I'm a longtime fan of the Chase on GSN, as well as becoming hooked on the original British version. The show has everything a great modern game show needs: solid challenge, perfect pacing, great intensity without being corny. Unfortunately, the primetime version feels very lacking in comparison for a variety of reasons.
Probably the best way to describe this show is "The Chase Lite". It is The Chase in rules, setup, etc. However, it lacks any of the "flavor" that makes the other two so special. The previous versions make great use of sight and sound to emphasize the David vs Goliath battle. The chaser sits high above the team in imposing colors like red, with the rest of the set darkened except for the team and host. A heavy "thud" plays as the chaser follows the team down the board, and subtle but dire music plays as both sides race the clock to try and beat the other. Unfortunately, the 2021 has none of this and looks and sounds like a much lighter affair. The set is generally too bright and a monotone mix of blue and orange, with light "whoosh" sounds with no power (though I do like the Final Chase music). I wouldn't find this an issue if the show were going for less intensity than the original, but I don't think you'd bring in true game show royalty without intending to be intense.
The other notable issue is the host, Sara Haines. It has absolutely nothing to do with her personally; she's extremely likeable and charming, has a great sense of humor, and is very clear and precise when reading questions. However, in being so precise, she doesn't have the speed that either Brooke Burns or Bradley Walsh do. This speed is critical to the show's pacing and unfortunately bring the cash builder and final chases to a crawl. I don't like knocking hosts for things like that, but for a gameshow that's so dependent on it's pace to hold it together, it matters. I imagine with a bit more experience, Sara will have no trouble bringing things up to speed.
Of course, there's the issue of the chasers too. I'm not sure if it's the show or their personalities, but none of the three feel like the massive heavyweights of knowledge like they are. Part of this may be the fact that I'm used the behemoth that is Mark Labbett, but I also think that the show's design doesn't allow this to come out either. You could replace Ken Jennings with anyone and it wouldn't make a big difference in the feel of the show, which is a problem.
There is a great show in here somewhere, it just needs to be retooled and polished to bring it out. I'm really hoping that these issues are just first run jitters and we'll get the chance to see a truly phenomenal show that rivals the best.
