Deal or No Deal

Deal or No Deal's massive success is not something anyone could have predicted. Let's be honest here, the actual Deal or No Deal game is pretty darn stupid. There is no skill involved, unless you count “not being a moron� as a skill. It's the equivalent of watching someone play roulette or blackjack; sure it's intriguing, but it's not intellectually stimulating. So, why is it so popular? One answer is that we are a nation of idiots and simple, mind-numbing shows are the ones best suited for the masses. However, I think that explanation is needlessly cynical. One of things that certainly contributes to the success of Deal or No Deal are the Deal or No Deal models. Yes, the models. They are beautiful and abundant. The way they slowly open those briefcases with their signature deft touch is truly awe inspiring. Frankly, the Deal or No Deal models make the show. Without them, what would you have? A lot of unopened briefcases, for one. My interest in the Deal or No Deal models led me to the NBC website, where each model is profiled with a mini, yet comprehensive biography. This is what I learned: Alike: One of her goals in life is to publish a reference book. It doesn't say if she plans on writing it, though. Also, is a fan of pancakes. Anya: Was born in Russia, is trained in the Chinese Martial Art of Wushu, and wants to star in action films. Aubrie: Plays the harp and has qualified for Mensa. Brooke: A cheerleading mercenary who has cheered for the San Diego Chargers, the L.A. Avengers, the L.A. Lakers, and the Miami Heat. Claudia: Has an obsession with “gory stuff� and is an amateur rapper. Jenelle: Has a boyfriend. Booo. Jill: Finds skydiving boring, has lived in Taiwan, loves to twirl batons and “plays baseball better than most men�. Katie: Former America's Next Top Model contestant, loves animals. Kelly: Can sing opera and is a master chef. Keltie: Has a fireman boyfriend (typical) and can burp her ABCs. Laura: Grew up in England, had a pet horse, and has an IQ of 158. Has appeared on the cover of Mensa Magazine. Leyla: Has acted in a bunch of movies and TV shows and is an entrepeneur, having once started her very own line of jeans. Lindsay: Hunts, fishes and shoots archery. Marisa: A survivor of a rare childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Megan: Was, apparently, in my class at Loyola Marymount. You'd think I would remember her. Meghan: A Scrabble fanatic. Pilar: Former Playboy model who has written two dating books and is trying to develop a cooking show. Sara: Has played a number of the Seven Dwarves for the Disneyland parade. Stacey: Has passed the Bar and is now a practicing attorney. To be honest, I wasn't expecting this from the model's biographies. I was hoping there'd be some embarrassing unintentional comedy, but it's become clear that Deal or No Deal hires well-rounded girls to model for them. I'm impressed. Hell, they have two members of Mensa wearing cocktail dresses and opening briefcases for a living. Find another show that can say that. -Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer