Episode 21.8
July 27

Chico: I've got Cup Oodles for everyone! This one vaguely tastes like chicken.
Josh: YUCK! I got the phony mac and cheese.
Gordon: ...mine's got a rock.
Chico: See... chock full of minerals =p
Gordon: What about Chock Full of Categories? You like Chock Full of Categories?
Jason: I do!
Chico: I love Chock Full of Categories.
Josh: I like chock full of Categories. If I knew what I was getting into, I'd like it better.
Chico: Please explain how this works.
Gordon: Here's how it works. I give you questions. You get money based on your answers. Think Jeopardy
Gordon: And the categories for this episode are...

Gordon: Josh is the newbie, so he selects first.
Josh: I'll take That's Dizzy, Dummy!
Gordon: Let's talk about Jillian Harris, the Dizziest person to ever be on The Bachelorette. Will she find someone as Dizzy as her between Ed and Kiptyn? Or will she Wipeout? Josh you start, but Chico and Jason get to answer also.
Josh: I'm going to say Wipeout, because as we've learned from the affiliated series "The Bachelor", TV is not the place to look for true love.
Chico: I'm going to say wipeout, because again, Bachelor romances don't last, and as we've seen before, Jillian had BAD TASTE IN MEN. I cite WES. WES HAYDEN. With the girlfriend, and the country music and some noise. Jillian has bad taste in men, coupled with all the lights and boom operators.
Jason: I am going to say Wipeout as well...because I am going to say she chooses someone else between Ed and Kiptyn. She jumps from man to man like a hot rock.
Gordon: I think that she is going to Wipeout as well, due to the reasons cited by...Chico. $1,000 for him.
Chico: YES!
Josh: Good job.
Jason: yes good one.
Gordon: Josh and Jason also had good responses, so $800 each to them.
Jason: Nice one Josh
Josh: You too, Mr. Block.

Gordon: Chico, you select.
Chico: Thanks, G. I'll go with America's Going Green.
Gordon: America's Got Talent has a lot of recyclables. Which act that we've seen before are you most wanting to see again - and LEAST wanting to see again?
Chico: Most... Kelli Glover. Least... that old dude who dances.
Josh: (Locked in)
Chico: Wait. He wasn't recycled. My bad. Least... Nathan Burton. He's having his moment right now. He's just in this for the W.
Josh: Most would be Grandma Lee. Great timing and material. Least would be Acrodunk. I'd rather see real Slamball on CN than what Acrodunk does.
Jason: Chico and Josh are both right. Kelli Glover is the bomb. Acrodunk are just bombs.
Gordon: Actually, I despise Grandma Lee. I want to see Nathan Burton and Kelli Glover. and I hate Acrodunk.
Chico: But we've seen him... A LOT.
Gordon: Yes, but we've seen him a lot because he's good. I hope we'll see a plethora of magicians make the Top 40 this year as they try to avoid giving the title to a singer for the 4th straight time.
Josh: Well, I dunno if you can call Terry Fator a straight singer.
Chico: It's singing... but part of a bigger whole.
Josh: It's more of an Ed Sullivan type act.
Gordon: He sang. He's a singer. But anyhoo, $1,000 for Jason, who gives us Kelli and Acrodunk. $800 for Josh, who gets Acrodunk right. And $400 for Chico, who gives us someone who wasn't a recyclable.
Chico: I switched my answer too late.
Gordon: I accept the first answer only. You don't get to give a different answer on Jeopardy.
Chico: Yeah yeah.

Gordon: Jason, you go next.
Jason: I survived....
Gordon: We have beat Big Saturday Night like a Dirty Rug. Which game show have we not talked about yet that's still on the air needs to be shown the exit door next?
Jason: Wow...I am going to be really on the Haterade here. But it has to be Family Feud. I love John O'Hurley and all...but it just is not there for me.
Chico: Are you joking me?
Jason: I am not.
Chico: That's just... that's just classic right there. On the other hand... Let's see Charm School get the ax. I mean... talk about beating a premise to death here. What is this, third generation surreal life here?
Josh: We all know my opinion of VH1s Dating shows...ALL of 'em should go. But reluctantly I would like to see the current format of Japanese Game show go out the door. The first season was more of Japanese Game Show was half game half travelogue.
Gordon: The correct answer is....The VH1 Dating Shows, which Josh WOULD have gotten, had he not waffled like Aunt Jemima.
Josh: Can I get half-credit?
Gordon: No. You can get $800 though.
Chico: Can I get some money?
Gordon: $800 to Chico, which I think needs to see Charm School go away as well. $600 to Jason, which I'll partially side with. Family Feud is showing it's age, and I've never been in love with the single/single/double/triple/sudden death format. I think the Bulls-Eye Round will make it worse, not better.
Jason: Oh wow.
Chico: I don't know. I've seen it. I think it'll work, but that's just me.
Josh: I think it will work too.
Gordon: I don't think it will, but we'll see when September rolls around.

Gordon: VERY tight match. Time for DOUBLE CATEGORIES.
Chico: Wee!
Josh: Yay!!
Gordon: Chico, you're trailing. You select.
Chico: Thanks. With apologies to all the evangelicals reading... I'll take Hell's Bitchin'.
Gordon: We have the traditional fighting contestants on Hell's Kitchen. Now it seems like a mainstay, but what was the BEST reality show fight you've seen?
Josh: Oh gosh....
Gordon: If you want easy, go on 5th Grader.
Chico: Hands down... New York and Pumkin on Flavor of Love. That. Was. Legen... wait for it... dary.
Josh: Best reality fight for me (and this shows my age) - Season 1 Road Rules. Carlos versus the Rest of the cast over his values and the proper pronunciation of his name.
Jason: This one is Easy. The End of Ultimate Fighter 1 on UFC. Stephan Bonnar v. Forrest Griffin I. The best fight ever.
Chico: *bows head* Why didn't I think of that?
Gordon: You're all...wrong.
Jason: What?
Josh: Say wha?
Chico: Are you kidding me?
Gordon: Best fight, hands down, not just because of what it was, but because of what it resulted in - Susan Hawk and Kelly WIgglesworth in Survivor. That fight not only set the stage for the fights to come, but it also cost Kelly a million bucks
Chico: Ah. Going for depth.
Jason: Another good answer.
Josh: Another good un.
Gordon: However, $2,000 goes to Chico, as that fight launched New York's career. $1,600 goes to Jason, who's UFC fight launched both men's career. $1,200 to Josh, who's fight launched no one's career, but still a good answer.
Josh: I'm glad someone remembered it.

Chico: I'm back in this!
Gordon: Chico, please continue
Chico: I'll go with Top Zombie
Gordon: Top Zombie. We've seen Job shows that work (Top Chef) and shows that haven't worked so much (Top Design). You're the producer and you have to pitch to me a unique profession show. Let's hear it.
Chico: I've been waiting for this. GSN needs to have... not just as a special, but as a full blown SERIES... a search for the next great game show host I mean, drills... classes... playing stuff... hosting stuff... practice... the lot.
Jason: Actually G4 should have a show to find the next great independent video game designer. The prize: A contract with a big company to produce and market the next game from beginning to end. That would work.
Josh: Ace Journalist: Ten wanna be journalists run the gamut of small town journalism (covering town meetings) and work their way up the ladder. The top prize, an anchor or reporter position at a top 20 media market.
Chico: I have a feeling Josh is going to get hurt.
Josh: Not really, I'm insulting my own profession.
Chico: That's... not why. =p
Gordon: Chico, why (correctly) is Josh going to get hurt?
Chico: Because MTV did that already with Seventeen magazine?
Gordon: 17 Magazine. And Stylista. And The Paper.
Josh: Ok, So I'm beat.
Chico: It's not over yet
Gordon: Welcome to the game, Rookie. $800 for you.
Chico: Heh.
Josh: ow
Gordon: $1,200 for Chico, who gave me a concept that 1. has been used, and 2. is being pitched to a station where hosts are the least of their problem.
Chico: Can't blame a guy for trying.
Gordon: Jason is the only person who's given me something fresh. And I think it would work. $2,000 to him.

Gordon: But all thing could change, as we get to...FINAL CATEGORIES! Subject: Project Midway. Here's the question:

It's time to think outside the box. Thanks to the recession, game shows have been sent to the local fair to advertise. Use a game show to use for a side show game to attract people to your booth.

Gordon: Josh, you are low man on the totem pole, so you start, then Chico, Then Jason
Josh: Hurry hurry hurry come ovah come ovah, It's the big GSNN car-nee-val featuring that classic carnival game, LET'S MAKE A DEAL! Should you go for that brightly decorated box, or choose that world famous door...No matter what, A gar-run-teeeeeeeeeed fun time at the GSNN Car-nee-val!
Chico: Ahem... ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! HEY, anyone with a brain and money? Think you can stuff me for my own stuff, then you've got to game me at my own game! Who wants to Win... Chico's... Money! 10 questions could separate you from double your bet! But if you want my green, you gotta beat MY SCORE! Step right up if you have what it takes1
Jason: Step right up! Right here! We have 22 cases and 2 hot models...win an Ipod! Win a DVD...or win a coupon! It's all up to you! It's DEAL OR NO DEAL! Make the right choice or go home with a penny or even less! And unlike the real host, will shake your hand!
Gordon: Ok. Now Josh. I would definitely go to your booth and try to make a deal with you. That's a perfect spectator carnival game. So I would deem that a correct answer.
Josh: *whew*
Gordon: Wager: $4,400. Total: $8,800. Now Chico.
Chico: Now Gordon.
Gordon: If Im going to a Carnival, I'd be wanting to have fun, not play a trivia game with someone who's a braniac. Plus there's nothing stopping you from cooking the answers in advance and make it a real carnival experience where no one wins.
Chico: Killjoy. :-)
Gordon: You've seen stuff like that happen before, haven't you, Jay?
Gordon: So I have to zap you there, Chico Van Doren. Wager: $4,200. Total: $1,200. Now Jason.
Jason: Uh oh.
Gordon: Deal Or No Deal is on the decline. The nighttime show is all but canned. HOWEVER, as a carnival game, you'd get people there playing along and watching, so I would call you...CORRECT!
Jason: Boo to the yah!
Gordon: And you even volunteered to give me a handshake instead of a hand pound.
Chico: Jason actually won a game?
Gordon: If I say yes to Let's Make a Deal, I have to say yes to Deal or No Deal, which is essentially the same concept. Wager: $4,801. Total: $10,801.

Gordon: Jason, you have the floor, 30 seconds. Go.
Jason: Thank you. I would to congratulate all the game shows that made through another season, the ones that are starting up, and the ones we are watching now. It is the reason why we watch, why we are fans (and very passionate ones). Keep on making them, and we will keep on watching. And we will be there to tell you when they are great...and what to do to make things better. Because we want ALL shows to succeed, for that makes a healthy industry. Thank you.
Gordon: Thanks Jason,. Now we get to look for accuracy (and find idiots) next!

(Brought to you by Dancing With the Cage Dancers. Forget stars and stripper poles. You're nothing unless you can get into a cage and dance in neon lights and water bubbles for 6 hours straight.)

Chico: But enough about NYC nightlife. :-)
Josh: That's most college girls in my hometown.
Gordon: Wait until you get here in 2 weeks :)
Chico: Of course. We're doing it up right. It's gonna be a party.
Gordon: We'll see how accurate the night life is. Right now, let's start with some Accuracy or Idiocy. First up?
Chico: First up...

20Q and Money List deserve to be salvaged from the BS (N) debacle.
ACCURACY

Josh: Accuracy
Jason: Accuracy. The shows deserve to be wiped off and cleaned up
Chico: Accuracy. If they renewed That's the Bloody Filthy Wretched Question... then they should renew these.
Gordon: Idiocy. Save 20Q. Let The Rich List founder with BS(N) and the recycled Powerball receptacles.
Chico: They're good shows, and they deserve a better fate than to be lumped with a steaming pile of programming.
Gordon: The Money List, if you want to salvage it, needs to be quicker and not stuck in a 30 minute self-contained format. It should be paced much quicker.
Chico: You have to admit, though.. the Money List is a lot faster than Rich List, though you can tell that Fred is being told to egg on a lot of the teams for time.
Gordon: Yes, for time. not for the viewer, which makes the pacing really slow and cloying.
Chico: Okay. Next one...
Gordon: Next one...

The biggest hit of the Summer that has yet to debut will be Crash Course.
SPLIT

Jason: Idiocy. This is a burnoff show at best.
Josh: Accuracy. Wipeout has proven that people love watching people fall on their Keisters.
Gordon: Accuracy. Big mess with cars will be fun and will fit perfectly with the Wipeout Group. And I think Millionaire will disappoint.
Chico: Idiocy. If it was going to be a big hit, it wouldn't be swallowed up by all of ABC's other big hits. We know about Millionaire. We know about Wipeout. We're FORCED to know about Dating in the Dark. Not much press on Crash Course that I've seen.
Gordon: I think that Wipeout's audience will stick around for the ride.
Chico: I'm going to hold you to that. BTW, who's hosting Crash Course?
Jason: Dan Cortese, I think
Chico: Dan. Cortese... Hmm... My my... Carolina product AND hosted a dud game show.. Happy watching, Gordon. :-)
Josh: Then I'll change to Idiocy. Cortese should go back to MTV Sports.
Gordon: I'm not going to waffle. I think it will get the numbers.
Josh: It will. I just don't like Cortese as the host of a straight game show.
Gordon: I'm hoping he'll do better than the last one. That's for sure. My Dad Is Smarter Than your Dad...yuck.
Chico: Okay. I'm just saying. Next...

The Susan Boyle interview on America's Got Talent Wednesday... completely unnecessary.
IDIOCY

Jason: Idiocy. Cowell needs to keep her in the public eye until the album is out.
Josh: Idiocy. Not everyone gets the Beebs American. It was good to catchup with an internet sensation.
Gordon: Idiocy. Most of America doesn't follow along like the game show geeks we are. Most of them hear about these things and want to know what's going on.
Chico: Accuracy. We know about her on the interwebs. We know how big she is. She can do any show she wants. AND HAS. Why are we seeing more her and less auditions? It goes back to "It's the game, stupid"
Jason: You are kidding, right?
Chico: I respect her a lot. I like her a lot. But there's a time and place, and this is neither. Come on, you're the biggest show on TV. do you really need to do THAT?
Jason: Sure you do.
Gordon: Yes you do. You're expanding your base internationally, and as I just said, most of America doesn't go as depth as we do.
Josh: I would've liked to see Nick Cannon interview instead of Meredith Vieira. But I understand the choice of interviewers.
Jason: No way. Meredith gives the interview "depth" Notice the air quotes
Chico: Meredith's a hard journalist. Nick... impresario... He's the host of the party.
Gordon: Meredith gives the interview credibility that Nick Cannon can't.
Chico: So you have a good idea as to why it went down like it did, you know?
Gordon: Next one...

Paula Abdul is done on American Idol.
IDIOCY

Jason: Idiocy. She is as much the face of Idol as Simon is. She will get paid.
Chico: Idiocy. Simon won't have it. And as we know, whatever Simon wants, Simon gets. And besides, we've seen this ploy before MANY a time. Remember the Simpsons voice debacle some 10 years ago?
Josh: Idiocy. She's an essential ingredient to the show. Someone does need to be the optimist.
Gordon: Idiocy. They won't lose her. And they can't afford to lose her. Idol needs a smiley smiley happy happy judge or it turns into Star Search.
Chico: So I'm guessing Kara's not going to be smiley OR happy :-)
Gordon: Kara's been competent at best. And as much as it pains me to say this, Paula was the second best judge last season.
Jason: She was.
Chico: mm-hmm. That's just... off.
Gordon: So they need Paula, whether they like it or not. Next one?
Chico: Next one...

Katie Holmes' song-and-dance number from SYTYCD #100... ALSO completely unnecessary.
ACCURACY

Jason: That is ACCURACY. She has gotten ripped by both dancers and celebs. Didn't need it.
Josh: Abstain, Haven't seen it.
Chico: Accuracy, and might I add... terribly dubbed.
Gordon: Accuracy, though entertaining in a train wreck sort of way.
Chico: 100 episodes of a hit franchise, and you throw away your celebration on THAT?
Gordon: Explain to me how it's going to survive the fall?
Chico: Iiiiiiican't. It's not gonna.
Jason: Nope.
Chico: I wanna say it will. I know in my heart of hearts it won't. Last one?
Gordon: Last one...

NYC will be the new hotbed for game shows.
ACCURACY

Chico: ACCURACY. Can't do LA anymore. It's too expensive.
Josh: Accuracy
Chico: So it's BACK to New York. You recall that this is where the game show got its start - in New York city.
Jason: Abosultely. NYC is cheaper and they need the tax breaks, with Deal and others shooting on the East Coast.
Gordon: Accuracy. Pyramid is starting up there. Scott Sternberg is moving a branch of his group to NYC. Deal or No Deal is taping in CT.
Chico: All I can say... East coast... GET READY.
Gordon: Its looks like the start of a boom on the East Coast. And we, as game show fans, can't wait.
Gordon: We hit the home stretch now. Break!

(Brought to you by So You Think You Can Dance Your Ass Off with the Stars... Katie Holmes hosts... because obviously she thinks she can... wrong)

Chico: Moral of the story... just because you think you can... doesn't mean you should.
Gordon: And on that note, we go to the Speed Round...NOW! Big Brother: Who leaves this week?
Chico: Ronnie's up against it hard.
Jason: Ronnie seems against a rock and a hard place
Gordon: If Jesse is smart, yes. That being said...no. Casey's going to get Backdoored.
Chico: Okay. More to Love. Watching?
Jason: I will give the first episode a shot.
Gordon: I think Chico will find the show more to love, myself.
Chico: Won't you? Come on, Gordon.
Gordon: I think you'll love it.
Chico: What about you, though? I know you love watching crap :-)
Gordon: It could be awesome. (Snicker)
Chico: Could be. It's Fox. So... you know... I wouldn't be surprised either way. How about Face the Ace?
Jason: Yes a lot.
Chico: Yes, please.
Gordon: I want to see the show. I also want to see some email. WHat do we got?
Chico: We got a couple. First is from Greg Palmer. Thanks, Greg!

Chico: This coming from BigJon's site. Thanks Greg... The more I think about it.. the more I'm honestly not keen on it. I mean, Wheel loves to keep it fresh, but this just reeks of change for the sake of change.
Jason: I have to see it in execution before I nail it, which I want to.
Gordon: I think in play, it could work better than the Free Spin. It stops someone from monopolizing the board.
Chico: Well, we'll see who's right this fall, right?
Gordon: We will. next email?
Chico: Next is from Matt Wojis. I hope i nailed that.

Chico: Thanks, Matt. I'll defer to G.
Gordon: The Catch 21 rumor is definitely NOT true. They are staying in LA.
Jason: But Catch 21's production team of Scott Sternberg Productions is opening a branch office in NYC.
Gordon: Right. So it could be easy to assume that. But Catch 21 is already gearing up in LA.
Chico: And I'm a Celebrity?
Jason: Nothing confirmed as far as I know.
Chico: I would be SURPRISED if they gave this another one. I mean... Wikipedia says that talks are ongoing... but there's no citation. Things that make you go.... Hmmmm.
Gordon: I think it's too early to tell. There's reasons to do it (cheap to produce, good marketing opportunities), vs. reasons why not to (it sucked)
Chico: Both are pretty decent pull factors.
Gordon: So we'll have to see. Thanks for the email. Next one?
Chico: That's it. Mailbox is empty. But you can change that. Just e-mail us to wlti@gameshownewsnet.com.... or you can find us on Facebook or Myspace or Youtube. Big thanks to Jason Block and Agent Josh for hanging out with us today. Thanks for making renegade reading radio with us :-)
Jason: No problem.
Gordon: So for everyone, this is Gordon, saying Game Over and Spread the Love.
Chico: *waves*