Can't feel too bad about the return of game shows, but Mr. "Get off my lawn" has two concerns. (a) Titles, like words, have meanings. If you're going to do another reboot of Ironside, I'd avoid having the lead walk around on two good legs. "Snoop's Casino" would be more like it. (b) The article I read mentioned they were also shooting for a comedy vibe. Some games are geared for comedy. Today, this seems to be a strong first goal. This is a disturbing trend. Many producers and distributors are looking at classic game formats with an eye toward turning them into alternative sitcoms, forcing laughs instead of them happening naturally. An exciting, tight well-played game like JOKER or PYRAMID can be fun all the time, but it doesn't have to be funny all the time. NFL ratings down? Let's give all the players clown shoes, red sponge noses, and the quarterback can tell jokes between signal calls. That should bring viewers in. A good game is entertaining by itself. I'll wish it well, however. Now if you'll excuse me, Matlock just came on...
