 The special was criticized for taking the publicity of the episode too far . Several critics said the special tainted host John Walsh 's credibility and was described as gimmicky , tacky , and " blatant groveling for viewers " . The special averaged an 8 @.@ 4 Nielsen Rating and finished 50th in the United States in the ratings for the week of September 11 – 17 , 1995 . 
