Say what you see (Catchphrase)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Catchphrase
Date:	02/06/08 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great gameshow

Disadvantages: Not as good without Roy Walker

Catchphrase was a wonderful gameshow where two contestants would compete for cash and prizes by solving a series of catchphrases on screen, with host Roy Walker presenting them.

The clues would appear on a big screen in the form of a cartoon, often with the character Mr Chips performing an action to aid the contestants to guess the right answer. The first person to hit their buzzer and give the right answer wins points for that catchphrase. They then get to remove a piece blocking another catchphrase, which they have to guess to win the round. Before the round, one of the player stops a flashing light on a number randomly to reveal how much the special hidden catchphrase is worth. The catchphrases continue until the round is over. The last round is the 'Ready Money Round' which is much quicker and there is no time limit on anything. The contestants just buzz and answer in quick succession.

At the end of the game, the points are totalled up and turned into money. The winner goes on to the final round, where they need to cross a board 5 blocks wide by solving catchphrases ion each block. If they get across, they win a decent amount of money, plus they've just enjoyed what looks like a really fun experience.

The major attraction for me on Catchphrase was the host Roy Walker. An Irish comedian, Roy always had a funny to tell, and his own catchphrases were often the best ones, such as 'Say what you see' and 'It's a good answer, but it's not the one we're looking for!' A great presenter. He has since gone on to star in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, and currently, the Chris Moyles show on Radio 1 features Carpark Catchphrases, using snippets of Roy Walker's voice and two radio contestants parked up somewhere acros the country, the catchphrases being described over the radio.

So, in conclusion, Catchphrase is a great TV gameshow. Roy Walker made it as good as it was. A revival was attempted with a different host, but for me it didn't have the same appeal.

Summary: Catchphrase - what's Mr Chips doing?