Those who recall "G. E. College Bowl" many decades ago remember the earnestness of that show, as universities around the country sent their best student competitors to compete for scholarships and prestige. The students took it very seriously and the contests were fun to watch.
This incarnation features a mellower host, Payton Manning, and a sparse collection of schools. Manning's aw-shucks attitude eschews the urgency and gravity of the GE version, but he does okay. Perhaps, if the show does well, they can get more schools to compete next time. Then we might see the intensity of pride and prestige that such a competition can inspire.
For those who appreciate scholarship and knowledge-based competitions, this show does a good job of selecting diverse subjects that offer some challenge, but it could be so much more.
This incarnation features a mellower host, Payton Manning, and a sparse collection of schools. Manning's aw-shucks attitude eschews the urgency and gravity of the GE version, but he does okay. Perhaps, if the show does well, they can get more schools to compete next time. Then we might see the intensity of pride and prestige that such a competition can inspire.
For those who appreciate scholarship and knowledge-based competitions, this show does a good job of selecting diverse subjects that offer some challenge, but it could be so much more.