"SCRABBLE" COMPARISON Get rules to each version at Chris Lambert's "Rules of the Game" - "Scrabble" section. Stats - "Scrabble" 84 Broadcast history: NBC Daytime June 2, 1984 - March 23, 1990 Host: Chuck Woolery Announcer: Jay Stewart, Charlie Tuna Stats - "Scrabble" 93 Broadcast history: NBC Daytime January 18, 1993 - June 10, 1993 Host: Chuck Woolery Announcer: Charlie Tuna HOST Chuck held the podium on both runs. ADVANTAGE: --- (0-0) ANNOUNCER Jay Stewart did part of the first run, and he's the deciding vote when it comes to this category. Much more enthusiasm than Charlie ever had. ADVANTAGE: "Scrabble" 84 (1-0) GAME PLAY The original run had several different formats both in the front and end games, and finally set on a good one for the final three or four seasons. The new version retained the "good one" AKA the "first to 3 words" format alebit a little cheaper than in 1984. For that wrinkle, the advantage goes to nobody. ADVANTAGE: Draw (1-0) BONUS ROUND Scrabble Sprint. Always a goodie, and the bonus sprint for a big jackpot was always a plus - even when it became completely cheap on the second version. This time the cheapness gives the point to "Scrabble" '84. ADVANTAGE: "Scrabble" 84 (2-0) THE SET Both versions of the set were sort of "scattered" with some different backdrops and designs all around. However, the '93 set was more barren, basic and cheaper in a few ways. (i.e. smaller game monitor, lighted bars for stoppers, etc) ADVANTAGE: "Scrabble" 84 (3-0) MUSIC Both themes were good. They fit the feeling and time period of the show. ADVANTAGE: Draw (3-0) MISCELLANY The first version's logo was "Scrabble" inspired, with letter in the title on a tile - also it was jumbled or "scrabbled" if there is such a word. The second logo was mediocre with a bland font. ADVANTAGE: "Scrabble" 84 (4-0) The opening for each show was essientially the same. In '93 however, instead of showing the audience, they showed changing block-letter words in sync with Charlie Tuna. Ehh. ADVANTAGE: "Scrabble" 84 (5-0) And the winner is... "Scrabble" 84 - 5 "Scrabble" 93 - 0 "Scrabble" 84!!!! The '93 revival surely wasn't bad. It was a decent attempt and the heart of the game wasn't fooled with. There were even a few big winners with the new progessive jackpot. The overall feel was, though, a wishy washy game show. Chuck wasn't in best form either. BACK |