I finished watching CBS’s Power of 10 on TiVo, and here is my initial reaction: “Wow, this is really good.” I know I’ve ragged on Michael Davies a lot recently because of what I still think is the worst revival I’ve ever seen, Chain Reaction (which I partially place on GSN’s restrictions as well, mind you). I think Mr. Davies has completely redeemed himself with both Grand Slam and this. We’ve gone over the rules extensively for the past few months, but you can read them by clicking this.

Simply put, shows like Power of 10, with 1 VS 100 thrown into this as well, continue to give me faith in our little genre while shows like Set For Life damage me on the inside. Let’s start with the positives. As with everything on TV currently, very nice set and music package. It keeps it modern while making it look different than what’s on currently. The contestants are likable. Drew Carey is very nice as host. He had a few issues, but big deal; this is episode one. Episode two tapes tomorrow so he can figure out how he comes off on TV. The gameplay is almost so unbelievably simple that it’s engaging, which makes it interesting. While I love 1 VS 100, it is a bit complicated. Power of 10 keeps it very simple while making it incredibly nerve-wracking, dramatic, and fun. Mr. Davies has a knack for doing that (See Millionaire, Who Wants to be a). The prize money keeps it fun too. I’m never one of the people that’s begging for assloads of money to be poured out, but I’m sick of every show on earth offering a million. Something unique will make it stand out, and this did it here.

Now for the negatives, which aren’t many. I know it’s just a product of Deal or No Deal, but I’m sick of the relationship seat having a part in the game. This is one thing I like about 1 VS 100; it’s just the player and the player alone. Do we really need a family member to help out? It’s very obvious that it’s to stretch time out, but I think something else can be done. One thing that may hurt this show is a lack of energetic, talkative contestants. If I have to sit through an hour of someone twisting a knob without giving off any emotion or essence of personality, I’ll go insane. I’m sorry, but I’m a person of current society. I need drama and intensity. For now it’s doing that. My only other problem is the money. Is this show going to make it too easy to win a million? For now, I think not. But to be honest, even if I had a slight guess, I’d take that 10% range I have and risk $90,000 for $900,000 more. One of the huge problems I had with the rules originally was that it was extremely simplistic. This is a strength for now, but I’m nervous if this will be a strength for a long period of time for the non-game show fans.

Please don’t let these comments distract you from the fact that the game is terrific. Every show has negatives, and I think this easily has the least amount of initial negatives out of any show I’ve reviewed. I place it right around 1 VS 100’s level. I’m sorry to reference the show so much this review, but I just see them as being similar. A good quiz show is very hard to come by, and this show is just what I wanted. We’ve been on a huge role with shows recently. I hope we can keep this up. Power of 10 is smart, dramatic, well-hosted, intense, energetic, and so much more. It’s everything I want in a game show and more. Simply put, Power of 10 is the power of CBS. What are your thoughts?