Wow, I never thought we'd see this since its original broadcast over 25 years ago which was mostly preempted, likely due to coverage of the signing of the Oslo Accords. Major kudos to David Downs for uploading it to YouTube.
I was surprised that the set wasn't more decorated. There were enough balloons and streamers on the turntable and in between the doors, but not much else. Notably, they did not reuse the "2xst/th Year Celebration" decorations that were used in the Season 20 and 21 premieres, and would be reused for Seasons 23 and 24. Curiously, the cake at the end has "22nd Year Celebration" in the same style as those other seasons' decorations, which makes me wonder why the decorations weren't put up.
It was really cool to see Cover Up introduced in the manner it was. Usually, we'd see the prize first, then Bob would announce the new game, unless the game was designed to be introduced first from the get-go. Giving Cover Up its own introduction made viewers focus on the new game and ponder what it could be played for.
Also, while a minivan was a bit nicer than the economy and midsize cars that were normally offered on the show, I was expecting a luxury car to start the season off with a bang.
It's unfortunate that James lost Cover Up on its first playing. Even more painful was hearing the foghorn for a loss rather than the buzzer that we'd see in future playings.
Sandy was very lucky to punch out the $500+Second Chance for her third punch. Under this distribution, $750 is not a bad haul.
Eva was fun to watch, especially when she came onto the turntable. Her facial reactions to the greenhouse were hilarious. You'd think this was a three-car day! She moved the sliders in Make Your Move in a similarly funny way and it paid off! It's a shame she did not advance to the showcase.
It was great to see Carolyn win Money Game, especially after El Cheapo (or La Cheapa) did not contain the back end of the car.
I laughed at Rod's and Bob's banter about non-loyal viewers winning cars before the sixth item up for bids. It seems Rod is a repo man in his spare time.
The showcases were somewhat stocked with great prizes for a season premiere-a piano and a Dodge Stealth in showcase #1. I wish showcase #2 was equally loaded.
It took 25 years, but this episode was worth the wait. We finally have some questions answered about Cover Up's debut, and how the show began its first season after Mark Goodson's death and Dian's departure.
Here's hoping more rarities from the show make their way onto YouTube and other mediums-notably the original Penny Ante or full early playings of Cliff Hangers.