Time to look back at some of the best and the worst, game show style in 2008.
Million Dollar Password I’ve really wound up liking overtime. I realize that it takes me some time to get used to the changes from previous versions that we know and love; and even if I still think the set’s a bit too busy and I think that there are unnecessary sound effects, I’ve found it to be really enjoyable. It’s been too long since this show has made first-run episodes. As much as I’ve grown to hate the nighttime version, I really love daytime syndie Deal Or No Deal. Howie does a great job as usual as a host. The show still has its themed and sponsored weeks every once in a while, but the show doesn’t veer off course and become a melodramatic zoo. The show during the day is about the contestant and the game; the way it should be. I think Trivial Pursuit: America Plays is definitely one of the better shows to debut this year. I really like the America Plays aspect and the questions are a lot of fun. If only the show would get better ratings. I certainly think it could have a better host, but I do like Catch 21.
The Moment of Truth had to be the absolute worst. It’s like a more nasty, vilified game show version of Maury. The questions do nothing but embarrass the contestants and their families. There’s no enjoyment factor in that. Amnesia was no big treat either but at least that was a show that tried to have fun with the contestants and their lives. Moment of Truth just makes me wish Mark L. Walberg was hosting something better. How Much Is Enough was a big disappointment. It was the same thing all show. I also think one of the least desirable shows to debut this year was Celebrity Family Feud. I don’t think it’s as terrible as some people do (but then again, I missed episode one) but it could have been much better. I was really not impressed by Al Roker’s hosting, and again I ask, what’s the point of bringing back retro music if it’s just going to be used terribly? In the end I wanted to see it only for Margaret Cho and Ed McMahon. And Hole In The Wall... that's just better left as a segment on Ellen.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Yearly Review: GSN
Well, we’ve gone through a pretty big year for GSN. Whether it came to new originals like Catch 21 and Bingo America, classic acquisitions like Tic Tac Dough, or the logo change… there was a lot in store for game show fans.
This network has had some real positives this year, or at least I thought so. As much as I dislike the amount of skipped episodes it can cause, I do like GSN Live. There have been some great guests as result of this show… Geoff Edwards, Bob Eubanks, Tom Kennedy, Bill Rafferty; it’s really helped the network go back to its old roots. There’s also been some good acquisitions. I love that Meredith’s version of Millionaire is on the schedule. I have my issues with Donny’s version of Pyramid, but I am glad to see it. I was so happy to see Russian Roulette come back to the line-up, as well as seeing To Tell The Truth with Bud Collyer and Wheel of Fortune returning. It's nice seeing Wheel before it became gimmick city. The special marathons were a real treat as well. The Play it Back marathons featured now rarely aired classics like The $25,000 Pyramid and The Dating Game. The Christmas marathons were really nice. I loved seeing Combs Feud get a marathon of its own. And I can’t wait for the $100,000 Pyramid New Year’s Eve marathon. The logo change I think was for the best as well. The new logo looks more game-like, and the slogan as well. Another sign of the network going back to its roots.
With the positives there have been some negatives. Removing Body Language and Double Dare from the weekend overnights being one thing. That awful summer campaign “Catch a Game.” It really wouldn’t have been so bad if they had more going for it than the same three promos played over and over during every commercial break. Some of the original stuff really wasn’t much to write home about. How Much Is Enough I found to be a huge disappointment. And Think Like A Cat? For that I have seven words: What. In. The. Hell. Was. That. Crap. Cancelling Lingo I don’t think was such a good idea either. And Alfonso Ribiero… I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but I’m really not a fan of your hosting. PLEASE tone it down and use your indoor voice! It’s like watching Todd Newton on Whammy!.
Here’s hoping that 2009 is a great year for GSN, for game show lovers of all kinds!
This network has had some real positives this year, or at least I thought so. As much as I dislike the amount of skipped episodes it can cause, I do like GSN Live. There have been some great guests as result of this show… Geoff Edwards, Bob Eubanks, Tom Kennedy, Bill Rafferty; it’s really helped the network go back to its old roots. There’s also been some good acquisitions. I love that Meredith’s version of Millionaire is on the schedule. I have my issues with Donny’s version of Pyramid, but I am glad to see it. I was so happy to see Russian Roulette come back to the line-up, as well as seeing To Tell The Truth with Bud Collyer and Wheel of Fortune returning. It's nice seeing Wheel before it became gimmick city. The special marathons were a real treat as well. The Play it Back marathons featured now rarely aired classics like The $25,000 Pyramid and The Dating Game. The Christmas marathons were really nice. I loved seeing Combs Feud get a marathon of its own. And I can’t wait for the $100,000 Pyramid New Year’s Eve marathon. The logo change I think was for the best as well. The new logo looks more game-like, and the slogan as well. Another sign of the network going back to its roots.
With the positives there have been some negatives. Removing Body Language and Double Dare from the weekend overnights being one thing. That awful summer campaign “Catch a Game.” It really wouldn’t have been so bad if they had more going for it than the same three promos played over and over during every commercial break. Some of the original stuff really wasn’t much to write home about. How Much Is Enough I found to be a huge disappointment. And Think Like A Cat? For that I have seven words: What. In. The. Hell. Was. That. Crap. Cancelling Lingo I don’t think was such a good idea either. And Alfonso Ribiero… I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but I’m really not a fan of your hosting. PLEASE tone it down and use your indoor voice! It’s like watching Todd Newton on Whammy!.
Here’s hoping that 2009 is a great year for GSN, for game show lovers of all kinds!
Remembering the Greats of 2008: James E. Reilly
In all honesty, there are instances where I just don’t know how to feel about this man.
After seeing some of the episodes of Days of our Lives with the Marlena possession storyline, I have to admit I enjoyed them, but more for the camp factor. It was hard to take seriously, but it had its interesting moments. However, from what I’ve seen of it, outside of the theme arrangement, 2004’s Melaswen storyline looked just awful, and I don’t feel bad that I missed out on much of it.
And I’m a bit mixed with Passions as well. In 1999, I was furious to find out that Sunset Beach was cancelled, and in its place at 1 PM in Indianapolis was this show, but I found myself getting hooked. But the big problems I had with this show is that the payoff factor wasn’t very high. I distinctly remember more than once that whenever Theresa would think that her ultimate fear had come true and that the man of her dreams, Ethan was leaving her, there were just way too many instances where it or a storyline like that with a big reveal was all a dream, and it would become seriously annoying. And I also remember being a seriously disgruntled Sheridan and Luis fan. The storylines would drag out WAY too long and the dialogue could get really repetitive, and more than so than your traditional soap.
But I did love all the “accidents” that helped Ethan and Theresa eventually come together in the beginning, and although it would have been nice to see Sheridan and Luis be married at least ONE time, I admit I enjoyed it so much when a furious Ivy crashed into the church the first time it was supposed to happen. I enjoyed Tabitha Lenox’s relationship with her doll Timmy (RIP, Josh Ryan Evans). But regardless, of the fun times, in the end I’m not upset that I wound up eventually giving up on this show. The payoff and writing just weren’t that great for me to continue all the way through.
For fans of his work, he’ll be remembered as a legend. For people who were not, he’ll always be remembered for one (or two) of the biggest disliked storylines on Days of our Lives, and Passions, the show that many people hated to see replace Another World (or in some areas, Sunset Beach).
After seeing some of the episodes of Days of our Lives with the Marlena possession storyline, I have to admit I enjoyed them, but more for the camp factor. It was hard to take seriously, but it had its interesting moments. However, from what I’ve seen of it, outside of the theme arrangement, 2004’s Melaswen storyline looked just awful, and I don’t feel bad that I missed out on much of it.
And I’m a bit mixed with Passions as well. In 1999, I was furious to find out that Sunset Beach was cancelled, and in its place at 1 PM in Indianapolis was this show, but I found myself getting hooked. But the big problems I had with this show is that the payoff factor wasn’t very high. I distinctly remember more than once that whenever Theresa would think that her ultimate fear had come true and that the man of her dreams, Ethan was leaving her, there were just way too many instances where it or a storyline like that with a big reveal was all a dream, and it would become seriously annoying. And I also remember being a seriously disgruntled Sheridan and Luis fan. The storylines would drag out WAY too long and the dialogue could get really repetitive, and more than so than your traditional soap.
But I did love all the “accidents” that helped Ethan and Theresa eventually come together in the beginning, and although it would have been nice to see Sheridan and Luis be married at least ONE time, I admit I enjoyed it so much when a furious Ivy crashed into the church the first time it was supposed to happen. I enjoyed Tabitha Lenox’s relationship with her doll Timmy (RIP, Josh Ryan Evans). But regardless, of the fun times, in the end I’m not upset that I wound up eventually giving up on this show. The payoff and writing just weren’t that great for me to continue all the way through.
For fans of his work, he’ll be remembered as a legend. For people who were not, he’ll always be remembered for one (or two) of the biggest disliked storylines on Days of our Lives, and Passions, the show that many people hated to see replace Another World (or in some areas, Sunset Beach).
Remembering the Greats of 2008: Estelle Getty
Since Estelle Getty’s passing, I have been re-watching a lot of the show over the past several months. The Golden Girls is one of my favorite shows of all time, and even though it is rerun a lot, it’s one of those shows that do love to watch, but I can’t watch it every time it’s on, in fear that I’ll grow sick of it. For me it’s best to watch some favorites bunches at a time. And considering the circumstances, I have to admit that it was sad seeing a couple of episodes, for instance “The Heart Attack” from season one, where the girls fear that Sophia is dying.
I think for a lot of people as well as myself, one of the biggest reasons why the Sophia character was so much fun to enjoy was, well for one instance, whenever I watch, I feel as though the characters are almost distant relatives of mine, in some odd way. Sophia to many people was like a grandmother, and not only that, but her character and the other characters on The Golden Girls proved that life does not stop at a certain age. You can date, work at a fast food restaurant or as an activities director at a retirement home that you once despised, and even meet someone like Burt Reynolds. Not only was she fun to be around, but Sophia was someone you could get great advice and hear great stories from. While fiery and feisty, she was also warm and caring. And the greatness of the character besides the writing I think had a lot to do with Estelle. She was a very gifted actress, and I just can’t imagine anyone else playing Sophia Petrillo as sharply and as lively as she did.
Picture it: September 1985. A new sitcom called The Golden Girls debuted Saturday on NBC, with four women, three widowed, one divorced. Their chemistry together along with love, laughter, fights, and cheesecake embraced audiences and America (and the world) hasn’t been the same since.
I think for a lot of people as well as myself, one of the biggest reasons why the Sophia character was so much fun to enjoy was, well for one instance, whenever I watch, I feel as though the characters are almost distant relatives of mine, in some odd way. Sophia to many people was like a grandmother, and not only that, but her character and the other characters on The Golden Girls proved that life does not stop at a certain age. You can date, work at a fast food restaurant or as an activities director at a retirement home that you once despised, and even meet someone like Burt Reynolds. Not only was she fun to be around, but Sophia was someone you could get great advice and hear great stories from. While fiery and feisty, she was also warm and caring. And the greatness of the character besides the writing I think had a lot to do with Estelle. She was a very gifted actress, and I just can’t imagine anyone else playing Sophia Petrillo as sharply and as lively as she did.
Picture it: September 1985. A new sitcom called The Golden Girls debuted Saturday on NBC, with four women, three widowed, one divorced. Their chemistry together along with love, laughter, fights, and cheesecake embraced audiences and America (and the world) hasn’t been the same since.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
GSN: January Schedule Changes
Beginning the week of January 5th. Changes listed only:
WEEKDAYS:
9:30 am Card Sharks (CBS 1986-89; replaces Tic Tac Dough)
12:00 am Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (ABC 1999-2002; replaces Millionaire, Syndie (2002- Present))
1:00 am Wheel of Fortune (syndie 1994-95 season, replaces That’s The Question)
1:30 am Jeopardy! (syndie 2004-05 season, replaces Camouflage)
2:00 am Family Feud (syndie 2006-present version with O’Hurley, replaces Beat the Clock (CBS 1979-80))
2:30 am Match Game (CBS 1973-79, replaces Now You See It (CBS 1974-75))
WEEKENDS:
10:00 am Blockbusters (NBC 1987, replaces the 1980-82 version)
I’m not really that disappointed about Tic Tac Dough leaving because at least they ran through all the episodes they leased. And I do think Card Sharks with Bob Eubanks does deserve a spot on the weekday schedule, but I’m not liking it too much that they’re starting over with episode 1. That will make it the third time already that they’re in some form rewinding the show back to the beginning after not getting at least half-way through with another cycle of the show.
As much as I prefer Cullen’s Blockbusters over the Bill Rafferty version, Cullen’s version has aired a lot over the past few years and I think it deserves a bit of a break from the schedule. The Rafferty era hasn’t been seen in a while and a weekend timeslot is perfect for it considering the amount of episodes it had.
However, I am disappointed about Beat the Clock and Now You See It leaving. All I wanted to see were 4 more episodes of Beat the Clock from the finale week, and Now You See It would have gotten up to the series finale next month anyway. Couldn’t they have just waited until all the available episodes were shown at least once before pulling both shows, or at least move Now You See It to 2 am?
And what’s replacing these shows at night I find to be pretty disappointing. I was never a big fan of That’s The Question or Camouflage, and I love seeing Wheel of Fortune, but with it and Jeopardy!, seriously, I thought we were through with this repeating of the same episodes of shows a day. I realize that people can’t see/record these shows on GSN during the day, but I like the idea of having a bit of a bigger variety of shows. And the Match Game replacement for Now You See It I also find to be kind of a letdown since it’ll be late ‘74-’75 episodes again. This would have been a great time to get out something like PM or the 1990 version, which we haven’t seen in a while. And I could do without an extra Feud airing.
WEEKDAYS:
9:30 am Card Sharks (CBS 1986-89; replaces Tic Tac Dough)
12:00 am Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (ABC 1999-2002; replaces Millionaire, Syndie (2002- Present))
1:00 am Wheel of Fortune (syndie 1994-95 season, replaces That’s The Question)
1:30 am Jeopardy! (syndie 2004-05 season, replaces Camouflage)
2:00 am Family Feud (syndie 2006-present version with O’Hurley, replaces Beat the Clock (CBS 1979-80))
2:30 am Match Game (CBS 1973-79, replaces Now You See It (CBS 1974-75))
WEEKENDS:
10:00 am Blockbusters (NBC 1987, replaces the 1980-82 version)
I’m not really that disappointed about Tic Tac Dough leaving because at least they ran through all the episodes they leased. And I do think Card Sharks with Bob Eubanks does deserve a spot on the weekday schedule, but I’m not liking it too much that they’re starting over with episode 1. That will make it the third time already that they’re in some form rewinding the show back to the beginning after not getting at least half-way through with another cycle of the show.
As much as I prefer Cullen’s Blockbusters over the Bill Rafferty version, Cullen’s version has aired a lot over the past few years and I think it deserves a bit of a break from the schedule. The Rafferty era hasn’t been seen in a while and a weekend timeslot is perfect for it considering the amount of episodes it had.
However, I am disappointed about Beat the Clock and Now You See It leaving. All I wanted to see were 4 more episodes of Beat the Clock from the finale week, and Now You See It would have gotten up to the series finale next month anyway. Couldn’t they have just waited until all the available episodes were shown at least once before pulling both shows, or at least move Now You See It to 2 am?
And what’s replacing these shows at night I find to be pretty disappointing. I was never a big fan of That’s The Question or Camouflage, and I love seeing Wheel of Fortune, but with it and Jeopardy!, seriously, I thought we were through with this repeating of the same episodes of shows a day. I realize that people can’t see/record these shows on GSN during the day, but I like the idea of having a bit of a bigger variety of shows. And the Match Game replacement for Now You See It I also find to be kind of a letdown since it’ll be late ‘74-’75 episodes again. This would have been a great time to get out something like PM or the 1990 version, which we haven’t seen in a while. And I could do without an extra Feud airing.
ATWT: More of the Newbs
Tuesday, December 23rd:
Today is a perfect showcase as to why I am not a fan of Jade (and not really feeling the new actress either). Give me a break, girl! Luke took Jade to the police in fear of what could happen to her if she were a fugitive; where she could easily be hurt or killed. Sorry, but if someone’s freedom and possibly their life is at risk, I’m hauling them to the cops. Also this is has to be the fourth or fifth time this year where some crazy convict or pissed off person is about to kill someone or himself with someone sane enough to talk them or force the weapon away from them. This show just milks that to no end.
With Maddie, it looks like another case of the character coming back to town, only to change with no real explanation whatsoever. I’m still trying to warm up to the actress, but writing wise, this is just not the Maddie that we’ve known before… and geez, horny much? And Maddie, you didn’t turn Noah gay. It’s called denial.
I’m sorry, but Luke being jealous of Maddie and Noah is just silly. For one thing, has this show forgotten that Luke and Maddie were once each other’s BFF? And secondly, Noah is GAY. Gay and OUT. The days of him denying his sexuality have long since ended. I reiterate: NOAH IS GAY. He’s not going to just up and hook up with her. Come on, writers. Stop trying to force drama where it doesn’t or shouldn’t exist. And the real potential awkwardness with Noah formerly dating Casey’s ex-girlfriend Maddie is apparently swept under the rug.
Today is a perfect showcase as to why I am not a fan of Jade (and not really feeling the new actress either). Give me a break, girl! Luke took Jade to the police in fear of what could happen to her if she were a fugitive; where she could easily be hurt or killed. Sorry, but if someone’s freedom and possibly their life is at risk, I’m hauling them to the cops. Also this is has to be the fourth or fifth time this year where some crazy convict or pissed off person is about to kill someone or himself with someone sane enough to talk them or force the weapon away from them. This show just milks that to no end.
With Maddie, it looks like another case of the character coming back to town, only to change with no real explanation whatsoever. I’m still trying to warm up to the actress, but writing wise, this is just not the Maddie that we’ve known before… and geez, horny much? And Maddie, you didn’t turn Noah gay. It’s called denial.
I’m sorry, but Luke being jealous of Maddie and Noah is just silly. For one thing, has this show forgotten that Luke and Maddie were once each other’s BFF? And secondly, Noah is GAY. Gay and OUT. The days of him denying his sexuality have long since ended. I reiterate: NOAH IS GAY. He’s not going to just up and hook up with her. Come on, writers. Stop trying to force drama where it doesn’t or shouldn’t exist. And the real potential awkwardness with Noah formerly dating Casey’s ex-girlfriend Maddie is apparently swept under the rug.
ATWT: Mistletoe-gate: One Year Later
Monday, December 23rd:
You know, I have to say that for the past year, I have never thought about mistletoe the same way again after last year’s Christmas pan-up at the end of the show. I couldn’t even watch the December 20, 2007 episode afterwards because despite all the scenes with Luke and Noah talking about how much they loved each other, I just couldn’t get past the rage of how they so quickly decided to pan up to the mistletoe as soon as their lips were about to meet. I just couldn’t do it, for fear of the urge to throw something at my TV in a fit of anger. Yet again.
I still have my annoyances with the writers; for one thing, how the hell can you have Maddie ask if Noah is gay after all that happened last year? And Luke being jealous of Maddie? Seriously? But today is a celebration for me. The gift that Noah gave to Luke was so sweet and the thought behind it was so, so precious. And, YES! The “same here” from last year, when all still was well, followed by mistletoe with a KISS, a REAL kiss that we could actually SEE and enjoy!
It’s nice that Maddie and Noah are still friends after all that’s happened. And Luke, if a guy kissed me the way Noah kissed Luke towards the end of the show (and oh boy, WHAT a kiss that was too!), there’s no way in Hades that I’d be questioning his sexuality!
And gotta Love Brian with his reasons for holding up sex. Sorry, Lucinda, but you aren’t getting any tonight.
In the end, I’m still disturbed by Brucinda affection and the writing can still be frustrating at times, but after all that’s been pointed out, the last thing I can say is bite me, homophobes!
You know, I have to say that for the past year, I have never thought about mistletoe the same way again after last year’s Christmas pan-up at the end of the show. I couldn’t even watch the December 20, 2007 episode afterwards because despite all the scenes with Luke and Noah talking about how much they loved each other, I just couldn’t get past the rage of how they so quickly decided to pan up to the mistletoe as soon as their lips were about to meet. I just couldn’t do it, for fear of the urge to throw something at my TV in a fit of anger. Yet again.
I still have my annoyances with the writers; for one thing, how the hell can you have Maddie ask if Noah is gay after all that happened last year? And Luke being jealous of Maddie? Seriously? But today is a celebration for me. The gift that Noah gave to Luke was so sweet and the thought behind it was so, so precious. And, YES! The “same here” from last year, when all still was well, followed by mistletoe with a KISS, a REAL kiss that we could actually SEE and enjoy!
It’s nice that Maddie and Noah are still friends after all that’s happened. And Luke, if a guy kissed me the way Noah kissed Luke towards the end of the show (and oh boy, WHAT a kiss that was too!), there’s no way in Hades that I’d be questioning his sexuality!
And gotta Love Brian with his reasons for holding up sex. Sorry, Lucinda, but you aren’t getting any tonight.
In the end, I’m still disturbed by Brucinda affection and the writing can still be frustrating at times, but after all that’s been pointed out, the last thing I can say is bite me, homophobes!
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