h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So what do our USA based researchers think of the UK's latest export?

ChawkE

Hello,

In general, a lot of people like it, but they're not sure what to make of it. I saw Weakest Link in the UK and here, and I like the UK version better. Basically, here are the problems I see with the American version:

1. They have an audience visible in the background and they pipe in their laughter to her put-downs. I think this ruins something about it.

2. The American contestants are really dumb. I don't just mean they often flub simple questions, but they don't really know how to play the game intelligently yet. People will spend 10 secs trying to guess a question, where the Brit contestant would just shout "pass." They also aren't as smart about banking.

3. As a result, the intrepid host has to be mean rather frequently. So she's starting to run out of good witticisms to use. And it just becomes a bit cruel. Also, the stakes are a bit higher, which I think also detracts a bit from the game (any moron will go on a show to try for $1million, but it takes a different sort of fish to go for smaller stakes but a better reputation).

Yours,
Jake

That's what I thought! And I've not even seen the US version, being solidly attached to the ground here in England. Piped laughter though? That spoils the whole rudeness thing!!!

And the money is just silly. Is it me or is America even more superficial than Britain?

I am not from the US either. What I don't understand is the whole 'rude' thing - she doesn't seem very offensive to me anyway. Maybe my faculties have been blunted by daily contact with Inner London schoolchildren but she's a pussycat! Can someone please explain?

Same deal with the Australian version. It makes an attempt to be cruel but you can hear better put downs any day by just going to the cricket or the footie (Aussie sledging is blistering). Makes the whole thing seem insipid by comparison.

This conversation is the worst topic I've seen for ages.

Goodbye !

Red

I think she's funny...

Actually, Weakest Link is one of the most amusing game show's I've ever seen.

Hello,

Well, I've got no problem with rudeness, but Americans are used to pretty genial game show hosts who can smile at the most inane answers from the contestants, so I'm not sure how well it will play out in the long run (notwithstanding the fact that Americans seem to prefer our game show hosts male). I find her putdowns rather amusing sometimes. Of course, it helps we got the real person from the UK and not the Australian copycat.

Yours,
Jake

I think once the American contestants get used to the tactics, the show'll storm!

Well the opening episodes seem to have gone rather well, which will be leaving the bosses at NBC feeling rather relieved I'm sure.

Hello,

Well, you might be right there. We'll see how long it takes... Meanwhile, what's the next game show you guys will be sending us?

Yours,
Jake

Oh there's loads, if only we could send them to get rid of them ourselves, Countdown - basic words and math(s) (so maybe not popular in the States )

Every show hosted by two of the most unfunny people ever - REeves and Mortimer

Have I got News For You - a show disguised as a quiz where guest are invited on and the insulted for 30 minutes or left to insult each other or by their silence and lack of wit insult themselves.

Chained - hosted by an ejectee from our big brother where one person is chained to a series of oters of a sex to be attractive to their sexuality (eg 1 straight bloke many straight girls) - haven't seen this as luckily not on mainstream channel.

The list could go on

ChawkE

Hello,

We got the Chains one. It was universally reviled by most critics as the worst show of the season (people were calling it "Must Flee TV" as a spoof of NBC's "must see tv"). I don't think it will last too long, especially as it is on a network that's renowned for being even trashier than FOX.

Yours,
Jake

Hey, I will not hear Vic & Bob slated that way!!

Relax,

It's a USA remake, not a direct import (like Weakest Link). And it is really bad...

Yours,
Jake

(becalmed)

I think I overdid it with the "grr" smiley. I was looking for the merely angry one

Have I Got News For You would be a great one to send over.
I'd love to see an American version of that!

It could get a little painful if a certain US politician went on it, in which case his lack of wit and general knowledge might cause the audience to dig holes and hide in shame.

Hello,

I just read an American TV critic blasting "Weakest Link" precisely because she is so harsh to idiotic fodder that normally goes on game shows here in the States (blast to one contestant: "Is there no beginning to your knowledge?"). I don't really mind, even Jeopardy has gotten easier (and the American version of Weakest Link for that matter), so it's about time they raised the standards for show contestants.

Yours,
Jake

And that's not the point anyway! The point is to go on, have a hideously small chance of actually winning anything, but you get to be insulted by Anne Robinson! You get to be on TV! You get to meet new people, have an experience etc. etc. Somehow I think some of the US has missed the point... if the money was the point, it wouldn't be very successful now would it? That's what Who Wants To Be A Millionare? is about.


And as for a US Have I Got News For You?...

Mr. President, you are the stupidest man in the room. Goodbye.

"Is there no beginning to your knowledge?"
Top marks to her!!