Giving Game Shows A Positive Spin
AS IT IS in our local (Chicago) market, it appears that "THE WHEEL" (as it is widely known) fits very well into the early evening time-slot. That would be the half hour or hour between the end of the evening news and the beginning of prime time programing.THIS MAKES IT both a link and a barrier at the very same time; a programing dichotomy that few shows could do so well.
BOTH IN THE concept and execution, THE WHEEL strikes a moderate approach. It offers us a question/puzzle to solve; yet it steers clear of any semblance of real difficulty. Although the daily three contestants compete for both Ca$h and Prize$ that may have considerable value, no one ever seems to take it to heart.
ONE VERY IMPORTANT factor in maintaining such a sort of "Nature's Balance" of the Entertainment World is the kind treatment and good humor of the hosting twosome. This is largely due to the unique personality and outstanding sense of humor of MC/Host, Pat Sajak. His extremely quick wit never fails to elicit the laughs from the in studio crowd & home viewers; yet he never makes guests the brunt of the joke.
AS FOR THE value of Vanna White and her function, it could be said that her original function has been automated out of existence. For so many years, the very attractive Ms. White was in charge of "turning the letters" in order to reveal the word puzzle parts. Now it is accomplished electronically by a technician in the control room.
HOWEVER, WE DO concede that Vanna's presence is far more reaching as she always adds to the daily conversation, does in-between announcements and is the representative of the feminine point of view in all matters. In short, for many reasons, she is definitely a keeper.
THE GREATEST CROSS section of viewing audiences regularly tune into WHEEL OF FORTUNE. And we have no reason to think that this trend will not continue. Ergo, we firmly believe that we will have it around for some years to come.
score /10
redryan64 15 August 2014
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3069296/14844
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