Mental Samurai

One of the worst game shows ever. The robot arm serves no purpose. (And robot arms don't go "clunk" every time they start and stop.)

Almost as much time is spent on "background pieces" about each contestant as is spent on the game.

About half the questions are embarrassingly simple. Like, repeat four words in order -- really? And then they throw in a ridiculously hard question about obscure pop songs or TV shows.

Contestants are given a time limit to complete all of the questions. Meanwhile, the clock continues to run while time is wasted by the arm moving around. Then the contestant wastes time explaining their answer. Then they say "Lock it in" and have to pull a shifter handle; what's the point of the shifter handle if they have to say "Lock it in"? Then there seems to be a random amount of time wasted until it's finally announced whether the answer is correct. All this makes no sense. If you're going to have a time limit, don't run the clock down with silly theatrics.

And what the heck does this all have to do with Japanese warriors?

Hosted by Rob Lowe, "Mental Samurai" is another of those big studio games, and it features a huge robotic arm that transports contestants between questions. The object of the game is to answer all twelve questions in five minutes. If you do, you win $10,000 and a chance to play the Circle of Samurai. If you miss even one of the twelve, you fail.

The Circle of Samurai consists of four questions. Correct answers increase your winnings to $25,000, then $50,000, then $100,000. Those who go the distance also earn the title Mental Samurai. It may lack the cachet of Jeopardy Champion or American Ninja, but it's something most people will not accomplish, if the first episode is any indication.

The questions are distributed equally among four categories: Knowledge, Puzzles, Sequence, and Memory. Factual knowledge helps, but this is not a trivia quiz. What makes the task difficult is the ticking clock. The robotic arm, called AVA, is disorienting. You can train for American Ninja and Jeopardy, but you can't simulate the jerky, 3-D movements of AVA.

Rob Lowe is there for support and empathy. The game is difficult enough without an antagonist. And the questions are not tricky; they don't have to be.

The producers strive to cast contestants with interesting backgrounds and/or big personalities. This can add or subtract to the enjoyment of watching. The show is a curious diversion from other game show fare, but lacks the engagement necessary for long-term success.

Update 6-2-21: Season two has welcome improvements, like contestanta competing against each other.

I was very excited for Mental Samurai the first time I heard of it but as I saw it more and more, I got really confused and when I watched it, I felt confused even more. Mental Samurai is like an amusement ride that only smart people can ride but they have a chance to win $10,000. Now, the people who actually compete are very good and have very heart-warming stories and Rob Lowe is a great host but in general I would have liked to see more from Mental Samurai and hopefully they can change my opinion as more episodes premiere but I do enjoy the concept of it and I think that people can enjoy this show.

Our school requires us to do BrainBreak days every two weeks. I've tried dozens of shows to keep my students learning but entertained and NOTHING has worked until this. I teach all middle school grades from high ability to self-contained special needs and all of my students love this show!

I gave one episode a watch and I just didn't care for it. The questions are simple, the robot arm is ridiculous and the most infuriating issue is the fact the clock still runs as they are moved around the stage...why? Seconds are wasted moving the contestants from one question to the next. Rob Lowe is great, but it's sad his presence is wasted on such a silly show. My thirteen year old son enjoys it though.