneer down-screen as goblins followed.

The final part of Death Valley, based on a handpainted scene by David Rowe, as shown on Series 3 of Knightmare (1989).
Scene 2: a long view of the cavern range

Variations

Most teams who reached Level 2 had to tackle Death Valley, so there were occasional variations.

One dungeoneer has an amulet of invisibility, which allows him to evade the goblins on guard in the first cave.

But the team doesn't see how to exit and guides him over the edge of the cliff.

The end (cliff sequence) of Death Valley, based on a handpainted scene by David Rowe, as shown on Series 3 of Knightmare (1989).
Scene 3: a fall for dungeoneers who step off the edge

Characters that appeared here included McGrew and Velda the Wood Elf.

McGrew assists one team by fighting off a magic sword. Velda gets captured by goblins, and rewards the dungeoneer that releases her with a gemstone.

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McGrew

Series 3, McGrew, played by David Verrey.

McGrew was a Celt equipped with a sword. His infrequent appearances were critical to teams' fortunes in Level 2.

Motley, the Jester

Motley the jester in the dungeon

Motley was a lovable fool and woeful entertainer who persevered from Series 3 until the end of the show, becoming the third longest-lasting character.

Spindizzy

The Spindizzy from Series 3 of Knightmare.

The opening for Level 2 in the third series was a rotating platform among a scene of stars. Teams had to time their leap to one of five exits.

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