Wipeout is double the fun

Although the official first day of summer is not until June 21st (or June 20th in the Mountain and Pacific time zones), ABC began the unofficial start of summer TV with a double helping of "Wipeout" on June 10th. Yes, that wacky obstacle course game show that causes pain in exchange for a chance to win $50,000 is back from last summer and has received a few upgrades during its winter hibernation.

The process of the show is still the same; start with 24 contestants, run them through 4 stages of obstacles, and declare the last contestant standing as the Wipeout champion. This year however there are several new obstacles that seem better designed to cause maximum spills and splashes. The famous "Big Balls" have been paired with the "Motivator" for those contestants not willing to jump feet first into what equals a pinball machine. The "Dizzy Dummy" is back, but is now paired with another revolving platform spinning in the opposite direction; lunch is optional. Some of the other more interesting obstacles added include the "Hurtles", "Plank in the Face", "Banana Hammocks", "Shish Kabob", and the "Gears of Doom".

Although ABC added new obstacles, they smartly kept the same announcing crew together. John Anderson and John Henson work wonders with witty one-liners, double entendres, and their drawing skills on the Telestrator while Jill Wagner adds some humor interviewing the contestants. The show would be amusing without them, but is hilarious with them. Also, the contestants are still an interesting mix of America with one thing in common: they seem to be slightly crazy. One contestant answered she had been abducted by Galactic University attending lizard-like aliens to Jill's "What's the most interesting thing that has happened to you?" question.

"Wipeout" is good, clean fun that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Check it out Wednesday, and an occasional Saturday, night on ABC before it hibernates once again.