Bring back Roy Walker (Catchphrase)

Member Name: lewis7654321

Product:	Catchphrase
Date:	10/12/02 (732 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good concept, good to play at home

Disadvantages: new presenter, not the same as it used to be

This is a programme that was started in 1986 and hardly changed for about 12 years. It is still shown on ITV today.

IDEA OF THE ORIGINAL GAME

Two people attempt to solve Catchphrases (picture puzzles which reveal a phrase, saying, title etc) to win money.

Before each round one person stops the flashing light and that determines how much money each one in this round is worth. Then, a puzzle comes on screen which, after the bell but not before, it's first on the buzzers. If they're right they win the money.

The person with the most money at the end of the show goes forth to the Super Catchphrase. A grid of 25 lettered squares flashed up.

The best catchphrases, however, weren't those of Mr Chips but of the original host, Roy Walker. "It's good but its not right", he would say this however bad the idea was and "say what you see". Then, when the contestant got it right he would shout "riiiiiiiiiiight!".

Prizes were normally a holiday to an exotic part of the world, I loved the typical game show tacky film of 'paradise' that they showed. Most contestants didn't win the end part but they didn't go home empty handed, they took with them the money they had earned throughout the programme.

THE NEW VERSION

My opinion for this programme might not be too useful becuase of the fact i have only watched it once in the last few years. But there is a reason for this!

As a child i used to watch it every Saturday, i never understood it that well because i hadn't heard of most of the Catchphrases before but i used to love the 'modern' computer set, Mr Chips and Roy Walkers catchphrases.

It was always exciting guessing what it is, and that was once the whole board had been cleared due to the tacky 1980s computer graphics. It was fun for all the family, the perfect show for all ages.

Then..... something terrible happe
ned....

After about 14 years of presenting it, Roy Walker was SACKED by ITV as they believed the show needed a facelift!!!!! They had NO IDEA!!! I admit by this stage I was taking Catchprase for granted and I wasn't watching it every week but when i turned on the Big Breakfast to see Roy Walker reduced to tears over this, i felt physically upset and angry!!

The graphics have been updated and the ready money round has been replaced by Cash Countdown.

The show is now dull and repetitive with a presenter with no personality! The contestants are given too many clues which makes you annoyed, the whole point is its meant to be a challenge, otherwise we might as well see contestants given money for half an hour for doing nothing. Either bring back Roy Walker, or take the programme off air!!

ITV need to understand what the public want, and i'm talking about half their programmes not just this!

Summary: