When GSN introduced Tug-of-Words last year, I was instantly hooked! I watched it whenever possible until it disappeared from my local Comcast lineup in Tucson.
The method of play in ToW is unlike any other game show that I know. Most TV games have several rounds of identical play with increasing point values, then a final bonus round. ToW has a progression of challenges, first changing one of three letters per word, then one of four letters, then two of five letters, and finally changing whole words in two-word phrases. The variety and increasing difficulty of game play hold viewer interest well, making ToW one of the best game shows ever aired (in my opinion, at least).
Two aspects of the show can be improved. They should do away with the pretend tug-of-war during the opening credits. It is embarrassing to watch, and probably a lot more embarrassing for the players (they might replace it with animation, like the opening for Whose Line Is It Anyway? ). And the emcee, Ahmad Rashad, needs to inject some humor and enthusiasm! A little coaching from more seasoned hosts might help a lot.
I really miss Tug-of-Words, and I hope to see it again in my cable offerings soon!
