$ALE [NBC]: Episode 52 (BIG MONEY WEEK FROM VEGAS)

[palmer7]

Sam Hodkin has over $11,000 in prizes. I already promised James Greek a spot in this episode, so who wants to challenge these two?

[redrangerdude]

I'll play

[palmer7]

Now, Lenny, you played two episodes ago. Time for someone else to have a turn.

[redrangerdude]

Ok sorry.

[patpun2016]

Can I?

[Deleted]

Checking in!

[hodders]

Checking in as usual.

[palmer7]

(yes, you may)

---

(before the show, Greg appears at his lectern, wearing casual clothes, hours before taping)


Greg: Hey there. This is an On Demand recording. Odds are you either missed this episode the first time or you decided to watch it again. Well, guess what? You won't be able to Fast Forward through this. Your Fast Forward button is now disabled. But don't worry, it's not going to be all commercials. I'll have some fun stuff, too. Enjoy.

---

---

(first few strings of "Welcome Back" by John Sebastian play)


(at the High Stakes Room at the Tropicana, we find me at a table with Gabe Kaplan, John Travolta, and Harvey Fierstein)
(loud cheers and applause)



Greg: Now, guys, I have an idea...... how about we go over NBC's head and stage a live production of Fast Break?


Gabe: Fast Break? You mean "Mr. Kotter Coaches a Basketball Team"?

John: I thought it was OK.


Gabe: You only say that because you were my student.



(Gabe takes a card)


Harvey: And I suspect you'll ask me to write the teleplay. Again.


Greg: Yep. You're the only one of us who has a Tony. (I take two cards, and John turns on the TV, which happens to be showing $ale)


(drumroll)
(shot of Sam)


Burton Richardson: (VO) So far, Sam Hodkin has won prizes totaling..... $11,737!


Greg: Uh oh..... I fold! (I dash out)

---

[OPENING THEME]





Tonight, one of our contestants could win a Corvette billiards table, an orchestral digital grand piano, or a cruise around the world!


And continue a journey towards a fortune in cash and prizes including this 2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn......




And hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash!


It's Big Money Week on.........




(echo)





(the screen zooms out to reveal the logo on the Tropicana video screen)





And now, from the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, here's the star of our show! GREG PALMER!



(wild cheers and applause as I run through the audience and up on stage to my lectern)




Whew! I made it. Thank you, Burton, sorry for the delay. I was in conference with a top Broadway writer. We're going to go over NBC's heads and stage our own production. Now, thank you, everyone. A most cordial welcome once again to Big Money Week on $ale of the Century. That means we're giving away lots of cash, possibly a car every show. We didn't give one away last night, but we'll try it again. We crowned a new champion on our last show. So far, he's won free and clear a trip to Hong Kong, a PlayStation 4, and a UHD TV. From Manchester, England, let's welcome back Sam Hodkin!


(audience cheers, shot of Sam)


Hiya, Sam. Welcome back to the show. What's up?

[hodders]

Think the nerves have settled after that close-cut Speed Round!

[palmer7]

That's right. It's always good to get that first Speed Round under your belt. Now, your Personal Cash Jackpot stands at $750,000. If you play a perfect game of 10-in-a-Row, it'll go up to $1,000,000. In addition, you're also playing for a Corvette billiards table worth exactly $25,000. Are you ready to go?

[palmer7]

(Sam nods)


Very good. And here to introduce the challengers is Stacey Wren! (audience cheers as Stacey enters, she even gets a few wolf-whistles on her way to the lectern, she kisses me on the cheek)


Greg: Hi, Stace. (I return it)


Stacey: Hi. Well, this is a big night. The first time the CashCard's ever hit the six-figure mark.


Greg: Now, Stacey, we shouldn't give it all away just yet.


Stacey: By the way.... (she looks around) How big is this writer?


Greg: Well, let's see. He's 6-foot, two-and-a-half. Larger than life. Have you ever heard of La Cage aux Folles?


Stacey: Ohhhhhh, Ben loves that movie.


Greg: Which one?


Stacey: Both of them. I know who you're talking about now.


Greg: Oh good. Now, who have you got for us tonight?


(As Stacey introduces the contestants, models of the opposite gender escort them to their seats)



Stacey: Well first, he's a person at liberty from Eastern Lower Alabama, and he hopes to use his winnings to bring his Bolivian girlfriend to the States. Please welcome James Greek. And he's a high school student who is also taking classes in university. From Bangkok, Thailand, please welcome Pat Punsiri!


(audience cheers)


Greg: Thank you. All right, first, we'll speak to Pat. Hiya, Pat. Now, Stacey tells me that you're taking college courses in high school. I imagine that would be quite difficult. How are you handling the workload?

[patpun2016]

Well, I skipped doing works.
(Some laughs and boos)

No, I mean, for university courses, they have only one exam for each subject and that's it, no more extra works. So, I can still study and do works for high school, while also studying for university subjects in free time. To be honest, it's (in girl-ish voice) REALLY tough. But it speeds up your education period so, it's worth doing it.

[palmer7]

Oh yeah..... I took Honors English myself. So, by the time you graduate high school, how far along will you be? Are you going to a community college or straight into a four-year university?

[palmer7]

And what do you want to major in?

[patpun2016]

Kinda hard to explain. I'm studying in Faculty of Humanities, English as a major. And I don't know if US have this but it's called Pre-Bachelor's Degree here. It means I'm currently studying for a (commonly) 4-year university course while I'm still here in high school. And I'll earn a Bachelor's Degree faster!

[palmer7]

We have that, it's called an Associate's Degree. I have two of them. Who knows, you might win enough tonight for tuition. Good luck to you.


James Greek, from East Lower Alabama. Got a girlfriend from Bolivia, Victoria I believe her name is. That's what it says on my screen. Is she out in the audience? (the camera finds her) Ah, there she is. Hi! (back to James) So, James, I understand you're at liberty at the moment. Have you studied anything, like Pat has?

[Deleted]

No I haven't but I came here to win money to go to broadcasting school

[palmer7]

And this week, it is possible. We've got a lot of money to give away, and you might win some. Do you have any plans of employment in the meantime?

[Deleted]

No I don't

[palmer7]

You know, I've thought of one. Professional game show contestant. You'd join the ranks of Maggie Brown and Jack Campion. Good luck to you as well. Stacey?


Stacey: $20 to start. Good luck.


(the board initializes)



Pat: $20
James: $20
Sam: $20



(Stacey exits with a smile) Greg: Excellent. We've got some good prizes on offer today, but first, these questions.


1. Zayn and Taylor Swift have just released the theme song to what sequel of Fifty Shades of Grey?
2. In Greek mythology, what city did Cadmus found and rule?
3. Schnatter is the last name of the founder of what pizza chain?
4. What are deheaded, deveined and sorted by size in a Laitram machine?
5. Which is larger, a baseball or a softball?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)

[palmer7]

1. Zayn and Taylor Swift have just released the theme song to what sequel of Fifty Shades of Grey?
(buzzcode: 13)
*Sam buzzes in (25)*
Sam?
Sam: Fifty Shades Darker
That's right. Champ draws first blood.
(ding)


Pat: $20
James: $20
Sam: $25


2. In Greek mythology, what city did Cadmus found and rule?
(buzzcode: 99)
*James buzzes in (66)*
James?
James: Thebes
That's correct, and we have a tie.
(ding)


Pat: $20
James: $25
Sam: $25


3. Schnatter is the last name of the founder of what pizza chain?
(buzzcode: 61)
*Sam buzzes in (68)*
Sam?
Sam: Papa John's
My favorite. And the champ takes the lead at $30.
(ding)


Pat: $20
James: $25
Sam: $30


4. What are deheaded, deveined and sorted by size in a Laitram machine?
(buzzcode: 47)
*Sam buzzes in (83)*
Sam?
Sam: Shrimp
I bet deveined gave it to you. Up to $35.
(ding)


Pat: $20
James: $25
Sam: $35


5. Which is larger, a baseball or a softball?
(buzzcode: 5)
*Sam buzzes in (34)*
Sam?
Sam: A Softball
Correct again, up to $40.
(ding)


Pat: $20
James: $25
Sam: $40



[INSTANT BARGAIN]



Instant Bargain time. Player in the lead has the opportunity to buy discount merchandise. Sam, with a $15 lead, that's you. Have a look at this!


(an instrumental version of "Welcome Back" plays again, as we find Gabe Kaplan, John Travolta, and Harvey Fierstein at a different table; audience cheers)


Guys! What are you three doing here?


Harvey: We were waiting for you to get back to the game.


Greg: Oh, I should probably introduce these people. First, regular poker player and former TV teacher, Gabe Kaplan. (audience cheers) Next, one of the stars of Hairspray Live!, famed playwright Harvey Fierstein. (audience cheers) And finally, you all know him, John Travolta! (audience cheers)


John: That's right. And.... who's in the lead now? (John stands up from his chair and checks the score, then goes back) Sam, the first thing we have to give you is this poker table, made with premium stainless legs and a flip dining top for your convenience. The Nile poker table is built complete with stainless steel cup holders in the removable armrest. Built with your choice of high-grade vinyl armrest and casino table cloth or customize it with your own personalized layout design. Includes 4 matching poker chairs. From Pharaoh.





Harvey: And then, I'd like to invite you and a guest to be my guests on a trip to NEW YORK CITY!

(audience cheers)





Gabe: I'll tell them about this one. (he picks up a sheet of paper off-camera) You and a guest will fly from Los Angeles to New York City first class and spend 7 nights at the Park Hyatt New York, situated in the heart of midtown, across from Carnegie Hall and two blocks from Central Park. Designed by world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, as well as interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg, guests enter an uncommon space where sophisticated and enriching experiences are in store. The Park Hyatt New York.





Harvey: Plus, we're including two tickets to see Kinky Boots, the winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical! It's a fabulous story that proves that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. I wrote the book for it, and I know you'll love it! Plus, we're also giving you tickets to see Wicked, Jersey Boys, Chicago, and Phantom of the Opera! That's five Broadway shows in all, and you'll love each and every one of them! All tickets are furnished by Broadway Inbound.

John: And this Broadway and poker package is normally priced at....




$13,120


Gabe: But tonight on $ale of the Century, it's yours for the low, low price of....


$6


(audience cheers as I join the three)


Greg: Well, isn't this something? A Broadway package, 7 nights in a luxury hotel and five shows, plus a poker table. Now, Sam.... I know you're all the way from Manchester, and you may or may not have had an opportunity to visit the West End in London. Are you into poker or Broadway?

[hodders]

I may have the Opera House and Palace Theatre, but can't pass up the chance of Broadway.

*Hits Buzzer*

[palmer7]

He's going to buy! (audience cheers)



Pat: $20
James: $25
Sam: $34



[SALE SURPRISE]
(audience cheers)


A $ale Surprise! Sam, you've got a surprise. Now, we would offer you tickets to Hamilton, but nobody can get those. Instead, we're offering you so much better. The four of us are investing in and writing a new musical. It's called Fast Break, and it's based on the movie that Gabe Kaplan starred in. Want to tell them about it, Gabe?


Gabe: Sure. It's the story of four kids from the Brooklyn ghetto who go to a podunk university in Nevada and overcome the odds in the game of college basketball.


Greg: Now, Harvey's going to be writing the book..... along with.... hmmm, who should we get to add more songs?


Gabe: How about this Lin-Manuel Miranda guy? (audience screams)


Greg: That's a great idea. He'll co-write the book and write additional music and lyrics. We'll try to get it open sometime next year, and Sam.... we're going to put a stake in your name. You will end up getting a unit in the entire production. Whatever royalties and box office profits we get, you'll get a stake of that. If this becomes a movie, you'll get roughly 1% of anything we get. (audience cheers) Plus, you'll be getting VIP tickets to opening night. (audience cheers) Congratulations, Sam, you're now a Broadway investor. (to the three at the table) Thank you so much, guys. (the three wave and walk away) John Travolta, Gabe Kaplan, and Harvey Fierstein! (audience cheers, I walk back to my lectern)


And you heard it here first. Back to the questions.


1. What bird did Ben Franklin suggest replace the bald eagle as a national emblem?
2. What two-word term is the top speed a freefalling object can reach?
3. What do most lobsters and crayfish do with their shell after it has molted?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)

[palmer7]

1. What bird did Ben Franklin suggest replace the bald eagle as a national emblem?
(buzzcode: 60)
*Pat buzzes in (50)*
Pat?
Pat: Turkey!
Right you are! I like your enthusiasm. You go to $25.
(ding)


Pat: $25
James: $25
Sam: $34



2. What two-word term is the top speed a freefalling object can reach?
(buzzcode: 88)
*Pat buzzes in (35)*
Pat?
Pat: Terminal Velocity!
Yes, sir! Up to $30.
(ding)


Pat: $30
James: $25
Sam: $34



3. What do most lobsters and crayfish do with their shell after it has molted?
(buzzcode: 53)
*Sam buzzes in (63)*
Sam?
Sam: Hide under it until a new shell grows
Hold on..... (the phone rings) We're getting a directive to throw the question out. No money lost. We have a new question.


Besides corn, what's the other principal ingredient in succotash?


(buzzcode and answer, please)

[palmer7]

(buzzcode: 30)
*Pat buzzes in (38)*
Pat?
Pat: Beans?
(lectern displays a question mark)
More information, please.

[patpun2016]

Ah... Lima beans?

[palmer7]

(lectern shows check mark)
That's what we were looking for, and you take the lead.
(ding)



Pat: $35
James: $25
Sam: $34



[FAME GAME]



Fame Game time, and we're adding a $10 Money Card to the board. Now, this week, we're also adding $25,000 in cash and a 2017 Chevrolet Camero! (audience cheers) Now, we're looking for a famous thing.


I am a TV show that originally ran from December 20, 1965 to July 14, 1967, but was revived much later. Nobody at Talent Associates thought I would work, but I ended up tripling the size of the audience of the show I replaced. I was later revived in 1990 for cable channel Lifetime and lasted five years, sparking several international versions of the show. I was revived again in 2000 for the predominantly-Christian family network PAX. Originally, I was taped at various locales across the country, but later moved to soundstages in Hollywood. The origins of me came about when an ad agency executive told producers David Susskind and Daniel Melnick about a soft-drink company promotion that had given contestants a chance to race through a grocery store while jamming as many items as possible in their shopping carts.


(buzzcode and answer, please)

[palmer7]

(buzzcode: 84)
*James buzzes in (90)*
James?
James: Supermarket Sweep!
And you're right! (audience cheers) And I've read somewhere that Raycom Media wants to bring that show back. That was a good one.


Stacey, where's the $10?

[tmann3x]

Stacey:  Behind number 8.

[palmer7]

(lights in motion)


Greg: Thanks. We've got all kinds of good things hidden back there, James. You could win a car, you could win $25,000 in cash, or lots of other things. However, you probably want that $10. We're locked into your buzzer. Good luck and fire when ready. (a letter from A-I, please)