What else can I say? I am all out of superlatives that would describe this show when it was taped.
I have to admit that I was THIS close to stripping naked and screaming at a telephone pole after the seating nightmare that took place at my third taping back in 2009. One year later, however, this wasn't the case. I was the guy in the front row, wearing a black shirt that paid tribute to my uncle, Bob Longlais (more on his story in a little bit). To say that I truly enjoyed this taping would be a gross understatement on anyone's part. This was--out of the previous eight tapings before it--THE BEST taping that I have ever attended. I got to see the most expensive prize in this show's history up close, and I got to see a game that taught me basic math (Plinko) when I was a child growing up. I was really rooting for Rhett to win the Golden/Green Road, but another part of me was glad that he DIDN'T WIN--and I'll explain why. During the first break, Drew and audience were discussing the financial impacts that Rhett would face had he, in fact, won the Tesla Roadster. The taxes on that thing would've been high, and the insurance costs would've been at least $5000 PER MONTH. Just seeing the famous Golden/Green Road sign alone told me that this taping was gonna be special, and by God it was.
Before I get to the personal anecdotes of my conversations with Drew and Rich during the taping, a few things needed to be pointed out:
1. If you're planning on going to a 12:10 PM taping in the future, I want you to know that processing now starts at 7:15 AM, which meant that I had to be in the lot by 7:00 AM after the Order of Arrival numbers were handed out.
Finally, and this is the most important of all...
2. It is NOT just Stan doing contestant interviews anymore. For this show, Michelle (I hope I spelled it right) did the contestant interviews, but she had recognized me--just like Stan--because she was Stan's note-taker for the other two tapings.
Now, to the personal anecdotes. During the third break, Drew recognized me in the front row, and I proceeded to tell him the story about the shirt that was wearing. The shirt paid tribute to my uncle, Bob Longlais, who passed away due to cancer three weeks prior to the taping. For those who don't know, my uncle gave 28 years of his life to the Army as a medical specialist; he served during Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia in one of the first field hospitals that was built at the time. Drew was touched by the shirt, and it led me to finally hug him during the fourth break. After I hugged Drew, he asked me what I did for a living and the number of tapings that I have attended. I told Drew and the audience that this was my 9th taping--and that my very first taping was with Bob Barker in 2007. After that, I told him that I was due to graduate with my B.A. in History from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi this May, and the crowd started applauding and cheering.
During the next break, Rich came down from his podium to talk to us, and I got to hug him too. As the crowd cheered, I remember Rich saying "you're a loyal friend and true," and for the first time in my whole life, I finally felt like a winner. I have gone to eight previous tapings and felt like a loser each time, but this taping was very special to me. I finally felt as if I CAN be able to prove to everyone in that room that I can make magic on stage. It truly was a magical moment in my own life, but it didn't end at the taping. Later that Wednesday night, I got an e-mail from none other than Rich Fields himself, and it goes like this:
(Time sent to me: 9:13 PM)
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Hi John:
I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for your love, affection and loyalty to me, drew, the models and.... The Price is Right.
It was nice spending a few days with you. I do wish Stan would have picked you to "Come on Down". But that's neither here nor there... it was just nice to see you again.
I am sorry to hear about your recent loss of Uncle Bob. My heartfelt condolences go out to you. I just lost my father this past Christmas... so I know how you're feeling. With a little time, all will get better.
Anyway, good luck with your impending graduation. Congrats on your "Masters". And thank you for being such a "Loyal Friend & True".
Sincerely,
Rich Fields l Announcer
The Price is Right
I cried. The whole experience of going through this taping, plus Rich's letter to me, would become the cap to the most magical spring break that I have ever had in my life, and reading Rich's note brings tears to my eyes and a sense of motivation--the "want" to come back for my 10th taping of "The Price is Right."
Warmest wishes and love always,
-JOHN J. GILLMEN
