Look at this fella on the left, his name is Howie Mandel - and he’s unfortunately become an object of hatred for me this week. Its probably not his fault, he’s probably a likeable and affable kind of guy. He probably took the job he is most well known for because the money was cool and that’s generally OK - but to me he is charge of a show that has turned a quiz concept from something simple & good into a truly hateful version.

The telephone may give you the clue…

Howie Mandel is the host of the US version of ‘Deal or No Deal’

I have a soft spot for simple quiz shows - I like Mastermind, and University Challenge - where knowledge is pitted against knowledge. I like Countdown where the aim is beat someone with your puzzle solving capability. And I like Deal or No Deal, which is really just a lucky dip - followed by 21 brave decisions.

But that, apparently isn’t good enough in the US - they’ve turned Deal or No Deal into some kind of crazed spectacle. There are 26 briefcases now, with amounts up to a million dollars. They aren’t held by future contestants like in the UK (with their strange sense of community and solidarity) - but by a dazzling array of silicon enhanced models in identical low cut-dresses, flashing their cosmetically perfect teeth and getting in on Howies jokes.  They have side bets from the banker - like in Thursdays episode where the banker supplied chicken-wings (delivered by Hooters models) and encouraged the contestants entourage to eat as many as possible for charity - and an increase in the bids for the box.

I even watched an episode some time ago where they changed the content of the briefcases and had 6 opportunities to win the one million bucks - I mean WTF! Why do that? Why make it more complexed - is it not just exciting enough as it is, one person against luck and bravery?

Worst of all - there is no mystery or suspense in the game - it rattles along at typical 200mph US quiz show pace, no eerie music, no cryptic systems with Noel getting his cosmic orders set up, no family pictures (it seems in the US they just fly everyone the contestant knows to Hollywood anyway) and worst of all NO SOUL!

So - Howie, I know you are a nice dude with star quality and all - but you are the front man for the biggest fuck up of a quiz show I have ever seen - your bosses at the TV company have managed to suck ALL of the goodness out of Deal or No Deal.