Good point, Flamed

2nd anniversary Helen got it for bugger all too... she knew the risks when she took them so it was her own fault, yet she was still awarded the £5,200 whatever that the banker had been desperately trying to give away to the other contestants earlier in the game.

ok thanks H i couldnt remember what PJ had been given
thanks KB

I'm suddenly wishing there was another 4-week break coming up.

It may not have relied on it in the beginning, but perhaps now the production team or executives feel that the show needs to target a different group of viewers or provide more of a talking point to the show (And it's certainly done that today here )

As has been pointed out by others, how many shows now have an emotional element to their shows. As H mentioned, the X-Factor (although it may have always had this element) throws in quite a few segments now aimed to hit an emotional chord with the viewers.

You would certainly hope that the producers of the show have the understanding to realise that they at least need to provide a mix of contestants to please all their viewers and give a good variation of games (Although of course there is also the massive random element to the boxes that would upset any attempts at trying to provide a style of game)

I think you're right about the producers probably feeling that they needed to change it all around- unfortunately it just seems that they've taken very much the wrong direction in a bid to become too much like other shows (such as X Factor) which is a real shame because DOND was so unique and different in the beginning.

It would be nice to see a bit of variety... again, unfortunately, we saw little of that in season 3 and I can't see much more of it coming in season 4. Hopefully Endemol can prove us all wrong though, however doubtful that may be.

I'm sure Endemol know what they're doing. They're certainly not going to let a ratings winner like DOND die.

Oh it'll never die, because the general public lap up all the camaraderie and the sob stories like there's no tomorrow. Endemol have got that demographic spot on. In terms of catering for the die hard fans, they seem well off and they've certainly let the game become somewhat of a parody of itself in recent times. But as long as that pulls in viewers regardless, they won't care.

I was out and taped the show but suffice to say tomorrow's game will be getting taped over it. Don't think I can add anything to what's been said already except I haven't got a PM yet becuase I've only just loggen on. I'll expect one sometime soon then.

Do you know, I have had the date marked on the calender for a while now and was really looking forward in a way to today. New series, visiting the board again. I knew not much in the game would have changed due to the short break that H has kindly mentioned, however it looks like the forum board is back to the same old same old. No mellowing in the 4 week break then.

Today wasn't the best show for many reasons, most have been discussed already.

I shan't do personal pms, but my only wish apart from the players not saying come on and get in all the time, is that forum members do not post what has happened before either Kestral or H has posted the box openings. As someone who follows the thread along with the show on Channel 4 catch up, I do find it really annoying, when "Oh there goes the £50,000" is chipped in, before the end of round catch up from the commentator. Just a small thing, but then things can get annoying can't they.

Oh, actually what I did find interesting today what that the newbies from the fina week before the break looked loads different to how I thought they did, amazing what not having to wear a ridiculous costume does for somebody. Especially Lisa.

And I suppose it was good that Brian got the money he needed at the end, but it is a dangerous precedent as I don;t know what he did to be more "deserving" of it that others who have won low blues and that's been all they've had to show for it. If it was up to me everyone who had won a blue and been unlucky would take home a few grand at the end, especially if they've been entertaining with it, like Derek brown for example.

Just as offering "undeal" regularly is a dangerous precedent, it's been used so much recently, I almost expect it any time the amount dealt for is within the scope of what could be offered, whether it's towards the high end like Stoney and Dirty George got or the low end like Ann and William got. I was thinking today I'd deal the £3,200 then get another shot at 15k if it remained at 2-box with a blue, which is totally at odds with normal thinking!

They could stick a tape on showing the same show for a month and the average semi-vegetative viewer wouldn't notice. There is no incentive to encourage gambling or risk taking (or even board-reading) as they will lap-up any old rubbish.

The more discerning viewer has to suffer as Endemol punt out sob-stories and slush as they pander to the lowest common denominator.

I have found it very amusing to read the comments from some of you. Oooo, I would gamble all the way, cant believe the people that dont! Thats what everyone says at the auditions. Youd all be the same, the only difference is most of you wont get a chance. Brian is a great guy and he doesnt just have to talk about the program on the internet. I'll help a couple of you out as I have come to terms with what is/is not accepted on the show.

Basicasic: Youve been on the internet all day discussing this show. Dont think you could fill the inerview at the beginning of the show with your life.

Redrum: You criticise sob stories but you of all people should understand the disappointments in life looking like shrek.
Keep talking guys, you'll never get close. Well done Brian.

Ah, how I was looking forward to a brand new season, a chance to forget the bad luck, shocking decisions and endless sob stories that had tainted the last season, and the return to the halcyon days of Deal or No Deal circa January 2007...

...or so I hoped. But Brian was the worst kind of emotionally-charged, over-excited contestant we have seen on the show. I've never been so depressed watching an episode, it just seemed to be a platform for self-centred pity, which ultimately the banker fell for.

I suppose one element which was mildly surprising was that he wasn't as cautious as I thought he might be, but as it turned out that just prolonged the torture. The banker offering to pay off his loan just made a mockery of the whole show, the whole premise for the show, the last 811 shows; if you gamble and win a blue, that's just tough luck - why is it a different rule for Brian? It's like betting red on a roulette wheel, it coming up black, and the croupier saying, "Ah, never mind, you can have your money back". As other people say, a dangerous and worrying precedent.

It wasn't as if the banker had given a forcing offer beforehand. £3,200 was respectable for the board, I thought. I understood (partly) why he offered a bonus in PJ's game, but this had no reasoning behind it whatsoever. (Someone cries a bit and they get their money? They'll all be doing it now...)

If the banker's not going to play his role properly, there is no game anymore - not for the purists, anyway.

are you a contestant brent?

Yes flamed. Had the pleasure of meeting Brian.

when do you appear on our screens do you take over from him?

I hope you actually play the game Brent, someone needs to! and Not look for a quick cop out.

Then again if they allowed you on they must think you arent a gambler since they won't risk gamblers generally since trying to save money.

Off note = LOL first thread of series 4 and its in 10 pages lol.

I knew this forum would go bananas over Brian's extra prize! When he spend ages pondering the £10k 2nd offer, I was half hoping he'd deal, just to see the reaction on here. It seems a bit unfair that Brian got an extra prize after a trainwreck. What about all the other contestants that have had horrible games and got nothing?

You do realise people are allowed an opinion yes???? Who gives flying *beep* if anyone off of here gets on the show, your not special for getting on it you know, its not a huge deal in life really, you shall not be the next big thing, get over it.

You should really do your research too, red is not the person in the avi, and yes we all agree it looks like Shrek on a bad day, I can only imagine your picture is worse.