Over the years, Jeopardy! has faced numerous controversies, which are always hinged on the attitude of the hosts and the clues provided on the show. However, the latter is a more common issue, as fans may perceive the hints as insensitive, offensive or inaccurate.
During a recent episode, the popular game show came under heavy criticism when co-host Mayim Bialik gave a Final Jeopardy! clue that got viewers highly disappointed. Mayim unveiled the category as “World of Water,” with the clue for the section reading, “The Bass Strait divides Tasmania & mainland Australia & hydrographers have disputed which of these 2 larger bodies it’s part of.”
The “World of Water ” category was tasking for the contestants
During the show, the question was a bit technical for the contestants, with one, Professor Lee Papa, giving an incorrect answer, stating that the Bass Strait is part of the “Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.”
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However, returning champion Ben Goldstein, along with Nabeela Rahman, both gave correct answers responding that the Bass Strait is part of the “Indian and Pacific Oceans.” Eventually, Goldstein emerged as the victor and was crowned the four-day champion, accumulating a total earning of $37,293.
Fans react to the Final ‘Jeopardy!’ clue stating that it was poorly framed
Dedicated game show enthusiasts raised concerns about the Final Jeopardy! prompt, and expressed their dissatisfaction with the clarity of the clue. “The Aussies would say, ‘What are the Pacific and Southern Oceans?'” a fan wrote on the show’s YouTube page. “Their definition of the Southern Ocean goes all the way to the south coast of their continent.”
“The question is poorly worded: I think the default position of Australians on this question would be ‘What are the Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea?’” another fan commented,” but you do you America.”
“The game is so slow, it’s hard to watch. If Mayim waited any longer to tell a contestant if they are correct or incorrect with their answer,” a Twitter user said in criticism of the host. “they would need to make the show an hour long.”
However, some other enthusiasts expressed great satisfaction with the final clue, contending that it was the simplest prompt provided on the game show in a while.” “Could this have been the easiest FJ clue in a while?” a Reddit fan commented. “All the more amazing that someone thought Australia was next to the Atlantic Ocean.”