I can see this working better in a self-contained, once-a-week syndicated version of the show.
This format, with Jack asking the questions, seems to work better than the 1968 and 1970 pilots. The joke coming from an answer rather than being written within the question is smoother and has a better payoff. The celebrities also weren't that closely associated with their category much, unlike the previous attempts. Marty Ingles seemingly came the closest, since he starred in a dirty movie with Linda Lovelace the following year.
They did go with this format for one week in January 1974. I'm assuming the categories still changed every game since it would get old fast seeing the same five all week... even if they were associated with particular celebrities.
But like I said, this could have worked pretty well as a once-a-week show, but with some slight changes: Either go back to the regular amounts ($50-$100-$200) and play two games with two different sets of contestants, or keep it as is with just the same two contestants in the half hour... and maybe have an audience game if there's time leftover after a quick maingame. I've always liked the Jokers and Devils bonus game over the Money Wheels, especially when it contained four prizes with the last one usually being a car. Since no returning champions on the nighttime, the bonus game should have three nice prizes (Full Kitchen-Fur Coat-Luxurious Cruise) and then a mid-range car.
It could've been an interesting alternative format to the daytime show, but ultimately not needed for the show's legacy. Whether or not it would have been a ratings hit, I don't know; but it was still a fun half hour that I never found myself bored during.
This was such a treat to see, especially because I've been on a Joker's Wild kick lately. And I've always preferred the CBS run over the syndicated run. Not that I don't enjoy all versions... they all have some merit. I think this is the only episode circulating that falls between Summer 1973 and May 1974.
