Episode 20.5
February 9

Chico: *beep* This is a final boarding call for WLTI Air flight 2335 with service to Whammyville.
Gordon: Do we have any geese flying into the propellers on this flight?
Chico: Nope.
Gordon: I'm in then
Jason: Me too.
Don: Same here.
Chico: Before we take off, make sure your seatbelts are fastened...
Jason: (check)
Chico: Your seats and tray tables are in their fully locked and upright position...
Jason: (check)
Chico: ... and all electronic devices have been turned off....
Jason: (check)
Chico: Now sit back and we'll do everything we can to make this flight a relaxing one, the least of which is saying ....
Gordon: From somewhere in Chico Alexander's cockpit...the Arrivals and Departures edition of WLTI...is on!
Jason: WOW.
Chico: How's it going, I'm Chico Alexander, he's Gordon Pepper... We've got Jason Block and Don Harpwood this week. This is the show for the week... We. Love. Game shows.
Gordon: And we start this week with some very breaking news,
Chico: *plate breaking*
Gordon: Last night, during desperate Housewives, we received the 13 celebrities for Dancing With the Stars.
Chico: We have a couple, a Giant, a lil' person, and a Jackass.
Jason: And they are all the same person (rimshot).
Don: Heh.
Chico: But seriously, we have a case of six degrees of separation here... The couple: Jewel and Ty Murray.
Jason: He hosted the "world's toughest Cowboy"
Chico: Yep.
Gordon: Lets start with the more popular of the pair.
Jason: Yup...I don't see her going far.
Chico: We're getting there.
Gordon: I do. She's far and away the most popular person in the group. Top 4 at least.
Chico: Hmm... She's a very saucy person, and if past wardrobe is an indication, she may get the horny youth vote. Middle toward the top. Or perhaps I'm just thinking of the "Intuition" CD. Yeah. I'm probably just thinking of that. What about Ty Murray?
Gordon: He has a fan base, and Jewel will get him a few weeks. I don't think he has the chops to win though. Upper middle of the pack.
Chico: Agreed. Ty Murray is a rare name outside of the rodeo circuit.
Jason: True.
Chico: And he doesn't have the name clout that other athletes have. The list continues on with... Belinda Carlisle... Go-Go. New spokesperson for weight loss.
Jason: Eighties Star...mid pack.
Chico: I don't see her going any further than middle of the pack.
Gordon: She's a name. Mid-pack, but I think Jewel will stop here from going further.
Chico: Oh yeah. Of the two, Jewel has the advantage.
Jason: Yes.
Chico: Next, the requisite former game show host of the pack... David Alan Grier.
Jason: Bottom of the pack...3rd or 4th week out.
Chico: Unfortunately. I don't see him taking this seriously at all. Bottom of the pack.
Gordon: I see him going the Cloris Leachman route - and Cloris has much more charisma. Lower pack.
Chico: Oh well. Next... Shawn Johnson. Olympic gymnast... She's one to watch. Olympians have always been sentimental, if not outright, favorites.
Jason: Make her the winner and we can save ourselves the pain.
Chico: I'm with J on that one.
Gordon: Here's the problem I see here. I already see 3 females that I think can be in the Top 3. And there's always going to be a guy. So I don't see this one happening. I'll say she's mid/upper pack.
Chico: Fair enough. Next... Lil' Kim. Was she one of the three you saw in the top, Gordon?
Gordon: Sure was. I think she'll be the first African-American woman to get into the Top 3 and, pardon the pun, a dark horse to win the whole thing,
Jason: You are out of your mind. She will take this as seriously as Master P and be out in 4 weeks.
Chico: The only way Lil' Kim gets into the top 3 is if her partner is a woman and gives her a little feel. We all remember the MTV VMAs from 1999.
Gordon: She's also had jail time since then. I think she's reformed enough to take this seriously. I also think her fan base will be enough to get her though.
Jason: No way.
Chico: Her fan base doesn't usually watch DWTS, though.
Gordon: Really? The same audience that places this in the Top 10 in 18-49 demos?
Chico: Yeah... Also, remember the last time a hip-hop star was on this show. How did Mario do again? File this under "close, but not quite".
Gordon: Mario doesn't have the name that Lil Kim does. Nor the following.
Jason: Actually Mario is MORE popular than Lil Kim.
Gordon: I disagree.
Chico: Alright, settle. We still have about seven or eight more. Gilles Marini... actor and/or model. File this one under... "WHO?!" First one out.
Jason: 2nd one
Don: Never heard of him.
Gordon: Sex in the City will not make him the first one out. I'll say third one out.
Jason: 2nd one
Gordon: 3rd one
Chico: FIRST ONE! Ain't nobody ever heard of him.
Gordon: Ok. You haven't heard of him because you're not a 20-30 something female.
Chico: Okay, let me ask a 20-30 something female. (asks sister).... She hasn't heard of him either.
Gordon: Dante in Sex and The City, the Movie.
Chico: She's seen every episode of Sex and the City... Twice. She has the box set.
Gordon: I said he's not lasting long. but he's not the first person out.
Chico: Okay... How about... STEVE-O!
Jason: He is one of the first two out.
Chico: Second one out.
Gordon: Not even close. Top 3.
Jason: What are you SMOKING, G? Seriously.
Chico: Are you shrooming?
Gordon: If Wee Man can finish in second in Celebrity Circus, then we have a MAJOR Jackass voting group out there. And Steve-O, like Lil Kim, has a lot to prove.
Chico: Yeah.... Celebrity Circus.... Dancing with the Stars...
Gordon: Wee Man. Second.
Chico: Two similar animals with two different crowds. There are two judges that will not let Steve-O advance any further than he has to, I'm convinced of it.
Jason: I can call the top three before anyone dances.
Gordon: Maybe...just maybe...he may dance well.
Jason: And I am willing to put my rep on it.
Gordon: What rep?
Jason: ...
Chico: Kids. Alright. Next... Nancy O'Dell... Hmmm.. what place did Leeza Gibbons place in her season?
Jason: Lower pack
Chico: I see Nancy O'Dell placing similarly... Maybe a little better.
Jason: All reporterettes don't do well. There was a Univision reporter that placed the same.
Gordon: First female gone.
Jason: Sounds about right.
Chico: Yep. How about... Denise Richards? Before we say anything, though... She's on Dancing... her ex is on Two and a Half Men... Awkward?
Jason: No. I don't care. And neither will the public (even though she has a fanbase). Lower mid pack
Chico: Dead center. She has a fan base and the potential to maybe surprise.
Gordon: Lower midpack sounds right here. This is this season's Kim Kardashian, with less ass.
Chico: Funny you should mention Kim Kardashian (we'll get to that later).  Next... Lawrence "The Man" Taylor. He was LT before LT was LT.
Jason: And he is in the top three. Guarantee it.
Gordon: Remember how I say every year that someone from the NFL makes the Top 3?
Chico: Now, football players... exceptional dancer... Top 3. This year is no exception.
Jason: Yes.
Gordon: This year...is the exception. He's mid pack. He doesn't have the name recognition. more importantly, he does not have the rep of being a nice guy. Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice - nice guys. LT - Not a nice guy and a drug offender to boot. He will be the shocking upset.
Chico: No. He didn't pay his taxes in the mid 90s. But he has the footwork.
Jason: That's true...but you can put on Terrell Owens in there and he will be Top 3
Chico: He's also a philanthropist. I doubt people will remember him for that, but hey, I stand by my pick.
Gordon: Does he have the footwork? a 40-something Defensive end? You sure about that?
Jason: I do.
Chico: Oh yeah. He'll at least try. Come on...Next ... Chuck Wicks. He's a country singer. A reasonably popular one... And he has one thing no other dancer has...
Jason: Which is?
Gordon: Carrie Underwood's phone number?
Jason: Wow. LOL
Chico: Don't I wish.
Jason: Ask Tony Romo. He has an IPhone worth of #s
Chico: But Chuck Wicks has his girlfriend dancing with him...
Jason: But I think that Chuck will do well...not winning well...but well.
Chico: Of course, it helps immensely that his girlfriend is Julianne Hough. I think she'll get him to top 5, but then the wheels are going to come off.
Gordon: Doesn't have the name recognition, but he may have the footwork. Top 5.
Chico: He has the girlfriend. And finally... Steve "The Woz" Wozniak. If you are reading this and you don't know who Steve Wozniak is... you need to turn in your geek card.
Jason: First one out. He needs to concentrate on Apple--if and when Steve Jobs comes back. Or whatever he does.
Chico: Third one. Right after Gilles whatshisname and that first female that we said was leaving.
Gordon: First one out. You want to talk about fan bases not watching shows, unless The Woz promises an Apple to each voter, he's not long for the competition
Chico: Now if Geek Nation couldn't save Shandi Finnessey, I don't have any hope for the Woz.
Jason: My top three...Johnson, Taylor, Jewel...Johnson wins.
Gordon: Lil Kim, Steve O, Jewel. Jewel wins.
Chico: Mine... LT, Shawn Johnson, Jewel. Shawn Johnson wins. So that said, congratulations to Bikini Girl for winning Dancing with the Stars.
Gordon: Yay, Bikini Girl!
Chico: Wow.
Gordon: Bikini Girl will not be winning American Idol. As we look to Hollywood Week and seeing some of the personalities shining - or fading, depending on how you look at it.
Chico: Still in it... Norman Gentle and Noop-Dawg. Not so much: the Osmond and that chick from Idaho with the hair.
Gordon: I think Noop Dawg is a lock for the Top 36. That would be Anoup Desai. Norman Gentle...not so much.
Jason: We saw a lot of drama this past week...and the claws came out.
Chico: A lot of claws came out. And we learned a lot, too. Can I have a Big Board? I want a Big Board, daddy...

Chico: The category: What I Learned in Hollywood. 1) Harmony is not a dead act. If you can put a creative touch on a song... Do it. If it works... Bonus. They'll remember you.
Jason: Very much so.
Chico: They'll call you daring.
Jason: But sometimes people wanted no harmony so that they could stand out.
Chico: That's what the solo sing is for. Right now, it's about working well with others.
Jason: Most people couldn't do it.
Chico: Nope.
Jason: and that's why 50% of the people are out
Chico: If you didn't grasp that... you were gone. 2) Remember your words. Or if you can't... at least fake it 'til you make it.
Don: Simon warned them about that, didn't he?
Chico: Yep.
Jason: He always does.
Chico: His words... "Forget the words... You're gone."
Jason: Simple.
Chico: 3) If you need to rest your voice... rest your voice.
Jason: See: Syesha Mercado
Chico: People often make the mistake that singing is about opening your mouth and producing dulcet tones... As a singer, I can tell you that there's more than that. There's a science and an anatomy to that. Like any musical instrument, you have to care for it.
Jason: Right.
Gordon: We go from the rules to the contestants. Let's get some impressions. Anoop Desai - Top 36 Lock. Danny Gokey - Top 36 Lock. Lil Rounds - Top 36 Lock.
Chico: Jamar Rogers... Top 36 lock. But right now, I can only remember three people... Danny Gokey, Jamar Rogers, and Anoop Desai.
Jason: Yeah...there is no one that TRULY stands out to me.
Chico: If they're going to stand out, they'll have to do it in the solo sing.
Jason: Yes.
Chico: There's just... several good singers, a few great singers, but no stars yet.
Jason: Agreed.
Gordon: But you know, we say this every year. We don't need to see the stars yet. And if you're a star now at this point, you don't win.
Chico: Right on.
Jason: Called peaking early.
Don: Yep.
Jason: You don't want to peak now.
Gordon: Ask Michael Johns about that
Chico: Seems like the good singers are biding their time. Yep. Of course, being Australian in "American Idol" didn't help much either. Never mind that he was that good.
Jason: But Michael Johns was the early favorite going into the voting rounds.
Gordon: Gee I seem to remember saying that last year and you guys no-no-no-ing me down
Chico: Hindsight is always 20-20.
Jason: We learn. Occasionally.
Gordon: Uh-huh.
Chico: But like we said before, the solo sing may yet produce a few standouts.
Jason: Two nights of the solo sing and next week voting starts.
Chico: We'll see this week
Gordon: So this past week, we say goodbye to 100 singers. We also say goodbye to Jerry Springer as the host of America's Got Talent
Jason: This was a bit of a surprise to me.
Chico: He left the show citing a busy work schedule. It came as a pretty big surprise to everyone.
Jason: I think it came down to a "green flu" if you ask me.
Chico: I mean, what happens when a hit show loses a host like that.
Gordon: For this show, honestly? Nothing. We like Jerry Springer, but I thought Regis did a better job.
Chico: Well, whatever the reason, NBC is expected to announce a host sometime this week.
Jason: Any guesses? I don't think Regis will come back?
Chico: Nope.
Gordon: I think you have a bunch of people. You don't need a true host, just a conduit
Chico: There you go.
Jason: Make the Hoff...the host.
Gordon: Uh...no.
Chico: Nope. He's alright where he is, thanks.
Jason: Alright...it was a thought.
Chico: There's a reason why judges judge and hosts host. And... yeah, you get the idea.
Gordon: As far as hosts that NBC has in their stable. You have Joey Fatone.
Chico: Now that you mention it... I can see Enter the Fat One doing this.
Jason: Who does Simon Cowell like?
Chico: I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see.
Jason: But I think the show is bigger than the host.
Gordon: It is, but a host can ruin the show. And if someone says Ant and Dec, I'll be seeing a shark jump this show. NO ANT AND DEC!
Chico: Oh yeah.
Don: Heh.
Jason: In this case.
Chico: No Ant?
Jason: NO DEC. Either ANT. No comic either.
Chico: How about an army ant? Another thing we'll have to wait and see for... GSN's new version of "The Newlywed Game" They have a host and a premiere date.
Jason: Ah yes.
Chico: I'm not certain that either will ruin the storied franchise.
Gordon: Jason was at the tapings. Tell us what you got, Jay.
Jason: Ok... The first tapings of the 40 episode run was this past week. We have a new host - Carnie Wilson. Now, before all the Game Show Fanboys get upset...she has talk show and reality show experience. And she was willing (and more than able) to do the unscripted comedy and bring out good stuff from the contestants.
Chico: True.
Jason: And for a first day...she was nervous...but didn't seem like a fish out of water. She was willing to take instruction and learn.
Chico: Great.
Don: Nice to hear that.
Jason: The show itself is pretty much the same. Three couples (not four), two rounds to win a second honeymoon. Now, Gordon...you remember how we were talking on a certain podcast about corporate sponsorship?
Gordon: Yah
Jason: In this case eharmony.com is the sponsor on all the response card and the sponsor of the 20 point question in the 2nd round. I would bet come April we see an online presence at eharmony.com and gsn.com The twist at the end is that the winners play the "Goldyweds" (previous Newlywed Game contestants) for a bonus prize. The set - is Davies special.
Chico: Cold and metallic?
Jason: No...
Chico: But that's Davies for ya.
Jason: lots of Neon, but with warm inviting woods for the display cabinets and red velvet loveseats. The nicest twist behind the contestants are plasmas with the contestants in photo booth style photos.
Chico: So it's Davies...with woodgrain and lots of colors.
Jason: Very cool stuff. It gives it a nice look. And this was shot in HD.
Chico: Very nice. It won't be the first GSN original to be shot as such.
Don: Cool!
Chico: But I doubt it'll air in HD until Sony develops an HD feed for the network.
Jason: So basically, we have a pretty decent host, a pretty much untouched game, and a nice bonus round twist. I smell hit. And they are giving it the April-May original run.
Jason: So they have a lot of hope for it.
Chico: Let's hope for it.
Jason: This is the first show in the new Sony-Embassy Row partnership. Which we spoke of a few weeks ago.
Gordon: We did. We move on from a show in planning to a new show. Its the first of a new set of reality shows from VH1 called 'For the Love of Ray J'. It's about women trying to compete for Ray J's heart.
Chico: Remember when you brought up Kim Kardashian's big ass?
Gordon: I do, actually.
Chico: The new show is basically... who wants to be Kim Kardashian... in that the ladies are competing for the love of... well, Ray J. I can give a one-line review of this show. "Yet another celebrity dating show that doesn't really go anywhere or do anything other than occupy an hour of our time."

	FOR THE LOVE OF RAY J - VH1
	CHICO	GORDON	JASON	DON	AVERAGE-O-MATIC
	F	F	F	F	EPIC FAIL

Jason: Yuck.
Gordon: Seems to be just about right. F.
Jason: Yup.
Don: No surprise here.
Chico: F. I expect the sex tape shortly. But that's just me.
Jason: You going to watch that?
Chico: Only for research.
Jason: Just like I watch "Show Us Your Wits" for the Questions.
Chico: Of course. Finally, we go to a game with zero questions...
Gordon: 1 question
Chico: Well, one question... Deal... or No Deal. Although this Friday, it could've been "How many booms?"
Don: That was painful to watch.
Gordon: Lots of booms. Big Bored please?

Gordon: We start with the fact they had 1 penny.
Jason: ouch
Chico: Boom. Roasted.
Gordon: BUT they traded it away, which is a good thing
Jason: Yay! Not roasted.
Don: Yep.
Gordon: Here's their round of 8 -

$1, $100, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $25,000, $100,000, $250,000

Chico: Good board. What's the offer?
Gordon: $20,000. NO DEAL!
Don: Yeah, I'd have kept going, too.
Gordon: Next round - Goodbye, $250,000
Chico: Boom. Roasted.

$1, $100, $1,000, $5,000, $25,000, $100,000
OFFER: $12,500

Chico: Have to play on.
Don: Yep.
Gordon: Actually had a good round. Here's what's left -

$1, $100, $25,000, $100,000
OFFER: $18,000

Chico: Still play on.
Gordon: You hope you don't find $100,000 - unfortunately, they do
Chico: Boom. Roasted.

$1, $100, $25,000
OFFER: $6,000

Jason: Time to run.
Chico: Unfortunately, book says to go.
Gordon: And they do, hoping not to find $25,000 - which they do.
Chico: Boom. Roasted.

$1, $100
FINAL OFFER: $40

Chico: No deal.
Jason: Of course
Gordon: They go for it and win...$1.
Chico: All together now...
Everyone: Boom. Roasted.
Gordon: With vino sauce
Chico: And hamsters dancing all over it. Dance, hamsters... Dance. Okay, enough dancing. Time for the news. Gordon... you're on.
Gordon: Roll that Beautiful Brain Footage

(Doug: Live, local, and latebreaking... From the four corners of the globe to your frontal lobe, this is WLTI Brainvision News, and now here's Gordon Pepper, Chico Alexander, and the award-winning Brainvision News Team)

Chico: Thanks, Doug! What's the first story, G?
Gordon: First up - we got dates
Jason: I am a fig man myself. (Rimshot)
Chico: ... BOO! =p

We have The Girls of Hedsor Hall on Monday. Tuesday is From G's to Gents. Thursday is Survivor: Tocantins. Saturday is Battle of the Bods, and Sunday is The Amazing Race.

Chico: It's a good week game-wise. I can't wait for the Race myself. Next up... some new for you.
Gordon: Lots of stuff
Jason: ok

VH1 gives the go ahead for Charm School 3 with Ricki Lake as headmistress. It launches this summer.

Jason: You think the potential Lawsuit (that may arise from the Sharon Osbourne incident) may have anything to do with that?
Gordon: I think it could.
Jason: Because Megan pressed charges (if I remember right).
Chico: Oh yeah! Forgot about that.

Also launching this summer... "Can You Duet" season 2... It's good to see Rossi Morreale finding a vehicle that doesn't suck.

Chico: The first season... big hit for CMT.
Gordon: Who's up for a big miss?
Jason: I am!
Don: Sure, why not?
Chico: Miss me.

Are you Smarter than...Joelle, who's lack of doing any sort of work leads to her losing ZERO pounds on The Biggest Loser, and hence getting voted out by her fellow teammates.

Chico: Ouch.
Don: Yipes.
Jason: Ouch indeed
Gordon: But who wants some Haterade?
Chico: (Grabs a glass)

Carrie Ann Inaba will be dancing solo from now on. The Dancing with the Stars judge and So You Think You Can Dance season 1 boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev are done.

Chico: Aw.
Gordon: But we're not done yet.
Chico: Hoo boy
Jason: Then what?

Are YOU Smarter than...Alex Rodriguez, who after months of denying accusations, admit that he took steroids.

Chico: He's an asterisk.
Gordon: Steroids. (Takes Yankee hats and pennants, put in bin that says 'Do Not Open Until November').
Jason: oooh boy.
Chico: If you're playing the home game... Gordon bleeds pinstripes.
Gordon: While I'm mourning my Yankees, what's next?
Chico: Next up... hmm... Let's get loaded.
Jason: (hic)
Chico: Not with PEDs, but with cell phone games

If you're in the UK, you have a new game to check out. It's Power of 10, and it's based on the CBS game that came and went all too quickly.

Jason: Should be fun.
Don: Nice.
Gordon: And you can play the cell phone game on a big comfy red sofa
Chico: Nice. This couch is fully loaded too. Wanna know how?
Jason: How?
Gordon: We got TONS of casting announcements.
Chico: Bravo has a new series out called "The Fashion Show". Three guesses where that came from.
Gordon: Secret Talents of the Stars!
Chico: That's exactly not quite.
Jason: (cough) *Project Runway spinoff* (cough)
Chico: ...Yep.

Viewers can log onto BravoTV.com/thefashionshow to cast their votes for one final designer to join the competition.

Gordon: Next up...

We also have a casting call for the next season of The Biggest Loser!
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20090209nbc01

Jason: Good deal. Good article on the Biggest Loser this week in Entertainment Weekly.

But if your goal is more into making people fat, you can get information on Top Chef auditions here!
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/bravo-begins-nationwide-casting-calls-for-sixth-season-of-top-chef-8387.php

Jason: Yum.
Chico: Nummy.
Don: Sweet.
Gordon: Finally, how would you like to be in an Arranged Marriage?
Jason: Ah!
Chico: No thanks.

CBS has ordered Arranged Marriage, a new reality series from former Project Runway producers Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth and their Magical Elves production company, The Hollywood Reporter reported Monday. The tentatively-titled series will reportedly feature four people between the ages of 25 and 45 who are eager to wed but have previously been unsuccessful in finding a soul mate.

Gordon: So instead of choosing their own romantic partner, their friends and family members will select a spouse for them.
Jason: I smell controversy
Don: Sounds like a disaster in the making.
Chico: Wow. I seem to remember seeing something vaguely similar to this that leads me to believe.. that it won't work.
Gordon: Married By America. Cupid. Momma's Boys. Any common threads here?
Chico: Kids... Find love on your own. Don't find it on television.
Gordon: Who's up for some Media Hoes?
Chico: Me! Me!
Jason: I am!
Don: Me!
Chico: *plays "Pimpin' All Over the World"*

In this week's Hodometer, Fantasia Barrino goes for a Diploma, Kristy Swanson and Lloyd Elster get married...

Chico: Aww.
Jason: Yeah.

Jennifer Hudson wins best R&B Grammy, Bikini Girl goes on a media tour, and David Cook goes Platinum.

Gordon: But those are not the hoes of the week. The hoes are Kara Dioguardi and Nick Lachey, who are supposedly doing a duet together in the music studio.
Jason: Interesting.
Chico: Nice. It's 1997 all over again.
Gordon: And those...are your hoes.
Chico: Finally, we're going on a trip.
Jason: Got my passport ready.
Chico: Good. Let's go to Korea.
Jason: Alright

FremantleMedia is sending "Project Runway" to Korea.

Jason: They need help.
Chico: 14 contestants compete for an Elle Korea spread, a new car, a spring fashion show, and a little over $36,000.
Gordon: I guess you can say that they have the yen for it?
Chico: ... no. They have the won for it. Yen is Japanese.
Gordon: They Won-t to win it?
Chico: That's.... better. Okay, Brainvision... Over. Switch it off.
Jason: Shutting Down.
Gordon: When we come back - hey! a new game! Wee!
Jason: Yay!
Chico: But before we get to the new hotness, we get to the old and not-so-busted. This is We Love to Interrupt. You give us 22 minutes, we'll give you a boom.
Gordon: (Boom)
Jason: (Boom)
Don: Boom.
Chico: (Boom) *plays "Boom Boom Dollar"*

(Brainvision has been brought to you by a Shot of Anabolics. A-Rod is looking for his latest drug injector. Can he find a match? Will it be a boy, a girl, or Madonna? Guest starring Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi)

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