To clarify:
First, I apologize for wording this incorrectly. The recent glut of shows that offered a seven-digit payday made me a jaded person, and I put my thoughts on the screen the wrong way.
Millionaire (in its purest form) presented a solid format that rewarded astute players who can answer increasingly difficult questions. However, look at what other million-dollar shows that came after consisted of: a money ladder, help to move the contestant along (lifelines), increased difficulty, and properly inserted commercial breaks done to death. The only difference was that most shows offered a small twist to keep it from looking like a completely aped format (
Greed, Weakest Link), offered a decent twist to the formula (
Duel), or used a lot of style to hide the lack of substance (
Deal or No Deal, Set for Life).
Wheel of Fortune doesn't make a big deal out of it every single show, and
we did lambaste
The Price is Right's efforts to offer the big prize, both in Barker's (guaranteed spin on TV) and Carey's (MDPG and larger-than-necessary showcase bid conditions) versions.
To me, I'd rather have a format that rewards a contestant for being skilled (and equally as lucky), than have a show who uses the cash prize to hide the fact that the format is fatally flawed (
Million Dollar Money Drop). So, that latter part of the previous sentence is what I should have said, and I messed up. I'm sorry.
The Inquisitive One
EDIT: I can't take credit for coining the phrase "Mo' Money Syndrome." I'd like to, but I did get it from someone else on this board.
