While the rest of the country was getting swept up in the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" craze, I paid no attention. I caught an episode during the second run of the show, and I can see the draw, it can be very intense. That's what make Millionaire interesting. The other networks decided to cash in on this. Fox with Greed, and it has done so successfully, by reproducing the more exciting aspects of the show (the ability to win or LOSE large amounts of money.

NBC's entry, Twenty-One however gives away a LOT more money than any of the other game show clones out there, and while the questions may seem easy, the tension level should go through the roof the higher the money goes, right? Why doesn't it seem to be that way you may be asking yourself, I think it's because the contestants have nothing to lose! That's the downfall of Twenty-One! Once you've won money, it's yours, no losing it, which for the contestant is very very nice, but there should be more penalties for messing up, it seems far too easy and not very exciting. Maury Povich seems uncomfortable in his new job as game show host, he flubs lines constantly and basically appears to be there to pick up his check and go home. While Twenty-One has big potential, it has not yet lived up to it.

- 02//26/00 - NBC has made many changes to Twenty-One, from changing the selection process, timeslots constantly changing, and lowering the initial prize amount from $100,000 to $25,000. Unfortunately I don't think it's salvagable. I am also somewhat biased because my new favorite show Freaks & Geeks (see my review coming soon) was recently pushed out of it's timeslot for sweeps by Twenty-One. Maury is still flubbing lines and making himself look silly, Regis Philbin he is not.



Recommended: No