I am glad to see I am not the only one who does not care for the new host George Gray. Thank goodness we got Cathy! She is the only host who pulls the US show together. George....loosen up, don't sound like you are reading from a long line of cue cards. Pull the umbrella out of your ass....yes, you are on TV, get used to it. I know it's not the small, smoky nightclubs you are used to doing stand-up in, but get used to it. No wonder you made it to the cutting room floor..... I know I am going on and on, but be REAL, life-like, and easy going, and we will like you, and maybe even not ask for your letter of resignation at the end of this series.

Jason

-- Jason Andrews (AztecJaysen@Hotmail.com), January 07, 2001

Answers

Date: 01/06/2001 3:55:50 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Raging mountain To: agreenberger@rbiproductionsinc.com

Sir:

Have caught recent episodes featuring American teams competing on the show. Have you transplanted the set to the USA? Or, have you imported the teams. Judging by the few telltale signs, it is more the latter. However, there is one thing that really needs to be done to restore the "charm" of the hosting function.

Since the introduction of the new "host", and the attempt to be more American in the show appeal, I must support my lovely marriage partner of almost 25 years; and companion watcher of your show, in her assessment of the "new person on the block, Mr. Grey." Bring back your original person in that function!!

Although talented, Mr. Grey doesn't enhance the flow of the show. Also, he seems at odds with your female hostess. Mr. Grey seems to be the "Dennis Miller" of your telecast. Dennis Miller has had at least two seasons to become a fixture on ABC-TV networks "Monday Night Football" program. He WILL return. Unfortunately for you, in my part of the USA; you are carried by the cable TV service, and relegated to Wednesday evenings at 9:00 PM. If you do some research, I think my view of Wednesdays is that it is NOT one of the most watched nights for TV in the US. At best in the middle, and probably well below Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I believe that Tuesdays are considered the final act before severance for the public. Incidentally, your show is opposite "West Wing" an unabashed "soap opera" of the Clinton Administration. It is the only saving grace, other than you folks, on that night. My wife and I feel we can postpone the "West Wing" till the season of the reruns which seem to start earlier every year.

I believe in my earlier notes I suggested military competition from both British and non-British teams. It is my thought that such a competition would be quite useful. However, I am aware that WW III could happen due to results.

I have written a number times previously, no reply. It seems to me one way to help build your audience is to reply to mail sent. Tough it may be, but an individual response is worth great word-of- mouth advertising. In my case, I've mentioned it to two other members of my family. They were unaware of your show. Both are "engineer" types, haven't heard their opinions as of yet.

RFC

Ragingmountain@aol.com

-- Tom Baglin (Ragingmountain@aol.com), January 07, 2001.

Ditto here. I just saw the first US episodes and I almost cannot watch them because Gray is so insufferable. I guess the producers are trying to Americanize the show (and from the new host, I guess make it appeal to 14 year olds) but it is a shame that they might do so and alienate other people in the process. Gray is forced and fake and corny and just tries too hard. I feel bad for Cathy and feel like she is wincing half the time interacting with him (although that is probably me projecting).

I know I am probably shouting into the void, but please, someone, do something about him! Bring back Robert Llewellyn or at least find a co-host that does not insult the audience!

-- kieca (pinkstinky@hotmail.com), January 09, 2001.

Once more!!E-mail them! http://tlc.discovery.com/about/contact.html

-- T.C. Baker (wolf-hound@lycos.com), January 11, 2001.