Several years ago, I remember taking my younger brother to the Global TV studios to watch a taping of Supermarket Sweep, one of a long list of cheesy (literally in that case, since the set was a mock supermarket) and forgettable Canadian game shows.
Upon entering the Deal Or No Deal Canada studio, I knew this was no Supermarket Sweep, or Pitfall, Super Pay Cards, Talk About, or the greatest Canadian time-waster ever, The Mad Dash. (Um, what about Definition? – Kevin)
So there I was with 300 people, spontaneously chanting “Howie! Howie!” as Howie Mandel was coming out. It was clear right from the start and throughout the taping that this is a Deal Or No Deal-savvy crowd, ready to give their all to the production crew regardless of what they were asked.
It was great to see the white maple leaf on the stage as well as the scene of the Toronto skyline at night behind the models, so you know that even though most things are the same, there’s a unique flavour (or, flavor, if you live south of here) to this edition.
Murtz made reference to the intensity and nerves even someone in the studio audience feel for each contestant. I certainly felt that.
I can’t go into the details of the contestants, results or models. You’ll just have to see it for yourself starting February 4 after the Super Bowl.
I can say this generally. Seems like the six contestants that were chosen for the five shows are taking the 111,994 of us who applied and didn’t make it, to school about how to be the type of contestant the producers are looking for. The moral of the story is, if you’re a mild-mannered 39-year-old property assessor and you’re applying to be a contestant, YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME. To Insight Productions and Global’s credit, they really did their homework in the contestant-selection process.
They really did well in selecting the all-Canadian team of models too. As for personal preference, let’s say I’m a fan of #10 (Anya) in the U.S. and now I’m a fan of her #10 counterpart here as well. #s 7 and 17 were hot also.
As for Howie, let’s just say there probably isn’t another point in his career where he has had so much fun. He was relaxed, had great interaction with the audience, and sensed the love his fellow countrymen were giving him.
Bottom line.
If you are expecting the contestants on Deal Or No Deal Canada to be less interesting or exciting as those in the States, no way.
If you’re expecting the models to be less attractive or have less personality than their American counterparts, you’ll be proven wrong.
If you expect the audience to resemble the Platinum section at the Air Canada Centre during Toronto Maple Leaf games, get ready for a real eye-opener.
If you love the American version, the Canadian version will be every bit as much fun.
