A Series of Fortunate Events
Jackpot
"Do the lights hurt your eyes?" - Dan
Six of the twelve contestants on each taping got a chance to play two side games with small prizes (small, as in values of less than $50,000). The six others would be participating in the random drawing for the chance to win the Big Prize; the accumulative Jackpot of at least $1,000,000. Even though only one contestant would be chosen, it was promising to know Jack would be given the opportunity to play for the Big Prize. Interestingly enough, while we waited under the outdoor canopy for security to give us the green light to enter the studio, Dawn was handpicked by one of the producers to act as a ‘filler’ for a participant who was unable to make the taping. She was so excited! She loves the camera. This could possibly be her big break! To add drama to the tension, she would also be one of the six participants hoping for a shot to win the BIG BUCKS!
It was a hot sunny day in Burbank. I was glad to be wearing my shades. The whites of my eyes had become noticeably yellow over the past week. My latest blood report showed a threefold increase in Bilirubin since the last test in June. I had 19 times the normal level. I decided to be Johnny Cool and keep my shades on in the studio as I sat next to Dawn’s cousin, Dan, and directly behind Winnie, Jack’s wife. “Do the lights hurt your eyes?” Dan asked me. I simply nodded. I had no intentions of bringing up the subject without being able to offer a diagnosis. This aside from the fact that the family was ecstatic and their mood was hopeful. No need to breed concern in this forum.
The production stage was very simple and we were humored during the set-up lag in between games by a ‘B’ rated comedian who doubled as the crowd cheerleader during takes. He must have lost his voice from the previous tapings of the day. Finally, the Big Game was next. Jack and Dawn took their spots over illuminated circles on the stage. The make-up artists were busy touching up the contestants. I could tell Dawn was enjoying every minute of this make-over. Jack, on the other hand, looked like he needed to sneeze. As soon as the make-up artists ran off the floor, the lights dimmed. The six bright beams radiating from the stage floor illuminated the contestants. One by one individual circles went dark until three contestants were left. Dawn and Jack were still lit. Dawn’s light shut off and with an extended moment of truth, Jack’s imposing stature was left standing next to a short, middle aged Hispanic women. In the audience, torso’s leaned forward, fingers crossed, and eyes shut. Jack’s light disappeared. So Close!
We still had a great time. Jack received a generous cash consolation prize and 500 scratchers. We’ll most likely be attending another taping shortly. This tapping will air Sunday, October 18th. Set your DVR’s.
NEXT
HOME