tod3 Reviews

New Monkees (1987)

New Monkees were cool

[10/10 · 22 April 2008]

I bought the New Monkees cassette in 1987 and liked it. I recall playing it quite often. The problem they had was a ridiculous press and a few loud fans of the old Monkees who somehow got their shorts in a bunch over the New Monkees. For God's sake it's only pop music but you wouldn't know that for all that nonsense that was dished out at the time over the New Monkees. Even Davy Jones complained about the New Monkees. The reality is that the old Monkees and their fans didn't want anyone crowding in on the renewed popularity the old Monkees were having in 86-87.

Anyway, the New Monkees CD is really good pop music. Larry and Marty did a good job on the vocals as well as the song Dino did. Hey it was a fun CD. It's silly that the New Monkees got hassled so much but they left good work behind. That matters.

Family Feud (1976–1985)

Richard Dawson the best

[26 December 2002]

Richard Dawson defined the ideal game show host with his wit and persona. "Family Feud" was a perfect vehicle for his talent and carried the day for game shows. The problem with Ray Combs was that he had to follow Richard which had to be difficult. Ray did a great job but was not the overall charmer Richard had been.Those who followed Richard including Louie Anderson have the misfortune of following the premier game show host who represented the genre.

Family Feud (1999– )

Family Fued needs the light touch of a Dawson

[25 August 2002]

After watching the Family Fued, I've come to the conclusion that the future of the show is finding a host who has the light touch of a Richard Dawson. Richard kept it light with the guests and connected with people. E Channel's story of the "Family Fued" was wonderful and after watching it the viewer see's that Dawson's touch was the most potent for the show. Sadly, you can't bring Richard back as too much time has passed since his era ended but any future host of the Fued needs the "people skills" he had to succeed.

Louie Anderson came off very well in the E Channel story about the Family Fued. He seems like a good and decent man. It's just that with Louie now gone as the host the new host will have to be more comfortable with people than Louie had been for the show to succeed. It appeared that Louie never was confortable with the silly banter between the host and guests that is neccessary for the show to succeed.

Family Feud (1999– )

Richard Dawson the best

[8 February 2002]

The new Family Feud is not very good. Louie Anderson looks uncomfortable in the role of game show host and appears to want to be anywhere other than on the Feud set. The futuristic set is off the mark.

Richard Dawson set the mark for Family Feud with his swagger and wit. He was on the fans side by often allowing for the last question and answer to be completed even if the time ran out.

Thank God for the Game Show Network to see the Dawson and Combs versions of the "Feud." I have no interest in the Louie Anderson version as he's just not the right guy for the role and the new set is too distracting.