Jeopardy! Episode Has Fans Biting Their Nails
Even though it’s been around for nearly 60 years, Jeopardy! still holds the attention of audiences in big ways. The latest episode to garner praise and attention was the January 8 airing. It came down to a Final Jeopardy showdown that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Stacking the stakes even higher, the installment was part of the Second Chance Tournament, which sees ex-contestants come back for another chance to win.
A Crazy Final Jeopardy!
Ringing in the new year in the most Jeopardy! way possible, the fresh episode saw previous challengers Randall Rayford, Michael Cavaliere, and Matt Harvey go head-to-head for the number one title.
Initially, Harvey was in the lead before Cavaliere knocked him from his pedestal thanks to a Daily Double question. With Cavaliere in the lead with $29,200, Harvey in second with $18,800, and Rayford bringing up the rear with $3,000, the trio headed into a heated Final Jeopardy.
Final Answer
Each contestant was decently far off from the other when the Final Jeopardy question was dropped.
Under the category of State Capitals, the query read, “The 2 closest state capitals, at about 40 miles apart; one was founded by someone no longer allowed in the other.”
Did you make the right guess? If your answer was “What are Boston and Providence,” you would’ve been on top with Harvey.
Risking It All
Bouncing himself from second place to reclaim the lead, Harvey risked it all on the grandiose final question, winning hugely with $37,600 to deposit in the bank – that is, after Uncle Sam gets his cut, of course.
After an exciting Daily Double boost that saw him launch to first place, Cavaliere was back to second again after betting $12,000 and getting the answer wrong, giving him a final count of $17,200.
Finally, Rayford fumbled the Final Jeopardy question after putting it all on the line, walking away from the stage with $0.
A True Nail-Biter
If you caught the episode or even just read the last few paragraphs, there’s a good chance you were sweating it out during the moments of Final Jeopardy.
As is often the case for the game show’s dedicated fandom, many took to Reddit to share their anxiety over the big question.
One commenter wrote, “A nail-biter till the very end,” while another lamented over the loss suffered by Rayford and Cavaliere.
Back For Champions Wildcard Tournament
Yet another viewer referred to the entire game as “an honor” to have witnessed, with someone else adding their hopes to see all three of the competitors back again in the future.
For Harvey, a return to Jeopardy! is imminent as he’ll soon be back to throw down at the Champions Wildcard Tournament. Should he play his cards and answers right, he’ll have a shot at the 2024 Tournament of Champions.
Just Ken Jennings Now
A successful episode is a great sign for Jeopardy! as it moves into somewhat of a fresh start after co-host Mayim Bialik was dropped from her hosting duties back in December.
One of two personalities chosen to pick up the torch left behind when Alex Trebek passed away in 2020, now all MCing duties will be given to Ken Jennings.
A Jeopardy! alum, Jennings knows the ins and outs of the game and is a welcome face for fresh competitors who hope to take home the biggest winnings possible.
Source: Reddit
