Episode 21.2
June 15

Jason: No thanks. My brain would melt from the lack of intelligence.
Chico: I couldn't. I'm too much of a straight man. Welcome back to the big show. We have a big special guest today. Please make welcome $50,000 Wheel of Fortune champion and a good friend of mine... TOM SABBATELLI!
Tom: Thanks for having me!
Chico: Are you ready?
Tom: Yes I am.
Chico: Here we go. 1. How did you find out about Wheel auditions?
Tom: This is the most random part of the whole process. I entered in my contact info on wheeloffortune.com a couple of years ago, and I received an e-mail saying that they randomly picked me out of their database for an audition in my area and that I had a spot if I wanted it. Who would've thought that it would've escalated into this?
Gordon: Worked out well, though didn't it? 2. When it came to the auditions, what was the hardest part?
Tom: I think the hardest part was knowing what the contestant coordinators wanted. You'd like to think that all they want are good puzzle solvers, but they're ultimately TV marketers so they're looking for personality. I think trying to impress them was tough.
Gordon: As a follow-up, what was the easiest part?
Tom: The easiest part was "spinning" -- we didn't have to spin a wheel! They did that for us and they controlled the wheel so they could "bankrupt" people they may have become disenchanted with.
Chico: 3. Like me, you're a veteran of the Netgames list. Was there anything you did there that prepped you for the big show?
Tom: I think just being a fan in the first place helps, because you're familiar with the format and the attitude of game shows. Plus, Wheel has undergone so many changes and if you're not a fan you probably aren't aware of them. I had to explain the Mystery Round concept to a few reporters during interviews. So, knowing the show definitely puts you at an advantage.
Gordon: 4. Taking us to game day... What was your feeling going in?
Tom: I just wanted to have fun. The day was such a blur that I don't think I had time to set expectations. I was ultimately excited and anxious to play, which didn't help when I drew the sixth and last show of the day. I knew I could do well, but whether or not I would do well was still up in the air for me. Who knows with that wheel?
Chico: Who knows, indeed. 5. Did you have a specific strategy going into the taping? Did the thought of the million dollar wedge come into play? Would your strategy have deviated should you have picked up the wedge?
Tom: I really just wanted to call smart letters and not make a fool of myself. But they dispensed golden advice in the beginning that was really my key to success. When they say buy vowels, they mean it. I can name at least three times during the game where vowels either opened the board up or directly helped me solve the puzzle. The used letter board is a huge asset, too. Keeping the category in mind at all times helps immensely. After the taping, I thought about if I hadn't had that extra rice crispie for breakfast and had picked up the MDW. The puzzle was still young so I have no idea what would have happened. I for sure would not have gambled on the $10,000 in the Mystery Round had I continued to hold onto it, so maybe that bankrupt was a blessing in disguise.
Gordon: 6. So you're now at the taping. Was there anything that surprised you about how it went, or did everything go according to plan?
Tom: I think the mere fact that breaks in between rounds were not much longer than commercials surprised me. I expected a taping to go for about an hour, but it all worked pretty much in real time. We were done in half an hour. That probably wasn't the case back in the "letter turning" days, but I figured they'd at least need a little more time than a typical commercial.
Chico: 7. What was going through your head when you hit the $10,000 Mystery Wedge and what led to your decision on it?
Tom: After I sorted out what had happened, I went back and thought that if I hadn't gone for it, then it wouldn't have been fun and spontaneous. Watching it back, I realized that I risked nearly $3,000, but I will probably never ever have another 50-50 shot at $10,000. If I went for it and it was a bankrupt, I would be happy knowing that I had the guts to at least try it. But if I didn't go for it and then found out it was the cash, I really would've regretted it.
Gordon: 8. If you could take back anything you did during the show, what would it be?
Tom: I was very chatty. I get like that when I'm a little nervous. I fill the silence with talking. I think I interrupted Pat during my interview and my mind blanked on what to tell him about myself. I think I would just try to be a little calmer, but it was my shot at big money on national TV, so I'll let myself off the hook! I wouldn't take anything back on my gameplay.
Chico: 9. What was your reaction to winning over $54,000?
Tom: Absolutely stunned, even just in the main game when I won about $30,000. I thought winning was a possibility, but never like that. In the break before the bonus round, I told Pat that $30,000 was more than I had ever dreamed of taking home, and he quipped, "Well, you can't take it home today. In fact, given the economy, you'll be lucky if we ever give it to you." I think it all just happened so quickly that I was left speechless.
Gordon: 10. You admitted to doing the Vanna pose as a kid. Any more moves you want to share?
Tom: Not moves, per se, but I must've had some unhealthy obsession with the woman. For years and years we had a decorative potpourri box in our family bathroom, and I guess at about age seven or eight I finally asked my mom where she got it. She said my Nana had given it to her, and my reaction was priceless... my jaw dropped and I yelled, "VANNA?! VANNA gave it to you??"
Chico: 11. You're going into meteorology. You see yourself more as the face in front of the camera or the brains behind it?
Tom: I tried the on-camera stuff, mostly for fun. We have a small TV station in the meteorology building where they broadcast shows and we can make weather tapes, etc. I was never much of a forecaster, though. I mostly have worked in climate dynamics, so for now I'm more of the brains behind the operation, but if I ever build up some forecasting skills, who knows? I do know that sometimes when you're on-camera, the weather can be the least of your worries when the TV executives ultimately control your fate. That's not really my ideal career path.
Gordon: 12. What are your plans for the cash besides school?
Tom: Not sure yet. I just made a big move to a big city, so living expenses are really going to skyrocket for me. I'm going to see how much they drain out of me each month before I figure out what to do with the cash. I probably won't splurge... I'm a pretty simple guy who doesn't need much to get by, although I am a bit of a clothes horse (but who isn't just a little). I'd love to use it mostly to travel, maybe get a PS3 because I'm dying a little on the inside playing NCAA football and basketball on PS2 graphics.
Chico: 13. What is your feelings about going to New Orleans?
Tom: I'm very excited to go back. I went back in January of 2007 for a meteorology conference and while we got to enjoy Bourbon Street, there wasn't much time for sightseeing between lectures and poster sessions. I'm looking forward to some time in the Big Easy where I don't have to wake up early in the morning for an academic talk.
Gordon: 14. How was Pat, Vanna and Charlie O'Donnell behind the scenes? Was there anything involving them that wasn't shown on tv that you're allowed to talk about?
Tom: Vanna came into the green room while folks were getting their makeup done to say hello and wish us luck. That was about all we heard from her, because she obviously doesn't say much during the show. We didn't see Pat until we taped our respective games. Both Pat and Vanna come off as genuine and nice in person as they do on TV. Charlie O'Donnell is a really great guy. Before taping started for the day, he saw my PSU sweatshirt and we chatted about Joe Paterno a little (naturally), and stopped me on my way off the set after taping to talk about a nightclub in my town he performed at several times. If it weren't for the contestant coordinator dragging me out, I could (and would) have talked to him as long as I wanted to. On my way out, he said goodbye and, I'll never forget this, yelled in his signature voice, "Enjoy the spoils!"
Chico: 15. If you could give advice out to anyone who wants to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune, what would it be?
Tom: Go for it! I'm living proof of how this starts merely as a chance encounter that anyone is eligible for. I just had a dream of being on the show that I grew up on and I made it. Go for it and have an absolute blast. Get caught up in the fun of it all because it really is such a great experience.
Gordon: And now for the 5 questions we ask everyone...16. Favorite Game Show, Past or Present?
Tom: Oh, that's a tough question. Each game show is so different, whether it's because of its unique host or unique game play. I've always been a fan of the word games -- Password, Pyramid, and such. I was obsessed with Supermarket Sweep as a kid because I wanted to do that in my supermarket! Ultimately, I'll have to choose the ones I grew up on -- Wheel, The Price is Right, and Jeopardy!. Classic, tried and true formats.
Chico: 17. Favorite Game Show host, Past or Present?
Tom: Well, it's certainly hard to beat Bob Barker. He's really the best emcee out there. But you really have to acknowledge those hosts that were masters at playing their own games. I think Allen Ludden and Dick Clark really understood their respective shows better than anyone else and they should be commended for it. I've been a big admirer of theirs.
Gordon: 18. Let's say you want to try out for another game show as a contestant. Which one do you go for?
Tom: I was really excited to hear about the Password revival and the possibility of Pyramid coming back. I think the word games are really my favorite ones to play. I've auditioned for Millionaire before but I'd love to be on Password or Pyramid, if they ever come back.
Chico: 19. If you could remake one show from the past, which one would it be and why?
Tom: It would probably have to be Supermarket Sweep, and only partly to ensure that I could be a contestant on it. That was always such a fun show, between the excited contestants, the sweep itself, and the enthusiasm of David Ruprecht. I really think it's a game that never got the respect it truly deserved.
Gordon: 20. Is there anything you want to say/add/get off your chest? It's your question.
Tom: One thing on my bio card that Pat held that went unsaid was that during my time at Penn State, I was heavily involved in the university's dance marathon, or THON, which is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Thousands of students volunteer each year to raise money for The Four Diamonds Fund, which is a non-profit fund established to help families fighting pediatric cancer. Last year, we raised $7.5 million for the fund and it has been amazing to meet and get to know just a few of the hundreds of families we support. More information can be found at www.thon.org. Thanks guys, I had a blast!
Gordon: And Tom has survived 20 questions. Thanks, Tom!
Chico: Wheel returns for a week in July. This is your WLTI. Be back soon!

(Brought to you by Silent Movie Theatre. Contestants watch the worst films ever made and resist the urge to MiST them for fun and profit... Tom Servo hosts)

Gordon: I'm guessing this is a Silent Library companion piece?
Chico: Yep. That's going to go down as the beginning of the end of Will Ferrell's career.
Jason: He had one?
Chico: Heh.
Jason: He was funny...once. Maybe twice. Try that with Land of the Lost 2009.
Chico: Couldn't do it. Okay, folks... it's that time. Let's get the toilet out so we can flush Will Ferrell down it. Jason Block joins us for this week's Push or Flush.
Gordon: Yay!
Chico: We're going to start easy with...

CHOPPED Food Tuesdays 10p ET

PUSH

Chico: Ted Allen and his boxes of terror are back.
Jason: Ted Allen is and will be the most successful of the Fab 5. PUSH.
Chico: Nothing against Carson Kressley.
Jason: Right.
Chico: By the way, the game works as well. Although I must say...
Gordon: I liked the first season. It's creative and fun. I look forward to the second season. PUSH.
Chico: Sometimes the ingredients tend to be gnarly... and the judges tend to be evil. That said, I'd like to see what the chefs have to do this season. PUSH. Three pushes. Good stuff! Next...

HGTV DESIGN STAR HGTV July 19

PUSH

Jason: Not My thing personally...but it is one HGTV's highest rated shows for a reason. PUSH.
Chico: Agreed. PUSH.
Gordon: Its a fun show, but they need to tighten it up. Pastry.
Chico: It's the Next Food Network Star... on HGTV. Push it. Next...

DATING IN THE DARK ABC July 20

FLUSH

Chico: This... uh... this ain't gon' do too good...FLUSH.
Jason: Oh heck no. Dumbest concept of the season. FLUSH HARD.
Gordon: Can we put an ABC exec in there so we can torture them a little before letting them out? FLUSH
Chico: Why not, Mr. Silverman. Alright. Three flushes. You know what comes next. One...Two...
Gordon: Um...Mr. Silverman is NBC
Chico: I know, but who do you think put Speidi in the dark?
Gordon: But the problem is that they let them out.
Chico: Yeah... Still smarting. Anywho, One...Two...
Jason: THREE....PLUNGE!!!!!!
Gordon: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Chico: ... that's some nice plunging there, J.
Jason: Thank you.
Chico: Next...

HELL'S KITCHEN Fox July 21

PUSH

Chico: Cooking... Gordon Ramsay... What's there not to love? I'll (BLEEPING) push it.
Gordon: Its fun light stuff as long as you don't take it seriously. Push.
Chico: It's a bit of fun.
Jason: (BLEEP) Yeah. Push.
Chico: Take it and enjoy it. Three pushes. Good stuff! *Mr. Q's Yes cue* One week after...

MORE TO LOVE Fox July 28

FLUSH

Chico: This can end one of two ways... either endearingly sweet... or like every other Fox dating show ever.
Gordon: I'll go with the latter - and FOX agrees if they are putting it in the summer. FLUSH.
Chico: My money's on the latter as well. FLUSH
Jason: I am going towards every other FOX show. FLUSH.
Chico: Hair clog! One...Two....THREE! PLUUUUUNGE!
Gordon: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Jason: Man that stinks.
Chico: Not many left, folks. Next...

FACE THE ACE NBC August 1

PUSH

Jason: This is going to be a big surprise hit. PUSH.
Gordon: It's going to be a hit, but it won't be big. Pastry.
Chico: Poker... big money poker... in primetime... on a major network. PUSH. Next up...

SHARK TANK ABC August 9

PASTRY

Chico: Dragons' Den was compelling. These guys have a lot to live up to. Pastry
Jason: Agree. Burnett has a lot to love up to. PASTRY.
Gordon: Translating Hits to US TV has been very mixed. I want to see this work, but American Inventor has me concerned. Pastry.
Chico: Pastries! Next...

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ABC August 9

PASTRY

Chico: Millionaire... Regis... PUSH!
Jason: This is going to be the hardest review for me. While I love the fact that this is coming back, and while I will be in the audience, the lack of a phone game brings this down from a PUSH to a PASTRY.
Gordon: I want to push this. Here's the problem I have. I think it will do well - but I don't know if it scores in the 18-35 demo, and we've seen what happens to shows when it wins its time slot but not the demo (Million Dollar Password anyone?). And I agree with Jason. The lack of a phone game (which in my mind really got the show rolling) is going to hurt. It drops to an ordinary game show, not one where anyone can win. Pastry.
Chico: Well you can't lose with a game like Millionaire.
Gordon: Sure you could.
Chico: And I'm hoping we get the caliber of contestant we had in its infancy, but I doubt that lightning will strike twice without a phone game.
Jason: No, it will not.
Gordon: Exactly.
Jason: This kills me to write this.
Chico: But at the same time, you had the complainers says that it didn't really capture the cross section of America.
Gordon: No offense, but Jason Block probably does not get on the show if he's auditioning as a first timer today.
Jason: I agree.
Chico: I might.
Jason: Because you are a bald sexy Panamanian. I am a balding overweight white guy.
Chico: Heh. Okay, One more...

PROJECT RUNWAY Lifetime (finally!) August 20

PUSH

Gordon: We've seen with The Fashion Show why this is still the best. PUSH.
Jason: I can't push this hard enough. The people are going to make back all the legal fees in spades.
Chico: Agreed. Bravo really let a gem go. PUSH. Okay. We'll see how all these summer shows fare... over the summer. Meanwhile, we grill Jason as part of the Speed Round. NEXT!

(Brought to you by The Oodle Perfunctory Exchange Comission (OPEC). Recession getting you down? Go make some Oodles! We'll exchange them for free infomercials, long pacing, and dates with Ross the Intern.)

Chico: Nottomentionfreestuffoveratgsndotcom... but you don't need to know that.
Jason: Was it that bad?
Chico: There was some good and some bad.. but most of it was bad. I'd catch the Sunday reruns if I could. On that note... The Speed Round starts... NOW!: Big Saturday Night... Who's watching next week?
Jason: Don't know.
Gordon: Not by choice :P
Chico: I might. Could get better... maybe. Uhh.. Singing Bee, who's watching?
Gordon: This I'll choose to watch.
Jason: Yes.
Chico: Me too. I'm hoping Melissa Peterman will do the show proud. Cartoon Network's Live Library - who's watching?
Jason: I am.
Gordon: Sure.
Chico: Okay... so we have any mail?
Gordon: I don't - do you?
Chico: Looking...Nope. Nothing
Gordon: But you can change that. wlti@gameshownewsnet.com, or find us on Facebook, MySpace or YouTube
Gordon: And with that, we end the show. Special thanks to Jason Block for joining us today.
Jason: Thank you.
Chico: And even more special thanks to Tom Sabbatelli for also joining us.
Gordon: For everyone, this is Gordon, saying Game Over and Spread the Love.