And it didn’t even involve a call from the mysterious “banker.” Howie Mandel, who seemed to fade from the spotlight in recent years, has made his comeback. And then some. Don’t hate me, but I found his hyper comedy routine with the latex glove blown up on his head funny. Then again, I was 11 years old, so that kind of stuff is funny. So, he’s been doing Deal or No Deal since December 2005 and it’s been big business. Who would have thought that this former funnyman and sometimes dramatic actor (hey, he was good on St. Elsewhere) would rise from the ashes and recreate himself as a game show host? For anyone who watches Deal, you know how truly addictive this show can become. I try to steer clear of it because it immediately pulls me in and doesn’t let go. And I’m not alone. The show averages between 8 and 10 million viewers and airs Wednesdays and Fridays. And now, it’s been given the “deal” for syndication, with a special half-hour version that will air five days a week. Mandel, clearly no dummy, will also host the syndicated version (in addition to the regular primetime deal). No changes to the set or those briefcase models when it goes to a half hour, however, the big prize will be reduced from $1 million to $250,000. Still nothing to scoff at. Go Howie!