Reality TV hitting an extreme is the crux of this novel from Chuck Barris – a name synonymous with THE GONG SHOW for those of us who grew up in the 1970s. Having read Barris’ controversial “autobiography” CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND several years ago and wondering if he was for real or just a great storyteller, I was intrigued behind the idea of THE BIG QUESTION.
Barris, who unleashed some of the most memorable game shows ever upon this world, has come up with an idea for another that will never make it to the small screen. In the year 2011, an unnamed TV producer is quietly walking down the street when he is accosted by a homeless-looking cripple who claims he has the greatest game show idea ever: THE DEATH GAME, where it all comes down to the last question, where you either win the big money or are executed.
The cripple is – you guessed it – Barris himself, having fallen on bad times. The Barris character is such a treat to read since he takes a pot shot at the movie version of CONFESSIONS, without quite saying how he really feels about it. Just as you think QUESTION is only going to follow this down-on-his-luck producer, Barris the author shows you otherwise, having weaved a quilt-like story where multiple threads are told with each intersecting one another, resembling a SHORT CUTS-like intricacy.
The reason for the introduction of these non-related characters? It goes back to THE DEATH GAME and what kind of people would be willing to go on such a show, be it a golden-boy priest who made one really bad mistake in his past, a petty thief who found religion in jail and became a monster, a troubled girl whose family gave up on her, and a hillbilly who seems to be blessed with luck … until he crosses the wrong people and needs money quick.
But these are only a few of the novel’s multiple storylines. Barris doesn’t merely introduce these characters when needed; he gives you their whole detailed backstory. While all this unfolds, the producer figures he’ll take THE DEATH SHOW idea as his own, reworking it into one titled THE BIG QUESTION.
Merry prankster Barris has written a very funny book filled with black humor. To go into further depth of some of the stories and how they interconnect only will ruin the fun, since Barris is still the master of giving people what they want; even if they don’t really want it, deep inside, they won’t turn away.
Is THE BIG QUESTION possible? That’s for time to tell. But the book itself is probably one of the best rides currently out there for those seeking an alternative to the predictable and safe. Because in Barris’ world, that will not fly. This is a total blast from one sick fuck. –Bruce Grossman
Related posts:
