S2·E144 Show #404

Episode recap

The episode identified as season two, episode 144 of the long‑running American quiz program Jeopardy! (show number 404) features three competitors: Paula Carr, Kyle Thorson and Gary Palmer. As described in the series overview, each contestant takes a place at a podium and attempts to earn the highest total by responding to a series of general‑knowledge clues. The clues are presented in the form of answers, and participants must phrase their responses in the form of a question, adhering to the established rules of the game.

The broadcast follows the standard Jeopardy! structure. In the opening Jeopardy! round, the three players select from a board of six categories, each containing five clues of increasing monetary value. Correct responses add the clue’s value to the contestant’s score, while incorrect answers deduct the same amount. After the first round, a brief intermission leads into Double Jeopardy!, which repeats the format with a second board of six categories and higher clue values. Hidden “Daily Doubles” appear on the board, allowing a contestant who uncovers one to wager any portion of their current total before responding.

Following Double Jeopardy! the game proceeds to Final Jeopardy!, where a single clue is presented and all three contestants write down a response and a wager. The final clue is also given as an answer, and the correct phrasing of the response determines whether the wager is added to or subtracted from the player’s total. The contestant with the highest final score wins the episode and returns for a subsequent game, while the others receive consolation prizes.

Throughout the episode, Paula Carr, Kyle Thorson and Gary Palmer demonstrate their breadth of knowledge across a variety of topics, ranging from history and literature to science and popular culture, as is typical for the series. Their performances are measured solely by the accuracy of their responses and the strategic use of wagers on Daily Doubles and the Final Jeopardy! clue. The episode concludes with the announcement of the winner, the awarding of the day’s prize, and the customary invitation for the champion to return for the next installment of the show.