Recently, there have been several incidents on the popular game show ‘Wheel of Fortune‘ where contestants were unable to solve puzzles that many viewers considered simple. One such contestant, TaRhea Marshall, even after winning her game, failed to solve the bonus round puzzle and missed out on a prized BMW.
After winning her game, Marshall chose ‘Food and Drink’ for the bonus round. The puzzle “BAGELS & ___G_N_TS” was presented to her, to which she responded with “bagels and beignets” and “bagels and croissants.” However, the correct answer was “bagels and doughnuts.” Host Pat Sajak noted the frequent misspelling of “doughnuts” in various stores which might have contributed to Marshall’s error.
Despite missing the bonus round prize, Marshall still accrued a respectable total of $25,898 from her time on the show.
This particular episode garnered considerable attention on social media platforms, with viewers expressing a mix of frustration and sympathy. Some social media users criticized Marshall’s incorrect guess, considering the puzzle simple. However, others acknowledged the high-pressure environment of a nationally televised game show, which can disrupt clear thinking.
A different “bagel” clue in March was also missed. A contestant guessed “Warm toasted bagels with lo(W) and cream cheese,” instead of lox and cream cheese. Twitter followers were astounded that someone would not know the iconic bagel filling of smoked salmon.
In another episode, Gishma Tabari from New York, another Wheel of Fortune contestant, drew significant attention for an incorrect guess labeled as the ‘worst guess ever.’ The puzzle presented to her was “TH- -RITI-S_-GR-E” in the ‘Showbiz’ category. Her guess, “THE BRITISH OGRE,” was far off the mark from the correct answer, “THE CRITICS AGREE.”
Reflecting on her experience, Tabari attributed her incorrect guess to her imagination and the stress of being in the spotlight. Despite the online criticism, Tabari took pride in her performance on the show, having won a cash prize and a cruise.
These events coincide with the announcement of Pat Sajak’s, the long-standing host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ retirement after the show’s 41st season. Sajak, who began hosting on December 28, 1981, will remain a consultant on the show for three years following his departure. Co-host Vanna White, a fixture on the show since 1982, will continue in her role.
Created by Merv Griffin, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States.
