You cannot recreate a classic, by definition. One can however most certainly contemporize it. The modern day host of To Tell the Truth is Anthony Anderson and he brings a very modern feel to the show with his sense of humor and timing. Thomas worked closely with Anderson in crafting a loose script that allowed the host to expound during the show. It offered him a very welcome opportunity to learn the actor/host’s sensibilities and humor. He communicates what he enjoyed about it revealing, “Anthony is so magnetic as an actor and this also transferred to his work on our show. He’s very funny, that’s no secret, and outspoken. These are part of what makes him so great as a host. Working with him and studying him so that I could write in his voice was an incredible experience for a number of reasons. I think the kind of direct interaction and communication of this experience was something that we both appreciated…as did the audience.”
Thomas communicates that the aim of this show and his own goal was misdirection. The premise of the game is that a celebrity panel is presented with three contestants (known as challengers) and allowed to question them in hopes of discovering the challenger’s unusual occupation. One of the three contestants must answer all queries honestly but the two imposters are allowed to lie in an attempt to throw the panelists off course. Ed used common misconception and stereotypes to play with the celebrities’ minds’ in writing the central character’s statement or “affidavit.” Congruently, the casting choices were intentionally misleading towards the audience. If the show were to fall into a formula, viewers would quickly catch on and become indifferent or uninterested in the process. Ed’s work focused on omission even more so than out and out lies because, as the title states, it’s “To Tell the Truth.” The preconceptions that society makes about others based on appearance, manner of speaking, and vocation often cause us to make erroneous estimations in spite of our better judgement. Ed’s goal and greatest delight was to see the entire studio, including Anderson, shocked at the final reveal. One might consider it production prestidigitation.
Growing up in the UK, Thomas didn’t have knowledge of this iconic American show until he was contacted to be a part of it. In doing his own research he confirms that one finds it impossible not to be entranced by the show and its timeless concept. He confirms that upon his arrival there was a certain sense of “Who’s this British guy?” which presented the type of challenge he most enjoys, validation through proof. He quickly became known as an essential component in creating the tone and language of To Tell the Truth. You can boast of your accomplishments with words of you can simply prove them by the words you give others. Exemplifying his approach, Thomas states, “When I heard Anthony Anderson delivering lines that I had written and witnessing the audience genuinely laughing…it was truly an incredible buzz, especially when it leads to a round of applause! Some people are excited by being on stage and some of us are simply happy to see the effect from behind the scenes. I’m most comfortable there.”