September 13, 2021 (S39 Premiere!) recap

No way the graphics and audio get a complete revamp without Mike there. I do think Mike would have been (was?) a perfect EP for Wheel, as a breath of fresh air was needed on this show. The last audio update was just a couple seasons ago (even less than that?), and with Friedman would have lasted another 7+ years until those rights ran out.

I don't like how with Free Play unceremoniously gone, there's no way to stay in control on a mistake. Bring back the Free Spin cardboard!

Recap posted. Credit to Mario for helping out!

When I read that they were bringing back the classic theme, I assumed it would be like the 1994 or 1997 themes. This actually feels like the 1983 theme was redone for HD, which I certainly wasn't expecting, but it sounds awesome!

I didn't mind the stock music between Rounds 1-4, though I do prefer the main theme at the beginning of the show and after the final main-game puzzle is solved.

Virtual audiences look so cheesy. Look at how they did it on The Kelly Clarkson Show. I don't want to see a bunch of vertical monitors sitting where the audience should be. I'd much rather have no audience at all, and they were barely shown on Wheel to begin with.

Love the new opening animation, and the new Changing Keys is not. Would be even better if it sounded a little more like the classic 80s versions, but still better than the previous theme. The new cues and think music though I don't like as much. And why is the category graphic so small now?

The new set is great and I love that Jim has a podium on stage now. The only thing is I think there should be a little more background behind the contestant along with the logo, it just seems a little bare.

Great contestants tonight, Allson really cleaned up and Bonnie and Somsack were fun (especially during his contestant intro). We also have our first wheel prize win and $10,000 Triple Toss-Up wins already!

Seemed like there weren't many correct vowels in the puzzles tonight. And what was with the N repeats (and the multiple puzzles not having any)?

Really easy bonus round, hardly even needed the extra consonants.

Added in the Gift Tag and BR Car info (Man, it's been years since they've offered an Infiniti. I believe April 2008 was the last time a car of that make was on offer.).

Honestly, this episode needs a full-depth review. So many thoughts were coming into my brain while watching this premiere.

Music: Changing Keys is back! And they play it between the rounds! Both puzzle solve cues do use a piece from that music.

I LOVED the new rendition of the classic tune. It's like you take the 1989/92 variant and put it on steroids. That's how good it is. Yeah, some of the prize copy music is still there (and the Final Spin music), but I'm in love with the new Changing Keys.

Some of the new cues (Toss-Up, Speed-Up, Bonus Round) remind me of some of the Foreign versions of this show (which is actually a good thing IMO). 9/10

Graphics: Much, much overdue. I loved how the category strips get a new 3D effect. Typeface for categories has been changed as well. Also, the drop-down scores look polished, crisp and clean (they even show at the start of R3 & R4). Lastly, the intro has no business being on a syndie show. This really feels like I'm watching a primetime event. Too good! 10/10

Set: Wow! That's all I can say! The WHEEL logo is the backdrop now and IT LOOKS GOOD. I didn't mind the video wall from seasons past, but the current backdrop really fits the bill (I wouldn't say retro, though). Also, Jim Thornton gets more appearances! Yay!!! 10/10

Puzzles: THIS IS THE PERFECT RESORT? That feels like a Friedman reject (here's hoping we less of that this season). Otherwise, typical standard theming. Pretty easy bonus puzzle, though (also RSTLNEd it). 6/10

Gameplay: Outside from the repeated N...yeah. Nothing faulty here. First Prize wedge win? Check. First $10K Triple Toss-Up sweep? Check. No Bankrupts? Check. Bonus Round win? Check mate. I wish Allison got more in the BR from her dominating performance, but I'll take it. 8/10

Other Stuff: I feel like the Mystery Round explanation was unnecessary (it's been part of the show for 19 years now). I also don't like how Free Play got the axe (eliminating "safe haven" per say). Also, Somsack's name gave me a chuckle.

So yeah, best season premiere I've watched in ages! I truly feel this is where WHEEL gets its groove back after being lost in the desert for many years (though I have a soft spot for S15-25). 9/10

About the recap itself...I can definitely see the MarioGS influence with this one. It looks vastly different from the other recaps the original poster made (in a rather good way).

One more thing...bring on the tournaments!

EDIT: I was going to attend the watch party today, but had to pick up the Honda from the service center (here’s hoping that make appears on the show again).