'Jeopardy!' Fans Freak Out Over Houseplant Clue Mix-Up

Michael Hein

10/23/2023 05:33 pm EDT

Jeopardy! fans are calling for a do-over on a puzzle from Friday's episode concerning houseplants. On Oct. 20, Washington D.C. attorney Kristin Hucek was in the lead when she buzzed first for a $1,600 clue in the category "Houseplants." She got the question wrong, but many fans blamed the puzzle, not Hucek.

Hucek picked a clue that came with a photo of a plant that she and many other viewers identified on sight as a Monstera. However, the clue spoken by host Ken Jennings was: "Though its name means 'loving tree,' it's very popular indoors as a houseplant." When Hucek answered "Monstera," Jennings said: "No. That's philodendron." That may have been what was written on the clue, but many fans pointed out that the screen incorrectly showed a Monstera. The two look very different, so viewers were confident in their assessment. However, some argued that the wording of the clue pointed to a philodendron, which should have been enough even with the photo mix-up.

In debating this unclear clue, some fans referenced Jeopardy!'s controversial plan for the WGA strike. Although the writers strike is over, Jeopardy! had already put its season in motion before that deal was reached. Without writers, the show is re-using old clues for its current Wild Cards tournament. Many fans wondered if having a dedicated writing staff on hand could have prevented an issue like this one.

While fans were disappointed for Hucek, even an additional $1,600 would not have won her this game in the end – however, it would have given her the chance to pick the next clue, potentially changing the entire outcome of the game. Either way, Jeopardy! fans are upset on her behalf. Here's a look at what they're saying online.

'Robbed'

Many fans proclaimed that Hucek was "robbed" of this clue. They argued that it was unfairly confusing to describe one plant while showing a picture of another.

Evidence

Fans were eager to post photos of their own monstera and philodendren plants as evidence for Hucek's case.

Correction

Fans called on the show's producers to take responsibility for this missed answer since they were the ones who showed the wrong picture.

Butterfly Effect

Many fans pointed out that if Hucek had been deemed correct, the entire rest of the game would have gone differently, so there's no telling whether this question lost her the game or not.

Too Late

Many Jeopardy! fans were expecting a mid-game correction at some point later in the episode. However, since these games are filmed well in advance, at this point they felt it was unlikely to change.

Second Time

Looking back, some fans noted that this was a re-used clue and it appears the wrong photo was shown last time as well.

Fatigue

Finally, many fans are tired of the re-used clues, returning contestants and the constant "tournament" format of this season. They are eager for new episodes now that the WGA strike is over.

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