The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: Sodboy13 on September 29, 2007, 10:31:22 AM
-
It's off-putting, it's off my Tivo, it's off in Portland, and soon enough, it'll just be flat-out off. I think a wide majority of us here have expressed strong disappointment that Temptation, a show many of us were looking forward to, thought showed a lot of promise, and believed was being done by people who "get it," turned out to be such an absolute clunker. The worst thing is that, even with what they're going for in this version of the show, everything could have been so much better with just a few adjustments and rearrangements. With that, I've thought about how I would fix the show, keeping the following caveats in mind:
- This is not an Australian network show. This is a relatively small-scale syndie effort distributed by 20th Television (Dollar Store Division,) so $70K cars, $5K Instant Bargains, and a shot at high-6-figure cash are all out of the question.
- It's not going to be a general knowledge quizzer. They want to target the female demo with a pop-culture-focused program, and that's what this version of Temptation was going to be, no matter how fixed or broken.
- Barring a lawsuit, Knock Off isn't going anywhere.
- The Fame Game will not feature nine famous faces, and will still be a letter-turning affair.
- The Home Shopping segments, no matter how insipid, don't interfere with gameplay and add a couple bucks to the revenue stream, so we're stuck with 'em.
- This is NOT an Australian network show.
And yet, we could still have this:
- Intro, title
- Brief contestant intro
- :30 Dis or Dat Speed Round "to get everybody warmed up" - a quick way for players to build cash early on with the simplest questions.
- Instant Bargain #1. And for the Bargains, either drop the pointless Shop Clock, or give Rossi the ability to say "Stop the clock!" and sweeten the deal when the contestant's hands aren't even in the same area code as the buzzer.
- Hey, since Rossi's there at the desk, how about 60 seconds or so of Getting To Know Our Players?
- $15 Fame Game
(break)
- Knock Off
- Instant Bargain #2
- :45 Speed Round
(break)
- $20/$25 Fame Game
- Instant Cash ($1,000 minimum, +$500 each day, and no ceiling)
- :45/:60 Final Speed Round (and if it's a full minute, I think the questions can stay at $5.)
- "For our departing contestants, you'll be able to go bargain shopping at home with your (Temptation) dollars on a Visa Gift Card, plus we're sending you off with our exclusive Temptation Tote Bag, filled with ($100-$200 of a sponsor's product.)"
- Champ goes to Shopper's Paradise, prize descriptions read
(break)
- Super Knock Off: "Each correct answer adds $25 to your shopping account. Get all six, though, and we'll give you a $100 bonus, for a total of $250, plus you'll also win this (Instant Bargain-esque prize package.)" I think that would add a little more tension and a risk element to the end game, and there's more "Temptation" if that last answer takes the bonus from $125 to $250, plus nets the player a prize.
- Champion's Decision (having this on its own at the end of the show practically screams to the audience, "Skip the last five minutes of our show!")
- No 5-day contestant limit. And if a player earns their way to the car, then "You can either take that car and drive off today, or you can come back tomorrow, and if you defend your title, you'll win every prize here in Shopper's Paradise. Plus, you'll have a chance to play Super Knock Off for $10,000 cash."
- If a champ wins the lot, then Super Knock Off is played for $500 in real money per answer, with all six getting the $10K.
So, there you have it. I know it's still not the best this show could be, but I like to think that this is a case of doing the best I can with what I have to work with. More than anything, I just think it's sad that this show is so broken, it'll die before there's any hope of it getting fixed, and we're all left to ponder what could have been.
-
Awesome. Simply awesome.
-
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 10:31 AM\']
I just think it's sad that this show is so broken, it'll die before there's any hope of it getting fixed, and we're all left to ponder what could have been.
[/quote]
I think that sums it up.
-
...and no more Temptation Dollars?
OT: Watched with some friends yesterday...made a really good drinking game. :)
-
[quote name=\'PaulD\' post=\'165078\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 11:18 AM\']
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 10:31 AM\']
I just think it's sad that this show is so broken, it'll die before there's any hope of it getting fixed, and we're all left to ponder what could have been.
[/quote]
I think that sums it up.
[/quote]
This makes me want to get a job with Fremantle so I can show them up. Anyone have any help on advice on how to do that so they don't screw anything else up?
-
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 07:31 AM\']
And yet, we could still have this:
[/quote]
I am impressed. Still a lot less gameplay than I would like, but significantly more watchable, if Rossi wasn't such a freakin' tool.
Well done!
-
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165082\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 12:51 PM\']
[quote name=\'PaulD\' post=\'165078\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 11:18 AM\']
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 10:31 AM\']
I just think it's sad that this show is so broken, it'll die before there's any hope of it getting fixed, and we're all left to ponder what could have been.
[/quote]
I think that sums it up.
[/quote]
This makes me want to get a job with Fremantle so I can show them up. Anyone have any help on advice on how to do that so they don't screw anything else up?
[/quote]
First off, you need to lie on the cover letter and say how great Temptation is, how the addition of the Double Whammies in Whammy was the best change to Press Your Luck, and that you're very sad that Bob Barker didn't extend his contract for another 5 years on TPIR. Then, once you've brown-nosed your way to the top, fire the ones who never watched the original versions of the shows they are trying to reincarnate.
-
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165082\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 12:51 PM\']
This makes me want to get a job with Fremantle so I can show them up. Anyone have any help on advice on how to do that so they don't screw anything else up?
[/quote]
Mandel Ilagan couldn't straighten them out... guess there's not a lot anyone can do, for that matter.
-
[quote name=\'davemackey\' post=\'165106\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 07:30 PM\']
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165082\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 12:51 PM\']
This makes me want to get a job with Fremantle so I can show them up. Anyone have any help on advice on how to do that so they don't screw anything else up?
[/quote]
Mandel Ilagan couldn't straighten them out... guess there's not a lot anyone can do, for that matter.
[/quote]
Anyone have an idea of Ginger Simpson's c.v. then? I know she also does Lingo, maybe I could get the same start she did so I can save game shows in the future...
I wish there were lifetime bans in game shows, Ginger Simpson would near the top of my list at this point for her lack of attention with Temptation.
-
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165109\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 07:27 PM\']
I wish there were lifetime bans in game shows, Ginger Simpson would near the top of my list at this point for her lack of attention with Temptation.
[/quote]
By no means am I saying the series is great, nor am I saying it sucks (haven't seen it). But, if you're saying that she should be banned, do tell what you would do to make the show better.
-
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'165128\' date=\'Sep 30 2007, 10:17 AM\']
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165109\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 07:27 PM\']
I wish there were lifetime bans in game shows, Ginger Simpson would near the top of my list at this point for her lack of attention with Temptation.
[/quote]
By no means am I saying the series is great, nor am I saying it sucks (haven't seen it). But, if you're saying that she should be banned, do tell what you would do to make the show better.
[/quote]
- Intro and contestents come out.
- 30-second speed round
- First IB
- Several questions
- Fame game; ditch the spelling and make the a rolling amount starting at $20 and going down as the question goes on.
Commercial- Learn a bit about the conestents.
- Second speed round.
- Second IB.
- Some normal questions
- Knock-off in lieu of second Fame Game.
- Instant Cash or Third IB
Commercial- Some normal questions, but at $10 each.
- Second Fame Game, only starting at $40.
- 60-second speed round at $5/question
- Whoever is in the lead wins, players keep cash and get consolation prizes alongside any IB's won.
- No Super Knock-off, 8 prizes instead of 5, the lot would exist with a bonus of at least $50,000.
Put in some gender equality with the contestants and it's a marriage of the current format and classic $otC and is so doable in 22 minutes.
-
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165133\' date=\'Sep 30 2007, 08:11 AM\']
- Some normal questions, but at $10 each.
- 60-second speed round at $5/question
[/quote]
It's going to look really stupid if you jack up the question value and then jack it back DOWN again for the Big Finish.
-
Here's another problem with Temptation: Is there a way to speed up Rolanda's prize descriptions? I've come to like her style, but if they're recording her they could play it back faster.
It's crazy how many nits there are to pick with this show, yet I still watch it. (Though now only once a day, since the double run went through a time rift.) The only big problem (besides Lo Money Syndrome) is Rossi--ironic, since he looks to be about 4' 6".
-
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165109\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 08:27 PM\']
[quote name=\'davemackey\' post=\'165106\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 07:30 PM\']
[quote name=\'Scrabbleship\' post=\'165082\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 12:51 PM\']
This makes me want to get a job with Fremantle so I can show them up. Anyone have any help on advice on how to do that so they don't screw anything else up?
[/quote]
Mandel Ilagan couldn't straighten them out... guess there's not a lot anyone can do, for that matter.
[/quote]
Anyone have an idea of Ginger Simpson's c.v. then? I know she also does Lingo, maybe I could get the same start she did so I can save game shows in the future...
I wish there were lifetime bans in game shows, Ginger Simpson would near the top of my list at this point for her lack of attention with Temptation.
[/quote]
It sounds like Ginger Simpson is quickly becoming the Lin Bolen of the 21st Century??? She's got at least one element down pat -- Shopping over Gameplay!
-
Here's my suggestion:
Segment 1:
- 3 untimed questions
- 30-second speed round
- Instant Bargain #1
- 3 untimed questions
- Fame Game #1 (classic style)
Segment 2:
- 2 or 3 untimed questions
- Instant Bargain #2
- 2 untimed questions
- Fame Game #2
- 30-second speed round (Dis or Dat)
Segment 3:
- 3 untimed questions
- Instant Cash
- 2 untimed questions
- Fame Game #3
Segment 4:
- 60-second speed round
- Knock-Off
- Shopping (Here I would add a sixth level allowing the contestants to own all five prizes on stage just to up the ante a bit.)
Basically it retains a lot of the Grundy format while retaining some of the current innovations. As for the host, I still think that he's an annoying, unshaven pretty-boy, but if Fremantle wants to keep him, that's cool; he just has to work on his emceeing skills.
-
i agree; but i am still taping as much temptation i can
-
[quote name=\'BMaurice06\' post=\'165238\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 02:42 PM\']
Here's my suggestion:
<cut>
[/quote]
So your proposal is pretty much the Australian version with shopping and the endgame switched, and Knockoff replacing 10-in-60. Why didn't you just save yourself some time and say "Here's my proposal: pretty much the Australian version with shopping and the endgame etc., etc.?"
-
[quote name=\'MTCesquire\' post=\'165248\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 03:19 PM\']
Why didn't you just save yourself some time and say "Here's my proposal: pretty much the Australian version with shopping and the endgame etc., etc.?"
[/quote]
Clearly you're not familiar with his posting history. He's done this before.
-
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 09:31 AM\']And yet, we could still have this:
[snip][/quote]
It looks good on paper, but even that wouldn't work -- by adding another Fame Game, interviewing the contestants, lengthening the speed rounds, and adding prize plugs for consolations and Super Knock Off, you've burdened an already tightly-edited show with at least 90 more seconds of content. Which is one of the problems Temptation faces -- given how much of a syndicated half-hour consists of commercials, this revival couldn't have the variety of games that the original Sale of the Century or the Australian version had.
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 09:31 AM\']- Instant Cash ($1,000 minimum, +$500 each day, and no ceiling)
- :45/:60 Final Speed Round (and if it's a full minute, I think the questions can stay at $5.)[/quote]
You'd probably be forced to resign yourself to Instant Cash resetting to $500 when it's won -- it's easier to plan to budget for a flat $500 per day.
I do agree that the final speed round should be sixty seconds, but with the current format, even that would be hard to shoehorn in.
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 09:31 AM\']- Super Knock Off: "Each correct answer adds $25 to your shopping account. Get all six, though, and we'll give you a $100 bonus, for a total of $250, plus you'll also win this (Instant Bargain-esque prize package.)"[/quote]
I like this, but I don't think the prize package is necessary -- the extra $100 is tempting enough.
[quote name=\'Sodboy13\' post=\'165076\' date=\'Sep 29 2007, 09:31 AM\']- No 5-day contestant limit. And if a player earns their way to the car, then "You can either take that car and drive off today, or you can come back tomorrow, and if you defend your title, you'll win every prize here in Shopper's Paradise. Plus, you'll have a chance to play Super Knock Off for $10,000 cash."[/quote]
I doubt you'd be able to sell the idea of giving away The Lot and a $10,000 bonus on this budget-conscious show. You'd have a hard enough time selling the idea of The Lot, but since you've made it harder to accumulate a lot of money in Super Knock Off, I think you could get away with it. Just price The Lot about $150 to $200 higher than the car -- unless the champion does poorly at Super Knock Off the next day, they'll still win The Lot the day after earning enough for the car.
--
Scott Robinson
-
I posted an entry on one of my blogs (http://\"http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=235987544&blogID=314292434\") about this, but it does suffer from a couple of the problems Scott said. I tried to cut other things (mainly talking) but it's still probably long. I also tried to address the home shopping problem, but as always, ymmv.
-
[quote name=\'Neumms\' post=\'165152\' date=\'Sep 30 2007, 05:32 PM\']
Here's another problem with Temptation: Is there a way to speed up Rolanda's prize descriptions?
[/quote]
Yes. Hire another announcer to do them.
-
[quote name=\'BMaurice06\' post=\'165238\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 01:42 PM\']As for the host, I still think that he's an annoying, unshaven pretty-boy, but if Fremantle wants to keep him, that's cool; he just has to work on his emceeing skills.[/quote]
But wouldn't your beloved Todd Newton fit the same description?
-
[quote name=\'JRaygor\' post=\'165263\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 09:27 PM\']
[quote name=\'BMaurice06\' post=\'165238\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 01:42 PM\']As for the host, I still think that he's an annoying, unshaven pretty-boy, but if Fremantle wants to keep him, that's cool; he just has to work on his emceeing skills.[/quote]
But wouldn't your beloved Todd Newton fit the same description?
[/quote]
There's a difference between Newton and Morreale...Newton HAS hosting skills.
-
The thing of it is, there are too many problems covering too many areas, fixing only the game play, or only getting rid of the host, or only changing the game material, is only slapping a bandage on a broken leg.
One of the reasons Rossi has "big hugs and lots of love" for everyone is that by getting rid of the Fame Game board, the show loses three chances to give away a prize (and read a fee plug, too) per show. This could be solved in two ways: give the winner of a Fame Game the sure thing of the money value, or an unknown prize. Ditto for the Knock-off: "Nine of our answers hide prizes, three knock you out of the round. Whatever you find, you keep." That way, people are leaving with something more than an entry pass. (But again, they're already on a shoestring as it is. Solving one problem will help to solve the other.)
I've seen exactly 60 minutes of the show, and the problem (for me anyway) is the material. I'm not bothered by the Mario Party resemblance as much as I am the aversion of the show's writers to ask anything of an academic nature. When I saw one of the "sneak preview" Super Knock-off Rounds was "People who have starred in their own reality shows," I knew I was in for a rough go. I actually think that using a format similar in structure to that of You Don't Know Jack (the computer game) would work. Ask a stack of questions, play a game or sell some crap. End with the speed round.
The most headscratching thing about the whole operation is why the show would saddle players with a time limit in which they must win the car. That is, unless they only intended to give away the car once or twice in the entire thirteen weeks. And if that's the case, why bother?
-
[quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'165266\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 10:03 PM\']
I've seen exactly 60 minutes of the show, and the problem (for me anyway) is the material. I'm not bothered by the Mario Party resemblance as much as I am the aversion of the show's writers to ask anything of an academic nature. [/quote]
I remind you that the level and subject matter is *not* subject to the whims of the writers. They write what they're told to write. It's a little like saying, "That 'Price is Right' show is kinda neat, but they really ought to have more history questions." I know, it's only a *little* like saying that; the idea of "fun pop-culture questions" isn't inherent in Temptation's design, but it's very much inherent in the show that Ginger and company could sell. And the writing staff didn't make that call.
-
[quote name=\'MTCesquire\' post=\'165248\' date=\'Oct 1 2007, 06:19 PM\']
So your proposal is pretty much the Australian version with shopping and the endgame switched, and Knockoff replacing 10-in-60. Why didn't you just save yourself some time and say "Here's my proposal: pretty much the Australian version with shopping and the endgame etc., etc.?"
[/quote]
Because I don't feel the need to rush into favorite topics like this. If I want to make long proposals like the one I just made, so be it (and in case you were asking, yes, I think it is necessary to be sassy in my posting!). This is too good a subject not to take my time with, and besides details suit me just fine, thankyouverymuch.