Mark Blevins: Game show bumfuzzles columnist

by MARK BLEVINS
columnist

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, someone once said.

I never knew how true that cliche was until I started noticing all these game shows popping up in the wake of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire".

For once I don't have a pointed view on something. I watched an episode of the show and I left wondering, "So what?" People come on and answer a lot of questions for a lot of money. It's nothing that other game shows haven't been doing for years.

Is it the fact that these people on this show seem so normal, rather than some of the intellectuals on "Jeopardy"? Or is it the fact that the viewers at home feel superior to the contestants because they can answer more questions?

Well, I'm bumfuzzled. I couldn't tell you why people watch the show if I had to, but when they want to watch it, it's on. The show was airing every night of the week for a while, but now they've restricted it to three nights.

If you think about it, it's not really that strange. "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy" both air every weeknight. It still seems strange that a network has nothing to air, but the same show night after night and there's a game show on every major network at least one night out of the week for those who can't seem to get enough.

"Greed" with Chuck Woolery of "Love Connection"-fame seems to be the slimiest. Is being able to dump those on your team supposed to be a great leap for game shows? At least Regis seems like a nice guy, but Chuck has all the sincerity of a snake oil salesman. "Do you feel the need for greed," he oozes. Well, not tonight Chuck, but maybe when I'm done performing my in-home root canal.

Dick Clark is back in prime time with a game show and he's finally starting to look his age. He now appears to be the world's oldest young adult.

The strangest host must be Maury Povich on NBC. All of the other hosts have game show experience, but Maury? I keep expecting an interview with a condemned cough syrup addict. I'm sure Maury does a fine job, it's just all those old episodes of "A Current Affair" are hard to get past.

I will go out on a limb and predict that most, if not all, of these shows will be canceled a year from now. I could be wrong, but when there is this much flattery on the air it usually gets old quick.

I was apprehensive about writing another column about game shows, but since that column they have exploded in popularity.

I find myself watching the oldies but goodies "The Price is Right", where my experience working in a grocery store comes in handy, and "Jeopardy". Yes, I admit after watching a few episodes of this classic, it began to grow on me.

Of course I mean "Rock and Roll Jeopardy" on VH-1, but at least I'm learning.

Mark Blevins is a columnist for The Parthenon. Comments can be directed to him at 311 Smith Hall or by calling 696-6696.