Greed ya no greed... it's about luck and judgement. Review on Deal Ya No Deal

There has been enough pre-launch hype generated via adverts and constant plugs in current shows - a feature that Sony seems to be using (and abusing). Sony seems to have adopted a policy where actors or anchors in a show take time off to promote other shows that the channel showcases. Painful at times, irritating at others.

As a game show, Deal Ya No Deal has:

• Promises of a huge bounty (1 Crore to be exact)

  
  




• Enough ammo for drama and melodrama

  
  




• A cool host that's a welcome change from the familiar faces

  
  




• An interactive environment where the audience ooohs and aaahs, laughs and cries with the contestant(s)

  
  




• Opportunities for the general public to earn a buck (read that as 1 lakh rupees)

  
  

The first episode is over and the show seems promising. Madhavan is a decent host with an infectious smile and plenty of charisma. The actor is also more accessible to the contestants unlike the overwhelming and intimidating presence of Big B.

So what was the first Episode like

Madhavan did the intro bit and then proceeded to explain the rules of the game which involves 22 boxes, each containing cards that represent varying amounts of cash (from 25 paise to 1 Crore). The denominations are categorised as green (the cheaper amounts), yellow (1 to 5 lakhs) and red (10, 25, 50, 75 lakhs and the bounty of 1 crore)

The contestant started off with a box and then has the rather tense task of picking from the rest of the boxes.

Each box is numbered and labeled with the name of the person who controls the box. The contestant chooses one box and the person behind the box opens it, pulls out the card and displays it to the public. Once that card has been displayed, it becomes pretty evident that the box that is in the contestant's possession does not contain that denomination. E.g. If the contestant called number 10, and the card inside reads 10000, then it's clear that the amount in his box WONT BE - 10000.

When the contestant calls out 6 boxes, Madhavan makes a call to the bank and the bank makes an offer to buy the contestant's box for an amount. If the contestant agrees, he or she sticks out their thumb (pointing upwards) and says ''DEAL''. Once they do that, the box is out of their possession and they have to settle for the agreed amount.

If they do opt to carry on, then they refuse the banks offer with a thumbs down and a ''NO DEAL'' yell. The audience is in glee because it shows how courageous the contestant is - even though they stand to end up with 25 paise when they could have taken the bank's 5 lakh offer.

After the first bank call, every three boxes later, Madhavan calls the bank and makes the offer to buy the box. It's up to the contestant to decide whether he wants to cash in or carry on with hopes of winning a major amount.

As for the public, they have an SMS predict what's in the box and win 1 lakh, sort of contest. We all know how that works.

Summing up

It seems promising. The host is a definite plus as he brings in youth, accessibility and that infectious smile of his to the table. The concept is also pretty tight and even though it did have a bit of melodrama, it was a pretty decent start.

The days that follow will reveal more... as of now... its DEAL!

~finis~

Added later: In the first edition of this game show... the contestant settled for 6.4 lakhs that the bank offered... and the box actually contained.... 25 lakhs!!!!