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The Password Is... Finally
June 16
The password is...finally
We're now three episodes in to the newest incarnation of Password, with
a $1 million prize and Regis Philbin and the helm. It's been nearly 20
years since a new version of Password has been on the air, and I'm glad
to see it return, even in a six-week engagement and a different game.
The game is one of clue and response, but it bears almost no relation to
the version we all know. In order to fit into the zeitgeist of the time,
the show shares many mechanics with Power of 10: a six-step money
ladder, an elimination game to determine who plays for the money, and a
game that plays to a conclusion within a half hour.
Speaking of the game, I like it. Like I said, it's not classic Password,
but it doesn't have to be. The elimination round is four 30 second time
trials where the star and contestant must convey five passwords. Whoever
has more out of the 20 (split between both stars) gets to play for the
money. The money round allows three clues (and three guesses) for each
word, and five right within a minute wins the round and the accompanying
prize, from $10,000 for five out of ten to $1 million for five out of
five. (Think of it as playing several 'cashwords' in a row.)
The game is solid; the problem is the people who are playing the game.
There are certain conventions and rules that will help to play. For
example, I can't count how many times a state or country has come up,
and instead of giving any city therein as a clue, the giver will say
"state..." and hope the partner will magically pick the right one. Other
times, during the elimination game, the clue giver will set-up a clue
for a sort of "one-two punch," instead of a rapid-fire clue giving
pattern, which would be better suited for that speed round. On the other
hand, during the money round, where the team is limited to three clues
and three guesses, I've seen too many instances where three unrelated
clues are given, and it's up to the receiver to piece them together.
Altogether, if you don't look at Million Dollar Password as a revival,
but as a show that can stand on its own, you have a good game, with lots
of chances to play along from home. My quibbles are that the words ought
to be more challenging; and the contestants more competent players. But
other than that, it's a great show.
Travis Eberle has the password, and you can get your first clue from him
at traviseberle@gmail.com.
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