The armchair experts are at it again. Jeopardy contestant Leann Craumer surprised viewers at home when she failed to answer what many viewers felt was a “very easy” trivia question.
On Monday’s (July 17) episode, the Final Jeopardy! clue was, “In 1867 he wrote to General Rousseau, ‘On arriving at Sitka…you will receive from the Russian commissioner the formal transfer.’”
The answer was William H. Seward, who was the secretary of state when Alaska was purchased in 1867, a controversial decision that some thought was going to be a mistake — or “folly” — because of its huge price tag.
Craumer’s opponents, Daniel Moore and Jerry Powers, both gave the correct answer. But the librarian from Maryland incorrectly guessed, “Who is Napoleon?” Her $602 bet brought her down to $3,598, putting her in last place.
“I’m afraid not, Leann,” host Ken Jennings replied to her incorrect answer.
Craumer handled her loss gracefully, but many at home couldn’t get past the major flub.
“Government official Napoleon?” a user on Twitter asked.
Others couldn’t believe it either. “That one gal with Napoleon? Seriously?!” another user remarked.
“1867 + Sitka + Russian commissioner = What else could it be?” one user commented on YouTube.
Others in the YouTube comments of the Jeopardy clip agreed that the clue was easier than usual.
“Exactly! Who else?” a fan replied. “Clever clue writing… love the clue… I am surprised all three didn’t get the clue.”
Unfortunately, Craumer’s bet put her in last place. Moore’s victory put him on top, making him a two-day winner with $39,800 in winnings.
Despite the loss, she spoke highly of her time on the iconic game show.
“It was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I would do it again in a heartbeat if I was given the opportunity,” Craumer told The Capital Gazette. “I am so excited to be a tiny part of the legacy of this show that I have been watching for most of my life, and that so many people enjoy in their own living rooms every night.”
Jeopardy! airs weeknights at 7/6c. Check the website for local listings.