DEAL US: Total Winnings List and Final Analysis of Prime-Time Season 5

It was a miraculous season full of big six figure wins, prizes, appearances and surprises, all in the show's return after an eight year hiatus (before this season, DEAL last aired in the daytime in the 2009-10 season; 30 minute episodes, do you remember them?). We've seen cameo appearances by NFL and NBA players, a former contestant coming out of the woodwork, the new 'counter-offer' feature, and the second highest non-million dollar winner ever on U.S. soil.

But hey, that's probably the beginning. The big plus is Howie returning to host, while juggling AGT out west. The tapings moved east to Universal Studios Orlando (still waiting for a live aired episode). Also the models, for the first time ever, with new models this season, there were no substitute models on the evening edition as opposed to the first four seasons. This has to be the best close-knit group of models in the U.S. franchise. Also this season's banker, who happens to be female, which is a first, after four years of the same male banker. Hence why I call her the "Bankress."

Also, the return of the "Lucky Case Game" after one season off, at least $100,000 have been won using Twitter, and as a result, '#DONDSweepstakes' was a trending topic on Twitter. Way to go fans! So to celebrate a great season, here are the total winnings from the 31 episodes from season 5:

Courtney Schlaud $500,000 (4th highest total on U.S. soil, that would have been top prize on daytime version!)
Toni Miller $455,283 (includes Chrysler Pacifica)
Andrew Shelton $310,000
Joe Veriotto $285,000
Jade Thomas/Cheryl Miles $236,174
Laura Siano $225,000
Max Reynolds $211,000
John West $200,000
Robert Evans $185,000
La'Sherrie Hogan $165,000
Missy Silverman $165,000 (plus Princess Cruise)
Lisa Glicksman $156,000
Casey Heath $133,000
Allie Teixeira $123,000
Jorge Montero $119,000
Justin Uhart $120,000 (Route 91 Festival shooting hero)
David Leeman $110,000
Shirleen Mui $105,000
Michael Chandler $71,000 (BELLATOR MMA champion/legend)
Bryce Gage $69,000
Artis Jackson $63,000 (mother was a former contestant in season 1)
Monica Durazo $54,669 (includes BMW 3 Series)
Tony Combs $48,000
Jade Delaney $37,000
Sony Avalos $34,000
Carri Nemak $34,000
George Stathoulis $25,075
Marybelle Doe $12,000
Jennifer Gelband $3,000
Kyera Chandler $700
Tony Oriente $700
Kristen Iniguez $500
Luis Green $5 (annual Christmas episode)

That's 33 contestants and millions of dollars won on the show!

The question remains, will there be a season 6? Will it remain on CNBC? Will it return to NBC? Or will an outside party shop for it, like CBS or FOX, maybe Game Show Network or FX (hehe) could get the rights, who knows? If there's a season six, there's more questions to be answered, such as the status of Howie Mandel; will he come back or maybe a new host. How many of the 26 models will return? Like previous seasons, there has been changes at the cases. Will the show continue to tape at Universal Studios Orlando? And most importantly, will the 'Million Dollar Mission' or 'Multi Million Dollar Madness' (the one with the lottery-esque chamber towards the end of season 3) return? All of the questions will be answered in the months to come.

But enjoy the summer while you can, it's hot, and if you want to have some game show fun, I'd highly suggest Press Your Luck and Card Sharks every Wednesday night this summer on ABC's 'Summer Fun and Games.' It is great those shows are back.

For now, thank you for following this blog and if there's any updates, I'll try to post them here. Have a great rest of 2019.

Morgan M.

Season 5 Has Ended, Review Soon

The season ended Wednesday with the 31st episode (aired previously in June on NBC), but if you missed out on the episode, you can see my review here.

At some point soon, I will do a synopsis of the season, who won what, and what to expect in the future. That's soon.

Until then enjoy this hot summer.

Thank you,

Morgan

5.30 "Vision Quest" Official Play-By-Play

Based on the synopsis, I can think the contestant is a psychic or a clairvoyant. But we will see. It is supposed to be the last episode of the season (since there are rumored to be 30 episodes--plus that one that aired in June before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on NBC--for season five), but we will see. So let's go!

The models are in blue, sleeved v neck dresses, like bathrobes.

Meet Jade Delaney. She is a small town girl from South Dakota by way of a farm community in Minnesota. She works for a healthcare foundation, and is a married, mother of a newborn.

For her said case she picks #13. Mahogany Lox bring such case.

6 to open:
22: $500,000 Rough.
10: $25,000
5: $75
24: $10,000
8: $75,000
3: $200,000

Mostly right side stuff here. Not a reasonable round. What will the Bankress think? She calls for her first offer, which is $18,000. Will she counter here? Nope. NO DEAL!

5 to open:
(But first, the 'Million Dollar Vision Board' is wheeled out by Kizzi and Lani. It is filled with pictures and keepsakes, including a stiletto heel. In other words, she wants to be a DEAL or NO DEAL  model. Seriously.)
25: $200
21: $10
16: "I believe in the power of positively and visualization." $300,000
11: $1
17: $25

Reasonable round. More left side goodness. The Bankress calls. The new offer is $35,000. In Jade's supporter corner are her husband, her mother, and her mother-in-law. Will Jade counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
7: $50
23: "No matter what's in this case, you got it!" $5
(After the media time out, two more to open)
12: $300
9: $1,000

Wow, this round! Great round. Expect the offer to skyrocket, as the Bankress now calls. The new offer has doubled to $70,000. Will Jade counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
19: $750
20: THE MILLION.
2: "I really hope I have the penny in there for you." (after the media time out) That's 400 times that.

Rough round because of that million. Eight cases left in play: Jade's #13, plus 1, 4, 6, 14, 15, 18 and 26. The Bankress calls. Expect the offer to drop, and it did, to $49,000. Will Jade counter here? Remember, $750,000 still in play. Before that, Jade does jumping jacks. No counter, NO DEAL.

2 to open:
15: $5,000
14: $750,000 "Dang it."

Rough round again. Six cases left in play: Jade's #13, plus 1, 4, 6, 18 and 26. Mahogany Lox also brings out the same replica dress the models are wearing. This is NOT a DEAL or NO DEAL USA first, because a couple contestants on this version had done it. After the media time out, the end product. Now Jade is a DEAL or NO DEAL model! Bankress calls, the new offer is lower: $39,000. Will Jade counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
6: (With assist from Megan, Jade opens it!) $50,000

What will the Bankress do here? Remember, five cases in play, $400,000 is the highest offer left. Five cases in play: Jade's #13, plus 1, 4, 18, and 26. The Bankress calls, and the new offer is higher: $61,000. Will Jade counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

After the media time out, 1 to open:
4: (they're all cheering PENNY! in the arena) That's 400,000 times that!

The big fish is gone. $100,000 is still the highest of the four remaining values. Bankress calls. Four cases remain in play: Jade's #13, plus 1, 18, 26. The new offer is down to $22,000. Will Jade counter here? She will, for $27,000! The Bankress calls back and her verdict is simple: NO DEAL.

1 to open:
1: "I'm about to cry. You are so determined..." $100

Not bad. The Bankress calls, and the new offer is $37,000, slightly higher than previous. Now it's the time to cash out, and she did. DEAL!

But where was the $100,000? It was in Jade's #13! The penny was in #26, while #18 had $500.

Better safe than sorry, but it wasn't a good deal. One more thing about the episode is the title. It was not to be confused with that wrestling movie from 1985.

The next time DEAL comes on, will be an encore of the episode ran on NBC in June (right before the Stanley Cup final), so if you missed out on it, you get a second chance to see Andrew Shelton's brilliance, Wednesday at 8pm Central. CNBC, GET YOURS!

5.29 "Martinis For a Million" Official Play-by-Play

If you're drunk from drinking martinis, then this episode is for you. Because this involves martinis.
That''s what the synopsis says.

The models are in satin, pink spaghetti strap dresses.

Meet Laura Siano. A native of Long Island, and a mother of three.

For her case, she picks #7. Jordana de Paula brings such case.

6 to open:
13: $25
8: $50,000
21: $750,000. Not low.
12: $10,000
17: "Low amount. (fingers crossed)" $400
5: $25,000

This round has too much superlatives. The Bankress calls for the first time in the episode.She shows Laura's casting video. Her first offer is $17,000. Will she counter here this early? NOPE. NO DEAL.

5 to open:
3: $1,000
25: $500
20: (fingers crossed) $75,000
14: "I'm going to try and give you that penny." $400,000
1: (wants a penny) That's 200,000 times that value.

Okay round. After the media time out, the Bankress will dole out a new offer, and she calls. Laura's new offer is up to $26,000. In Laura's supporter's corner, are two of her daughters and a close friend. Laura's husband passed away, photos of Laura with her late husband were posted on the video wall. Back to the game, will Laura counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
26: $5,000
10: (Laura wants a dollar) "How about a five." $5
19: $750
16: $1

What a round! After the media time out, a new offer. Before that, a martini bar with the picked-already models (most of them) surrounding it is revealed. Laura suggested that she wants male models. Bankress calls. Her new offer is higher, to $65,000. Will Laura counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
23: $300,000
6: (Laura thinks it's a great number) $75
9: $10

Eight cases in play: 2, 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 24, and Laura's case. Bankress calls. Great round nonetheless. Best offer of the night at $90,000. Will Laura counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

2 to open (after the media time out, we resume play. Before that, Laura wants male models, and she got 'em.):
2 (Justin): $200
4 (Tyler): $50

What a round! As this episode turns into the Bachelorette, the Bankress calls. She is missing out on the fun. Six cases in play: 11, 15, 18, 22, 24 and the #7 that Laura has. The new offer is even higher: $139,000. No counter here. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
18 (Kevin): $100!

Unbelievable. The Bankress calls. Five cases in play: Laura's #7, plus 11, 15, 22 and 24. The new offer is $221,000, Laura's highest yet. Will Laura counter here? Or will Laura play it the traditional way? No counter. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
22 (Justin #2): $500,000

Rough, should cost Laura a little bit. Bankress calls. Four cases in play: Laura's #7 plus 11, 15, and 24. As predicted, it cost her a little bit: $188,000. Will Laura counter here? She will, for $225,000. Bankress calls back, as Laura finishes off her martini. The Bankress' verdict: DEAL! $225,000!

But where was the million? Was it in #11? Nope. $300. The offer would have jumped to $440,000. Was it in #24? It was. Where was the penny? Was it in Laura's case? It was. The $100,000 was in #15.

Had she went on and kept her case at the end, she would have tied a DEAL or NO DEAL record in the United States with that penny! Smart move to get out of there. I wish this would have been a 90 minute episode just for the fun of it, but oh well. Anyway, the supposed season finale is Wednesday night, same time, same place. CNBC. GET YOURS!

5.28 "Roller Coaster Motion" Official Play-By-Play

Orlando-based nightclub promoter Tony Combs returns for a chance at the million. He is also a cancer survivor. We now resume play.

4 to open:

1: $400,000

13: $200,000

23: THE MILLION. You should have never listened to your supporters. 

8: "You're a fighter Tony." $10

Rough round overall. The Bankress calls. And it did take a hit. $20,000, plus an appearance from Magic forward Aaron Gordon! Gordon gives the following offer: an autographed basketball by Gordon and his Magic teammates, a private suite at Amway Arena for Magic home games, and courtside seats for him and his friends and a special treatment on the video board at Amway. Plus the Magic will donate 100 tickets to children fighting cancer in north Florida in Tony's name. Total offer: $27,500. Will Tony dribble out here? Will Tony counter here? He will, for $50,000. Bankress calls back. Her verdict: you got fouled out. NO DEAL. However those 100 tickets will still be donated in Tony's name. 

3 to open: 

21: $1,000

12: "You're amazing." $50,000 "Not that bad."

22: PENNY!

Good, but reasonable round. A new offer after the media time out. Tony's mom took a tumble, and has a cast on her left arm. Anyway, she is okay. Eight cases in play: Tony's #7, plus 5, 9, 10, 17, 20, 24, and 25. The offer now skyrockets to $48,000. Remember, the counter offer is gone. Tony's highest offer to date. And he will cash it in. 

But where was the $750,000? It wasn't in #7. $200. Where was it? It was in #25. #10 had $400, #9 had $750, #20 had $500, #5 had $300, #24 had $5,000 and #17 had $75.

Now it gets even busier. The set now turns into Tony's very own nightclub. 

We have a new game, a new contestant, and the models re-enter in sleeveless, rainbow-esque dresses. 

Meet Marybelle Doe. Another local contestant from Orlando. She is a big theme park fanatic (of course it's Orlando), and has been to Universal Studios Orlando 100 times! She wants to use the money for a new car, and for college. That's all.

For her such case, it's #13. Mahogany Lox brings such case. 

6 to open (after the media time out):

17: $10,000

14: $400

19: THE MILLION. This early. 

3: $400,000

8: $200,000

20: $50,000

Rough round. Two of the Mummy Guards from the "Revenge of the Mummy" attraction at Universal Studios are in front of the Bankress, as she calls and delivers Marybelle's first offer: $6,000. Not a surprise at all. Counter offer this early? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

5 to open:

6: $300,000

22: $5,000

10: "You have the most beautiful smile ever." $75

(After the media time out, two to open):

18: $200

12: $1,000

Well, this round in a nutshell: reasonable. Bankress calls. How about the offer: $22,000; nearly four times the previous offer. In Marybelle's supporters corner are her husband, her daughter, and her son. Will she counter here? Yeah right. NO DEAL. 

4 to open (before that, Optimus Prime is joining the supporter's corner. Seriously.):

23: Last time the million. This time: $750,000

11: $50

1: $100,000

16: $75,000

Rough round. The Bankress calls. The offer is $11,000. Down half from previous offer. NO DEAL.

3 to open (after the media time out. Blue from the Jurassic World attraction also joins the supporter's corner):

4: ('Penny' chant) x 500

2: PENNY! (the chant works!)

21: $10!

What a round! The Bankress calls. It is Marybelle's highest offer yet: $23,000. No counter. NO DEAL. Eight cases in play: Marybelle's #13, plus 5, 7, 9, 15, 24, 25, 26.  

2 to open (after the media time out):

5: "The odds are just a good." $500,000 "I'm so sorry."

24: $100

Rough round. Six cases in play: Marybelle's #13 plus 7, 9, 15, 25, and 26. Bankress calls. The offer is now down to $3,000. 

1 to open: 

15: $300

Good stuff. Bankress calls. Offer now up to $4,000. NO DEAL.

1 to open: 

26: $25

Bankress calls. Offer now up to $6,000. Will Marybelle counter here? Of course, for $11,000. Bankress calls back and her verdict: NO DEAL. 

1 to open: 

7: $750

More good stuff. Bankress calls back. New offer is $9,000. NO DEAL.

1 to open: 

25: (Dollar chant) And it works!

Now it's the time to get out of here, as now the Bankress calls. The final offer is $12,000. DEAL! Plus Universal Studios theme parks are giving her a one year pass to all three of its locations! 

But where was the $25,000? It was in Marybelle's case. The $1 was in #9.

The two Orlando based contestants combined for $60,000 in cash. Plus Marybelle gets a one year pass to Universal Studios theme parks. Great stuff on an energy charged night of DEAL or NO DEAL!

An all new episode--what could be the next to last episode of the season--airs Wednesday night. CNBC. GET YOURS! 

  

5.27 "Magic Touch" Official Play-By-Play

Based on the synopsis, this could be one of the most 'magical' episodes in DEAL US history. But there's also a cameo appearance. Pay attention.

In this episode, the models are in sleeveless, mostly red dresses.

Meet Jennifer Gelband. She is a magic superfan, who is also a big fan of Penn and Teller (who also had a TV series on SHOWTIME, called Bulls**t years back). She also learned to do magic and (with an assist from the '27th model'--who brought out a balloon and spear and exhibited a magic trick. Guess what? When she stuck the spear through the balloon, I thought it was going to burst. Yeah right. It went through. PLEASE, for the sake of humanity, do not try this at home. Then the balloon pops.

For her such case, she picks #3, Katie Luddy brings such case for just the second time ever.

6 to open:
14: $100,000 "Kinda magical."
6: $400
26: $25,000
21: $300,000
10: $300
7: $50,000

So-so start. Let's see what the Bankress will do, and she calls. The first offer is $24,000. So high. However, will she counter here this early? NOPE. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out and Jennifer's wants and needs):
22: $500
8: PENNY!
19: $10,000
11: THE MILLION.
23: $200

Good round, except the million. Bankress calls. The new offer went up to $31,000. Slightly higher. Counter here this early? But first, the supporter's corner. In Jennifer's corner, is her younger sister, her mother, and her grandmother. No counter, NO DEAL.

4 to open:
1: (with some magic): $400,000
20: $10
16: $500,000
4: $75

Rough round. After the media time out, a new offer. Howie gets a magic wand and directs it towards the entrance to the arena. And PRESTO! It's none other than Penn Jillette himself! Like he said on Bulls**t: "You need to shut the f**k up!" Penn, the more vocal half of Penn and Teller appears, and offers a chance to fill in for Teller. He also brought out a cigarette lighter, while model #27 brought out a bottle with what appears to be some liquid and some fire sticks. Teller points a stick towards the lighter and it's lit like a fire ball! He then puts the fiery sticks in his mouth and fire lights in and out of his mouth. Remember, do not try this at home. Penn later joins the supporter's corner. Bankress calls. The offer dropped to $25,000. Will Jennifer counter here? She will, for $72,000. Less than three times the offer. Bankress calls for her verdict: NO DEAL. Let's play on.

3 to open:
2: "I can hope I can work some magic for you." $200,000
15: (with some magic) $1,000
25: (after the media time out): $750,000. THE END.

Tough round. If I'm Jennifer, I'd get out of here after this offer from the Bankress as she calls: $3,000. Rock bottom from previous offer. Eight cases in play: Jennifer's #3, plus 5, 9, 12, 13, 17, 18, 24. The $75,000 is the highest offer left. To be safe, Jennifer gets out of here. DEAL.

But where was the $75,000? It was in #5. Jennifer's case had $750. #9 had $5,000. #18 had $50. #12 had $100. #24 had $5. #17 had $1, and #13 had $25.

Better to be safe than sorry. But there's another game to be played. But first, Penn has an offer Jennifer couldn't refuse. He offered her a trip to Vegas to see a Penn and Teller show. The models re-enter the fray with different apparel: maroon, silky, satin, spaghetti strap dresses, the way it should be.

Meet Tony Combs. A local from Orlando, grew up minutes from Universal Studios, where the show is taped. He is a nightclub promoter, and you know how nightclubs are taken very seriously in all of Florida. Here we go again, another cancer survivor as a contestant. Nothing wrong with that.

For his such case, he picks #7. Jordana de Paula brings such case.

6 to open:
15: "One penny" x 100,000.
11: "One penny" x 50.
4: "$75." Not that close. $500,000
26: (wants a penny) Gets $5 instead.
2: $25
14: $25,000

Reasonable round. Bankress calls. First offer is $13,000. Counter this early? No way. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
18: $10,000
16: Wants $300, that's 1000 times more.
6: $100
3: $75,000
19: (testimonial) $1!

What a round! Except the $300,000, it was a good round. The Bankress calls. The offer tripled to $39,000! In Tony's supporters corner is his mother, his uncle, and a friend from his high school days. Will Tony counter here this early? Nope. NO DEAL.

4 to open, with the million still up there. His game continues Wednesday. 8pm Central. CNBC. GET YOURS.

5.26 "Wall Street Warrior" Official Play-By-Play

When I previewed the episode, I read it and I thought this was a Let's Make a Deal episode, because you have a NYSE trader by day as a contestant and I wonder what is she trading something for at least a million, but not behind curtain #2. But anyway, just a mini synopsis of what to expect in the episode. 

Meet Lisa Glicksman, a day trader at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). She is a Brooklynite, and a cancer survivor (nothing new in the U.S. franchise, a season two contestant was a cancer survivor, and he actually chose the case held by another cancer survivor, Marisa Petroro) who just recently went under chemotherapy. 

The models in this episode are in business suits, red, with pants instead of skirts (whose genius idea was this?). Skirts and dresses are better for women in business. 

For her such case, she picks #12. Once again, Sarati brings such case. 

6 to open:

19: $100,000

26: "Happy birthday." $10,000

9: $300

4: THE MILLION. Holy s**t.

23: $750

13: $400,000

Rough round. How will the Bankress handle this? She calls, and delivers Lisa's first offer of $13,000. Counter here? Nope. NO DEAL. 

5 to open: 

25: $75,000

10: $75

(3 to open, after the media time out)

20: $1

17: $10

8: "I'm trusting your guts..." $25,000

Better here than previous round. Bankress calls. The offer is higher now at $20,000. In Lisa's supporter's corner are her best friend from high school, and her husband. Only two supporters. Will she counter here? But first an additional supporter joins the fray: Lisa's oncologist. Seriously. No counter, NO DEAL. Let's go!

4 to open: 

3: PENNY! Right on the nail!

22: $25

7: $200,000

1: $500,000

Everything was good, until the last cases. After the media time out, a new offer from the Bankress. She calls. The offer is up to $25,000. Slightly higher. Will she counter this early? Nope. NO DEAL. 

3 to open: 

21: $50

15: $100

5: (after the media time out) Lisa wanted $5, she got 60,000 times the value. 

Gotta love the imaginary stock ticker tracking her offers, especially before this round, which was a good round until the $300,000. Eight cases in play: Lisa's #12 and 2, 6, 11, 14, 16, 18 and 24. Bankress calls. Here's her new offer: $31,000; slightly higher than previous. Counter here? Nope. NO DEAL. 

2 to open: 

16: $200

11: "I'm freaking out over here." $400

What a round! After the media time out, a new offer. Expect it to be higher. Six cases left in play: Lisa's #12, plus 2, 6, 14, 18 and 24.  Bankress calls, and oh yeah! It is higher! Double the previous offer to $62,000! No counter, NO DEAL! We play on.

1 to open: 

2: Wanted $5, make that 1,000 times that. 

Good stuff. Five cases left in play: Lisa's #12 plus 6, 14, 18 and 24. Bankress calls. The new offer is higher than previous; $98,005. I'd get out of here right now, no counter here, but that's my opinion. What does Lisa think? She will counter here, for $138,000 The Bankress calls again and finalizes her verdict, and after the media time out, is her verdict: NO DEAL. Therefore, the Bankress is truly afraid of 138 (for you trance music fans, you know what I'm talking about). 

1 to open:

24: $1,000

Not that bad. Expect the offer to go up. Lisa's #12 still in ply, plus 6, 14 and 18. The $750,000 is still up there. Bankress calls. The offer is slightly higher to $156,000. It's the best time to cash out, and Lisa does. 

But where was the $750,000? Was it in #14? Nope. $5. The offer would have skyrocketed to $290,000. Was it in #18? Nope. $50,000 The offer then would also skyrocketed to $483,000. Was it in Lisa's #12? It was. #6 had $500. A very bad deal, but she should have stayed in the game! 

At least it wasn't the million, but that was gone away in the first round. Lisa is a true woman, a cancer survivor who beat the odds of being a six figure winner on DEAL US. Congratulations. A new episode this Wednesday at 8pm Central. CNBC. GET YOURS! Also play the Lucky Case Game 2.0. Win $10,000!

5.25 "Hoop Dreams" Official Play-By-Play

25 episodes have aired so far, with Courtney Schlopp's $500,000 as the highest won so far in this, the fifth season of DEAL or NO DEAL USA. Will we see a millionaire for the third time on US soil? We will find out as the season winds down!

For this episode, the models are in sleeved, white dresses with black trim.

Meet Monica Durazo. She is a single mother of a teenager who has enrolled in high school, and is on that school's girls' basketball team. She is also a marathon runner.

For her case, she picks #12. Sarati brings such case.

6 to open:
13: $1,000
16: $10
18: $5,000
8: $300
3: $400,000
21: $500,000

Everything was good, until the last two selections. The Bankress calls for the first time in the game. She delivers the first offer of $9,000. Will she counter here this early? Nope. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out; Bankress calls back and one of her henchwomen brings out a medal, in copper, with the words "19,491st place." How mean was that?):
7: $25,000
10: (raised by a single mother testimonial) $10,000 "Pretty good."
23: $750,000
11: $750
26: $400

With the exception of the $750,000, it was a good round. It should slightly go up. Bankress calls. It did slightly go up to $10,000. In Monica's supporter corner are her daughter, her mother, who was a bikini model at 62, and her stepfather. Counter here? No. NO DEAL.

4 to open (Monica and her daughter would console each other before resuming):
22 (after the break): $300,000 There goes the safety net.
1: "Beautiful to see a connection between you and your daughter." the million.
17: PENNY.
19: "Teamwork makes the dream work." $5.

Such a so-so round. After the media time out is the offer, delivered by the Bankress. She calls, and expect the offer to go down. And it did. To $7,000. But wait there's more. Bankress' henchwoman brings a WNBA ball, and a signed (Olympic gold medalist) Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury jersey. There is a prize package involved here. Tickets to a Mercury game, tickets to this year's WNBA All Star Game, and access to the Mercury locker room and hear in an actual locker room meeting with the Mercury coach. Will Monica leave early? Will she counter early? NOPE. NO DEAL. It's all gone.

3 to open:
14: $100
2: $25
4: (single mother testimonial) $50,000

Eight cases left. The $200,000 is the highest value left on the board. Monica's #12, plus 5, 6, 9, 15, 20, 24 and 25 all remaining on the board. The Bankress calls. The offer did go up. It was a reasonable round, but $21,000 will do it. Monica will counter here; for $50,000. Bankress calls back, and she will after the media time out. The Bankress' decision is easy: NO DEAL.

2 to open:
15: $1
5: $500

What a round! Bankress calls. Six cases in play: Monica's #12, plus 6, 9, 20, 24, and 25. The offer is $31,000, slightly higher than previous original offer. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
6: "My heart is racing." $75

Expect the offer to go up. After the media time out, the Bankress calls. The offer is down to $7,000, but wait just a minute! It's a BMW! Not just any BMW, but a BMW 3 Series. Yet another car, and it's amazing that yet again DEAL US has another car to give away. Monica wants a down payment on her house and also to pay the student loans. Her decision is simple. DEAL. $7,000 plus the car gives Monica the grand total of $54,669.

But where was the $200,000? Was it in #12? Nope. $75,000, while the $200,000 was in #20. #9 had $200, #24 had $100,000 and #25 had $50.

Good time to cash out, and for Monica she drives off with the BMW 3 Series she deserves. It is the second car win this season. DEAL or NO DEAL will be back soon. CNBC GET YOURS!

5.24 "The Champ v. The Banker" Official Play-By-Play

In the history of DEAL or NO DEAL United States, there has never been an accomplished athlete appearing as a contestant, but there have been cameo appearances by athletes such as Kobe Bryant, Dick Butkus, Scottie Pippen among others. Until now.

If you follow the mixed martial arts circles, perhaps you know who Michael Chandler is. He is (or was?) BELLATOR MMA lightweight champion and former wrestler at the University of Missouri (think of the likes of Ben Askren and J'Dean Cox among others who wrestled there). Why is he on DEAL? Perhaps he wants to choke out the Bankress. Better yet, have someone like Cris Cyborg do it, because the Bankress would never last long.

The models are in red, off the shoulder, sleeveless dresses.

Chandler just became a father of an adopted child. This man is a class act. So let's go. He picks 23, Anne Julia Hagen brings such case, in relevance to his child's birth date. HERE WE GO! 

6 to open:
20: $10,000
15: $500,000
5: $200,000
9: $300,000
21: $50,000
26: $400

After Round 1, Bankress leads 10-8 on the scorecard with the $500k knocked out. She calls for Michael's first offer of $6,000. Seriously. Counter here? NO DEAL.

5 to open:
(Before that, Michael's BELLATOR MMA highlights. I'm glad nothing--not even sponsors--got blurred out; you see that UFC?)
17: $500
24: $750,000 Bloody.
12: $25
18: $100,000
22: "Hoping it's good." PENNY!

At the end of round 2, it's a 9-9 round. The scorecard reads Chandler trailing the Bankress 19-18. Coming up next...the Bankress has an offer, which was revealed as higher than previous: $11,000. Slightly higher. In Chandler's corner are his father, his wife, and his father in law. Chandler's verdict? No counter, NO DEAL.

4 to open:
16: (testimonial on being adopted) $1,000
13: $100
8: $75,000
4: DOLLAR!

Michael won that round easily. 10-9. After three rounds, scores are leveled at 28-28. After the media time out, a new offer. Expect it to go up. And it did. $33,000. Will he counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
19: $300
25: (adopted siblings testimonial) $75
6: (after the media time out) $25,000

After round 4, Chandler has the upper edge with a 10-9 round, with a score now of 38-37. Eight cases left in play, Michael's #23 and 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11 and 14. Bankress calls. The million is still up there. The new offer is later, but first, a 'physical challenge' in which it would increase the next offer. Chandler is up for the challenge, which is a girl ballet dancer. The Bankress' henchwoman brings out a tutu and Chandler fits it very easily. Then he struts his stuff. Remember that season 2 episode with the bagpiper? Remember that quote by Stacey Gardner: "There's nothing sexier than a man who wears a skirt"? The girl ballet starts off with some ballet moves. Can Chandler match that? Of course he did. A second wave of moves followed. Chandler did it perfectly! A third wave of moves followed; check out what Chandler did! Bankress calls. Will Michael counter here? But first, the offer is $62,000. Nearly more than doubled. Counter? Nope. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
2: $5!
7: $750!

After round 5, Chandler wins again, 10-9. He leads the Bankress 48-46. Six cases left in play: Michael's #23 and 1, 3, 10, 11 and 14. The million is still up there! Bankress calls. Expect the offer to increase, and it will. Coming up next! After the break! The new offer is $86,000. That's right. Will Chandler counter with a rear naked choke? Nope. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
14: "He's putting up a good fight." THE MILLION. Holy s**t.

The $400,000 still left. Is it in #23? Is it in #1? Or #3? Or #10? Or #11? Bankress calls. She won this round 10-8. We're all squared after six rounds: 56-56. The new offer plummeted to $45,000. Will Michael counter here? After the media time out, his verdict. He will counter is $71,000, fairly less than he usually makes in BELLATOR MMA matches. Bankress calls back, and her verdict: DEAL.

But where was the $400,000? Was it in #11? Nope. $10. The offer would have raised to $93,000. Was it in #1? Nope. $5,000. The next offer would have been $144,000. Was it in #3. It was. In #23 was $200, while #10 had $50. Smart way to get out of here. Chandler wins via submission.

I'm surprised Michael didn't donate his $71,000 to charity. Oh well, he still the classiest MMA champion in MMA history and I'm glad he didn't waste his talent in UFC. Another episode followed next on CNBC, and I'll review that one as it's the 25th episode of the season.

5.23 'MONOPOLY Money' Official Play-by-Play

The title of the episode can be misleading. You see, Monopoly is a registered trademark of Hasbro, and there was a MONOPOLY the Game Show from 1990, as seen on hot summer Saturday nights on ABC (after Super JEOPARDY!). There was also Monopoly Millionaires Club, which aired weekly--mainly on the weekends--a few years ago in select markets in syndication, and yes, DEAL showrunner Scott St. John was one of the executive producers of MMC (seriously).

But this isn't MONOPOLY, this is DEAL or NO DEAL! Where you can win real money, not money from the MONOPOLY board game.

Let's get right to the action. The models in this episode are in red, short sleeved dresses.

Meet Toni Miller. She's a realtor from the Los Angeles area, who is a MONOPOLY-aholic. She loves the board game. She wants a car, for her family, as she is a married mother of three. She also wants a new home. What is this? Dream House? 

For her said case, it's #22. Anchal Joseph brings the case down for her very first DEAL selection (I think). Also, to make Toni feel right at home, the board is changed from yellow to MONOPOLY colors! The black colors, ranging values from the penny to $10, will reveal a prize. Seriously.

6 to open:
15: $500,000 Rough start.
26: PENNY. 3 black boxes to go.
16: $5,000
9: $200,000 (The million last time)
11: $25,000
19: THE MILLION.

Rough start. What will the Bankress do? She calls. The first offer is only $9,000. Counter? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

5 to open:
13: $5
17: $100
4: $75,000
21: "Minivan with a fridge. Too cool." $25
(1 to open after the media timeout)
3: $1,000

Reasonable round. Bankress calls. New offer is presented: $26,000. In Toni's supporter corner are one of her best friends, who is a realtor, her sister, and her husband. Counter? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
25: $750,000 Ooooh.
(An additional dollar would be added to the next offer)
1: "I want to keep you shining." $300,000 "What the heck?"
6: $300
10: $500

Bankress calls. The offer should be reasonable, based on last round. However, it's $15,000, with the dollar, to a total of $15,001. Counter? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
2: $50
(an extra $10,000 will be added to the next offer. After the media time out, two cases left to open)
18: $10
14: $100,000

An extra $1,000 is added to the offer. Bankress calls. The offer is still the same, but with the $11,001 in MONOPOLY money, the total offer is $26,001. Will she counter here? Eight cases in play, Toni's #22 and 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 23, 24. No counter, NO DEAL.

2 to open:
24: $400 (400 times the dollar; an extra $5,000 is added to the next offer. $16,001 in MONOPOLY money as of now)
5: $750

A very good round. A red MONOPOLY piece was revealed for $3,000. As of now, a $19,001 bonus added to the offer. Six cases are in play: Toni's #22 and 7, 8, 12, 20 and 23. After the media time out, a new offer is revealed, with the Bankress calling. Toni's new offer is $21,000, and with the MONOPOLY money of $19,001, for a grand total of $40,001. Will she counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
20: $75

Great stuff. Bankress calls again. The new offer is $53,000, more than doubled from previous offer. With MONOPOLY money, will bring the total to $72,001. Five cases in play: Toni's #22 and 7, 8, 12 and 23. Will she counter here? Not again. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
23: $10,000

Not bad. Four cases in play: Toni's #22 and 7, 8 and 12. Bankress calls. The offer is up to $76,000. With the MONOPOLY money, the grand total is $95,001. Will Toni counter here? After the media time out, it's her decision. When play resumed, what was Toni's decision? NO DEAL.

1 to open:
(With help from Toni's mother) 12: $50,000

Okay. This is the time I would pull out now. An orange MONOPOLY piece is revealed adding $2,000, to a total bonus offer of $21,001. Bankress calls. Only Toni's #22 and 7 and 8 are left on the steps. The new offer is $131,000, and with the bonus MONOPOLY money would add up to a grand total of $152,001. I'd get out of here. What does Toni think? She will use her counter here, for $187,000. A deadly, murderous bank offer. Bankress calls back. The verdict from the Bankress: NO DEAL. Oh my. She still has the MONOPOLY bonus money as backup.

1 to open:
7: THE DOLLAR!

The last of the black MONOPOLY pieces were revealed. It revealed the prize: the all-new Chrysler Pacifica S minivan. After the media time out, a new offer, expect it to be higher than previous bank offer. Only Toni's case #22 and #8 are still in play. Bankress calls, and this is the final offer. The new offer is $167,000, with the bonus MONOPOLY money would add up to a grand total of $188,001. Plus the Chrysler Pacifica would add up to at least $230,000 total. If I'm Toni I'd get out of here right now. No counters left, just get out of here. This is the final offer, so I expect her to press the button. Nope. NO DEAL. I think the $400,000 is in #22. Am I right? She will keep the #22, and in that case is...$400,000! The $200 is in #8. With the MONOPOLY money and the Chrysler Pacifica makes her one of the richest non-millionaires on US soil with the grand total of $455,283. She surpasses season 2's Anteia Greer for third all time in non-million dollar winners. Only Courtney Schlap ($500,000 season 5) and Michele Falco ($750,000 season 2) has more. Toni is also behind Schlap for second highest this season. Some history right here.

But when will someone finally beat the system without a 'Million Dollar Mission'? Can BELLATOR MMA veteran and champion Michael Chandler do it? He will be on a back to back episode of DEAL or NO DEAL this Wednesday night. I have it taped so I can watch it later (NHL Awards are on and so is the College World Series). Don't forget on ABC, are new episodes of Press Your Luck  and Card Sharks (I don't like the fact that they have a male card dealer; the show has been historically mainly a  two-female dealer system). CNBC GET YOURS!

5.22 "Million Dollar Ironman" Official Play-By-Play

Because a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final was so important, I'm posting this days late after the first run air. This is part 1 of back-to-back episodes which aired this past Wednesday. So here we go.

Remember, this episode is head-to-head against the return of Card Sharks, and yes, Card Sharks version 4.0 (though that show is on ABC). Veteran Deal showrunner Scott St. John is the senior executive producer of Card Sharks on ABC, hosted by Joel McHale. DEAL fans will also recognize Jack Martin's name as one of the executive producers, as he came on board for both the NBC and syndicated version in 2008-09 season. Martin was executive in charge of production for both versions in 2008-09.

The models tonight are in blue, short sleeve dresses.

Meet Jorge Montero. He is a police officer serving the Miami-Dade County area, thus the uniform he is wearing on stage. He is also an Ironman triathlete, and a father of two.

For his said case, he selects #17. Ashley brings such case.

6 to open:
23: $1...what a start!
22: $25,000
1: (thanks Jorge en Espanol) $75,000
6: $1,000
21: $400,000.
26: $10

Bouncy, bouncy start. Jorge has positive vibes. The Bankress is not. She calls for her first offer, before that, the Bankress' assistant brings out a doughnut with a target and what is believed to be a pretzel sticking out from the left armpit area of the doughnut. Yummy! Speaking of doughnuts, they're distributed to first responders and other people in the crowd, courtesy of Voodoo Donut. Jorge's first offer is $23,000. To no surprise, NO DEAL.

5 to open:
3: $50,000
11: $100,000
2: $5,000
(2 to open, after media time out. Lucky Case Game promo as it's back for the remaining episodes. There's a 'Chicken Cam' at Jorge's house where his three chickens reside. Seriously. Let's get back to action!)
4: $200
7: PENNY!

Good round. Bankress calls. Offer nearly doubled to $44,000. Counter-offer, nah. Before that, we go to his supporters corner, and there is his wife, his best friend of a quarter of a century, and his co-worker and close friend who is also a police officer. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
12: $300,000 (I think Sarati got married recently, saw on her Instagram)
14: $200,000
16: $10,000
15: $500,000

This round, what can I say? $750,000 and the million still up there. Bankress calls, and Jorge is up for a test, which will be revealed after a break. The offer is down to $30,000. Counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
(A physical challenge courtesy of Planet Fitness, the "No Judgement Zone" people, using their bike, that if Jorge can pedal 100 RPM's while selecting a case, everyone gets a free membership to those slimeballs. The free pizza will help too. Jorge gets on the bike and gives it a try.)
10: $25
13: $750
20: $50

WHAT A ROUND! Jorge continues to pedal as the Bankress calls. The offer should be higher. On the board is still $750,000 and a million. Eight cases in play including #17. The offer is now $71,000 as Howie now says "Deal...or no deal?" With that in mind, Jorge averaged 100 RPM's on the bike, thus everyone gets a free trial membership with Planet Fitness. After the break, Jorge gives his decision. 5, 8, 9, 18, 19, 24 and 25 all left up there. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
18: $500
25: (after the media time out, and more 'support' from his daughter): $400

More left side goodness. #17 is still in play, so is 5, 8, 9, 19, 24. $750,000 is still up there, so is the million. Bankress calls again. The brand new offer is high, and it is: $148,000, over twice the previous offer. NO DEAL Jorge says. Not even a counter opportunity.

1 to open:
5: $5!

The offer should go over $200,000 here, will it? The answer was after the media time out. I'm sensing the million is in Jorge's case. Bankress calls. The million and $750,000 still in play. 8, 9, 19, and 24 are all up there. The offer nearly doubles to $277,000. Counter offer here? He will, and for an amount of $320,000. Bankress calls back. What is her verdict? NO DEAL.

1 to open:
9: I knew it...THE MILLION! Maybe #17 has $750,000. If I was Jorge, I'd get out now.

Bankress calls, and the new offer is $119,000. Now it's the time to cash out. Jorge does. But where was the $750,000? Was it in #24? Nope. It was $300. The offer would have gone up to $184,000. Was it in #8? Nope. $75. The offer would have been $403,000, thus making him one of the biggest winners ever (more than Anteia Greer's $402,000 from season 2). Was it in #17? It was, while #19 has the hundred dollars.

He almost made it, if he did, I wish the episode would have expanded to 90 minutes. When will we see another 90 minute Deal episode? Hopefully soon, but in the meantime, another Deal US Power Hour to follow the very same night on CNBC Prime. Stay tuned for the recap.

5.31 "Looking for Luck in All the Right Cases" Official Play-by-Play (Aired on NBC 6/9/19)

Another special airing of DEAL or NO DEAL US on NBC tonight, in which it aired before (Eastern or Central time zone) or after (west of the Rockies) game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final where it was a Bruins beatdown.

This most likely will re-run as 'new' in the CNBC Prime time slot this summer, but a very interesting episode. In the description a contestant describes himself as "the unluckiest person to ever play the game," is trying to prove himself wrong. With Press Your Luck returning to TV this week, the Bankress (female banker) happens to be the Whammy. The little red monster that stops you in your tracks while pursuing the big bucks.

The models are in green strapless dresses for this episode. And we're back for the long run! Summer is here!

Meet Andrew Shelton, an Alabama native, who lives in southern California. He is a nurse, who went through a turbulent year. Hence being 'the most unluckiest person you'll ever meet.' The most interesting man in the world in my honest opinion.

For his case, he wants 32, but there's no #32 in the game, but he reverses it to #23. Anne Julia brings such case.

6 to open:
10: $75,000
2: $75
8: $500
5: $25,000
19: $25
1: $300

What a start! Left side madness! Let's see what the bankress will do here? She calls for first offer, which is $32,000, the maximum on the money round on Card Sharks, which is coming back this week (Wednesday on ABC). You see what I'm doing here. Will Andrew counter offer here? I don't think so. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the break):
11: $300,000
(A cloud pops up, thanks to the bankress)
18: (Elissa with a testimonial)...$50
13: PENNY!
15: $10,000
24: $10

Another good round. Bankress calls, the offer increases to $54,000. Counter offer, yeah right. Before that, we go to Andrew's supporter corner, with his mother, his older brother, and a friend from college. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
21: $1!
(After the media time out, three more to open as Andrew is here to beat the system!)
6: $200,000
(Cloud drops down again, okay Bankress we see you!)
17: $100,000
4: $750

Reasonable round. Bold strategy Bankress, let's see if it pays off. The offer is $91,000. Counter? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
25: $5,000
3: (Katie L.'s testimonial) $1,000
26: $200

WHAT A ROUND!!! After the media time out, Bankress calls. Remember, eight cases in play, including the four biggest amounts! Andrew's #23, plus 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22 are still alive. The new offer should be higher and in six figures. Indeed it is: $144,000. Counter? No way. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
9: Andrew wanted $5...that was 100,000 times more.
12: "It's not the million." $750,000

Offer should be down. We'll find out after the break. It is down after the Bankress calls to $110,000. Andrew's #23 is still up there along with 7, 14, 16, 20, 22. The million is still up there. What is Andrew's decision? NO DEAL.

1 to open:
14: $100!

LET'S GO! Bankress calls. Five cases remaining: Andrew's #23 plus 7, 16, 20 and 22. A huge offer here: $189,000. Counter here? Yeah right! NO DEAL.

After the media time out, it's 1 to open.
22: $50,000

Four cases left, is there enough time in the episode to finish? Or will Andrew call it quits early? Bankress calls. Four cases remaining: Andrew's #23, plus 7, 16 and 20. Andrew's highest offer of the game is here: $275,000. Counter here? Andrew's decision? He will counter for $310,000. Bankress calls back, and her decision is simple. Howie explains to Andrew, then follows with the Bankress' verdict: DEAL! $310,000!

But where was the million? Was it in #16? Nope. $400,000. The new offer would have been $350,000. Was it in #7? It was. In #23 was $5, while in #20 was $400.

The unluckiest man in the world was so lucky here. The second highest total so far this season, and the fourth (I think) highest non-million dollar win ever on DEAL US. There is some history right there. Reminder, the next two new episodes air back to back on CNBC Prime this Wednesday 8pm and 9pm Central. I'll record both of them and will be back for the blow-by-blow coverage you expect here.

Not So Fast!

Here's a heads up! NEW episode of Deal US on Sunday night at 6pm on NBC! Just before the game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final!

So don't forget to tape it while you watch the NHL Live pregame on NBCSN.

Next Wednesday...**UPDATE**

IT'S BACK.

BUT...there will be some competition thanks to the return of Press Your Luck and Card Sharks, both rival game shows from Fremantle, part of ABC's 'Summer Fun and Games,' hosted respectively by Elizabeth Banks and Joel McHale respectively.

If I were you, record all three shows the next ten weeks, because like in all things competition, expect the unexpected. Surprise cases, Whammies, crazy answers, you get it. That is, unless there's a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final that night. The way things are going in that series, hockey takes top priority, but I'll watch all three later in the week.

DEAL US will be back at 8pm Central next Wednesday on CNBC Prime.

UPDATE: There will be a game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night. If the game is high priority, then tape both DEAL US episodes as well as the Press Your Luck  and Card Sharks revival premieres. Then enjoy later.

DEAL or NO DEAL USA: The Winnings Leaderboard After 21 Episodes

With more episodes to come, here are the winnings board after 21 of the slated 30 episodes:

1. Courtney Schlap $500,000 (4th all time in winnings)
2. Joe Veriotto $285,000
3. Jade Thomas/Cheryl Miles $236,174
4. Max Reynolds $211,000
5. John West $200,000
6. Robert Evans $185,000
7. La'Sherrie Hogan $165,000
7. Missy Silverman $165,000 (plus Princess Cruises vacation)
9. Casey Heath $133,000
10. Ally Teixeira $123,000
11. Justin Uhart $120,000
12. David Leeman $110,000
13. Shireen Mui $105,000
14. Bryce Gage $69,000
15. Artis Jackson $63,000
16. Sony Avalos $34,000
16. Carri Nemak $34,000
18. George Stathoulis $25,000
19. Kyera Chandler $700
20. Kristen Iniguez $500
21. Tony Oriente $70
22. Luis Green $5

5.21 "Million Dollar Musical" Official Play by Play

In the United States, DEAL or NO DEAL has a history with music. Not just recently with the Blue Man Group, but in general alone. As if this episode has almost a similarity to a past primetime episode. Pay attention folks as we roll along. Plus in addition, in this episode is also the return of something that hasn't been done since (I think) season three. More on that in a moment. This is also the last 'new' episode for a while. More on that later as well.

In this episode, the models are in maroon, spaghetti strap dresses, the way it should be, just like the good ole days.

Meet La'Sherrie Hogan, who brought what appears to be a briefcase cake with the number 7 on top. She is from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, who has been a veteran baker and owns a bakery in the Metroplex. What does that cake taste like? We'll it would be even more tastier if she won the million, because La'Sherrie wants to expand her bakery business.

For her such case, based on the cake and the number on it, it's number #7. Jordana brings such case, but didn't touch the cake!

6 to open:
4: $100,000
10: $750 (last time the MILLION)
14: $1
12: THE MILLION.
20: $50,000
5: $5,000

Rough round, too much to belt out singing. Bankress sings the blues, calls for her first offer. $9,000. Counter? Nope. NO DEAL. Before Howie answered the question!

5 to open:
6: $300,000
17: $75,000 "The struggle is real."
24: $25
(After the media time out. During the break, a promo for the "Lucky Case Sweepstakes" came on. $5,000 is the amount offered, that is lower than the past, when it was about $10,000 (maybe it was $20,000). This is a throwback to the 'Lucky Case Game' from the first three seasons of the show, where you had to text 50505 to your cell phone with one of the SIX cases (not five). This game has been revived for the first time since the 2007-08 season. We now resume play.)
22: $750,000 That will damage the vocal cords.
11: $400

The Bankress calls. Another rough round. La'Sherrie's new offer is $16,000, that's higher than previous offer. In La'Sherrie's corner, is her husband, and her best friend. NO DEAL she said. Some women come out as backup singers for some reason, and they all sing. This is a throwback to a couple past episodes.

4 to open:
1: "I want to see you sing all the way home..." $1,000
3: PENNY.
(after the media time out, yet another Lucky Case Sweepstakes promo. TWEET during the show and win $5,000. Bring back the $10,000 prize!)
2: $200
18: $500

Good round. Bankress calls again. Offer over twice as high: $38,000. Will Howie finally ask the question before La'Sherrie shuts the door to continue? He finally does! La'Sherrie sings, "NO DEAL. I got to keep it real."

3 to open:
8: $300
15: $25,000
25: (after the media time out) $5

This round is so so so. Bankress calls. La'Sherrie's new offer is $71,000. And she's climbing the mountain! Eight cases in play: La'Sherrie's #7, plus 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, and 26. $500,000 is still the top offer. She hasn't thrown the white flag just yet. Counter time? Not yet. However more 'muscle' is on the way to the supporter's corner, because that is her son, a member of the Marines. Seriously. On the other hand, La'Sherrie says NO DEAL.

2 to open:
16: $50
9: $100 "Number 9 is so fine."

After the break, the Bankress calls. Six cases remaining in play: La'Sherrie's #7, plus 13, 19, 21, 23 and 26. $500,000 still in play. The new offer should be higher, and it is: $103,000. Counter here? Nope. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
21: $75!

Expect the offer to go up as the Bankress calls. It is up, to $165,000! Counter time? After the media time out, La'Sherrie's decision to America. As we resume play, her decision is simple. DEAL! $165,000.

Where was the $500,000? With 7, 13, 19, 23 and 26 remaining, let's eliminate one by one. #19 had $200,000, thus bringing the offer to $221,000. Next up is #26, $10,000. The offer would have risen to $348,000. The next case would have been #13, which had $400,000. The offer would go down to $302,000. It's down to two cases. In #7 was $500,000. #23 had $10. Better safe than sorry, but I would have continued. The $500,000 in La'Sherrie's case would have tied Courtney Schlap(?) for second most ever won by a non-millionaire on the US version. Remember, Michele Falco had $750,000 in season 2.

What a way to end the winter portion of DEAL or NO DEAL USA. There won't be any new episodes until around June or July, somewhere around the summer time. So stay tuned. 30 episodes slated, 21 ran with 9 more to go this season. Will we see a third millionaire? Find out this summer. CNBC. GET YOURS.

5.20 "Bingo to a Million" Official Play-By-Play

In American football, quarterbacks call plays, usually in a way to draw the opposing player off sides. In the game of bingo, bingo callers call such numbers as "B10! O66!" until someone gets a horizontal or vertical match on his or her bingo card. That is how bingo works. Bingo! 

Before we meet Tony Oriente, we must first meet the models in the episode, all wearing multi-color sleeveless dresses. Let's go! 

And now, Tony Oriente. He brings out his rotisserie mechanism used to pick out the bingo numbers, and he will use it to pick the cases! He is a native of the suburbs of Philadelphia, and a father of three, who is pursuing a degree, assuming it is a master's, in education so Tony can pursue his career as an elementary school teacher. 

For his said case, he didn't reach into his rotisserie mechanism and pull out a number. He spoke freely about his case number, which is #24 and a certain reason. Kizzi Barazetti brings such case. It was in season 4 the last time #24 was brought down (by Kelly Brannigan), and it was (I think) the "DEAL or NO DEAL 2009" episode, which aired New Year's Eve 2008 on NBC. 

6 to open:

5: $75,000

17: $10

9: $200,000

3: $1,000

1: $200

15: $750

What a round. Pick what's right and that's what Tony did. Bankress calls for the first time in the episode. Should be a good offer, which is $30,000. Highest first offer this season. Will Tony counter here? NO WAY. NO DEAL. 

5 to open (after the media time out): 

4: $50

7: $100,000

13: $25

18: $5,000

16: $500

Another awesome round. Bankress calls, expect it to be higher. And it is: $52,000. In Tony's corner, is his husband, and both dress alike, and two of his best friends. Will he counter? Nope. NO DEAL. 

4 to open: 

19: (after the media time out) "You are such a light. This is wonderful." $400,000

6: $25,000

25: $300

8: $400

Another action packed round. The big three are still up there. Bankress calls. Expect it to be higher. $88,000. The number of keys to a piano times 1,000. Counter? NOPE. NO DEAL. 

3 to open: 

10: "Can I please come hang out with you in your Golden Girl house?" THE MILLION. 2nd time this season. 

22: $300,000

12: $5

Man that round is rough. After the media time out, a new offer from the Bankress. But before we continue, the remaining models are missing, but why? Bankress calls. The offer went down to $69,000. The $750,000 and $500,000 are still in play. NO DEAL. 

2 to open: 

(The remaining models re-enter dressed like Tony. #24 is still in play. So is 2, 11, 14, 20, 21, 23, 26.)

23: "I wish you all the best Tony." $10,000

20: (Amanza's testimonial) $75

After the break, a new offer. Bankress calls. New offer is his highest: $136,000. Six cases in play: Tony's #24, plus 2, 11, 14, 21, 26. Will Tony counter here? Nope. NO DEAL. 

1 to open: 

2: (Taylor's testimonial on Tony) $750,000

Tony hasn't hit rock bottom yet. $500,000 in play. #24 is still in play, as well as 11, 14, 21, and 26. Five cases in play. After the media time out, a new offer, expect it to go down. Will Tony counter his offer of $71,000? He will, for $100,000. Bankress calls back, and her verdict: NO DEAL. 

We play on. 1 to open:

21: $500,000. And BOOM. 

The counter is long gone. The million is gone. The offer is down to $10,000. Four cases in play: Tony's #24, plus 11, 14 and 26. NO DEAL.

1 to open:

11: $50,000 BOOM. 

Bankress calls. $40 offer. NO DEAL.

1 to open: 

26: $1

Final offer from the Bankress: $70. DEAL. 

In #24 was the PENNY, while #14 had the $100. 

Tony's $70 is the second lowest this season and one of the lowest in U.S. franchise history. At least it wasn't worse, where if he kept his case he would have tied for lowest in U.S. franchise history with that penny. Smart move. 

The winter-early spring finale aired the following Wednesday on CNBC Prime. It also had a return of something that hasn't been instituted on DEAL US since the third primetime season (2007-08). What is that? You have to find out when I review the episode. 

5.19 "Mile High Millionaire" Official Play-By-Play

Sorry I'm late, but I'm behind the ball for the past few weeks. Anyway, I'm back to recap the three most recent episodes of DEAL or NO DEAL USA on CNBC, beginning with this one.

In this episode, the models are in blue, short sleeved dresses.

Meet Max Reynolds, a flight attendant, who happens to be a freestyler and a father of three. For his said case, he selects #23. Anne Julia Hagen brings down the case. First selection for case #23 since, I believe, season two (I think). A long time. Let's go.

6 to open:
3: "I have to give you a low number to keep you going." $100,000.
11: $200,000
14: $75,000
8: $200
12: $400
4: $300,000

Some big money in the first round gone. Bankress calls, and one of her henchwomen brings out the first offer, which is some bag of peanuts from an unknown airline. Max throws the peanuts towards the Bankress chamber. Howie then asks: "Does anyone have a peanut allergy?" Max responds and mentions that one of his children is allergic to peanuts and peanut products (such as peanut butter). Max's first offer is only $8,000. Will he counter-offer? I don't think so. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
17: $750,000!
21: $5,000
25: $75
18: $50,000
19: $50

The $750,000 happened to be a road block. Max decimated the right side. Bankress calls. Max's new offer is $33,000, slightly higher than the previous offer. In Max's corner, is a friend of 30 years, his wife, and another friend, who did a freestyle rap in front of Howie. Max will stay in the game: NO DEAL.

4 to open:
16: $300
7: "I can't be boss." (Jordana started a little beatboxing) $1
2: (after the media time out) $25
5: $25,000

What a round! Expect the offer to be more, we'll see. Bankress calls. A challenge is coming for Max. A microphone is handed by Howie to Max and with that in mind, here comes the...BLUE MAN GROUP! That's right, the real deal. Max freestyles with the Blue Man Group, while Howie has a cowbell. That's right. More cowbell. Epicness in an instant. $47,000 offer. Even Blue Man Group approves. However, Max counter-offers for $100,000. Bankress calls back and her verdict--after the break--NO DEAL. 

3 to open:
6: $10,000
9: $1,000
20: $10

Another hard pounding round. Bankress calls. Eight cases in play: 1, 10, 13, 15, 22, 24, 26 and #23 that could have the million. The new offer is $99,000. Max's response: NO DEAL.

2 to open (after the break):
(Before that, an oxygen mask--also from an unknown airline--is levered down but is lifted back up. Now we resume)
10: $500
13: $500,000 (500,000 pennies!)

Bankress calls. Six cases in play: 1, 15, 22, 24, 26 and #23. One of those have the million. The new offer is $125,000. The crowd in the arena is chanting "Risk it for a biscuit." NO DEAL.

1 to open:
(Before this, Envision Experience is sending one of his sons to China as part of a engineering delegation, which includes seeing the Great Wall. Round trip airfare including. His daughter is going to Virginia for a 13 day experience at the Gaming and Technology Academy powered by George Mason University, all courtesy of Envision Experience. More on that later. He chooses the case after the media time out.)
15: "I respect what your doing for your kids." $750. More left side goodness.

If I was him, I wouldn't quit. The million is still in play. Bankress calls. Five cases in play: 1, 22, 24, 26 and #23 that Max has in his arsenal. A big big offer of $211,000! A tasty biscuit. Max will take the DEAL and get out of here.

But where was the million? Was it in #22? Nope. The penny. The offer would have upped to $299,000. Was it in #26? Nope. $100. The offer would have been $532,000, the seasonal leader, and possibly the fourth highest ever made on US soil. Was it in #24? Nope. $5. The offer would have been $767,000, the third highest made in the US version, topping Michelle Falco's $750,000 from season 2. It would have also been the highest non million dollar winner in US history of the franchise. So it was between $400,000 and $1,000,000. #23 had the $400,000. #1 (Soraya) had the million! He was right. And this is why he should have continued! I'm all for 90 minute episodes of DEAL US like in the past (see seasons 3 & 4).

At the end of the night, $211,000 is the fourth highest this season. Also for more on Envision Experience, visit EnvisionExperience.com. A new episode aired the following Wednesday on CNBC Prime.

5.18 "Million Dollar Lane" Official Play-By-Play (Continuation of Game and New Game)

This is a continuation of the last game. 

Kyera Chandler had 4 cases to open. The million is still in play. Kyera is back in her bowling outfit with her pink bowling ball. Let's go!

If you remember about the strikes and spare deal from the previous episode, then refer to the post about the previous episode. We should all remember that Kiera has mainly left side values on the board.

7: $1 X
5: $10 X
23: $50,000 GUTTER BALL
20: $10,000 GUTTER BALL

Bankress calls with a new offer, and it is higher than previous: $52,000. In Kyera's supporter corner are her husband, her brother, and her mother. DEAL? OR NO DEAL? Kyera says NO DEAL.

3 to open:
15: $750,000 GUTTER BALL
8: (Neka was on the bowling team in high school) $25 X
19: "You had me at brownies, tacos, Oprah" THE MILLION. GUTTER BALL.

Rough round. Offer now down to $200. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
4: $300 X
14: PENNY. X

Six cases in play. Offer now up to $300. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
12: "No matter what happens today, you have hundreds of customers heading to your food truck." "Everyone gets a gift." $200! X TURKEY!

Everyone in the audience gets a scooter. Seriously. A GOTRAX GXL scooter, with a top speed of 16 MPH.

Bankress calls, new offer is $400. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
24: $100

Bankress calls again. New offer should be higher. $550. Counter-offer for Kyera for $800. REJECTED by the Bankress. NO DEAL.

1 to open.
22: $500

Bankress calls, new offer is $700. Kyera says DEAL! The third lowest amount in this season. In Kyera's #16 was $750, while #25 had the $1,000 and #18 had $50.

Now to a new game.

The models now change back to traditional clothing. They are in silver for this game.

Meet Carri Nemak. She came to the stage hopping. She is an elementary school teacher, and she brought her fellow staffers. Her mother and husband also work at the school, and her three children are students. Weird connection here. If she won the million, the money would go into a college fund. She would also want to take her fellow teachers on a cruise! Let's go!

For her case, Carri picks #17, Ashley brings such case.

6 to open:
26: $75
3: $500
5: $300,000
16: $100
15: $400
25: $100,000

Bankress is ready, and calls for Carri's first offer, which is $30,000. Counter-offer. Nope. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
8: $1
22: $750
11: $200
13: $1000
7: $10

WHAT A ROUND! Bankress calls. Huge offer, before this, a pop quiz. Carri answered two out of the three, with the exception of the capital of Canada, in which she guessed Ontario. Very close, even though Ottawa is in Ontario! As a result, the Bankress puts on a dunce cap. The offer is $56,000. In Carri's supporters corner are her mother, who is the superintendent of the local school district, her husband, who is in the IT department in the school, and a friend who is a third grade teacher. After all that, Carri says NO DEAL, and we move on.

4 to open:
18: $750,000
12:  $50,000
10: $500,000
(1 to open, after the media time out):
2: THE MILLION.

Rough round, but Carri isn't about to throw the white flag just yet. Bankress calls, and as expected it is lower. $19,000. Counter? Nope. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
14: $300
6: $400,000.
21: $25

After the media time out, a new offer, and it should be higher. Seven cases in play, including Carri's #17. Bankress calls. It takes an even smaller hit: $15,000. Will she counter? NOPE. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
1: (Soraya's dad is also in the educational system) $75,000
20: $5

Reasonable round. Carri is still bouncing, not like when she entered the arena. Bankress calls. The new offer is $23,000. Six cases in play. Counter? Of course. For $60,000. Bankress calls again, and the Bankress' verdict: NO DEAL.

1 to open:
9: $25,000

Okay then, here's the Bankress. Her call for an offer is here, and it is worth $34,000. Now it's the time to leave. Or will she stay? Carri's verdict: DEAL!

Where was the $200,000? Was is in #23? Nope. The penny. The offer would have been $53,000. Was it in #4? It was. In #17, it was $50, while #19 had $10,000 and #24 had $5,000

Two fast paced rounds, too fast for my taste. An all new action-packed episode of DEAL or NO DEAL USA Wednesday night 8pm Central CNBC! GET YOURS! (That is if you're not watching the tournament action)

5.17 "Cheering For a Lucky Strike" Official Play-by-Play

I've been informed that there are five episodes left in season 5 of DEAL or NO DEAL United States this season, after this episode, there will be four left? I thought there would be 30 episodes instead of 21, but oh well, let's move on with the program.

It has been a while since I've gone to a bowling alley. A place where strikes and spares are made, a place to have fun, and oh yeah, take some time and play some 8 ball action on the pool table. But for one woman, it is about having to avoid gutters throughout the game.

The models are in blue, sleeved dresses tonight. Something a lot different. I miss the cleavage of the good ole days of the show.

Meet Kristen 'Tex' Iniguez. A cheerleader and cheerleading choreographer originally from Texas--hence the name--who is a mother of two and a paralegal. She wants to be an attorney and wants to use her winnings to enter law school.

For her case, she picks #26. It is Michelle de Leon's second time being chosen. Let's go!

6 to open:
22: $1!
9: $750
16: $10,000
6: $300,000
1: $50,000
15 (who is also from Texas): $25,000

Here comes the first offer from the Bankress. A good one: $24,000. Will she counter-offer this early? NO WAY. NO DEAL!

5 to open (after the media time-out):
10: THE MILLION. (Last time #10 had the million...was it the Million Dollar Mission season 4?)
4: $100
23: $500,000
20: $50
(The models who were selected joins the audience, with a cheer of their own.)
17: $100,000

Rough second round. Bankress calls. The offer should be down--and it is--to $13,000. $750,000 still in play. In Tex's supporter's corner are her husband, her best friend and her best friend's husband. Will Tex counter-offer this early? NO WAY. NO DEAL.

Vaeda leading the cheers by the models in the audience.

4 to open:
7: $1,000
11: $300
19: $75,000
24: $5,000

Reasonable round. Bankress calls. After the media time out, Tex is about to get her highest offer of the game so far. $40,000 it is. Will she counter-offer. NO WAY. NO DEAL!

3 to open:
8: $200,000
2: $400
12: $400,000

Tough round. Bankress calls. Offer went down to $29,000. Tex's #26, plus 3, 5, 13, 14, 18, 21 and 25 all remaining on the board. The $750,000 is the only thing on the right side, because the majority of her values remain on the left side. She must have liked the right side drive thru at Checker's/Rally's, which is inferior to the left side drive thru when you go there. Tex's verdict: NO DEAL.

2 to open:
18: $200
5: PENNY!

Should be a good offer. Bankress calls. Remember, Tex's #26, plus 3, 13, 14, 21 and 25 remaining in play. Her offer is now up to $66,000. Will she counter-offer? NOPE. NO DEAL!

1 to open:
21: $5!

Should be an excellent offer. Bankress calls, and now ups the ante. Tex's #26, plus 3, 13, 14 and 25 are all remaining. The offer is now $109,000! Will Tex counter here? NOPE. NO DEAL!

1 to open (after the media time out):
14: $750,000. Oh boy.

Offer is now lower. $150. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
25: $75

Offer is now $200. NO DEAL

1 to open:
3: $25

Final offer of the night: $350. NO DEAL. She wants to see what's in #26, and it is $500, while #13 had $10. The second lowest total to date on season 5.

We have a new game. Meet Kiera Chandler. Now this is the bowler we've been talking about. Kiera is a human resources specialist, and a mother of two. She brought her lucky bowling ball as her superstitious object for her game. Her mission is to start a food truck business that serves tacos and brownies. Seriously.

The models re-enter with pink bowling shirts, black pants and pink bowling shoes.

For Kyera's case, she picks #16.

6 to open:
(Before that, Howie explains about the left side as 'strikes' like bowling strikes. If she hits three on the left side in a row, everyone in the audience receives a prize!)
3: $5 X
17: $400 X
26: $75,000 Gutter
6: $5,000 Gutter
11: $25,000 Gutter
21: $400,000 Gutter

More gutter than strikes. Bankress calls with the first offer of the night: $21,000. Will Kyera counter offer this early? Nope. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
9: "No gutter ball...Butterball." $200,000 Gutter
10: $100,000 this time, the million last time. Gutter
2: $75 X
13: $300,000 Gutter
1: "Get you closer to truck and turkey." $500,000 Gutter

Rough round. A Shark Tank reference here. The offer went up to $29,000. Just slightly. Counter-offer this early? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

4 to open the next time, with the million in play for Kyera. See you next Wednesday night! 8pm Central, CNBC, GET YOURS!

5.16 "Cowboy Up" Official Play-By-Play (Real Life Hero!)

In 2017, a mass shooting at the country music festival called the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, injured many, and killed many. Justin Uhart, a small town Nevadan, was one of the heroic stories of the massacre, as the bartender saved the life of a Manitoba woman who was shot. One of many stories to come out of the 2017 mass shooting. Read his story here.

Uhart wasn't the only real-life subject of heroism to get a shot at a million dollars on DEAL or NO DEAL United States; the subway rescuer Wesley Autrey came so close to a million dollars late in season 2, but ended up with a dollar and a key to a new Jeep.

The models are in patterned, short sleeved dresses. Go back to the old spaghetti straps the models used to wear!

Uhart has Canadian socks on, from the woman Justin saved, as 'lucky charms' for tonight. Wonder what is in store for him this time, like the Wesley Autrey episode.

For his case, Justin picks #19, and Natasha brings such case. He based his decision on a fortune cookie from a Chinese restaurant!

6 to open:
16: $25
7: $750,000
17: $100
23: $5
11: $10
9: $75

What a round! Bankress calls. What will be the first offer of the night? $15,000. Reasonable. Will Justin counter-offer this early? Not so fast! NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
4: $25,000
18: (Elissa is also Canadian*) $100,000
22: $1,000
13: $200
20: $200,000
*-Elissa is the fourth Canadian woman to model on the US version of the series (Leyla Milani, Heather LaCombe, AnnaMaria De Mara)

Bankress calls again. The new offer this time is $33,000, way over twice the previous offer. Justin wants a home, and in his supporters corner are a close friend who happens to be a Marine, a best friend, and his sister. Will he counter offer this early? Nope. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
15: $400
8: $750
12: $5,000
1: "That's the goal." $50

What a round. After the media time out, the Bankress calls. Remember, the million is still up there. The offer is now up to...$76,000. More than twice the previous offer! Too early to counter-offer here. NO DEAL.

3 to open:
(Before that, Emmitt Smith comes out with a football, and hugs Justin. Emmitt later gives Justin a signed football. Emmitt also gives out a verbal invitation to his golf event and gala.)
10: "I feel it. Let's keep it going." $500,000
3: "Keep it low." $10,000
5: (After the media time out) $400,000

The million is still there. Eight cases in play: Justin's #19, plus 2, 6, 14, 21, 24, 25, and 26. Bankress calls. Offer went slightly down to $60,000. With Emmitt Smith in the supporter's corner, Justin will carry on. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
(Before that, Justin meets the woman he saved at the Route 91 festival in 2017. Link to story above. Vaeda is also there to help her to a seat.)
24: "..we can change your life." THE MILLION.
2: $75,000

Rough round. Bankress calls. Justin's #19 is still in play, along with 6, 14, 21, 25 and 26. The offer is down to $39,000. Counter-offer? Nope. NO DEAL.

After the media time out...1 to open. I got to sense that a huge surprise is waiting for Justin at the end. We'll see.
21: PENNY!

Expect the offer to go up. Bankress calls. Howie says "Relish the moment." The new offer is $49,000. Justin's #19 is still in play, along with 6, 14, 25 and 26. NO DEAL.

1 to open:
14: $500!

Expect the offer to go up. Justin's #19, plus 6, 25 and 26 are remaining. Bankress calls yet again. It is the highest offer in this game for Justin. The offer is now $82,000. Will Justin counter offer? He will! For $105,000. Bankress calls again. What is her verdict? NO DEAL.

1 to open:
26: "I am so nervous right now." $300!

Once again, expect the offer to go up. Justin's #19, plus 6 and 25 remaining. Bankress calls yet again. $120,000 is now his offer! Way above the Stan Stava line! Will he finally cash out? Of course he will! DEAL!

Where was the $300,000? Was it in #19? $300,000. #6 had $50,000, while #25 had the dollar.

At the end of it all, Justin is a hero after all. Unfortunately, this episode disappointed me considering that unlike the Wesley Autrey episode from season 2, Justin never got a new car. But he met the woman whom he saved at the Route 91 Festival. That was the biggie of the night.

An all new episode next Wednesday. Same time, same place. CNBC. GET YOURS. 

Season 5: The Winnings Tally Board (After 15 Episodes)

There are 30 planned episodes this season of DEAL or NO DEAL United States on CNBC Prime. We are at the halfway point of the fifth primetime season. As of now, here are the rankings of the 15 moneymakers:

1. Courtney Schlop $500,000
2. Joe Veriotto $285,000
3. Jade Thomas/Cheryl Miles $236,174
4. John West $200,000
5. Robert Evans $185,000
6. Missy Silverman $165,000 + Princess Cruise
7. Casey Heath $133,000
8. Ally Teixeira $123,000
9. David Leeman $110,000
10. Shireen Mui $105,000
11. Bryce Gage $69,000
12. Artis Jackson $63,000
13. Sony Avalos $34,000
14. George Stathoulis $25,075
15. Luis Green $5

Fifteen more episodes this season. Catch them if you can!

5.15 "Sony With a Chance of Millions" Official Play-By-Play (Former DEAL US Contestant Alert!)

Last Wednesday, we thought we had a millionaire for the third time on US soil. Let's see if this episode, as the promos deliver the hype, will deliver. I believe this is the episode where something incredible happened during the taping. Is this the night?

The models are in sleevless, red dresses.

Meet Sony Avalos. Sony is her name, and this game has turned into her PlayStation. Get it? A mother of three, Sony is also married to a Marine, and works within the Marines. She, like myself, is a big fan of DEAL or NO DEAL. She also played the online game a lot, and she recollected an old episode from the third season, where a contestant was offered $5 to wear a dress similar to the briefcase models. I remember that. They played the video of that episode. Now I remember the Edward Tomassi episode! If Sony won a million, she wants to go back to college and start a non-profit for disadvantaged women.

For Sony's case, it's #26. Michelle de Leon brings such case. It has been a while since #26 has been chosen. Usually in the night time version, it belongs to Lindsay Clubine (Buchholz).

6 to open:
1: $300,000
5: $25,000
17: $100
21: PENNY!
11: $100,000 ($1x100,000)
10: $200,000

Bankress is about to call for the first offer, and does. Sony's first offer is $20,000. Will she counter-offer this early? Forget it. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
6: $400,000
24: $50,000
13: $5,000
18: THE MILLION. Not tonight.
3: $200.

That roadblock that is the million. Bankress calls. The offer is now down to $12,000. In Sony's supporter's corner are her first daughter, her husband, and her close friend of seven years. Sony's verdict: NO DEAL.

4 to open:
16: $5
(After the media time out, Howie had a $5 bill and directed Sony to the box where she must stick her hand into it. This isn't Let's Make a Deal, where Tiffany Coyne (or Jonathan Mangum) pick up the box to reveal the prize. Remember, let's be warned here. It could be something that stings. It's actually a toy dinosaur! Sony wins $5! Back to the action.)
20 (Hey Howie, Amanza was NOT in that episode, since it was a season 3 (see above), and Amanza started in season 4): $500
19: $750,000.
7: $25

Yet another roadblock with that $750,000. Bankress calls. The new offer is up to $17,000. Sony's verdict: NO DEAL.

3 to open:
(Another $5 offer from Howie, she is directed back to the box, where it is a head! It's none other than Ed Tommasi, season 3 contestant! Sony reaches in the box, and her hand is licked. Ed bites the hand, and he later reveals himself! He later joins the fray in the supporter's corner!)
15: $1
25: $50
12: "So nervous for you." $1000

A very good round. Bankress calls. Sony's #26 is in play, and so are cases 2, 4, 8, 9, 14, 22, and 23. Her biggest offer of the night is $31,000. Counter-offer? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

2 to open:
9: $400
22: "Feeling that pressure. My heart is racing." $750

What a round! Sony's #26 is in play, and so are cases 2, 4, 8, 14 and 23. Bankress calls; expect it to be higher. And it is higher. $59,000. Total with the box challenges would be $59,010. After the media time-out, Sony reaches her verdict: NO DEAL.

1 to open:
4: "You like to gamble, right? That's where magic happens." $10,000.

Let's see what the Bankress has in store. She calls, and Sony's new offer should be up. It is up. $94,000. Sony's #26, plus 2, 8, 14 and 23 still in play. Sony Avalos, DEAL...or NO DEAL? Counter-offer, maybe? NO DEAL.

1 to open:
8: $300

After the media time out, a new offer for Sony; expect it to be in six figures. And it is. $132,000. Sony's verdict to the Bankress, of course, NO DEAL. With 4 cases in play: Sony's #26, 2, 14, and 23.

1 to open:
2: $10!

It paid off! Three cases in play: Sony's #26, plus 14 and 23. Bankress calls. Sony's new offer is $197,000. A holy jumpin' moment. Sony will counter offer here, for $250,000. Bankress calls again. Howie answers. The Bankress' verdict: NO DEAL.

1 to open:
23: $500,000.

Is now the time to cash out? I would. $39,000 is the final offer from the Bankress, and Sony pushes the button and cashes out. In Sony's case is $75, while #14 had $75,000.

To summarize, Sony's winnings of $39,000 is the third lowest this season. And as a result, we are halfway to heaven. 15 big ones left this season of the proposed 30 airings. An all new episode next Wednesday. CNBC. GET YOURS!

5.14 "Head Over Heels" Official Play-By-Play

Jessica Robinson. Tomorrow Rodriguez. Missy Silverman? Could it happen tonight?

DISCLAIMER: The following episode's title has nothing to do with the band Tears for Fears.

Will the US version of DEAL or NO DEAL have a million dollar winner for the third time? This episode looks and feels so epic as promoted. So something has to go down in that episode. Unfortunately, this was not a live uncensored, unfiltered and uncut episode, but I wish it was.

The models are green, one shoulder spaghetti strap dresses for this episode.

Meet Missy Silverman. A teacher of pre-school fitness from the Philadelphia area. A mother of two who wants to take care of her parents and wants a vacation. Her husband and herself own a hand car wash.

But wait there's more! A special prize is hidden in one of these cases. If opened before the deal, the prize is hers!

For her case, she chooses #17. Ashley delivers such case. First time anyone not named Jenelle Moreno delivered the case in the nighttime version.

6 to open:
24: $500
12: $10
14: $750,000
6: $25,000
19: $200,000
3: $750

Rough first round. Bankress calls for the first offer of the night, which is $19,000. What will Missy do? Of course, NO DEAL!

5 to open:
23: $400
(4 to open after the media time out:)
22: $1
4: THE MILLION. Not tonight.
5: $25
10: PENNY! Then Missy delivers a cartwheel! Stuck the landing!

Bankress calls again. Spunky is thy word from the Bankress who despises the spunky. The offer drops to $10,000. In Missy's supporters corner is her best friend since middle school, another one of her friends, and another best friend. What does Missy do? Of course, NO DEAL.

4 to open:
16: $500,000. But the prize is still intact.
1: $300 And another Missy cartwheel!
9: $100,000
21: $50

Yet another rough round. That prize is still intact. After the media time out, a new offer from the Bankress. It is way up, over three times the previous offer: $32,000. Missy explained about her business being burnt down in a fire. $400,000 is the top offer. What does Missy say? Of course she says NO DEAL. The prize is still up there. Is it in #20?

3 to open:
26: $200 plus the Princess Cruises logo, which means that Missy is going on a cruise courtesy of Princess Cruises (would rather Viking River Cruises)!
2: $75
15: $100

What a round! Plus the cruise! Bankress calls, and a whistle that scared the living s**t out of Howie, it just exercised his demons! The Bankress' new offer is $53,000 and climbing! With the cruise, it should be about $60,000. Missy's verdict: NO DEAL. Eight cases in play; Missy's #17, plus 7, 8, 11, 13, 18, 20, and 25.

2 to open:
18: $5,000
20: "You have some energy...put it to work." $75,000. Good advice from A. Smith.

Reasonable round. Bankress calls, and here's the offer: $77,000. Heaps higher. Missy's #17 case, plus 7, 8, 11, 13 and 25 are still in play. Should she counter offer? Missy says NO DEAL!

1 to open:
11: $1,000!

Excellent round. After the media time out, an offer from the Bankress. It is heaps higher. The new offer is $117,000. Husband says no to a counter offer. Missy is reluctant to continue, with her #17 case, plus 7, 8, 13, and 25 in play and $400,000 top value. She says NO DEAL.

1 to open:
25: "I want my kids to go to your preschool..." $300,000.

Rough round. Bankress calls. Offer dropped as usual, to $84,000. Will Missy counter-offer? She will! And she will for $95,000. Bankress calls after the media time out. Remember $400,000 is the highest amount left on the board. Bankress offers a gift, which is NO DEAL. We continue on. 7, 8, 13 all on one island, plus Missy's #17.

1 to open:
7: $10,000! Not bad.

Not bad at all. Bankress calls again; remember Missy used the counter-offer already. 8, 13 and Missy's #17 are all left. Is the offer up? It is! $165,000 plus the cruise, would mean about $171,000 total. I'd get out of here if I'm Missy. She did. DEAL!

Where was the $400,000? Was it in #8? It was. In Missy's #17, was $50,000, while #13 had $5. A top ten win on DEAL US for sure this season (as of now). Go and sail the seas Missy, you deserve it!

An all new DEAL US next Wednesday, and judging by the promo, something big just went down. You have to watch. 9pm Eastern, 8pm Central. CNBC. GET YOURS!

5.13 "Father Knows Best" Official Play-By-Play

If you knew anyone who used to work in the automobile industry, you can relate to this episode. My dad was an assembly worker at the former General Motors plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, where Chevy S-10 trucks among others were built. The plant closed in the late 2000s (or around the early part of this decade).

The models in this episode are in leather, off the shoulder, sleeveless dresses.

Five men nominated this contestant to play. They are all brothers, all raised by a single mother. Meet John West, a Detroit native, and a retired assembly worker at a Ford plant, where Mustangs were built. A man who supported five of his sons through the right path in their lives. If he won the million, he wants to give $200,000 each to his five sons, as well as a Mustang convertible.

For his selection, John picks #5. Lani brings such case. #5 hasn't been brought down in the night time version since, I don't know when. I have to do some research some time to find out. Let's get right to the action.

6 to open:
2: $50
7: $100,000
26: $750
11: $500,000
4: PENNY!
1: (barks) "Please squat again for me." $400,000

Reasonable first offer despite the big values. Bankress calls for the first offer of the night. First offer is $11,000. We all know what John will do. NO DEAL.

5 to open (after the media time out):
6: $1,000 (better than last time)
3: $75,000
14: $300,000
9: THE MILLION. Oh s**t.
15: $10,000

Rough second round. Bankress calls. The new offer is $8,000, slightly lower. Counter-offer this early? Yeah right. NO DEAL.

4 to open:
12: $300
8: $400
25: $200
10: $500

What a round! Bankress calls. What is the offer this time? It's higher. $42,000. $750,000 still in play. 
John says NO DEAL.

3 to open (after the media time out):
20: $200,000
16: $1
17: $25

Reasonable round! Bankress calls again. His next offer is zero dollars! Plus a 2019 Ford Mustang worth $55,000! Will John counter-offer. No. NO DEAL.

The $750,000 is still in play. John's #5, plus 13, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 are all alive.

2 to open: 
19: $100
13: (a mini-biographical summary of Mahogany Lox; DUH!) $25,000

Yet another reasonable round. Bankress calls. His highest offer yet of $86,000. That's enough for a new Mustang! Will he counter offer here? Nope. NO DEAL.

The $750,000 is still up there. John's #5, plus 18, 21, 22, 23 and 24 are all alive.

1 to open, before that a video message from Lions QB Matthew Stafford. I was hoping it would be the Red Wings' Dylan Larkin, but that's okay. The Lions offer a package including a gym bag, game day tickets and more. Joe Hinrichs, President of Global Operations for Ford, arrives on stage to give John a plaque of service with FoMoCo, and Bill Ford, Henry's grand son, wants to celebrate John's retirement in style with a luncheon at Ford's world headquarters. The Lions gym bags are also brought out by the models, led by Soraya. Despite a disappointing season by the Lions, it was great to see the club bring something out for a native Detroiter. Maybe the Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons should have done the same thing as well to give John the complete Detroit experience. After the break, we resume play.

18: $5,000!

Let's see what the Bankress thinks about this. She calls. The offer is up to $122,000. His highest of the game. He pulls the trigger, and says NO DEAL. John's #5, plus 21, 22, 23, and 24 are still up there. One of those cases have $750,000

1 to open:
21: $5!

Four cases in play: John's #5, 22, 23 and 24. Bankress calls. The offer is expected to be higher. And it is. $176,000. After the media time out and plenty of time to decipher, will he counter offer? He will use his counter offer for $200,000. Bankress calls again, and her verdict: DEAL!

Where was the $750,000? Was it in #22? Nope. $50,000. The bank offer would have been $300,000. Was it in #24? Nope. $75. Offer would have been the leader at the moment with $524,000. Two cases left; in Joe's #5 case was...$10. Anne Julia's #23 had the $750,000!

What a game! John had the fourth highest this season! Unfortunately, if it had a real Detroit feel, I could have seen more offers for John, such as a year supply of Faygo, unlimited $5 Hot-N-Ready pizzas from Little Caesars and probably an appearance by Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, the Insane Clown Posse, who could have offered him a trip to the 2019 Gathering of the Juggalos! How sweet would that be? As a fan of Psychopathic Records, I can go with that. But a great episode in what some call the best season to date and we have not seen a millionaire yet!

An all new DEAL or NO DEAL US episode next Wednesday 8pm Central. CNBC. GET YOURS!