Episode 3 - "The
Legend of Barker" (June 25)
Welcome back, my readers, for another episode of The
DiGeorge Files.
Last week, I left you with the burning question: "Who,
in your opinion, is the greatest game show host ever?"
Again, loyal readers chimed in an gave their answers.
Greg Seiden stated that "I believe Alex Trebek is the
greatest game show host of all time. Being a trivia
buff, I want those 30 minutes to have as many questions
as possible." Loyal reader Bill Minovich decided: "I
believe the greatest game show host goes to Bill Cullen.
He is what, in my view, a game show host should be: a
person you can feel comfortable watching and taking your
mind off your problems for a half-hour." Scott Hempler
remarked that "The Greatest game show host has to be the
late Allen Ludden. Ludden was very professional on
camera, he enjoyed meeting people and never had a bad
thing to say about anyone."
Although all of those choices are fantastic, I have to
disagree (again?) with my fellow readers.
You all can quote me on this… "Game shows would NOT be
as popular today without Bob Barker."
There, I said it.
When was the last time
that you watched an episode of "The Price is Right"?
Have you ever looked at the audience and seen the amount
of T-Shirts that say "Marry me, Bob! or "I want you to
be the father of my children, Bobby!" (Well… maybe not
that far, but you get the point.)
The truth of the matter is… very few game show hosts
ultimately get the spotlight as much as he does. Is Pat
Sajak the definitive thought that comes into your mind
when you think of Wheel of Fortune? What about Bill
Cullen? (Sorry, Bill M!) The majority of the public
doesn't even remember him.
Bob Barker took TPiR and turned it into a pop-culture
phenomenon. It was, in this case, the host, not the game
itself. That's what made the show last for, in this
incarnation, over 30 years.
Bob consistently made the contestants feel like TPiR
family every time they stepped on stage. He, as so it
seems, truly wants everyone to win. Bob, as well, is
quick with the one-liners. He's given zingers to quite a
few contestants over the years, all of them memorable.
When Generation X and Generation Y are all grown up with
kids, will they remember "Come on Down!" or "Is that
your Final Answer?" That's still left to be debated.
However, Bob Barker will always be known as the
definitive game show host.
For next week: "What has been the WORST game show EVER
aired?" You may be surprised at next weeks answer.
Until then, peace out, cub scouts!
Lee has never been in a fist-fight with Adam Sandler,
but he does accept e-mails and "Marry me Lee" shirts at
digeorgefiles@yahoo.com. |
