After a week of sightseeing, the morning sun filtered through the windows of the hotel restaurant as the kids gathered for breakfast. The day had finally arrived—the first day of the Jeopardy tapings, the full quarterfinals. The excitement in the air was palpable, but so was the nervous energy.
Arthur sat at the table, pushing scrambled eggs around his plate, his mind racing with thoughts of the competition. Next to him, Francine was sipping on orange juice, her foot tapping nervously under the table. Across from them, Binky was piling his plate high with pancakes, trying to eat away the jitters.
"You're really going to eat all that?" Sue Ellen asked with a smile, her own breakfast more modest—a bowl of oatmeal with fruit.
"Need my energy," Binky replied between bites. "Big day ahead."
Muffy was carefully buttering a piece of toast, looking far more composed than she felt. "Remember, it's not just about knowing the answers," she said. "It's about timing and staying calm under pressure."
Buster, who was munching on a banana, nodded. "Yeah, and don't forget to phrase everything in the form of a question. Can't believe I almost forgot that during practice."
As they continued to eat, the conversation turned to their families, who were due to arrive at the studio soon.
"Are you guys ready for the circus that's about to come with our parents?" Ladonna asked, shaking her head. "I bet mine are going to be all about how much I'll win."
Arthur sighed. "Mine too. It's like they've forgotten why we're here. It's not about the money."
Francine leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Catherine's probably going to talk about me non-stop, like she's the one competing. I just want to focus on the game."
Fern nodded in agreement. "It's going to be tough, but we have to block them out and remember why we're here."
After finishing breakfast, the kids headed back to their rooms to grab their things before making their way to the studio. As they arrived, they could see their families gathering outside, waving excitedly. But their excitement felt more self-serving than supportive.
"Arthur, darling!" his mother called, rushing over with D.W. in tow. "Remember, you promised to share your winnings with your sister!"
Arthur clenched his jaw. "Mom, I need to focus right now."
"But what about D.W.? She's been so excited!"
Arthur glanced down at D.W., who was looking up at him with big, expectant eyes. He couldn't help but feel frustrated. "D.W. doesn't mean anything right now, let me focus."
Meanwhile, Francine's parents were already talking to reporters, bragging about their daughter's chances. "Francine's always been the smartest," Catherine gushed, throwing an arm around her sister. "She's got this in the bag."
Francine rolled her eyes. "Catherine, seriously?"
"I'm just telling them the truth," Catherine said, feigning innocence.
Binky's parents were loudly discussing what they'd do with his winnings. "We could finally get that new car," his father was saying. "Or maybe take that vacation we've been talking about."
Binky felt a surge of annoyance. "Dad, it's not a done deal yet. Can we just focus on the game?"
Muffy's parents were busy taking selfies and talking about the shopping spree they planned once she won. "Muffy, darling, don't forget to mention our boutique when you're on camera," her mother said.
Muffy rolled her eyes. "Sure, Mom."
As the kids walked past their families and into the studio, they shared a collective sigh of relief. The tension melted away as they entered the room where they were greeted by Sarah.
"Good morning, everyone! I know you're all excited and probably a bit nervous, but we're going to go over the rules one more time to make sure everyone's on the same page."
She led them to a table where each student had a folder with their name on it. "Inside these folders, you'll find a summary of the rules, your buzzer practice schedule, and a few tips from past contestants. Take a few minutes to review everything."
After going over the rules and allowing the kids to familiarize themselves with the competition materials, Sarah clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"All right, everyone," she said with a warm smile. "It's time to get started. I'm going to call out the participants for the first match. When you hear your name, please follow me to the stage. The rest of you will be escorted to another room where you can relax until it's your turn."
The kids all sat up a little straighter, the tension in the room thickening. Sarah glanced at her clipboard and read out the names.
"For the first match, we have Arthur Read, Muffy Crosswire, and George Lundgren."
Arthur felt his heart skip a beat. He exchanged a quick look with Muffy and George, who both gave him small, nervous smiles. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for.
"Please follow me," Sarah instructed.
The three stood up, their legs feeling a bit wobbly, and followed Sarah out of the room. As they left, the rest of the kids watched them go, a mix of relief and anticipation on their faces. They knew that soon enough, it would be their turn.
Once Arthur, Muffy, and George had exited, Sarah turned back to the remaining students. "Now, the rest of you will be taken to a separate room where you'll wait until your match is called. I need to remind you that, per Jeopardy rules, you won't be able to watch the games or know the scores of those who don't win their matches."
Fern raised her hand, a puzzled expression on her face. "Why can't we know the scores?"
Sarah smiled understandingly. "That's a great question. We keep the scores secret to maintain fairness in the competition, especially for the wildcard spots. The contestants with the highest non-winning scores from all the matches will have a chance to advance to the semi-finals, but we don't want anyone to feel pressured or discouraged by knowing those scores ahead of time. This way, everyone competes without any extra information influencing their performance."
The kids nodded, understanding the logic behind the rule, even if it added to their nerves.
"Don't worry," Sarah added with a reassuring smile. "You'll all be informed of the results once all the preliminary matches are completed. For now, just focus on doing your best when it's your turn."
With that, Sarah gestured to another staff member, who led the remaining students to the waiting room. As they walked, the kids couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. They knew that what happened in the next few hours could determine everything.
In the waiting room, the atmosphere was quieter, more introspective. Some of the kids pulled out their notes to review one last time, while others tried to relax by chatting or playing games on their phones. But no matter what they were doing, one thought was on everyone's mind—how would they perform when it was their turn?
Meanwhile, back on the stage, Arthur, Muffy, and George took their places behind the podiums, the bright lights of the Jeopardy set shining down on them. The studio was a flurry of activity as the crew prepared for the taping.
Sarah stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. "Remember, you've all worked hard to get here. Just stay calm, focus on the questions, and most importantly, have fun. You're here because you're some of the best, so show everyone what you can do."
As the countdown to the taping began, Arthur took a deep breath, glancing over at Muffy and George. This was it—the moment they had been waiting for. The competition was about to begin, and they were ready to give it their all.
As Arthur, Muffy, and George stood behind their podiums, the studio buzzed with last-minute preparations. The cameras were being adjusted, the lights were set, and the Jeopardy crew moved with practiced efficiency. The three kids could feel the tension building as the taping was about to begin.
Just then, the doors to the studio audience opened, and their families began filing in. Arthur spotted his parents and D.W. immediately, with his mom waving frantically and D.W. bouncing up and down in her seat. His father was grinning ear to ear, clearly excited about the potential for his son to win big.
Muffy's parents were easy to spot, dressed in designer clothes, taking selfies, and chatting loudly with other parents. They were already discussing which social media platform would best showcase their daughter's appearance on national television.
George's family was quieter but no less enthusiastic. His mother had a look of pride on her face, though his younger siblings were clearly more interested in the prospect of a trip to Disneyland than the competition itself. His father was busy telling the person next to him how proud he was of George's hard work, though it was clear he was also thinking about what winning might mean for their family.
The kids exchanged uneasy glances as they noticed their families' over-the-top behavior. It was clear that, once again, the focus was on the potential prize rather than the experience. But they quickly pushed those thoughts aside, knowing they needed to concentrate on the task at hand.
The stage manager gave them the signal to get ready, and the lights dimmed slightly as the familiar Jeopardy theme music began to play. The kids took one last deep breath, steeling themselves for the challenge ahead.
Suddenly, the booming voice of Johnny Gilbert, the iconic Jeopardy announcer, filled the studio. "From the Alex Trebek stage at Sony Pictures Studios, this is the Jeopardy Elwood City College Championship!"
"Today's contestants are representing some of the best colleges across the country," Johnny Gilbert continued. "Let's meet them!"
The camera panned to Arthur, who stood a little taller as his introduction began. "From Elwood City, representing the University of Michigan, it's Arthur Read!"
The audience clapped enthusiastically, with Arthur's family cheering the loudest. He gave a small wave, trying to stay calm despite the butterflies in his stomach.
Next, the camera moved to Muffy. "Representing Yale University, from Elwood City, please welcome Muffy Crosswire!"
Muffy flashed a confident smile as the audience applauded. Her parents were already on their feet, applauding and snapping pictures as if she were walking a runway.
Finally, the camera zoomed in on George. "And representing the University of Illinois, from Elwood City, we have George Lundgren!"
George gave a shy smile, the applause making his cheeks flush. His family's proud cheers echoed through the studio, giving him a small boost of confidence.
"And now, here is the host of Jeopardy—Alex Trebek!"
The studio audience erupted in cheers as Alex Trebek walked onto the stage with his signature calm and friendly demeanor. Dressed in a sharp suit, he smiled warmly, waving to the crowd before stepping behind his podium.
"Thank you, Johnny," Alex began, his voice smooth and reassuring. "And thank you to everyone here and watching at home for joining us for this very special edition of Jeopardy—the Elwood City College Championship."
He paused, letting the significance of the moment sink in before continuing. "This tournament is something truly unique. It's not every day that we get to see a group of young students, representing colleges across the country, compete on this stage. The idea for this tournament came about when we realized just how much these young minds have to offer. We want to say thank you to Lakewood Elementary and Nigel Ratburn for his guidance as well."
He turned back to Arthur, Muffy, and George, who were standing attentively behind their podiums. "Arthur, Muffy, George—welcome to Jeopardy. I know you've worked hard to get here, and I want you to remember that no matter what happens today, you've already achieved something remarkable just by being on this stage. So relax, enjoy the game, and most importantly—have fun. Good luck to all of you."
The kids smiled, feeling a sense of pride and calm wash over them at Alex's words. His presence had a way of putting them at ease, and his encouragement gave them the confidence they needed as the game was about to begin.
With that, Alex turned back to the board. "Let's get started, shall we? Arthur, Muffy, George—here are your categories…"
The six categories appeared on the board:
U.S. History Famous Authors Science Potpourri World Capitals Movie Quotes Potent Potables"Arthur, as you're standing at podium number one, you get to select first," Alex said with a smile.
Arthur looked at the board, thinking carefully. "Let's start with U.S. History for $200, Alex."
Alex read the clue: "This amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery."
Arthur quickly buzzed in. "What is the 13th Amendment?"
"Correct!" Alex responded. "Your choice again, Arthur."
"U.S. History for $400."
"This battle, fought in 1863, is often considered the turning point of the Civil War."
George buzzed in first this time. "What is the Battle of Gettysburg?"
"Correct," Alex said, nodding approvingly. "Your turn, George."
"Let's try Science Potpourri for $200."
"The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is an atom?"
"Correct, Muffy. The board is yours."
"World Capitals for $200, Alex."
"The capital city of Japan."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Tokyo?"
"Right again, Arthur. Make your next selection."
"Let's go with Movie Quotes for $200."
"In this 1994 film, the character Forrest Gump says, 'Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.'"
Muffy buzzed in. "What is Forrest Gump?"
"Correct!" Alex replied. "Your choice again, Muffy."
"Famous Authors for $200, please."
"This English author wrote Pride and Prejudice."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Jane Austen?"
"Yes, that's right," Alex confirmed. "Go ahead, Arthur."
"Potent Potables for $200."
"A cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice."
None of the kids buzzed in. Alex smiled slightly. "What is a Cosmopolitan? No worries, that's a tough one for a younger crowd. Arthur, select again."
"U.S. History for $600."
"The purchase of this territory from France in 1803 doubled the size of the United States."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Louisiana Purchase?"
"Correct, Muffy. Back to you."
"Science Potpourri for $400."
"This gas makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere."
George buzzed in. "What is nitrogen?"
"Yes, George. Your pick."
"World Capitals for $400."
"The capital of Canada."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Ottawa?"
"Right again, Arthur. Keep going."
"Movie Quotes for $400."
"In this 1999 film, the character Neo is told, 'Welcome to the real world.'"
Muffy buzzed in. "What is The Matrix?"
"Yes, Muffy. Your turn."
"Famous Authors for $400."
"This American author wrote The Great Gatsby."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is F. Scott Fitzgerald?"
"Correct, Arthur."
As the round continued, the contestants took turns selecting categories and answering clues, with Arthur, Muffy, and George each having their moments to shine.
After the first commercial break, the game paused, and Alex Trebek walked over to the contestants for the interview segment.
"Arthur, let's start with you," Alex began, turning to Arthur. "I understand that you're representing the University of Michigan today. What's the story behind that choice?"
Arthur smiled, feeling a bit more at ease now. "Well, Alex, I've always been a big fan of the Wolverines, and my dad went to Michigan, so it's kind of a family tradition. Plus, I really like their academic programs, especially in literature and history."
"Sounds like you've got a great future ahead of you," Alex said warmly. "Good luck in the rest of the game."
Alex then moved to Muffy. "Muffy, you're representing Yale University. That's quite prestigious! What drew you to Yale?"
Muffy flashed a confident smile. "Thank you, Alex. I've always been drawn to business and leadership, and Yale has one of the best programs for that. Plus, I love the idea of being part of such a historic institution. It's a place where I can really make a name for myself."
"Well, you certainly have the ambition for it," Alex replied. "Best of luck to you as well."
Finally, Alex turned to George. "George, you're here for the University of Illinois. Tell us about that."
George nodded. "Yes, Alex. I'm really interested in engineering and technology, and the University of Illinois has a fantastic engineering school. It's a great place to innovate and learn how to solve real-world problems."
"That's wonderful, George," Alex said, smiling. "I'm sure you'll do great things there. Good luck with the rest of the game."
With the interviews concluded, Alex returned to his podium. "And now, let's get back to the game. Arthur, you still have control of the board."
Arthur still had control of the board.
"Let's continue with U.S. History for $800."
Alex read the clue: "This President issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863."
Muffy buzzed in quickly. "Who is Abraham Lincoln?"
"Correct, Muffy. Your choice."
"Famous Authors for $600, Alex."
"This author created the character of Sherlock Holmes."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Arthur Conan Doyle?"
"Correct again, Arthur. Go ahead."
"Science Potpourri for $600."
"The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production."
George buzzed in. "What is the mitochondrion?"
"Yes, that's right, George. Make your next selection."
"World Capitals for $600."
"The capital of Australia."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Canberra?"
"Correct again, Arthur. Choose your next clue."
"Movie Quotes for $600."
"This 1986 film features the line, 'I feel the need—the need for speed!'"
Muffy buzzed in. "What is Top Gun?"
"Right again, Muffy. The board is yours."
"Potent Potables for $400."
"This cocktail is made with gin, vermouth, and an olive or a twist."
George hesitated but then buzzed in. "What is a Martini?"
"Correct! Your choice, George."
"Science Potpourri for $800."
"This planet is known as the 'Red Planet.'"
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Mars?"
"Correct, Arthur. Your pick."
"U.S. History for $1,000."
"This document, signed in 1215, is considered one of the foundational texts of democracy."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Magna Carta?"
"Correct, Muffy. You have control."
"Movie Quotes for $800."
"In this 1994 film, a young lion is told by his father, 'Remember who you are.'"
George buzzed in. "What is The Lion King?"
"Yes, George. Your choice."
"World Capitals for $800."
"The capital of Egypt."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Cairo?"
"Correct! Choose again."
"Famous Authors for $800."
"This Russian author wrote War and Peace."
Muffy buzzed in. "Who is Leo Tolstoy?"
"Correct, Muffy. Your choice."
"Potent Potables for $600."
"This distilled beverage is made from fermented grain mash."
George buzzed in. "What is whiskey?"
"Yes, that's right, George."
"Science Potpourri for $1,000."
"This branch of science studies the structure and function of the nervous system."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is neuroscience?"
"Correct, Arthur."
"World Capitals for $1,000."
"The capital of Thailand."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is Bangkok?"
"Correct. Your choice, Muffy."
"Famous Authors for $1,000."
"This American author wrote The Catcher in the Rye."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is J.D. Salinger?"
"Correct."
"Potent Potables for $800."
"This liquor, traditionally made in Mexico, is made from the blue agave plant."
George buzzed in. "What is tequila?"
"Yes, George."
"Movie Quotes for $1,000."
"In this 1982 sci-fi film, a replicant says, 'I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.'"
None of the contestants buzzed in. "What is Blade Runner?" Alex said. "No worries, George, you still have control."
"Potent Potables for $1,000."
"This drink, named after a Caribbean island, is made by combining rum, lime juice, and simple syrup."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is a Daiquiri?"
"Correct, Muffy."
"Science Potpourri for $400."
"An element with 92 protons in its nucleus."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is uranium?"
"Correct."
The Jeopardy round ended with the contestants' scores as follows:
Arthur: $6,400 Muffy: $7,600 George: $5,800"We'll be right back with Double Jeopardy after this break," Alex announced.
Double Jeopardy Round
Alex read the new categories as the board refreshed:
European History Literary Characters Physics Famous Landmarks TV Shows Mythology"Arthur, you're in third place, so you get to select first," Alex said.
Arthur chose Literary Characters for $400. "This character from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is visited by three ghosts."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Ebenezer Scrooge?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"European History for $400."
"This war between the houses of Lancaster and York is known as the War of the _."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the War of the Roses?"
"Yes, Muffy."
"TV Shows for $400, Alex."
"This TV series follows the life of a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer."
George buzzed in. "What is Breaking Bad?"
"Correct."
"Physics for $400."
"This force opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is friction?"
"Correct. Your choice."
"Famous Landmarks for $400."
"This Parisian structure, completed in 1889, was the tallest man-made structure in the world at that time."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Eiffel Tower?"
"Yes, Muffy."
"Mythology for $400."
"This king of the gods in Greek mythology wielded a thunderbolt."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Zeus?"
"Correct."
"European History for $800."
"This treaty ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations on Germany."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Treaty of Versailles?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"Literary Characters for $800."
"This character in The Hobbit is a creature obsessed with the One Ring."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Gollum?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"Physics for $800."
This scientist developed the three laws of motion."
George buzzed in. "Who is Isaac Newton?"
"Correct."
"Famous Landmarks for $800."
This structure was completed in 1937 and spans the Golden Gate Strait in San Francisco."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is the Golden Gate Bridge?"
"Yes, Arthur."
"TV Shows for $800."
This long-running animated series features a yellow family living in Springfield."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is The Simpsons?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"Mythology for $800."
This hero of Greek mythology is known for his 12 labors."
George buzzed in. "Who is Hercules?"
"Correct. Your choice."
"European History for $1,200."
This French general became emperor of France in 1804."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Napoleon Bonaparte?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"Physics for $1,200."
This principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the law of conservation of energy?"
"Yes, Muffy."
"TV Shows for $1,200."
This show features a group of friends living in New York City and has the catchphrase, 'We were on a break!'"
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Friends?"
"Yes. Your choice."
"Famous Landmarks for $1,200."
This colossal statue in New York Harbor was a gift from France."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Statue of Liberty?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"Mythology for $1,200."
This Greek god is the ruler of the sea."
George buzzed in. "Who is Poseidon?"
"Yes."
"European History for $1,600."
This revolution in the 18th century led to the rise of industrial cities."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is the Industrial Revolution?"
"Yes. Choose again."
"Physics for $1,600."
This theory proposed by Einstein revolutionized the way we think about space and time."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the theory of relativity?"
"Correct. Choose again."
"TV Shows for $1,600."
This drama series about a biker gang aired on FX and starred Charlie Hunnam."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Sons of Anarchy?"
"Yes."
"Famous Landmarks for $1,600."
This ancient amphitheater in Rome could hold up to 50,000 spectators."
George buzzed in. "What is the Colosseum?"
"Correct."
"Literary Characters for $1,200."
This character from To Kill a Mockingbird is a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Atticus Finch?"
"Yes."
"Mythology for $1,600."
This god of war is one of the Twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology."
Muffy buzzed in. "Who is Ares?"
"Yes, Muffy."
"European History for $2,000."
This British Prime Minister led the country during World War II and is famous for his speeches."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Winston Churchill?"
"Yes."
"Physics for $2,000."
This scientist is known for his work on electromagnetism and electrochemistry."
George buzzed in. "Who is Michael Faraday?"
"Yes."
"TV Shows for $2,000."
This science fiction series follows the crew of the starship USS Enterprise."
Arthur buzzed in. "What is Star Trek?"
"Yes."
"Famous Landmarks for $2,000."
This Islamic holy site in Mecca is the most sacred place in Islam."
Muffy buzzed in. "What is the Kaaba?"
"Yes."
"Literary Characters for $2,000."
This character from 1984 works for the Party rewriting history."
Arthur buzzed in. "Who is Winston Smith?"
"Yes."
"Mythology for $2,000."
This Norse god is known as the Allfather and is the ruler of Asgard."
George buzzed in. "Who is Odin?"
"Yes."
With the last question answered, the Double Jeopardy round ended, and the scores were as follows:
Arthur: $17,600 Muffy: $16,800 George: $15,600Final Jeopardy!
Alex Trebek smiled as the familiar music played softly in the background. "The category for Final Jeopardy is World Leaders," he announced. The contestants took a deep breath, knowing that this question could determine who would advance to the semi-finals.
"Please make your wagers."
Arthur, Muffy, and George scribbled down their bets, glancing nervously at their scores.
Arthur: $17,600 Muffy: $16,800 George: $15,600After a moment, Alex spoke again. "Here is your clue."
He paused for dramatic effect before reading: "This leader, known as the 'Iron Lady,' was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom."
The 30-second Jeopardy! music began, and the contestants furiously wrote their responses. The camera panned over each of them, capturing their determined expressions as they weighed their answers against their wagers.
The music ended, and Alex began with George, who was in third place.
"George, what was your response?"
George revealed his answer: "Who is Margaret Thatcher?"
"Correct! And how much did you wager?"
George's wager was revealed to be $7,800, bringing his total to $23,400.
"Now over to Muffy, who had $16,800 going into Final Jeopardy. Let's see your response."
Muffy turned her screen to reveal: "Who is Margaret Thatcher?"
"That's correct! And your wager?"
Muffy had wagered $8,000, bringing her total to $24,800.
"Now it all comes down to Arthur," Alex said, turning to the final contestant. "Arthur, you were leading with $17,600. Did you come up with Margaret Thatcher?"
Arthur's answer was revealed: "Who is Margaret Thatcher?"
"That's correct! How much did you wager?"
Arthur smiled as his wager was revealed to be $7,201, bringing his total to $24,801.
"Arthur, with $24,801, you are our winner! You'll be advancing to the semi-finals."
Muffy and George looked at each other, their expressions a mix of pride and disappointment, knowing that their fates would now depend on the performances of the other contestants in the following matches.
"Great game, everyone," Alex said, his voice warm and encouraging. "Arthur, we'll see you in the semi-finals. As for Muffy and George, your scores will be considered for the wild card spots. Good luck to you both!"
The camera zoomed out, capturing the applause from the studio audience as the three contestants shook hands and exchanged smiles. The first match of the Elwood City College Championship had concluded with Arthur moving on to the next round, leaving Muffy and George to anxiously await the results of the other matches.
"Join us tomorrow for our next exciting match as three more contestants battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals. Until then, thank you for watching Jeopardy!" Alex concluded as the show's theme music played, and the screen faded to black.