Warning: This page contains spoilers for the February 24, 2023, game of Jeopardy! — please do not scroll down if you wish to avoid being spoiled. Please note that the game airs as early as noon Eastern in some U.S. television markets.
Here’s today’s Final Jeopardy (in the category The Ancient World) for Friday, February 24, 2023 (Season 39, Game 120):
The ancient writer Galen said books on ships arriving to this city’s port were seized, originals kept & copies returned
(correct response beneath the contestants)
Today’s Jeopardy! contestants:
Isabella Pagano, a first-year student at Caltech from Libertyville, Illinois
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Ryan Presler, a senior at Brandon Valley High School from Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Jackson Jones, a junior at Vanderbilt University from Louisville, Kentucky
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Andy’s Pregame Thoughts:
We are nearing the end of the first week of the High School Reunion Tournament. Today’s fifth quarter-final is between Jackson Jones, Ryan Presler, and Isabella Pagano. It’s an intriguing matching, for sure: Ryan was initally the alternate before Rotimi Kukoyi was unable to participate last-minute; Jackson is favored in this matchup by the prediction model, due to his losing his semifinal to eventual champion Avi Gupta on a tiebreaker. Ryan was a finalist in 2019, whereas Isabella bowed out in Round 1 in the fall of 2018’s tournament.
One thing that I’ve seeing happen is that a cult of celebrity is definitely forming around Ken Jennings; the behaviour of many of this fandom’s members towards Mayim Bialik is unacceptable. I must reiterate: Mayim Bialik is a perfectly cromulent host of this program. She is undeserving of the constant social media abuse that she is currently receiving, and the actions of a few are making the whole group look bad.
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(Content continues below)
Correct response: What is Alexandria?
More information about Final Jeopardy:
(The following write-up is original content and is copyright 2023 The Jeopardy! Fan. It may not be copied without linked attribution back to this page.)
The famed Library of Alexandria, according to legend, went to great lengths and guile to obtain books for its collection. One other story, reported on by Galen, saw Ptolemy III convince the Athenian State Archives to send the original texts of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides to Alexandria, under the guise of making copies. Having paid a pledge of 15 talents (950 pounds) of silver, Ptolemy kept the originals and sent back the copies. Unfortunately, the library was eventually a casualty of war. While it is unclear which specific battle caused the destruction of the library, most modern scholars believe that the library had been destroyed well before the Arab conquest of Alexandria in the 7th century CE.
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Game Recap:
Jeopardy! Round:
(Categories: Very Artistic; Hits Of Then & Now; A Government Office; Homophones; I Like To Science!; Get Ready For The “G-R-E”s)
In a very well-played opening round by all three players, Jackson jumped out to a lead with a True Daily Double a few clues before the break. After the break, Jackson was the best on the signalling device to extend his lead.
Statistics at the first break (15 clues):
Jackson 4 correct 0 incorrect
Ryan 5 correct 0 incorrect
Isabella 6 correct 0 incorrect
Statistics after the Jeopardy round:
Jackson 15 correct 1 incorrect
Ryan 8 correct 1 incorrect
Isabella 7 correct 1 incorrect
Double Jeopardy! Round:
(Categories: Literary Reunions; Short, Tiny & Small; Describing The Horror Film Franchise; World Geography; Starts & Ends With The Same Vowel; Black History)
Jackson got to the Daily Doubles very quickly, but he missed the last one, meaning that Ryan and Isabella had an opening to keep the game from being a runaway! Scores going into Final were Jackson at $16,200, Ryan at $11,000, and Isabella at $10,400.
Statistics after Double Jeopardy:
Jackson 25 correct 6 incorrect
Ryan 14 correct 1 incorrect
Isabella 15 correct 4 incorrect
Total number of unplayed clues this season: 16 (0 today).
Jackson and Ryan got Final correct; Jackson made the standard cover bet and is a semi-finalist!
Tonight’s Game Stats:
Looking to find out who won Jeopardy! today? Here’s the Friday, February 24, 2023 Jeopardy! by the numbers:
Scores going into Final:
Jackson $16,200
Ryan $11,000
Isabella $10,400
Tonight’s results:
Isabella $10,400 – $0 = $10,400 (What is Athens?)
Ryan $11,000 + $9,801 = $20,801 (What is Alexandria?)
Jackson $16,200 + $5,801 = $22,001 (What is Alexandria?) (1-day total: $22,001)
Scores after the Jeopardy! Round:
Jackson $8,800
Ryan $5,400
Isabella $4,400
Opening break taken after: 15 clues
Daily Double locations:
1) I LIKE TO SCIENCE! $600 (clue #11)
Jackson 2600 +2600 (Ryan 3000 Isabella 3400)
2) WORLD GEOGRAPHY $1600 (clue #3)
Jackson 10800 +3800 (Ryan 5400 Isabella 6000)
3) LITERARY REUNIONS $1200 (clue #6, $26400 left on board)
Jackson 16600 -3600 (Ryan 6600 Isabella 6000)
Overall Daily Double Efficiency for this game: 113
Clue Selection by Row, Before Daily Doubles Found:
J! Round:
Jackson 4 4 3*
Ryan 4 4 4
Isabella 5 5 5 5 5
DJ! Round:
Jackson 4* 3 3*
Ryan 5†
Isabella 4 5
† – selection in same category as Daily Double
Average Row of Clue Selection, Before Daily Doubles Found:
Jackson 3.50
Ryan 4.25
Isabella 4.86
Unplayed clues:
J! Round: None!
DJ! Round: None!
Total Left On Board: $0
Number of clues left unrevealed this season: 16 (0.13 per episode average), 0 Daily Doubles
Game Stats:
Jackson $15,600 Coryat, 25 correct, 6 incorrect, 43.86% in first on buzzer (25/57), 3/3 on rebound attempts (on 3 rebound opportunities)
Ryan $11,000 Coryat, 14 correct, 1 incorrect, 26.32% in first on buzzer (15/57), 0/0 on rebound attempts (on 7 rebound opportunities)
Isabella $10,400 Coryat, 15 correct, 4 incorrect, 28.07% in first on buzzer (16/57), 1/3 on rebound attempts (on 6 rebound opportunities)
Combined Coryat Score: $37,000
Lach Trash: $6,800 (on 5 Triple Stumpers)
Coryat lost to incorrect responses (less double-correct responses): $10,200
Jackson Jones, career statistics:
71 correct, 11 incorrect
4/4 on rebound attempts (on 8 rebound opportunities)
40.12% in first on buzzer (69/172)
5/6 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $9,800)
2/3 in Final Jeopardy
Average Coryat: $17,867
Ryan Presler, career statistics:
82 correct, 4 incorrect
3/3 on rebound attempts (on 22 rebound opportunities)
26.32% in first on buzzer (75/285)
3/3 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $8,000)
3/5 in Final Jeopardy
Average Coryat: $13,040
Isabella Pagano, career statistics:
29 correct, 7 incorrect
1/4 on rebound attempts (on 9 rebound opportunities)
26.32% in first on buzzer (30/114)
0/0 on Daily Doubles
0/2 in Final Jeopardy
Average Coryat: $9,200
Remaining Players’ Chances of Winning Tournament:
Maya Wright: 11.222%
Avi Gupta: 17.252%
Stephanie Pierson: 8.106%
Justin Bolsen: 15.453%
Jackson Jones: 16.238%
Rohan Kapileshwari: 2.646%
Claire Sattler: 4.457%
Rhea Sinha: 1.691%
Lucas Miner: 2.982%
Anish Maddipoti: 1.121%
Audrey Satchivi: 3.287%
Tim Cho: 5.035%
Dan Oxman: 0.287%
Eesha Sohail: 2.664%
Hannah Nekritz: 2.565%
Caleb Richmond: 2.623%
Maggie Brown: 2.371%
Today’s interviews:
Isabella, as a youngster, would run into the room during the theme music to say hi to Alex.
Ryan is very impressed with his fellow contestants.
Jackson has encountered five Jeopardy! alumni at Vanderbilt.
Andy’s Thoughts:
- I was very impressed with Isabella’s bet today in Final. Good for her!
- Today’s box score will be linked to when posted by the show.
Final Jeopardy! wagering suggestions:
(Scores: Jackson $16,200 Ryan $11,000 Isabella $10,400)
Jackson: Standard cover bet over Ryan is $5,801. (Actual bet: $5,801)
Ryan: You’re in Stratton’s Dilemma—you both can’t cover Isabella and win a Double Stumper with Jackson. While Isabella has strong reason to bet $0, there’s no guarantee she knows the strategy here, which makes this a tough decision for you. Either bet less than $599 or more than $9,801—both are defensible. (Actual bet: $9,801)
Isabella: If Jackson makes the standard cover bet, he falls to $10,399 if he misses Final. Bet $0. (Actual bet: $0)
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Unfortunately, my mind went to ancient cities that had a port instead of ancient cities that had a famous library 🙁
‘ancient city’ and books made me jump to Alexandria, which was also famous for its port. Galen was an extra hint (and a pretty interesting study point on his own).
Somewhere in my education I learned about the library at Alexandria. So with me also, when the category Ancient History, and, the clue about books being seized, with copies being made, and, originals kept, my mind ran to Alexandria, and, was right.
As for the “cult” surrounding Ken, he was alledgly Alex Trebec’s choice to replace him, as he was for many fans. That being said, Mayim has done a credible hosting the prime time events, and, when called upon, the daily version also.
I agree with the Jeopardy Fan with the negative comments towards Mayim Bialik. From the first time she appeared as a tryout host, she stood out as a logical successor to Alex.
Ms. Bialik is fine. Her training as an actress comes through when she is on camera. Her lively faces often contrast with Ken’s demeanor. She’s just different. I think Alex would be proud of both of them.
Me too 🙂 I’m just sorry that she hasn’t had the opportunity to be on more often so far this season.
Clarity to casual observers and too-quick readers . . . Dana DOESN’T agree with negative comments toward Mayim, she meant that she agrees with opinions of ‘The Jeopardy Fan’ concerning the negative comments towards Mayim Bialik.
Is this the same Galen that was an ancient doctor that was doing cataract surgery way back in his day?
I believe so.
I truly do not understand the animosity towards Mayim Bialik. She is smart, charming and witty. The constant criticism of her on the internet strikes me as mob mentality at its worst.
Add me to the Mayim defenders. So much of the game show experience, regardless of the perceived degree of difficulty, has to do with sportsmanship. The negativity, based on bupkis, is an unseemly bummer. ✌️❤️
To all: Enjoy the clues. Enjoy the strategy. Enjoy the lead changes. Enjoy the contestants’ stories. Enjoy the surprise endings. The hosts are mere background music to the main drama, like Musak on an elevator ride. Just one man’s view.
Besides, Alex always said the show was about the contestants, not the host.
We should keep things in perspective…most of the world, even most Jeopardy viewers, are probably blissfully unaware of fandom’s opinions on Miss Bialik.
doesn’t mean we should have to put up with it, nor should Mayim.
On the FJ question, for no good reason at all I guessed “Cairo”, so I was at least geographically close 🙁
On the host question, I think that objectively speaking Ken Jennings is the better of the two, but I have no issue at all with Mayim Bialik.
Constructive criticism is one thing, but the vitriol directed at Bialik is undeserved and reflects very badly on those that attack her.
IMHO
I also guessed Cairo. And I also go along with you regarding the hosts.
Guessed Alexandria, after all it was from there someone figured out how to accurately measure the circumference of the earth.
Ditto the host comment: I prefer Ken, but Myam is competent.
Alexandria was the only ancient city I can think of so I didn’t select cairo. Still though a good geography clue for today’s final. Happy to see two players getting the final.
We should stop these attacks on Bialik as I only have problems with her long pause, that’s it.
I echo Andy’s comments about Isabella’s wagering, and would add that I thought all three FJ wagers showed a very good grasp of game theory and strategic analysis.
I’m another one who does not not understand the vitriol and nastiness toward Mayim. She’s not my cup of tea and I wouldn’t have selected her as the permanent regular game host, but I certainly don’t dislike her and I’ve warmed to the show’s decision to have her host special events. Sometimes a change of pace is good, and I like having the differentiation between regular daily play and the special events.
I suspect a large part of it is misogynistic and/or anti-Semitic attitudes disguised as being conceited personal preference, but which amplifies those who merely feel free to express personal feelings. [I personally don’t care for some actors’ and hosts’ voice or facial expressions, but I see no reason to go around broadcasting my personal opinions.]
I also feel that bots whose mission is to wreak havoc in the U.S. (and usually focus on amplifying political and racial divisiveness) have been programmed to do so with any differences of opinion its algorithms identify.
I am just one viewer but I want to go on the record that I support Mayim Bialik.
Galen meant nothing to me, but books = library = Alexandria, which had a library for its second-most famous landmark (the Great Lighthouse being first). Streak is at 3W, which is a relief since I thought I’d lost my mojo. I don’t think college tournaments usually have easier questions, correct? (That is the most comparable tournament given the age group of these contestants.)
Sucks to see Isabella lose, since I really enjoyed her (the “not going back there” followed by her getting tough clues in that category was awesome) and I too immediately thought her final bet was smart. Bet on them both getting it wrong, since it doesn’t really matter if you get it right in that position.
Initially, I was skeptical about the reunion tournament as I saw it as, basically, a second chance tournament for a select group, most of whom had lost previously. Now, that the tournament has run for a week, I have to say the kids have won me over. I’ve enjoyed seeing them again as they are now versus how they were a few years ago. The games have been competitive, engaging, sometimes surprising, sometimes as one might expect, overall an enjoyable experience and fun to watch. I’m glad I gave it a chance and stayed with it despite my initial misgivings.
As for today’s final, books and Ancient World naturally and easily leads to the Library of Alexandria.
Very good game and super smart kids! There is hope for the future after all!