The $40,000 Chain Reaction (USA, Ep. 53)

[dougmorrisontheair]

Greetings, all. We're starting Episode 53 of The $40,000 Chain Reaction. Some notes are in order.

\ First, bighornbattle returns with three wins and $102,600.

\ Should George Custer win this episode's main game, the champ earns a $40,000 bonus.

\ Remember, usually waiting game rules are now in effect -- as are souped up bonuses and consolation prizes. Please visit www.dougmorris.net/chain/ for the rules

[bighornbattle]

The champ is here.

[dougmorrisontheair]

We've got the champ. Looking for a challenger. You in?

[Bryan]

I’ll go!

[dougmorrisontheair]

(theme plays; audience applause)

The game is -- The $40,000 Chain Reaction -- where one word leads to another -- and the right word could lead to a big payoff.

(more applause)

Helloooooo, everybody. I'm Doug Morris and welcome to The $40,000 Chain Reaction. Our current champion is playing for an instant $40,000 bonus -- and could win another $40,000 in the final chain.

So with that, please make welcome our challenger, Bryan, and our champion, George, with $102,600.

(audience cheers)

Bryan came to us by way of a contestant search we did in Tupelo, Mississippi, recently. So, Bryan, congrats on winning that. Please tell us about yourself.

[Bryan]

I'm from Columbus, Mississippi where I am a housekeeper at my local hospital. I enjoy SEC Football and NASCAR.

[dougmorrisontheair]

Nice to have you hear from Columbus. Note of full disclosure -- three of my relatives have lived in Columbus at various points in time and it's a great community in North Mississippi.

Good luck to you today, Bryan. And, George, good luck to you as well. More than $100,000 in winnings so far. Today, you could win more than $85,000. Please remind us when you're not playing for big money and prizes on Chain Reaction.

[bighornbattle]

I am a Mahjong player, do word finds, watch classic and current game shows, singer, listen to news music around the world, and lover of 80s music.

[dougmorrisontheair]

And that good variety of interests has helped you thus far. Again, good luck to both players as we open up the board and play Chain Reaction.

(board opens as part of the theme plays)

One of you will compete for up to $40,000 in cash. George, in your case, you're playing for an instant $40,000 in addition for the chance to play for $40,000 in our bonus round.

Before anyone reaches the bonus round, one must win this race to $5000 which begins with this chain.










(ding)

And this chain starts with KANSAS CITY? -- notice the question mark. And it ends with OF THE CORN.

I should point out this chain was prepared way in advance.

With that, five links are in between. Each link contains at least one word -- possibly more.

Each link in this opening chain is worth $250. Completion of the chain is worth $250. And when a new round starts, we increase the stakes.

Bryan, you're challenging. You'll start by giving or taking a letter below KANSAS CITY? or above OF THE CORN.

[Bryan]

Above “Of The Corn” please.

[dougmorrisontheair]

Challenger starts by taking...










(ding)

...the letter C.

[Bryan]

CHILDREN

[dougmorrisontheair]

CHILDREN is right.









(ding; audience applause)

Of course, that's a reference to the movie "Children of the Corn". In the event Bryan guess "child", we'd have to accept as correct under our singular/plural rule.


Bryan
bighornbattle


Nevertheless, you've got the early lead, Bryan -- and the control's still yours.

[Bryan]

Above CHILDREN

[dougmorrisontheair]

And are you giving or taking the letter above CHILDREN?

[Bryan]

I’ll take it

[dougmorrisontheair]

Don't want to misunderstand any move as Brian takes...









(ding)

...the letter H.

[Bryan]

HAPPY?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Good guess but it's not HAPPY.

And we bring George into the game for the first time today. Where will you give or take a letter, champ?

[bighornbattle]

Take a letter above Children.

[dougmorrisontheair]

George wants to build on...









(ding)

...H-I.

[bighornbattle]

HINDI.

[dougmorrisontheair]

Not HINDI -- so we're back to Bryan.

[Bryan]

Take a letter above CHILDREN

[dougmorrisontheair]

Let's see if the third letter is the charm for Bryan.









(ding)

H-I-G.

[Bryan]

HIGHER?

[dougmorrisontheair]

(cuckoo bird sfx)

Form of the word or words in that link. Bryan, one additional chance to guess without losing control comes now.

[Bryan]

Just a guess…HIGHER LOVE.

[dougmorrisontheair]

(buzz)









That's not it.

George, with some intel, you've got control now.

[bighornbattle]

Take a letter above Children.