Money or the Mob

By Tammy Van, managing editor
Thursday, January 11, 2007

“In the nursery rhyme, ‘Hey Diddle, Diddle,’ who did the dish run away with?”

It doesn’t take a MENSA member to solve it. In fact, Kevin Federline easily conquered a round or two before being eliminated. NBC’s new game show, 1 vs. 100, takes on a different strategy by combining trivia and a mob in one hour-long episode.

At the start of 1 vs. 100, one contestant faces a group of 100 players known as “the mob.” As the contestant correctly answers questions, mob members who incorrectly buzzed in are eliminated, which increases the winning total. However if the contestant answers incorrectly, the mob would evenly split the total among itself.

Inspired by the creators from Deal or No Deal, the game seems simple. It actually may be far too simple. 1 vs. 100 does indeed require more than blind luck, unlike its sibling show. Regardless, the level of mastery is rather elementary. The questions are ridiculously easy and the answer choices are absurdly irrelevant with one another.

Despite the lack of difficulty, it is entertaining enough to watch the mob members get stumped. With members ranging from brain surgeons to surfers, it really does surprise you that bits of common knowledge are unknown. Although much of the show consists of trivia, the producers have made efforts to switch it up a notch. Jeopardy! Champion Ken Jennings, for instance, only lasted up to his second episode.

Undoubtedly 1 vs. 100 is not exactly up to par with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Its simplicity allows contestants to walk away with six-digit figures too effortlessly. Yet, it is this very simplicity that makes it such a cult hit. Unlike Millionaire, even average Joes can play along and win a good sum of money, luring viewers of all sorts to tune in.

While this new show is working out its kinks, catch it on NBC’s Friday-night lineup and decide for yourself. Do you want the money or the mob?