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rbj1985
Reviews
Match Game 73 (1973)
So funny you'll laugh your ________ off!! (insert clean word here)
"Match Game" has to be, by far, the funniest game show that I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I didn't grow up during the "Match Game" era, but I've seen lots of episodes. I particularly liked the chemistry between Gene Ryaburn and the other panelists His wit and humor made that show what it was.
However, during the years, you could tell a definite loss of enthusiasm for the show. In the 77-78 seasons, Richard Dawson tried to put a damper on the show with his attitude. He wouldn't smile, and didn't interact with the other panelists like he used to His actions and his success eventually led the producers of the show to add a 'Star Wheel' where all the panelists had a chance to win on the 'Celebrity Match.' Very shortly after the wheel was added, Richard left.
After 'Match Game' was canceled on CBS and put into syndication, the show began to slowly grind down. It appeared to me that some of the panelists who were brought on tried to upstage Gene. Stars like Bart Braverman, Jon "Bowser" Bauman, Bill Daly, and Elaine Joyce overdid themselves trying to be funny, and to me it took away from the classic humor of the show. Gene rarely did his little bits of humor, and a lot of times seemed upset at the stars or disinterested. Eventually, the show was canceled altogether, and 'Match Game' went down as a TV classic. It was revived several times, but none of the other versions lived up to the classic format of the 70's.
All in all, I have to give a big two-thumbs-up for the 70's version. I would recommend that anybody watch the episodes (they air on "Game Show Network"), or buy the DVD (in select retail stores).
Family Feud (1988)
Very Good Show!!
This was the "Family Feud" show that I grew up with. Unlike the previous version, this version seemed to have more life and enthusiasm in it. I particularly liked Ray's sense of humor and making the contestants feel at home. He didn't belittle them if they gave a wrong answer, sometimes he would make a funny joke out of it. I loved the format of the show, with the three strikes, and that 'clang' sound when the answers flipped. I don't remember seeing too many of the 'Bullseye' episodes, I must have been in school at the time (I was home-schooled during the early years of the show). However, "Family Feud" stands out in my mind as one of the greatest game shows (probably the greatest show besides "The Price Is Right") ever!