October 30, 1998 (Halloween Week)

It looks like the budget this week went towards the lavish set which I'll admit, is perhaps my favorite of all designs that were featured. That gate gives us one of the coolest entrances I've ever seen and it really feels like you're at a special party. A candle on the side toward the audience really makes it feel complete, along with the cool Jack O'Lantern wipe after the Jackpot Round. A nice nod to the original hosts too! It gave us a break from the video wall, and also introduced the most familiar version of the Halloween prize wedge. But I'll have to say Boo! to a lot of what happened regarding the game, and it felt like a sideshow compared to the presentation at times. A Puzzler that was an instaget for me, but barely a numb by Jim. A speedup that should have at least avoided a double shutout to someone who was more sober in solving. The BR would have been too easy for Around The House, but it proves the difficulty of THING if you don't have the right letter. I'll even have to say that those lovely parting gifts are among the worst I've ever seen and feel like Trick-or-Treat rejects. Come on, denture care, hand soap, vegetable juice, and a second-rate imitation of Concentration? I'll bet those barely are worth $100. At least have those Russell Stover Looney Tunes candy, Hershey's Symphony bars, Lintz chocolate, or Jelly Bellies that were also featured. 

I remember a contestant named Sarah in a black dress over a dark gray jacket also from this week. And there's another contestant with that name on tonight's show, but without the H. 

Funny thing - that same puzzle was used under that category in S19 and a contestant failed to solve it despite a good vowel pick.