Merv Griffin was still alive, when he was working on getting “Crosswords” into production. Back in I guess 2007, there was a video online, using CGI-style dummy contestants, where the rules of the game were demonstrated. As I recall, the three contestants worked together to build a pot, and then the next round, they played each other—I forget how it all went down.

Then came the actual show. Facepalm city…..”spoilers”??!! It was theoretically possible to win the game, just by answering ONE clue, because of the spoiler rule. Add to that, NO studio audience (some wrong answers COULD be funny).

Also, knowing that Merv helmed Wheel & Jeopardy where there are big cash prizes…..the prize money, and the cheap trips, what a recipe for disaster.

Also, unlike Jeopardy, one could “win” having “less in the minus” column than the others. This actually happened, that a contestant won with MINUS 250, and went on to lose the bonus round.

Now—

(1) Is there anywhere available, that explained IF Merv approved this format before he died? I would say unequivocally NO—it was downright idiotic. I’m just wondering if anyone on the staff, and many should still be with us, put down online the real scoop.

(2) Is the $-250 show available on YouTube?

Inquiring minds….

cd