Pardon me as I don my asbestos long johns. There.
I just watched the show with the three funny gals and the three Texans on YouTube. All things considered, I really didn't think it was that bad. Especially when you figure so much is being done on the cheap. I'd love a real game board, too, but I've given up expecting to see too many these days. Random thoughts:
Yeah, the "Millionaire" lighting, staging, etc, isn't a plus here. I wonder if Mr. Davies has this type of lighting throughout his home? But walls cost money, and you have lights around anyway...
I think Mr. Lane will come along. He was not particularly bad, just sticking to the nuts and bolts. Bill didn't make tons of jokes...let's hope when Dylan relaxes, he'll keep playing it straight.
Personally, I like the speed chains. One thing that drags while watching at home is knowing the answer before the contestants, and hoping their struggle to guess right is at least entertaining. The speed chains give you a chance to play with the contestants in real time. They have 7 seconds, you have 7 seconds. It's a nice play-along factor.
Betting....still not sure about it. If the teams are fairly financially even, then it becomes a game of skillful wagering. If the team totals are totally lopsided before the betting round, you'd have to be stupid to blow a big lead (as said so often here). Just a 2-cents worth - If you want a game where people can really come from behind - start each word at a value of $300 and drop $50 for every letter revealed until you get down to $100, and keep it at $100 for the rest of the word. That may need some more thought, but it gives you a chance to win, not lose money.
Blindfold, cheesy but okay. Dig out the old Stewart answer bell from the prop house and send that little bell back to the counter at Denny's.
Overall, for an adaptation, it could have been a lot worse. I think it's better than most here are saying.
Have not had the courage to check out StarFace yet...let's see if I can find a boring half-hour in life that needs filling....
And Mr. Davies, please mail the check for the good review to 2731 Meyer SW, .............