I find it strange that they didn't decorate the set for this premiere. They did for the 15th Anniversary (which was a milestone year), and they decorated the set for the Season 17 premiere the following year.
Also, the budget was pretty cheap considering it's a season premiere. No three-car day, no expensive cars in the pricing games, or even Plinko. The closest thing to an expensive prize was that Pontiac Trans Am in the first showcase.
Clock Game was fun to watch. We have a contestant who doubts her abilities to play well and then employs a great strategy to win in just 16 seconds.
Race Game was almost an example of "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory." Randolph made no changes to the prices for his second turn, but thankfully he switched the three pricetags to win with just six seconds left.
It was neat to see the models open up the clam manually to get to the chess table in the sixth bidding round.
Personally, this was the first time I've seen Card Game continue after an ace was played. Contestants weren't pressured to end the game right then and there back then. It was painful to see Kathy lose by $97.
I wonder if the Cruise Ship prop was retired after this season. This was the latest I've seen it appear on the show.
It was neat to see a tuxedo offered as a prize, with Rod modeling it.
