The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: Balapete on November 13, 2003, 08:43:29 PM
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Does anyone else feel that the small changes on this season's Pyramid really add to the show. I think the flow of the show this year is much better. I love the fact that the contestants are able to give the clues in the winner's circle, although I have not seen anyone opt to yet. I wish that you the contestants were able to do that last year. I was on the show last year and would have loved to give the clues in the W.C.. I can not complain though because I played with Elaine Henrdrix and she was a great player and helped me win $10,000. It was by far the most exciting thing that has happened to me.
I was so glad to see that Adriene Barbeau is going to be on Pyramid this year. She was one of the best players on the Clark version and I can't wait to see her on the new show. I am sure she still is a great player. It is nice to see some celebrities from the original show on this year.
I like the theme weeks. I would love to see a classic game show week like the had on Hollywood Squares or perhaps a classic TV week. If anyone from Pyramid is reading this, I think you would get some great ratings with these types of weeks.
Peter
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[quote name=\'Balapete\' date=\'Nov 13 2003, 06:43 PM\'] Does anyone else feel that the small changes on this season's Pyramid really add to the show. I think the flow of the show this year is much better. [/quote]
I think the small changes this season DO improve the show, but the big problems they HAVEN'T addressed (like the judging issues, and the "alternative, edgy" writing) still make the show unwatchable.
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Well, that's quite severe. The show is in no way "unwatchable", it's still Pyramid at heart.
The only thing I find strange is how they're standing around and they make such a big deal about who wants to give or receive. Let 'em relax in the chair for a few minutes. I don't really need to see them choose either, just having the choice is fine with me.
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[quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 02:28 AM\'] Well, that's quite severe. The show is in no way "unwatchable", it's still Pyramid at heart. [/quote]
And yet, 100% accurate. If the judging and writing annoys me to the point that I don't want to watch it, then that, by definition, is an unwatchable show.
Tom Cruise's DENTIST, for Chrissakes. His friggin' DENTIST. What does "I work on the teeth of the guy who was in Days Of Thunder" add to the show that "I was in Days Of Thunder" didn't? Frankly, it's an insult to the writing staff of the Clark version.
YMMV. YM prolly WILL V. But I refuse to support crap like that with my viewership.
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[quote name=\'Balapete\' date=\'Nov 13 2003, 08:43 PM\']
I was so glad to see that Adriene Barbeau is going to be on Pyramid this year. [/quote]
If Adrienne was on the show, then maybe one of these days Constance McCashin might come on this version. She is a great game show player, period(not just on "Pyramid").
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[quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 01:28 AM\'] The only thing I find strange is how they're standing around and they make such a big deal about who wants to give or receive. Let 'em relax in the chair for a few minutes. I don't really need to see them choose either, just having the choice is fine with me. [/quote]
They do get to relax in the chair, for 10-15 minutes before each WC, while Steve Saunders tries to keep the audience awake. The contestant just stands up about 30 seconds before tape starts rolling again.
And you definitely aren't seeing them decide; you're seeing a cheesy re-creation of their decision, which is made before the walk to the WC.
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And you definitely aren't seeing them decide; you're seeing a cheesy re-creation of their decision, which is made before the walk to the WC.
Why can't they then just tell us before the commercial break? "You now have a $10000/$25000 decision to make. Do you want to give the clues or get the clues?".
That way once they get to the Winners' Circle, they don't have to go through the sit down, stand up, sit down routine. I'll watch and enjoy the show regardless, but it's just a suggestion.
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[quote name=\'mbclev\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 11:24 AM\']
If Adrienne was on the show, then maybe one of these days Constance McCashin might come on this version. She is a great game show player, period(not just on "Pyramid"). [/quote]
COnstance I don't think has a TV gig now? Lois Nettleton(though now in her 70s) has some role on "Crossing Jordan" as does Osmond semi-regular Steve Valentine, doesn't she? Melody Thomas Scott is also a damn good game show player, and she's still on Y&R. But they still picked Doug Davidson and Joshua Morrow to be on their soap weeks instead of her, oh well.
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Like placing money ON ACCOUNT in the old shopping days of Wheel, it's rare to see a contestant give the clues.
However, I witnessed a gentleman (who's a dead ringer for Leonard Maltin) give the clues every time he made it to the Winner's Circle during an 80's Pyramid run.
Goodson-Todman never allowed contestants to give clues on the bonus rounds of Password +/Super Password. However, Body Language allowed the option of acting or receiving in the late run of the series.
If I was on Pyramid, I'd definately be "Leonard Maltin Lookalike 2"!
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[quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 04:28 AM\'] Well, that's quite severe. The show is in no way "unwatchable", it's still Pyramid at heart.
The only thing I find strange is how they're standing around and they make such a big deal about who wants to give or receive. Let 'em relax in the chair for a few minutes. I don't really need to see them choose either, just having the choice is fine with me. [/quote]
If it was at "heart"; the sexual innuendos and double entrandes (sp) wouldn't be present. But they are. As Chris mentioned; the judging is poor at best.
I won't comment about the celebrity cycle.
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If it was at "heart"; the sexual innuendos and double entrandes (sp) wouldn't be present. But they are. As Chris mentioned; the judging is poor at best.
I won't comment about the celebrity cycle.
There, in a nutshell, is what hurts this current version of Pyramid. The set could use some retooling as well.
For clarification purposes, it is spelled entendres. However, you meant well.
The Inquisitive One
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I am a huge fan of the classic Pyramid. In fact, it's my favorite game show format of all time.
I don't find the current version "unwatchable" per se, but at the same time I can't say that I go out of my way to watch or tape it. My thoughts and questions:
1). The set looks good. Let's face it...trilons are not coming back, not should they. Putting the main game desks on a pedestal was a good aesthetic move for this season.
2). Donny is what I would refer to as a functional host. I don't think he sets the world on fire, but he does all right.
3). Why don't they do the traditional walk to the winner's circle before the commercial break? I agree, the cheesy give and receive decision should go. It's a moot exercise.
4). Why don't they plug the Super Six immediately after the main game categories? I think they should have a Super Six only in the second round, and have it be a bigger prize.
5). Why can't they structure the big Pyramid subjects like they used to, such as only having "What...would say" in the 2nd box? I'm not sure if there was ever a reason for that on the original version(s), but it seemed to work well.
6). Why did they get rid of audience applause between the answers in the winner's circle? It sounds flat, and the absence of applause does not add to the drama. Also, why can't family/friends of contestants run down to congratulate a $10,000/$25,000 winner? Get the audience involved! This would make the show much more appealing for me.
7). 6 in 20 seconds as opposed to 7 in 30 seconds was an EXCELLENT idea!!
A techno version of the classic theme song would also make me want to watch more. I watched Family Feud more last season when they had the classic theme. Call me superficial, but the throwbacks make a difference.
Thoughts? Answers to the "why" questions?
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Let's see...
1). The set looks good. Let's face it...trilons are not coming back, not should they. Putting the main game desks on a pedestal was a good aesthetic move for this season.
I agree...somewhat. Yes, trilons are a thing of the past, and yes, I like the monitor system. My gripe with the set is that it is too, well, "Millionaire"-esque. I love updates, but I also like the set to be warm and inviting (see the current versions of Feud and H2 to get an idea of what I am looking for). Also, they should have it where enough lights are killed to make the "Winner's Circle" more dramatic than what it is.
2). Donny is what I would refer to as a functional host. I don't think he sets the world on fire, but he does all right.
There is that certain energy I feel with Donny that makes him an enjoyable host. He is fun to be with. I just wish he wore a tie once in a while (not that it's a big deal; ties, to me, contain that extra sense of class).
3). Why don't they do the traditional walk to the winner's circle before the commercial break? I agree, the cheesy give and receive decision should go. It's a moot exercise.
If you are talking about the decision that is made on-screen, then I agree. I say that they should hearken back to the days of The $10,000/$20,000 Pyramid and ask for the decision before making that walk to the WC.
4). Why don't they plug the Super Six immediately after the main game categories? I think they should have a Super Six only in the second round, and have it be a bigger prize.
My main beef with the Super Six is (or was) that it was too self-promoting. They have improved on that lately. I say the the S6 should be something bigger during the tournament. Throw in the occasional car every once in a while...evin if it is one of those $8,000 econo-cars.
5). Why can't they structure the big Pyramid subjects like they used to, such as only having "What...would say" in the 2nd box? I'm not sure if there was ever a reason for that on the original version(s), but it seemed to work well.
That is really no big deal, to be honest with you. I DO wish that they had better writers. When you have a subject like "What Tom Cruise's Dentist Would Say," it is time for you to do some serious retooling.
6). Why did they get rid of audience applause between the answers in the winner's circle? It sounds flat, and the absence of applause does not add to the drama. Also, why can't family/friends of contestants run down to congratulate a $10,000/$25,000 winner? Get the audience involved! This would make the show much more appealing for me.
To address the former issue, many people have said that this is a good idea because they felt that the applause cut into the 60-second time limit often. The latter issue would be a good idea. If Wheel can do it, I am sure that Pyramid could do the same.
The other issues are well and good. I do not care if they do away with the Bob Stewart theme once and for all. I just want the theme music to be just that: MUSIC.
The Inquisitive One
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I find it hard to believe that Pat and Vanna don't have time to do even ONE SHOW of Pyramid(um, isn't Pyramid on the same Sony lot as their show).
Also, how about Donny vs. Marie with Dick Clark hosting for a day?
Now that would be a good one for Feb. Sweeps!
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Also, how about Donny vs. Marie with Dick Clark hosting for a day?
Now that would be a good one for Feb. Sweeps!
Donny said that he was hoping to get Marie as a celeb this season, but her committments w/QVC, etc. kept her from doing so.
Chuck Donegan (The Illustrious "Chuckie Baby")
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[quote name=\'HSquares2003\' date=\'Nov 16 2003, 06:29 PM\'] I find it hard to believe that Pat and Vanna don't have time to do even ONE SHOW of Pyramid(um, isn't Pyramid on the same Sony lot as their show).
Also, how about Donny vs. Marie with Dick Clark hosting for a day?
Now that would be a good one for Feb. Sweeps! [/quote]
Pyramid is probably up against Wheel in some cities. However, Pat didn't do a bad job as a celeb on SUper Password back in the day, he probably would be a good player.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 03:03 AM\'] And yet, 100% accurate. If the judging and writing annoys me to the point that I don't want to watch it, then that, by definition, is an unwatchable show. [/quote]
Card Sharks 2001, now *that* was unwatchable. The old show so butchered that it was no longer recognisable.
Even with the odd weird judging decision, or poorly written category, it's still a great show. You're missing out, which is of course your right.
Did you stop watching Match Game because they had occasional bad judging and writing? (School Riot anyone?)
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[quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 17 2003, 08:06 AM\'] Did you stop watching Match Game because they had occasional bad judging and writing? (School Riot anyone?) [/quote]
Now, I don't go to the point that Chris does and say it is unwatchable. I do find it enjoyable at times. But those flaws are too damn apparent.
When you're used to a show with locked-tight, virtually infalliable judging, you don't want to see the same show with wishy-washy judging. I could almost always predict a buzzing in the $25/100K Clark Pyramids. I don't know what the hell is going on in Osmond's Pyramid. It was a cool dance for a person to make while at home -- you can't say a "disease of a thousand men," but you can say "a thousand men's disease." That's intellectually stimulating. I can't dance anymore, though, to Donny. That makes me want to change the channel and wait to watch Clark on GSN.
Brandon Brooks
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[quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 17 2003, 06:06 AM\'] Even with the odd weird judging decision, or poorly written category, it's still a great show. [/quote]
The problem is...THEY'RE NOT ODD if I can pick one out every other day.
You're missing out, which is of course your right.
As I said, YMMV. I don't even think it's worth hard drive space on my Tivo in case I see a notice here of something amazing happening. My life is still plenty complete without it. I'm missing nothing that is of particular concern to me.
Did you stop watching Match Game because they had occasional bad judging and writing? (School Riot anyone?)
I sure as hell didn't watch MG '98. From the looks of it, I wasn't alone.
Trying to compare Match Game, a show played mostly for yuks with what is widely considered a pretty tenuous "game" wrapped around it, with Pyramid, a serious word communication game, is an exercise in futility and does little to prove your point. I hold Pyramid to a higher standard (and, in fact, a KNOWN standard), and so should most everyone else.
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[quote name=\'adamkendall\' date=\'Nov 16 2003, 01:12 PM\'] 7). 6 in 20 seconds as opposed to 7 in 30 seconds was an EXCELLENT idea!!
[/quote]
More than likely, not an idea, but rather a way to generate commercial revenue. And Zach, WTH does Pat Sajak being on Super Password have to do with anything?
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[quote name=\'Dsmith\' date=\'Nov 19 2003, 10:55 PM\'] [quote name=\'adamkendall\' date=\'Nov 16 2003, 01:12 PM\'] 7). 6 in 20 seconds as opposed to 7 in 30 seconds was an EXCELLENT idea!!
[/quote]
More than likely, not an idea, but rather a way to generate commercial revenue. And Zach, WTH does Pat Sajak being on Super Password have to do with anything? [/quote]
HSquares wondered why Pat does not do Pyramid. I mentioned the probable reason he won't do it. He might be a good Pyramid player as he was a decent Password player when did SP(and P+ late in its run)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Nov 17 2003, 11:44 AM\'] [quote name=\'Gromit\' date=\'Nov 17 2003, 06:06 AM\'] Even with the odd weird judging decision, or poorly written category, it's still a great show. [/quote]
The problem is...THEY'RE NOT ODD if I can pick one out every other day.
[/quote]
And again, like the fumblings of a Sony product before it, have they been bad enough to earn the "monkeys" title yet? (I still wonder if, if there really was tension between GSN and Sony, was it because they tried to help Pyramid by offering some of their monkeys to serve as judges ;-))
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Nov 15 2003, 05:03 AM\']
Tom Cruise's DENTIST, for Chrissakes. His friggin' DENTIST. What does "I work on the teeth of the guy who was in Days Of Thunder" add to the show that "I was in Days Of Thunder" didn't? Frankly, it's an insult to the writing staff of the Clark version.
[/quote]
Well at least nobody tried the clue, "Hmmm...not straight...Oh? I meant your TEETH, Mr. Top Gun, I think you need braces!" ;-)
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[quote name=\'adamkendall\' date=\'Nov 16 2003, 01:12 PM\'] 3). Why don't they do the traditional walk to the winner's circle before the commercial break? I agree, the cheesy give and receive decision should go. It's a moot exercise. [/quote]
I love how in the first season, some people had a problem with no decision being offered. Now it seems we are remembering that this decision is indeed along the lines of On Account, Play/Pass on FF, and Richard Dawson for Super Match.
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I like the changes, but one thing bothers me. Donny is taking the gig just a bit TOO seriously. He hardly ever seems to smile from the shows I've seen, wheras Dick Clark seemed more personable and likeable.
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[quote name=\'Shredder\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 09:09 AM\'] I like the changes, but one thing bothers me. Donny is taking the gig just a bit TOO seriously. He hardly ever seems to smile from the shows I've seen, wheras Dick Clark seemed more personable and likeable. [/quote]
Those that have seen the 1982 Battlestars finale know that, as per a question on that show, Donny was tired by then of being teased(he was in his early 20s then) because of his smile.
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[quote name=\'JMFabiano\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 06:10 AM\'] Now it seems we are remembering that this decision is indeed along the lines of On Account, Play/Pass on FF, and Richard Dawson for Super Match. [/quote]
I don't agree, necessarily. I think you'd see more contestants giving if not for the "celebrities bring briefed" garbage, but with that it's a no-brainer...you can either receive and get an advantage, or give and you're on your own. Even I would receive given those conditions, unless I was paired with a particularly 'tarded celebrity like Arianna Huffington or Jillian Barbarie, and under the Clark rules I'd give every day and twice on Sunday.
But I'll shut up, as I'm sure people are getting tired of me yammering on about how I don't like the show.
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But I'll shut up, as I'm sure people are getting tired of me yammering on about how I don't like the show.
Chris...I am not tired of hearing your comments...maybe it's because I agree with them! :-D
As a matter of fact, I was really hoping that the number of comments about this briefing business would prompt some sort of reply from the Pyramid staffers who read this board.
I'd be interested to hear an explanation as to why they feel it's necessary to do this...especially now that Pyramid has established itself somewhat. They did find some good celebs during season one (Debra Jo Rupp, Debra Wilson, Rosa Blasi... among others). It just seems like the easy way out to me...like it's easier to settle rather than try to find good players.
ITSBRY
itsbry@juno.com
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Not only did they find some good players last year, but I've seen at least a couple new ones this year who were good. Tracey Ross from Soap Week and Mario from Food Week should be invited back.
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[quote name=\'ITSBRY\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 10:12 AM\'] Chris...I am not tired of hearing your comments...maybe it's because I agree with them! :-D
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Well, thanks, but I do feel like I'm being repetitive. I can only say that I'm annoyed by the haphazard judging and lame writing and offended by the celebrity briefings so many different ways. :)
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Chris, I'm also not sick of your "yammering," for the same reason as above. It seems like the producers of the current version are trying so hard to make this version of "Pyramid" different from the previous ones that they have taken out almost every element that made the earlier versions so engrossing. It's so funny that they're trying to add drama and excitement everywhere (note the constantly changing camera shots and the ominous music and turning of the monitors in the winner's circle -- ooooh!) to a game that was already dramatic and exciting.
To me, the new show has a marked sameness to it. Most of Donny's comments during the show (through no fault of his own) have an "insert name here" quality to them. I feel like I'm watching the same show every day. I find it strange that the producers hired someone with as much screen presence, natural enthusiasm, and intelligence as Donny Osmond to host, yet he seems to be so locked into the cue cards. Besides the elements of the game being different, as has been discussed a lot here, the little discussions and comments interspersed throughout the game allowed the viewers to get to know the players -- both celebrities and contestants -- a little better and, therefore, root for them. Nowadays, at the end of the episode, I feel like I don't know anything about any of the players -- except for the website plug or whatever scripted discussion Donny has with the celebs. (Speaking of which, hasn't anyone there noticed that having the celeb interviews during the game itself slows down the players' momentum, which may account for the low-scoring second rounds that we frequently see?)
The biggest gripe I have with the current version, though, is the briefing of the celebs. As I said in my "Hollywood Squares" post a few weeks ago -- and I know I don't speak for everyone here -- the reason I watch celebrity game shows is to see celebrities out of their normal roles and more as themselves. We've talked about the briefing of the celebs on HS before, and while I feel it's excessive in the current version, it's at least understandable because I've always felt that HS was more of a comedy show than an outright game show. With a game like "Pyramid," the briefing is totally unnecessary and, in my opinion, compromises the integrity of the game.
This aspect of the new game seriously inhibits my enjoyment of the show. How am I supposed to get excited about one of my favorite celebrities helping their partner win $10,000 now, knowing full well that the clues they gave may not actually be their clues at all? How is watching "Pyramid" different from watching a sitcom or a drama now? I'm still seeing the performers deliver lines that were fed to them and not seeing their brains and knowledge at work, which is why I would tune in to begin with. Another poster mentioned Debra Jo Rupp and Rosa Blasi as good new celebs. Well, how do we really know that they're good? How much of what the celeb is saying during the game is actually their own thoughts? Do the producers actually have that little faith in the intelligence of the celebrities that they have to prep them so much with the actual game material? Hell, you might as well just have the celebrity coordinators as partners for the contestants. Why go through all the hassle of prepping the celebs at all? Just cut out the middle man.
I realize that things must change and that we could never have "Pyramid" like it used to be, given the 20- or 21-minute time frame of half-hour television these days. But it's the little things, and they all add up. The game lasted for 15 years on TV for a reason. I don't think it would hurt the producers to find out what made it work.
Brendan
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[quote name=\'pyrfan\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 02:51 PM\'] (Speaking of which, hasn't anyone there noticed that having the celeb interviews during the game itself slows down the players' momentum, which may account for the low-scoring second rounds that we frequently see?) [/quote]
I hadn't, but it's a damned good point. Once again, let's make it about the celebrities, and not the game....
Another poster mentioned Debra Jo Rupp and Rosa Blasi as good new celebs. Well, how do we really know that they're good?
I'm gonna defend Debra Jo by saying that a) she was a contestant on one of the Clark versions (I think I recall her saying that, anyhow), and b) I vividly recall her giving UTTERLY LEGAL AND BRILLIANT clues in the Winner's Circle, clues that would have been legal under Osmond, Clark, Cullen, OR Davidson.
I realize that things must change and that we could never have "Pyramid" like it used to be, given the 20- or 21-minute time frame of half-hour television these days.
That's the kicker, though. Yes, we'll never get the original format and pacing back, but the ESSENCE of the show can still live, and that what's being slaughtered here.
I can live with 6-in-20. Hell, in all honestly, Pyramid to me is about the Winner's Circle. You could put Treasure Hunt's front game up there, as long as I have my Winner's Circle, that's a half-hour of my day they can have. But, between making the audience shut up (to build suspense? You don't think the escalating applause and rumbling as they worked through the first five boxes wasn't suspenseful?) to the judging (WINNERS! MUST HAVE MORE WINNERS! WHO CARES IF THEY"RE WRITING A DAMN NOVEL IN THAT CHAIR!) to TOM CRUISE'S FRIGGIN' DENTIST (sorry, I can't let that go. That one's the absolute tops. Whoever is responsible for letting that one see air should be kicked in the crotch. Repeatedly.)
And ALL OF THAT IS FIXABLE. That all has NOTHING to do with the pacing of the show. They have to budget 60 seconds for the Winner's Circle. Once they've done that, the content of that 60 seconds is totally under their control. They COULD make it great. And throwing me a bone with "well, we'll let them decide whether to give or receive now!" just shows that they either Don't Get It, or Don't Care.
I'm with Matt in that it probably comes closer to Don't Care. Clearly, they are getting the numbers they want, they have found a way to appeal to a lower common denominator, the idiot who is hoping for a camera angle up Jillian Barbarie's skirt in the Circle, they clearly have consciously decided that they don't need me as a viewer.
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[quote name=\'pyrfan\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 01:51 PM\']hasn't anyone there noticed that having the celeb interviews during the game itself slows down the players' momentum, which may account for the low-scoring second rounds that we frequently see?[/quote]
Not to mention the fact that every time you see an interview during the game like that, they actually are shooting *two* of them right in a row and editing the one they don't like. Add this to all of the other assorted stoppages (judging, technical malfunctions, etc.), and there's definitely no way anyone's gonna get any momentum worked up. (This does, however, mean that the better player is at an advantage, which helps matters a bit.)
How am I supposed to get excited about one of my favorite celebrities helping their partner win $10,000 now, knowing full well that the clues they gave may not actually be their clues at all?
The clues are indeed their clues, but they have (presumably) as much time as they want before the WC to concoct them. So, they may not be spontaneous, but at least it isn't scripted by the show.
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-- I must admit that the background music they've added to the main game and end game is kinda of "Millionaire"-ish to me. Combined with the set that the late Randy Amasia once described as "leftovers from the Greed set" and "a set straight out of a rave", it certainly gives the show more of a contemporary feel than the prior two versions did, chasing lights and all.
-- The camera cutaways they do during the Winners' Circle this season are a lot more erratic than they were last season, even much more so than when Dick Clark hosted the show. I guess now that they have the "X to win" graphic on the screen now, they don't need to go to the wide shot of the Pyramid every time a subject is correctly guessed or passed. In Season 1, I liked the one-shot of the celebrity and the contestant, and then back to the more familiar 2-shot, then a shot of the Pyramid, and so on. IMO it gives the viewers a little more insight as to how the contestant sees the person across from them as they were giving clues.
For example, here's what happened on my show with THINGS THAT BURST:
[Shot on Picabo, then on me]
Picabo: An appendix.
Me: Things you take out.
Picabo: A balloon.
[2-shot]
Me: Things that pop. Things that explode.
[Switch to Picabo, nodding her head, then back to me]
Me: Things that explode, things that burst. *ding*
Let the record show that I really dislike the way they handle the Winners' Circle this year as compared to last year. At least the shots were much more static than this year.
-- As someone mentioned before, the show does two interviews with the celebrity and keeps the better one for the tape. Also, the players are asked about a specific thing in their life that the viewer might find interesting. Most of the time, the contestants have such normal, mundane lives that they find it hard to find something good to talk about. Even the other people that were playing on my tape date were kind of wondering what thing they want to talk about that might sound interesting. Luckily for me, I came up with the plug for DDR and the fact that I lost some weight while playing it, and came up with a good description of the game (as compared to the J! contestant not too long ago that really didn't do a good job plugging the game). I did that primarily to connect with all the folks in Southern California that know of and/or play DDR, and of course to connect with the DDR community where I live.
[to be continued because this board has a stupid limit on how long these posts can be]
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-- You must consider that Pyramid had been off the airwaves (not counting GSN of course) since 1992, and unlike most of us manaiacal game show otaku, much of the general public -- as well as the celebrities themselves -- may have forgotten what Pyramid was all about. Whenever I'm with people and they bring up that I was on a game show and I tell them I was on Pyramid, most of them have to ask me, "What's Pyramid?" And I need to give them a 10-second description of the game to them. "It's that word game that was hosted by Dick Clark a long time ago, it's now by Donny Osmond, it's on every morning at 10 on Channel 3." The fact that they let the celebrities give all season 1 and most of season 2 is an advantage to the contestants because of the briefings the celebrities give them, most of whom have not seen Pyramid since it went off the air in 1992. As far as I understood it when I was there, they briefed them on what things might come up in the Winners' Circle, and they were told how to give good, legal clues for such categories. I think it's a good thing because if they let these celebrities go blind giving clues in the Winners' Circle when they haven't watched the show in 10 years, there would be much less money given away every day.
Again, it's all just my opinion, however jaded it may be considering that I was chosen to appear on the show and all, but still, if it bothers you that much, then just don't watch. Let the rest of the public judge for themselves if it's a good show or not; considering it's in Season 2 and doing admirably in the ratings, I think most of them have approved of this new version.
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Of course, no one remembers "Pyramid." It was never called just "Pyramid" before. If you said "The $25,000 Pyramid" then people would know. That's like saying "Hey they're bringing back 'Question'. What's 'Question'?" The show was repeated on USA till the demise of their game show block so it hasn't been totally off the radar (or TV) screens. I will admit the show is unlike the previous versions.
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[quote name=\'Brakus\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 04:46 PM\'] but still, if it bothers you that much, then just don't watch. Let the rest of the public judge for themselves if it's a good show or not;
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So you're saying I should vote with my remote, instead of speaking my mind?
The problem with that, Jeremy, is that if I applied that philosophy to all facets of my life, the idiots would complete their takeover of America and it wouldn't be worth living anymore. TV is being programmed towards utter morons these days, and the people in charge needs to know that there is a market segment that won't stand for it before they'll consider changing that formula.
considering it's in Season 2 and doing admirably in the ratings, I think most of them have approved of this new version.
That's what frightens me.
Fear Factor does boffo numbers, too, but I don't think the Emmy people are gonna come knocking anytime soon.
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[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 07:13 PM\'] Of course, no one remembers "Pyramid." It was never called just "Pyramid" before. If you said "The $25,000 Pyramid" then people would know. That's like saying "Hey they're bringing back 'Question'. What's 'Question'?" [/quote]
Nope. I might say to someone my age or slightly younger, "$25,000 Pyramid". They will still ask me, "What was $25,000 Pyramid?" And not everybody had cable, or were knowledgeable of the wonderful game show block that USA Network had for years.
Please, stop assuming that everybody else remembers what we game show otaku never forgot.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 09:42 PM\'] So you're saying I should vote with my remote, instead of speaking my mind?
The problem with that, Jeremy, is that if I applied that philosophy to all facets of my life, the idiots would complete their takeover of America and it wouldn't be worth living anymore. TV is being programmed towards utter morons these days, and the people in charge needs to know that there is a market segment that won't stand for it before they'll consider changing that formula. [/quote]
Of course you should speak your mind in addition to voting with your remote, if you feel so strongly about it. However, directing your thoughts towards the producers of the show as opposed to this forum would be much more desirable.
And of this "market segment that won't stand for [the crappy way they've treated this wonderful game show]"? It's relatively and realistically smaller than any other market segment they want to take into consideration. It's only you and a whole bunch of other people on this forum, really, that have been yapping about how this version of Pyramid is drastically different than what we all have been used to seeing. Realistically, it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of the viewing population who chooses to watch Pyramid.
More power to you if you don't like the show because of the stuff they've done to it, but your comments (and other's comments also) would be more useful if they were directed to people who actually have a hand in the production of this show.
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[quote name=\'Brakus\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 07:49 PM\'] Please, stop assuming that everybody else remembers what we game show otaku never forgot. [/quote]
You'd also do well to review the literal definition of "otaku" as used in Japan before you apply it to yourself, much less anyone else here. I, for one, bathe and socialize with others regularly:
http://www.casualotaku.net/about/otaku.htm (http://\"http://www.casualotaku.net/about/otaku.htm\")
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=otaku (http://\"http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=otaku\")
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[quote name=\'Brakus\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 09:49 PM\'] [quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 07:13 PM\'] Of course, no one remembers "Pyramid." It was never called just "Pyramid" before. If you said "The $25,000 Pyramid" then people would know. That's like saying "Hey they're bringing back 'Question'. What's 'Question'?" [/quote]
Nope. I might say to someone my age or slightly younger, "$25,000 Pyramid". They will still ask me, "What was $25,000 Pyramid?" And not everybody had cable, or were knowledgeable of the wonderful game show block that USA Network had for years.
Please, stop assuming that everybody else remembers what we game show otaku never forgot. [/quote]
How do the youngin's remember PYL so well, having gone off most CBS affils in January of 86?
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[quote name=\'Brakus\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 09:59 PM\']More power to you if you don't like the show because of the stuff they've done to it, but your comments (and other's comments also) would be more useful if they were directed to people who actually have a hand in the production of this show.[/quote]
At least one person who has a hand in the production of the show is also a member of this forum--or, at least, he was a few weeks ago.
[quote name=\'clemon79\'] You'd also do well to review the literal definition of "otaku" as used in Japan before you apply it to yourself, much less anyone else here.[/quote]
Well, the American/English-speaking use of that word is significantly less harsh than the current Japanese use of it, but the current Japanese use of it is significantly more harsh than the original Japanese use of it.
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I'm going to have to disagree with the "no young people really remember (The $XX,000) Pyramid" theory. Sure, it doesn't hold the same place in the collective TV subconscious as your Cheers or your M*A*S*H, but I think you could get a significant portion of that age group to at least remember it as "that charades game with Dick Clark and the cuckoo". Nostalgia, she is a growing market.
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[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 10:31 PM\'] [quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 07:13 PM\'] Of course, no one
How do the youngin's remember PYL so well, having gone off most CBS affils in January of 86?[/quote] [/quote]
More than likely from the USA reruns that ran until 1995. If you were born in 1987, you would have been 8 then; old enough to remember.
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Thanks for proving my point. Therefore, they should also remember "$25,000 Pyramid."
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[quote name=\'Brakus\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 07:59 PM\'] However, directing your thoughts towards the producers of the show as opposed to this forum would be much more desirable.
[/quote]
They're reading.
It's only you and a whole bunch of other people on this forum, really, that have been yapping about how this version of Pyramid is drastically different than what we all have been used to seeing.
That you know of. Maybe I'll get someone to think. Even if they think, and STILL disagree with me, at least they're thinking, which is better than the average person I see these days.
[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Nov 20 2003, 11:54 PM\']Well, the American/English-speaking use of that word is significantly less harsh than the current Japanese use of it, but the current Japanese use of it is significantly more harsh than the original Japanese use of it.[/quote]
It being a Japanese word, I'm significantly more interested in the Japanese interpretation, not what Americans have decided they would like it to mean. (And it's been my experience that the mass majority of people who fight for the American interpretation tend to fit the profile of the Japanese one rather accurately.)
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Has this version of Pyramid ever had a contestant over the age of 40?
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[quote name=\'chris319\' date=\'Nov 21 2003, 11:58 AM\'] Has this version of Pyramid ever had a contestant over the age of 40? [/quote]
I've seen a select few 40 or 50-somethings, no one over 60 as I recall, however.
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Pyramid's Sony sisters, WoF and J!, each have a message board at Sony's website. It's a pity Pyramid doesn't. Then again, they may already realize what they'd get.
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the producers of Pyramid read this forum. they discuss it often in the office. and yes, there have been a number of people over 30 on the show this season.
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[quote name=\'PyramidStephen\' date=\'Nov 21 2003, 04:36 PM\']there have been a number of people over 30 on the show this season.[/quote]
Like some rare 31-year-olds?
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In the show's defense, I do know a person over 40 who's on their active list. (Then again, she could easily pass for a 30-year-old.)
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[quote name=\'gameshowsteve\' date=\'Nov 21 2003, 05:31 PM\']In the show's defense, I do know a person over 40 who's on their active list. (Then again, she could easily pass for a 30-year-old.)[/quote]
If they're on some sort of "active" list it must mean they haven't been on the show yet, or else they'd be on the "already-been-on-the-show" list.
The show would benefit from smarter civilian contestants. I've seen a lot of atrocious game play in the Winners' Circle.