When it debuted in December, I enjoyed it. Not so much because it was a new game show. Not so much because of the luster, but because it had a natural feel to it. The contestants and audience were happy to be there, but they weren't over-the-top obnoxious. When it returned in February or March, we got church choirs, cheerleading chants, and it became a game show, circus, concert, and "This is Your Life" all rolled into one. It literally became a dog-and-pony show. I've said it a few times, but Howie only needs to say a few words to the family section, then shut them up, esp. the kids.
If the syndie version is the way that the December preview week was, I'll watch. If it looks like it's produced by Barnum and Bailey, I'll pass.
Treasure Hunt was fun because it was meant to be cheesy. D/ND wants to have all this cheesy action, but take itself seriously at the same time.