I was thinking about this a while back while watching Robin's run on the show. You know, maybe it's the fact that I didn't even know there *was* another bonus round until years later (when I was younger, the WBMG was the bonus round in play during the first-run Sale episodes) that is influencing this, but I don't hate the WBMG as much as some do.
To be honest, I don't particularly care for the shopping endgame, mainly because it isn't really an endgame. It's just waiting to see if the contestant will take a prize and retire, or continue to play. The Winner's Board was better, but taking 10 shows to clear it seemed a bit long.
I will agree that the WBMG does seem out of place with a game that's all about shopping and that it took any semblance of risk out of the endgame. But, I honestly liked it (and still do); it's a quick, high-stakes bonus round with some fun puzzles (at times!).
Here would be my suggestions for fixing it:
-Each WBMG is a flat $5,000 until the player goes for the car or the $50,000.
-There is no risk to play on until the player wins 4 WBMG's (don't have to be consecutive). At that point, the player may continue to play for the car, risking all WBMG winnings (the $20,000). Winning another WBMG wins the car and a shot at the $50,000. However, if the player loses the WBMG while playing for the car, he/she must play for the car again on the next show, and continues to do so until winning it. Losing a game along the way costs the WBMG winnings to that point.
-Upon winning the car in the WBMG, the same offer is extended as for the car, except the prize jumps to the $50,000 grand prize. Winning another WBMG wins the $50,000 along with the prior $20,000, the car, and any front-game winnings. The champ then retires undefeated. However, losing a WBMG means having to play another game and try the WBMG again for the $50,000. Losing a game along the way costs the $20,000 plus the car.
Pros of this method:
-Players can win the car in 5 shows instead of 7, thus avoiding some of the "Welp, that car's not going anywhere!" syndrome that plagued the show many weeks, including weeks where, before the car was even introduced, we knew no one would win it. At least, at the start of each week, the car would be vulnerable.
-Players who are good at the main game, but not the WBMG, can still continue to play and not be forced out because they lost WBMG #7.
-A very good player can win the "lot" in as few as 6 shows (as few as Alice took), but most contestants will take more.
-Risk is reintroduced, though not until players have had a chance to earn some money to make the risk interesting.
Cons of this method:
-Progress toward the "lot" is dependent on performance in the WBMG instead of the front game.
-Only the strongest front game players would likely risk their car and $20,000 to try for the $50,000, especially since it may take them more than one show to get it, unlike with the Winner's Board.
-Players who are risking WBMG winnings will likely become extremely Instant Bargain and Instant Cash-averse in the front game, thus potentially forcing more players to play the game like Alice.
I likely put way too much thought into an endgame for a show that's been off the air for 30 years now, but there you have it. Enjoy!
/this saved me from working on a manuscript...
Anthony
