ABC says 'Show Me the Money'

So, it's come to this — William Shatner is now a buffoonish game-show host.

Somehow it just doesn't seem all that surprising, does it?

The star of everything from "Star Trek" to "Boston Legal" is the host of ABC's new prime-time game show "Show Me the Money," which premieres tonight at 8:30 on Ch. 4.

Basically, it's just a big, dumb game show with scantily clad dancers. And it's all in fun.

But that doesn't make it any less stupid. Or make Shatner look any less like a buffoon. (The only thing that keeps him from looking like a complete idiot is the first contestant on tonight's premiere — a guy who takes enthusiasm waaaaaay too far.)

Which is not to say that all game-show hosts are buffoons. Just look at retiring "Price is Right" host Bob Barker, who is so good at his job that he makes it look easy.

All you have to do is watch Shatner hosting "Show Me the Money" for a few minutes, and it's quickly clear that this job isn't as easy as Barker makes it look.

"Money" features contestants who must answer a minimum of six trivia questions. After each answer, the contestant must choose one of 13 "stunning dancers" (ABC's words) onstage, each of whom holds a scroll with a dollar figure.

If the contestant answers the question correctly, that dollar figure is added to their total; if they're wrong, that amount is subtracted. But they can't quit after one question, take their money and go home; they've got to answer at least six questions.

Unless, of course, they have the bad luck to come upon the "kill card," which sends them home penniless.

"Adding to the variety aspect of the show," again according to ABC, "are 13 dazzling Million Dollar Dancers ready to break into any style of dance, while audacious master of ceremonies William Shatner spontaneously boogies with the beauties onstage."

Indeed, when the quiz part of the show gets too dull, you get something like this — Shatner shouting, "I think we should celebrate! Ladies, let's salsa!"

Really. I am not making this up.

So all those commercials ABC has been running to promote "Show Me the Money" don't misrepresent the show or its host. Shatner really is a clown.

Somehow, it just doesn't seem all that surprising, does it?

"Show Me the Money" debuts with a 90-minute "preview" edition tonight at 8:30 on ABC/Ch. 4. Hourlong episodes begin airing next week on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.