| ABC introduced a new game show called | | | | immediate seven-second clock on their |
| Duel on December 17. As the writers | | | | opponent. Each contestant can use two |
| strike drags on and slowly strangles the | | | | "pressures" per duel. This element |
| regular television schedule, networks | | | | certainly keeps the game moving, and |
| are looking for easily produced yet | | | | avoids the horrific slowdowns that |
| fresh programming to fill the void. Will | | | | frequently pop up in Deal or No Deal and |
| Duel fit the bill for the long term? Or | | | | Millionaire. |
| will it be more short term filler, only | | | | Will viewers commit to watching six |
| to breathe a short time on the airwaves, | | | | episodes of one game show in seven |
| but quickly disappear like game shows of | | | | nights? While that may be difficult, ABC |
| the past like The Weakest Link? | | | | is certainly counting on hooking viewers |
| Duel mixes elements the game show Who | | | | early and keeping their attention. |
| Wants to be a Millionaire and Texas hold | | | | Rather than pulling the average trivia |
| em poker according to ABC. While the | | | | geek off the street, Duel labels its |
| scene and setup of the game resemble | | | | contestants by occupation. |
| most of the current and former prime | | | | For example, in the first batch of 24 |
| time game shows, the tournament style | | | | contestants, we have The Lunch Lady, The |
| format is a refreshing change. Game play | | | | Belly Dancer, The Used Car Salesman, and |
| involves 24 contestants over six | | | | The Telemarketer, among others. By |
| episodes in a week long tilt, competing | | | | drawing from a diverse background, Duel |
| for a final jackpot. Unlike game shows | | | | intends to have the home viewer make an |
| like Deal or No Deal, where sometimes | | | | attachment to their favorite player, and |
| the contestant comes away with nothing, | | | | hopefully stay with the program for the |
| the final winner will take home over | | | | duration. Smack talking among the |
| $1.5 million according to ABC. | | | | contestants seems to be not only |
| Contestants play in a head-to-head | | | | tolerated, but encouraged, and adds |
| format, answering multiple choice | | | | additional entertainment value to each |
| questions. At the beginning of each | | | | duel. |
| round, each contestant is given ten | | | | Duel is hosted by Mike Greenberg, of |
| chips each representing $5,000. On any | | | | ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning |
| given question, a contestant may use as | | | | radio show. Greenberg does an adequate |
| many chips as he feels he needs to stay | | | | job of keeping the game moving, however |
| alive. So if the contestant does not | | | | does not bring any real comedic value to |
| feel confident in answering a question, | | | | the program. The ever present game show |
| he may use four of his chips to cover | | | | requirement, the female hostess, is also |
| all of the multiple choice answers. | | | | fulfilled in the form of two chip girls, |
| While this keeps the contestant alive, | | | | Jennifer Aguero and Olivia Fox. |
| he loses three of his chips, which are | | | | Duel will face stiff competition from |
| added to the jackpot. This quickly | | | | the start, as NBC premiers its own game |
| reduces the chip count of the contestant | | | | reality show Clash of the Choirs on |
| who hedges his bet in this way. | | | | Monday night as well. If Duel holds its |
| An interesting twist to each Duel is the | | | | own in the ratings numbers during this |
| "pressure" button. Contestants are not | | | | one week trial, expect to see it quickly |
| given any time limitation at the start | | | | return. The ongoing writers strike will |
| of each question, but if they feel their | | | | insure the quick renewal of any new game |
| opponent is slow in answering, they can | | | | show that strikes a chord with the |
| use the pressure button, thus putting an | | | | viewing public. |