A few years ago, there was a book called Alternate Oscars. In it, the author compares the actual Oscar-winning films and actors to who he feels should have won the honor. So I thought that in the days leading up to this year's Daytime Emmy Awards on May 21, I'm going to take a cue from this book and do something here called Alternate Daytime Emmys; of course, I will just do the two major game show categories. As usual, comments are welcome. Now, let's start at the beginning, to the first Daytime Emmy ceremony:
1974.....the year of the first ceremony:
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW:
Their choice: Password
My choice: Match Game '74 (Runners-up: The Hollywood Squares, Jackpot, The Price is Right, The $10,000 Pyramid)
Comments: This was definiely the season of MG '74. The combination of wacky panelists, hilarious host, and slightly naughty questions should've made this show a winner at the Emmys, but they went with a slowly-fading word game that would go to its 'all-star' format a few months later, and change its format once more before throwing in the towel the next year.
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW HOST:
Their choice: Peter Marshall (THSQ)
My choice: Wink Martindale (Gambit)
(Runners-up: Dick Clark ($10kP), Art James (The Who, What or Where Game), Tom Kennedy (Split Second), Gene Rayburn (MG '74)
Comments: Not to take anything away from the 'Square-Master,' but Heatter-Quigley's TV version of blackjack put the Winkster over the top as a game show host, just as Pyramid did for Clark. Art James would've been a 'sentimental favorite' seeing how the 3Ws was evicted from NBC earlier in the year. Kennedy and Geno each had one of their best gigs so far.
1975.....the year of the boom:
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW:
Their choice: The Hollywood Squares
My choice: Gambit (Runners-up: The Big Showdown, Match Game '75, Tattletales, The $10,000 Pyramid)
Comments: Sorry MG '75 fans, but too many Euell Gibbons jokes (questions) cost this already dominant show the Emmy this year. Meanwhile, the TV blackjack game had its best season at this period. During this time, they had one of their most memorable couples, Karen & Phil Livingston, as big winners. (As evidenced by the lone episode on the trading circuit.)
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW HOST:
Their choice: Peter Marshall (THSQ)
My choice: (tie) Wink Martindale (Gambit) & Gene Rayburn (MG '75)
(Runners-up: Dick Clark ($10kP), Jack Narz (Now You See It), Jim Peck (TBS)
Comments: While Narz was the 'sentimental fave' and Peck was the 'underdog,' you might say it was a 'dead heat' between the Winkster and His Gene-ious. Both men gave their best hosting performances during this time.
1976.....the year of the gong:
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW:
Their choice: The $20,000 Pyramid
My choice: The $20,000 Pyramid (Runners-up: Match Game '76, The Price is Right, Tattletales, Wheel of Fortune)
Comments: For the first time, I agree with the TV Academy on $20kP for the honor. I mean, how can you argue?
OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW HOST:
Their choice: Allen Ludden (Password)
My choice: Jim Peck (The Big Showdown)
(Runners-up: Dick Clark ($20kP), Wink Martindale (Gambit), Adam Wade (Musical Chairs), Chuck Woolery (WoF)
Comments: This year the Academy chose Ludden as a 'sentimental fave' because his show got axed the year before; but Peck's debut show also went 'bye-bye' at the same time. I feel that Jim really gave his all during this period; I mean, what other host would survive a 'not-so-grand' staircase entrance one time and still pull off a good hosting job? And why did I select Wade as one of the nominees? Hey, I thought he did a FAB job as host of Musical Chairs!
Next time, 1977.
Cordially,
Tammy Warner--the 'Loretta Swit of the Big Board!
