Yes, I was at the taping. I'll repeat a few things I said in chat plus some other tidbits I remember.
This was my first and so far, my only, trip to see a TPIR taping. I had a blast and didn't care if I got called down. In fact, I was secretly hoping not to be called because I just wanted to watch the entire process.
First...I need to thank everyone who put effort into the "So you are going to a taping" thread. Because of all the information in there, I knew exactly what to expect, when to show up, etc. As a result, I got a front row seat and enjoyed the view.
The audience was overbooked for this taping. From the front of the bench area, I could hear the announcements in the background apologizing to the remaining people waiting for their numbers to be called.
After entering the studio and taking my seat, my first gasp was at the blue doors. There was a slight crack between the bottom of the doors and the floor. Since the sightline at my seat was just at ground level with the stage, I could see flashing background lights in the floor's reflection. I knew what was back there.
Temptation - After the doors open with the car, I watched all the stagehands go to work setting up this game. They had to set up the red curtain areas on both sides of the stage (for the "gifts") and wheel out the price prop. Whoever said TPIR is a well-oiled machine is absolutely correct.
After the game, Drew came and said to the audience, "I'll tell you something that Kathy doesn't want me to share. Hardly anyone ever wins the car. The four prizes are a sure bet, and it is rare that someone takes it."
Cliffhangers - I was holding up 45 for that last prize, and I'd love to take credit for it. However, I think the guy was looking at his group of friends instead. I actually got to see Hans go DOWN the mountain after they broke for commercial. Drew mentioned there was a recent taping where Hans got all the way to 25.
Side By Side - I saw the stagehands bringing the prop out during the commercial. I could see the 28 and 38 and guessed "3828" without even seeing the prize.
That's Too Much - Here's where I first noticed some editing. When Alyssa got on stage, the first thing she said was that she needed to thank Drew for leaving her a $100 tip at a restaurant about three years ago. It was a nice moment and they had about 20-30 seconds of conversation before Drew revealed the car. During the commercial afterwards, Drew asked her which particular restaurant. She said it was the TGI Friday's in Oxnard. Drew couldn't figure out when he'd been there and asked her if she still had the receipt. She did!
Hi Lo - This was the most evil setup I've seen. I wasn't expecting $8 for trash bags. (Note to self: check out the bag count first.) Drew revealed the other two prizes as normal during the taping but those reveals were edited out. Yes, I think the Body Splash was also more than $7.99. Granted, this was over 3 months ago so I could be mistaken.)
Pushover - The audience was split between the 56xx or 63xx. I would have gone for the 63xx myself, but that is a toss up.
Showcase 1 - I thought the 32K bid was over, but I was surprised at how close it actually was. The two ladies sitting next to me felt she was very close.
Showcase 2 - Because of the crowd noise, I couldn't hear her $1 bid in the studio.
In a word, WOW! What an experience. Perhaps someday I'll be back in the area and can do that again.
