Clinton and Lewinsky...Price is Right's 5000th episode...Seinfeld ends its classic run...
September 7, 1998...Love of Labor
For the second year in a row, Wheel opened its season premiere (the 16th) with Union Week, this time from Pittsburgh. While there were no major changes in these episodes (those would come two weeks later), the week had some nice touches. In addition to all the contestants being union members, all the prizes on offer were American- and union-made.
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| Pittsburgh and Union labor are always a good pair. | First episode of season, first $25,000 win of season. |
Back in the comfortable confines of LA, the show premiered its changes for the season two weeks into the new season. The good news--the $25,000 cash prize was now always up for grab in the bonus round, even if it had been won earlier in the week. The Puzzler Round (see 1999 page) officially debuted here as well. And the love-it-or-hate-it video wall first appeared behind the contestants, replacing the random backdrops that had appeared for the last few years or so. The bad news? No more Friday Finals, meaning it was once and done for any contestants appearing. Given the show's over-supply of contestant applicants, it just made sense.
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| The nifty 1998 "marquee" intro. | The video wall in its more subtle days. |
November 20, 1998...It's Been 3000 Already?
In the midst of Vegas Week, the show took an episode off to celebrate its 3000th (!) syndicated episode. In a retrospective that turned out to be a treat for hardcore fans everywhere, the show featured tons of classic clips and memories. Among the best shown--rapping contestants, Pat being chased by a winner in a scene reminiscent of Bob Barker's infamous Samoan chasers, and a ceramic Dalmatian right up on stage. In a real treat for longtime fans, the special also included the first clips ever shown of the Edd Byrnes Wheel pilot.
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| This has to be the best intro ever, no? The dancing $5000 space with top hat is priceless. | A TV-G rating and the 1975 set? What's wrong this picture? |
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| The logo from the retrospective special. | This contestant SOLVED THIS PUZZLE with just one N! It was CLEVELAND OHIO. |
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| Pat got an unexpected lift from this contestant. | Gotta love the set complete with ceramic dalmatian. |
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| Speaking of, get up close and personal with said dog. | Here's the new puzzle board before the monitors were put in. |
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| Pat and Vanna's train tour was big enough news to make the Today show! | Wheel! In! Hebrew! |
A special tribute to the old (and new) puzzle boards was shown, with behind-the-scenes clips of the construction of the new board that still functions great a decade later. Clips of Vanna's audition and first episode were also shown, along with clips of both of her children appearing on the show. In the next segment, a retrospective of all the cities the show has visited was shown, from New York to Seattle. It was definitely a collector's piece!
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| Not sure we'll see veiled dancers anytime soon on the American wheel... | One of Vanna's two babies introduced to the world on Wheel. |
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| Even the San Diego Chargers get in the act of introducing the show. | Pat probably wishes he hadn't worn this jacket. |
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| Pat and Vanna talk to a longtime fan. | Back in the shopping days, Pat liked to monkey around on the turntable on occasion. |
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| Clearly they both go to the same hairstylist. | A classic moment--Pat cutting Vanna's hair! |
