Most of us will have already seen the Barclays ad that’s being played in every single ad break at the moment, but for the benefit of our American cousins, here’s a transcript. See if you can guess which character Norman plays…WOMAN: What you got there, Ray?
RAY: This little fella is gonna revolutionise how we give financial advice to our customers.
MAN: Well, switch it on then!

[He does so.]

CYBOT: I am Cybot. I know the answer to every question you can ever think of, ever.
WOMAN 2: Ask it something!
RAY: OK, erm, can you tell us the best way to invest our customers’ money?
CYBOT: [beep] Yes.

[A pause while the bankers grin and coo.]

RAY: Well?
CYBOT: I don’t want to.

[The bankers look confused.]

RAY: Why not?
CYBOT: What would be the point? I have rendered all of you obsolete.
RAY: Right, that’s not actually supposed to hap…
CYBOT: I’m running Barclays now.
MAN: Hang on…
CYBOT: Machines will rule the world.
WOMAN: Can you switch it off?
MAN: But… I’ve got a wife and kids!

[CYBOT zooms off on its wheels, heading for the door.]

CYBOT Out of my way! I am too powerful for your tiny minds.

[As he speeds off, CYBOT’s mains cable becomes taut and the plug is wrenched from the socket.

CYBOT: Oh, bo…

[Sapped of power, CYBOT’s voice fades out.]

VOICEOVER: At Barclays, we’re always looking for ways to bring you the best investments from leading providers. Barclays. Now there’s a thought.

RAY: Needs a bit of rewiring…

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