September 2, 1996 (SEASON 14 PREMIERE) recap

Airdate: September 2, 1996

From Sony Pictures Studio, it's the season premiere of America's game! Wheeeeeel Of Fortune!

14 seasons...and some things change, but some things remain the same.

Today's contestants:
Jim Patterson: Married, is a taxi driver, Houston, TX
Rich Mandel: Engaged, is a golf course architect, published in several golf magazines, Atlanta, GA
Valerie Colby: Marketing representative, likes writing children books, loves Wheel, Indianapolis, IN

Starting this season, the Friday Finals is introduced into regular play. The contestant who wins the Bonus Round on Friday will also win a Lloyd/Flanders furniture package.

The top-dollar value on the Wheel is $1,000. We are playing for cash, and here's the first puzzle of the season:


After Jim buys the I, it does not light up for a while, but Pat tells Vanna to turn it anyway. Then it lights up.

Perfection! Jim reaps the reward for all his efforts.


How is this prize to start the season? We have a Sharper Image spa collection (labeled SPA) worth $2,795.

The usual $2,500, but we are now introducing the one-third $10,000 space in Round 2. Speaking of:


(Sort of) Perfection! Rich solves GEORGE JANE JUDY & ELROY JETSON.

Pat remarks "...fictional?!" after the solve, and then worries about the Flintstone family.


$3,500 will feel a little bit lonely, but we'll see how it can manage in Round 3 now:


Jim solves CROCHETED BLANKET STATEMENT to keep the spa package.


Everything's the same for the $5,000 space in Round 4:


DING DING! DING DING!

Hoo boy. Pat gives the Wheel a Final Spin, with consonants worth...$350 a piece.

Rich: F (x2) ($1,050)

Rich solves I NEVER FORGET A FACE.


You cannot get any worse than this. Valerie was COMPLETELY DENIED the opportunity just to call a letter!

Pat remarks about Valerie's bad luck and decides standard parting gifts won't be enough. From off-stage, he is suggested to give her an article of clothing. He takes off his belt on national TV and gives it to her. He'll sign it a little later.





BONUS ROUND:

After Round 1, Jim has proven that he could be the candidate for Bonus Land.

Jim could win...
San Francisco dream vacation
Trip to Santa Barbara with Acura coupe (over $27,000)
Trip to Carmel with Acura sedan (around $50,000)
Trip to Yosemite with sport utility (over $42,000)
"The cash" ($25,000)

Our first envelope of the season is the first E. Our first bonus puzzle:

RSTLNE gives him...

Can he win this with CDMO?

Not quite. He's stuck on the -OOM pattern, and does not solve HANDBOOK...

...so he won't get the $25,000. He ends with $13,945 in cash and prizes. Perhaps it will be enough for the end of the week?