JEOPARDY! fans got a taste of some on-screen drama when contestant Julia Markham Cameron clashed with host Ken Jennings during Tuesday's episode.
Fellow past winner Gary Hollis won out against Julia - who made sure to specify she brought her boyfriend, not best friend - and Henry Baer.
The sparks flew during the interview segment of the Champions Wildcard semifinal worth a coveted spot in the upcoming Tournament of Champions.
The animated Julia found herself in a verbal tussle with Ken, 49.
Ken, attempting small talk, inquired about Julia's "best friend" who supported her during her first appearance.
However, Julia was quick to correct the host, asserting: "Well, Ken, he’s more than my best friend; he’s my boyfriend."
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Ken stood his ground, and in a rare moment, pointed to his cue card that apparently read "BF."
"That could be best friend, that could be boyfriend," he argued.
Julia insisted: "No, Ken. Best friend is BFF."
Ken, trying to diffuse the situation, acknowledged the distinction and prompted Julia to share her story.
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She explained how her boyfriend supported her during her initial victory but couldn't attend the show due to Covid restrictions.
FANS REACT TO JULIA'S 'BF' CORRECTION
Despite the clarification, fans weren't impressed with Julia's need to correct Ken on live TV, rather than playfully embracing the ambiguity of "best friend."
One viewer commented on social media: "I would be elated if someone described my boyfriend as my best friend!! which is more important."
Another simply remarked: "She is a character."
After the on-screen spat, contestant Gary stole the spotlight with the most correct responses.
Despite a Prince William clue that royally tripped up all three players, Gary dominated with an uncatchable $20,800 by Final Jeopardy.
Julia trailed with just $800 after a significant Daily Double miss, and Henry had $9,600.
Final Jeopardy! on "AMERICAN LITERATURE" asked "Chapter 100 of this novel introduces the one-armed Captain Boomer of the Samuel Enderby," and all contestants correctly answered "Moby Dick."
Gary sailed through to the finals with a total of $20,812.
WILDLY LONG CHAMPIONS WILDCARD
Champions Wildcard features past players from Season 37 or Season 38 getting a second shot at glory.
As Season 40 faced retools due to Hollywood strikes, Jeopardy! has relied on placeholder programming, dividing fans who want new contestants (and new questions) back.
Jeopardy! enthusiasts have expressed mixed feelings about the prolonged tournament - which began in September - on social media.
One fan wrote on Instagram: "Can’t be the only one that thinks it’s ridiculous we are getting all these tournaments just to be followed by a Tournament of Champions."
Another commented: "Can we get back to regular Jeopardy now?" and a third questioned: "When do the regular games return?"
The fatigue became evident as a third fan exclaimed: "The tournament is still going?!?"
A fourth wrote on X: “Enough of the Jeopardy Wild Card shows! I am done! Whoever thought this up should be fired. Zero excitement. #jeopardy."
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS APPROACHES
Thankfully, the wait is almost over, as the eagerly awaited 2023 Tournament of Champions Season will finally kick off on December 19.
The first precursor event is the Season 39 Second Chance Tournament (for last year's most snubbed non-winners), which began taking shape with its first three matchups dropped Tuesday.
After Season 39 Second Chance and a brief Season 39 Wildcard, the Tournament of Champions will likely air in February and will have more contenders than ever before.
In a major twist, all three-time champions from Season 39 received invitations to the annual tournament last week via their local news stations.
The lineup will now include the infamous Yogesh Raut, Jake DeArruda, and more in an unprecedented move (the tournament is usually for four-day-plus winners).
The $250,000 annual event for winners from the previous season will also feature notable super-champions such as Cris Pannullo (21 wins) and Ray Lalonde (13 wins).
Fan favorites Ben Chan, Hannah Wilson, and Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Ike Barinholtz is also set to compete.
Twenty-seven overall slots (including the four winners of the now-airing Wildcard) would make the Season 39 ToC the largest contestant field ever.
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The winner of the ToC joins a short list of legends that includes Amy Schneider and James Holzhauer.
The winner will also jump right into the next Jeopardy! Masters in May, so a fast track to fortune and perhaps even TV fame are at stake.
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