Comments on: “Millionaire” Evolves in 2008: Cautiously Optimistic

By: James D.

James D. — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:57:41 +0000

This message board appears to suggests that some of the elements of Super Millionaire will be coming to WWTBAM this season, according to rehearsals…

http://www.wwtbambored.com./viewtopic.php?t=7837

Also, I’ve read that the number of PAFs a contestant can have has been reduced from five to three. Minor, but it will encourage contestants to think harder on who to put on their list.

(Note: I’ve been on six PAF lists over the years, and was picked once (and got the question right!). I’ve heard the spiel over and over, so I’m used to it :) ).

By: Shon

Shon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:49:43 +0000

I agree with Joe. Actually they would be better because the meat of the game is in the later rounds. I always thought the first five question were more of a formality anyway, to get a contestants feet wet but the show has been on here for about ten years now and I think they can just do away with the first questions. Usually after when a contestant is introduced and they start the first round I always change the channel. The show starts to get interesting shortly before the 25K question is asked.

Also it could be worse. In the Japanese version of WWTBAM they completely edit episodes and skip over questions that were either too easy for the contestant or not interesting enough for broadcast.

Take this clip for example; you’ll see what I’m talking about. (This is from a celebrity special but I still love the way they enter the arena and I also love the graphic that shows the players strengths and weakness in knowledge.)

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9PERbtGTjc

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FADXKgJpVhQ&feature=related

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:30:28 +0000

The only change I want to see is the new remixed music. I’m probably the only one who wouldnt mind it.

By: AMNewsBoy

AMNewsBoy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:04:38 +0000

One change that’s coming up this season… they’re asking those of us in the contestant pool (for a year now, yeesh) to prepare photos of our Phone-a-Friends… so that, obviously, they can show them when the call is made.

Minor change, but there ya go.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:14:07 +0000

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I actually don’t mind the 12 question format the Brits use. After all these years, I am a little tired of the first 5 questions. Though it is funny (though sometimes heartbreaking) to see a zero dollar winner, 99% of the time the show wastes everyone’s time asking questions we all already knew the answer to. Also the Brit’s money ladder I think is a little more interesting as it shoots up much faster, increasing the drama.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing them add the Double Dip lifeline in the third tier, like they did in Super Millionaire. Even in the syndicated Millionaire, most people don’t get to 25,000 with their 50/50 in tact. And the requirement to answer the question immediately adds more drama in itself.

….

How about they get rid of phone a friend, and add 30 seconds of using google so they can just skip the middle man? jk :P

By: Julia

Julia — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:24:58 +0000

Wow…I always cringe at messing with a format that works. While I rarely watch Millionaire, since I am either asleep or at work during the 12:30 time slot it airs in Philly, when I do, I thoroughly enjoy it. I would like to see more big winners, but since it’s a syndicated show, I can understand why they need to save the budget a bit by writing really tough questions at points and kinda forcing people out at points.

I’m kinda worried about this, and I hope it’s nothing drastic. This show has been on in some format in the US since 1999. Why change it now? (BTW- I think this is why I’m a bit worried about TPiR. It’s a format that has stood the test of time for 35 years. Why mess with it at all? But, that’s another thread for another time and place)