In a recent string of episodes of the enduring game show ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ some contestants have endured public scrutiny following their failure to solve what others considered to be easy puzzles. Among these contestants was TaRhea Marshall, who, despite winning the game, faltered in the bonus round, missing out on a coveted BMW prize.
Marshall, after winning her game, opted for the ‘Food and Drink’ category in the bonus round. Presented with the puzzle “BAGELS & ___G_N_TS,” Marshall’s guesses included “bagels and beignets” and “bagels and croissants.” Unfortunately, these were incorrect, with the actual solution being “bagels and doughnuts.” Host Pat Sajak remarked on the misspelling of “doughnuts” in many stores, which might have led to Marshall’s confusion.
Despite not securing the bonus round prize, Marshall still walked away with a total of $25,898 from her participation in the show.
This episode went viral on social media platforms, where viewers posted their reactions expressing frustration and sympathy. Some users harshly criticized Marshall’s incorrect guess, considering the puzzle to be an easy one. However, others empathized with the pressures of participating in a nationally televised game show, acknowledging that it can be challenging to think clearly under such circumstances.
In another notable incident, Gishma Tabari from New York, another contestant on ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ went viral for what was labeled as the ‘worst guess ever.’ During her episode, Tabari was presented with the puzzle “TH- -RITI-S_-GR-E” in the ‘Showbiz’ category. Her guess, “THE BRITISH OGRE,” was far from the correct answer, “THE CRITICS AGREE.”
After the show, Tabari reflected on her experience, attributing her guess to her imagination and the pressures of being in the spotlight. Despite the online mockery, Tabari expressed pride in her appearance on the show, walking away with a cash prize and a cruise.
These incidents come as Pat Sajak, the long-standing host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ announced his retirement after the show’s 41st season. Sajak, who took over hosting duties on December 28, 1981, will serve as a consultant on the show for three years after his departure. Vanna White, on the show since 1982, remains a staple figure on the program.
‘Wheel of Fortune,’ created by Merv Griffin, holds the title of the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States.