WoF Recap: February 23, 2023

EPISODE #7739: 🧒TEEN WEEK🧒

$1K Toss-Up: EVENT

G _ _ _ _ A _ _ _ N
D _ _

Deepshiv solves GRADUATION DAY before Pat called on him. Thursday’s teens…

Deepshiv Prasad (Hayward, CA; his parents are from Fiji): 10th grader who’s in 3 clubs (debate, cooking, South Asian dancing; he enjoys cooking the most) and does 100 community service hours a year.
Cece Giguere (San Jose): 10th grader who’s played soccer her whole life (plays for her club team and high school team). She also participated in one of the biggest youth soccer tournaments in Sweden and just got her learner’s permit. 
Forrest Dezso (Scottsdale, AZ): 9th grader whose favorite subject is lunch and skipped homecoming to go to a WWE event (with his best friend Cameron; his favorite wrestler wasn’t here though).

$2K Toss-Up: FOOD & DRINK

_ H _ C _ E N
N _ G _ _ _ _

Forrest apparently loves CHICKEN NUGGETS, so he will be the first spinner.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark (marked NEW YORK), value unknown

Round 1: SAME LETTER

Forrest: $700 (T)

Deepshiv: $850 (S), -$250 (A), WILD + $500 (2 R’s), BANKRUPT near $650 (-$1,600 + WC)

Cece: $700 (3 L’s), -$250 (4 E’s), -$250 (2 I’s), -$250 (3 O’s), -$250 (U; NMV), same BANKRUPT (-$1,100)

Forrest: TOWER RECORDS + $500 (SL of 3 M’s), solve…

M I _ E R A L
M O L E _ U L E
M I _ R O S _ O _ E

Could’ve gone on for the 3 C’s, but Forrest gets MINERAL MOLECULE MICROSCOPE for $3,500 cash & GC ($5,500 to his name so far).

Blue-Emu Mystery Round: PERSON

Deepshiv: MW near $650 (6 T’s; he questionably flips…bad move)

Cece: $800 (2 R’s), $650 (3 S’s), -$250 (6 E’s), -$250 (A), $850 (2 F’s), solve…

F _ T _ R E
_ R E S _ _ E _ T / _ F
T _ E / _ _ _ T E _
S T A T E S

Cece solves FUTURE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES for $4,750.

Deepshiv: $1K/Cece: $4,750/Forrest: $5,500 cash & GC

---

Express/PP Round: FUN & GAMES

Cece: $600 (T), -$250 (3 A’s), $500 (R)

Forrest: $600 (2 S’s), -$250 (E), $500 (2 N’s), $650 (H)

Deepshiv: $850 (2 L’s), $600 (C), solve…

_ _ _ L _ _ N _ / A
S A N _ C A S T L E

Deepshiv’s won $2,300 and he might be BUILDING A SANDCASTLE on his trip to the St. James’s Club & Villas ANTIGUA ($15,060).

Deepshiv: $18,360 cash & Caribbean/Cece: $4,750/Forrest: $5,500 cash & GC

---

Triple Toss-Up: WAYD?

1.

_ _ _ _ _ N _ N G / T O
T _ _ / R A _ I _

Forrest doesn’t have an answer ready in time, but he blows it anyway with SINGING IN THE RAIN.

_ _ S T _ N _ N G / T O
T H _ / R A D I _

Deepshiv’s LISTENING TO THE RADIO.

2.

L I _ _ E N _ _ _ / T O
_ _ / A L _ _ M

Deepshiv’s wrong with LISTENING TO THE ALARM.

L I S _ E N _ _ _ / T O
_ _ / A L _ _ M

Cece gets LISTENING TO AN ALBUM.

3.

L _ S T _ N _ _ G / _ O
_ / P _ D _ _ S T

Forrest solves LISTENING TO A PODCAST.

Round 4: PHRASE

Forrest: $700 (R), -$250 (E); SPEED-UP

_ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _
_ _ _ / _ _ _ R _ E _

Forrest makes the rest of the consonants worth $1,700 a pop.

Forrest: 3 T’s (he passes)
Deepshiv: 2 S’s
Cece: D
Forrest (he tried to spin): 2 H’s
Deepshiv: L
Cece: 2 A’s

_ _ _ _ S H / _ H A T
_ _ _ / S T A R T E D

Since you’re able to FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED, Cece, you’ve won $1,700.

FINAL SCORES
Deepshiv: $20,360 cash & Caribbean/Cece: $8,450/Forrest: $7,500 cash & GC

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1	T (Forrest)		2 (Deepshiv, Cece)
ROUND 2			Deepshiv
ROUND 3	R (Cece) H (Forrest)
ROUND 4	L (Deepshiv)
TOTAL	4		3 (-$2,700 + WC)			$14,650 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $36,310

Deepshiv now has these categories to ponder from…

• PERSON
• THING
• WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

---

$100K Bonus Round

After we see Deepshiv’s sister and mom, we see him spin to the A in AMERICA’S.

S _ _ _ _ L _ _ _ N _

MCPI gives some considerable help…

S _ C I _ L I _ I N _

He’ll be SOCIALIZING with his fellow classmates about how he won $45K here, so he leaves w/ $65,360 cash & trip.

When Pat first become host in December 1981, the first shows he taped were part of Teen Week.

MY RATING: 7

WoF Recap: February 22, 2023

EPISODE #7738: 🧒TEEN WEEK🧒

$1K Toss-Up: PHRASE

_ N _ _ _ / _ _ U R
P _ _ S W _ _ _

When logging in to one of your many accounts, please ENTER YOUR PASSWORD. Kaden solves amongst these 8th grade boys…

Kaden Nye (Smyrna, DE): He’s been watching since he was 2 months old and dressed as the host during Halloween in 6th grade. He’s also homeschooled and science is his favorite subject; also loves singing, dancing and coding.
Rayce Snyder (San Francisco): Student council president who won an award regarding basketball and volleyball (they represent someone he lost at the school).
Justin Mattes (Venetia, PA): Musician (trumpet for 4 years) who plans to do marching band in high school. He’s also a troop 4 first-class Boy Scout (he has almost 100 community service hours), does youth ministry and considers to teach for his future career.

$2K Toss-Up: THING

G _ A _ E / _ O I _ T
A V E _ A G _

I think Kaden has a high GRADE POINT AVERAGE regarding his performance on the show so far.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to The Lexington at Jackson Hole (marked WYOMING; $9,284)

Round 1: CROSSWORD (? MILK)

Kaden (who apparently loves crosswords): $600 (4 T’s), -$250 (3 O’s), -$250 (A), WYOMING + $500 (2 C’s), -$250 (2 E’s), -$250 (2 U’s; NMV), $650 (R), solve…

					_				O
			C	_	O	C	O	_	A	T	E
					U				T
_	U	T	T	E	R

CHOCOLATE, BUTTER, and SOUR are the other things associated with milk, so Kaden’s scored $12,334 in that PR. And Rayce admitted that Kaden makes him nervous.

Blue-Emu Mystery Round: WAYD?

Rayce: $600 (R)

Justin: $650 (N), -$250 (I), $900 (2 G’s), -$250 (E)

Kaden: BANKRUPT near $650

Rayce: $900 (H), $600 (B)

Justin: -$250 (A), $600 (2 L’s), -$250 (3 U’s), solve…

L A U G H I N G
_ U _
L _ U _

Justin knows that LOL is short for LAUGHING OUT LOUD, so he’s won $2,650.

Justin: $2,650/Kaden: $15,334 cash & WY/Rayce: ZERO

---

Express/PP Round: LIVING THINGS

Justin: $600 (2 S’s), -$250 (4 E’s), -$250 (A), same BANKRUPT (-$700)

Kaden: $600 (3 T’s), -$250 (U; NMV), $650 (R), other normal BANKRUPT (-$2,200)

Rayce: $600 (2 L’s)…

_ E _ T L E
S E A / T U R T L E S

…but he craps out with an H call on $900, allowing Justin to witness the GENTLE SEA TURTLES on this $10,100 vacay to the Divi Southwinds in BARBADOS.

Justin: $12,750 cash & Barbados/Kaden: $15,334 cash & WY/Rayce: ZILCH

---

Triple Toss-Up: FUN & GAMES

1.

_ _ A N _ _ N G / O N
A / _ U _ F B O A R _

Kaden’s a bit short with HANGING ON A SURFBOARD.

S _ A N D _ N G / O N
A / S U _ F B O A R _

Justin’s STANDING ON A SURFBOARD.

2.

W E A R _ N _
_ O _ L E R / S K A _ E S

Justin’s also WEARING ROLLER SKATES…

3.

_ _ D _ N _ / A
_ _ A _ E _ _ _ R D

…but Kaden keeps his lead by RIDING A SKATEBOARD.

Round 4: CHARACTER

Kaden: $550 (N), -$250 (2 A’s), $500 (S)

Rayce: $550 (L), LaT

Justin: $800 (T), -$250 (E; NMV), $700 (C), BANKRUPT near $650 (-$1,250)

Kaden: just solves…

_ L A C _
_ A N T _ E _

Possibly fearing another BANKRUPT hit, Kaden IDs the BLACK PANTHER for the house minimum and now has $18,334 to his name.

Speed-Up: RHYME TIME

Rayce has spun $1,650.

Rayce: S (he tries to buy an A)
Justin: 4 T’s
Kaden: E

T _ _ T ‘ S / T _ E / _ _ _
T _ / _ _ _ _

THAT’S (not) THE WAY TO PLAY if you call a vowel with no money this round, but Kaden nails it for another house minimum. And Pat jokingly decides to plan to dress up as tonight’s winner next Halloween.

FINAL SCORES
Justin: $16,750 cash & Barbados/Kaden: $19,334 cash & WY/Rayce: $1K GOOSEEGG

Rayce admitted that he doesn’t watch as much Wheel as his fellow competitors.

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1						PERFECT ROUND
ROUND 2	R, B (Rayce) E (Justin)		Kaden
ROUND 3	H (Rayce)		2 (Justin, Kaden)
ROUND 4	S (Kaden)	Rayce	Justin
ROUND 5	NONE	OF	ANY	KIND
TOTAL	5	1	4 (-$4,250)			$10,900 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $37,084

Kaden isn’t ready for the next segment when he has these generic categories to pick from…

• THING
• PEOPLE
• PHRASE

---

Slotomania $100K Bonus Round

If Kaden gets his own sitcom, then the host gets to play as his neighbor. 😛

Anyway, his mom (Ashley) watches him spin to the M in GAME.

_ _ _ _
_ R _ _ N _

MCYA lights up a couple of key spots…

_ _ M _
A R _ _ N _

He doesn’t have much of anything, so Kaden won’t JUMP AROUND with an extra $40K.

Vanna compliments the nice group of boys on tonight’s show.

MY RATING: 6 (orig. a 5)

WoF Recap: December 20, 2022

EPISODE #7692: 🚗WEEKEND GETAWAYS🚗

$1K Toss-Up: PHRASE

_ T ‘ _ / A _ _ / _ _ O D !

Ricky, IT’S ALL GOOD! Tuesday’s contestants…

Ricky Gilbert (New York): Digital marketing worker who’s married to Jordana for 6 years with a daughter named Bella (she just turned 3). Every Saturday, he supports the Michigan Wolverines and he does his best to support the NY Jets on Sundays.
Merin Matthew (Atlanta): Started taking up Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance) since she was 7 years old. She also enjoys drawing and painting.
Jayne Dempsey (Burlington, NC): Works for a company that designs dog collars who’s married to Mike with 5 kids (2 of which are identical twins). She’s also jumped out of a plane 5 times a long time ago (but she and her daughter are ready to go at it again).

$2K Toss-Up: EVENT

_ R _ _ N D B _ E _ K _ N G
_ _ R E _ _ N Y 

Ricky’s 2-for-2 with GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to The Menger Hotel in San Antonio (TEXAS), value unknown
Gift Tag: bnbfinder

Round 1: PEOPLE

Ricky: $900 (3 S’s), -$250 (O), MDW (2 N’s), $850 (2 T’s), -$250 (I), -$250 (3 A’s), solve…

A S T _ O N A _ T S
I N / S _ A _ _

Ricky sees the ASTRONAUTS IN SPACE for a $3,650 PR and now has $6,650 to his name.

Prevagen Mystery Round: SAME NAME

Merin: $700 (N), -$250 (3 A’s), $850 (2 R’s), -$250 (I)

Jayne: $700 (C)

Ricky: $900 (T)

Merin: BANKRUPT near $650 (-$1,900)

Jayne: WC + $500 (M)

Ricky: $3,500 (B), -$250 (E)

Merin: $500 (S)

Jayne: other BANKRUPT

Ricky: WC + $500 (3 L’s), -$250 (O), -$250 (2 U’s; NMV), solve…

_ R A N O L A / &
_ U L L – U _
B A R

Ricky solves GRANOLA & PULL-UP BAR for $4,250.

Ricky: $10,900 MDW WC/Ladies: NOTHING

---

Prize Puzzle: LIVING THINGS

Jayne: BANKRUPT near $650

Ricky: $850 (S)

Merin: EXPRESS (N; PASSES), $550 (R)

Jayne: $900 (D), bnbfinder + $500 (G), -$250 (3 I’s), $650 (K)

Ricky: $850 (M), $3,500 (4 L’s; Pat ushered him to use the WC in which he understandably declined), solve…

_ M _ _ I N G
L _ _ _ L
_ I L D L I _ _

Ricky’s won another $14,850 and will witness some AMAZING LOCAL WILDLIFE on his FlightGuru trip to the Galley Bay Resort & Spa in ANTIGUA ($9,520). Just look at how close he was to BANKRUPTing…

Ricky: $35,270 cash & trip MDW WC/Ladies: BAD NIGHT

---

Triple Toss-Up: AROUND THE HOUSE

1.

C _ O _ E _
_ _ G _ _ _ _ _ R

Ricky continues his hot streak with a CLOSET ORGANIZER.

2.

_ _ S _
_ _ G _ _ _ _ _ R

Ricky also solves DESK ORGANIZER…

3.

_ _ N _
_ R _ W _ R

…and he’s got a Total Toss-Up sweep with JUNK DRAWER!

Round 4: WAYD?

Ricky: $650 (2 N’s), -$250 (2 I’s), -$250 (A), $850 (G), -$250 (3 E’s), $700 (W), BANKRUPT near $650 (-$2,100 plus collectables; rats)

Merin: $500 (S)

Jayne: $600 (M)

Ricky: $850 (T); SPEED-UP

T _ _ I N G / A
N E W / _ E _ I _ E

Ricky spins $1,500, lights up an R double…

T R _ I N G / A
N E W / R E _ I _ E

And while I might be TRYING A NEW RECIPE found in Marcy’s Journal: A Guide to Amphibia (there was one towards the end of that book I shared on Discord), Ricky’s won an extra $3,850 and the maingame sweep!

FINAL SCORES
Ricky: $49,120 cash & trip/Ladies: DOUBLE $1K GOOSEEGG

This is also the first red sweep since 11/26/08.

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1						PERFECT ROUND
ROUND 2	I, S (Merin) C, M (Jayne) T, E (Ricky)		2 (ladies)
ROUND 3	S (Ricky) R (Merin) K (Jayne)		Jayne
ROUND 4	S (Merin) M (Jayne)		Ricky
TOTAL	11		4 (-$4K)			$3,150 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $51,120

Somehow, I think the total sweep won’t happen with THAT trio…

• WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
• THING
• PHRASE

---

$100K Bonus Round

Ricky spins up to the M in GAME. Here’s another one that I know right off…

_ L _ _ _ N _
T _ E / T _ _ _

Pat thinks that Ricky knows it too with GPBO…

P L _ _ _ N G
T _ E / T _ B _

Surely enough, he’s PLAYING THE TUBA to COMPLETE THE SWEEP, win the $40K and end “on a high note” with $89,120 in cash & trip!

In the final segment, Pat tells Vanna that if she had a fire like the one behind her in the fireplace, she’d have to call 9-1-1. It’s very impressive and warm (not so much).

MY RATING: 8 (orig. a 9)

WoF Recap: December 19, 2022

Sorry for the late post. Also, this week marks the return of the Log Cabin set (S37’s Gone Fishin’ was the last time we saw it).

EPISODE #7691: 🚗WEEKEND GETAWAYS🚗

$1K Toss-Up: EVENT

_ / _ E R Y / _ P E _ I A L
_ _ _ _ _ I O _

It’s A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION for Robbie and the ladies playing against him…

Robbie Meyer (Napa, CA; orig. from Georgia): Winemaker for about 25 years who has 2 sons. He also looks “familiar” to Pat…as he was in the studio back in 1982 before the nighttime show! He was 11 years old at the time. Pat was 12, and Merv hired him very young.
Jawan Smith: Upper Marlboro, MD. Teacher for 16 years (her parents were also educators). She has a fraternal twin sister, an older sister, an older brother and plenty of nieces/nephews. She’s also been married for 11 years and has a son and a daughter.
Susan Womble (Tallahassee, FL): Retired special ed schoolteacher (36 years) who’s married to Greg with two kids (they both have spouses) and three grandkids (with another one due in spring).

$2K Toss-Up: FUN & GAMES

_ L _ W _ N G
_ _ B B _ E _

Robbie’s BLOWING BUBBLES to go 2-for-2.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to San Diego sponsored by TOP GUN: Maverick, which is now out on Digital/4K ($7,038)
Gift Tag: GlassesUSA.com

Speaking about San Diego, I (potentially) nabbed a studio apartment there for $1,650/month! If it all goes according to plan, I move in January 2023.

Round 1: SHOW BIZ

Robbie: $700 (S; I think there was a null cut out)

Jawan: LaT

Susan: $550 (2 N’s), -$250 (3 I’s), BANKRUPT near TD (-$850)

Robbie: $600 (B)

Jawan: $600 (M), -$250 (4 E’s), same BANKRUPT (-$350)

Susan: $700 (R), -$250 (A)

Robbie: WC + $500 (2 V’s), -$250 (2 O’s; NMV), solve…

O N _ I N E
M O V I E / R E V I E _

Robbie ends this round by reading an ONLINE MOVIE REVIEW for the house minimum.

Prevagen Mystery Round: BEFORE & AFTER

Jawan: GlassesUSA.com + $500 (2 S’s), LaT

Susan: $600 (4 T’s), -$250 (4 E’s), -$250 (3 O’s), $900 (2 N’s), $600 (R), -$250 (I), $3,500 (2 H’s), -$250 (A), -$250 (U; NMV), BANKRUPT near $650 (-$10,550; I had a feeling that would happen)

Robbie: $900 (B), $700 (D), $550 (P), solve…

A N O T H E R / O N E
B I T E S / T H E
D U S T
_ O P

Robbie solves ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST MOP for $2,150. And Susan admitted that the last word eluded her.

Ladies: NOTHING/Robbie: $6,150 WC

---

Prize Puzzle: PHRASE

Susan: same BANKRUPT

Robbie: $500 (2 N’s), -$250 (3 O’s), -$250 (3 E’s), $500 (3 T’s), $500 (2 R’s), -$250 (2 A’s), $600 (2 H’s), $700 (2 S’s), solve…

T H E R E / A R E / S O
_ A N _ / T H _ N _ S
T O / _ O

Robbie’s won $5,350 and THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO regarding his $8K trip to the Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

Ladies: BAD LUCK/Robbie: $19,500 cash & trip WC

---

Triple Toss-Up: THING

1.

_ _ _ N _ C
B _ S _ _ _

Susan’s finally in the chips with a PICNIC BASKET.

2.

_ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ T

Sorry, Susan, but EASTER BASKET won’t work.

P _ _ N _ C
_ _ A _ _ _ T

Jawan solves PICNIC BLANKET.

3.

I N _ E _ _
R _ P _ L L _ _ T

Robbie knows that INSECT REPELLENT is a must on these picnics.

Speed-Up: IN THE KITCHEN

Robbie has spun the $1,500 minimum.

Robbie: 2 R’s
NULL CYCLE
Jawan: 3 N’s
Susan: D
Robbie: P (he tried to call it during Susan’s think time)
Jawan: F (only says the top line)
Susan: G
Robbie: K
Jawan: 2 E’s
Susan: C

F R _ _ E N / D R _ N K
_ _ C _ _ N E

Susan gets $3K from a FROZEN DRINK MACHINE.

FINAL SCORES
Jawan: $2K/Susan: $5K/Robbie: $21,500 cash & trip WC

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1 (aired)	S, B (Robbie) A (Susan)	Jawan	2 (ladies)
ROUND 2		Jawan	Susan
ROUND 3			Susan
ROUND 4 (aired)	P (Robbie) G (Susan)				Jawan (incomplete)
TOTAL	at least 8	at least 2	at least 4 (-$11,750)		1	$12,950 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $28,500

Robbie’s category list consists of…

• THING
• AROUND THE HOUSE
• PHRASE

---

$100K Bonus Round

Getaway Car: ’23 Chevy Equinox RS 

Robbie spins up to the **. I know it already…

_ R _ _ / T _ E
_ R _ _ N _ / _ _

GDBO and H should be enough…

_ R O _ / T H E
G R O _ N D / _ _

Robbie had to work this out FROM THE GROUND UP…and he wins the $40K for a grand total of $61,500.

In the final segment, Vanna says she was watching Robbie after he called the letters. He had that big smile on his face, and she knew he had it. Pat, however, says that the nightmare as a host is that you joke around that they know it, but they don’t. Lucky for Pat, Robbie knew it. Pat feels personally responsible, and he would give them the money out of Vanna’s purse.

MY RATING: 6

Adam Goes to Culver City Part 4

AKA Mabel Pines Plays Cash Wheel

Here I am, once again. I’ve gotten a first glimpse at what regular WoF looks like, now it’s time for the Celebrity version of it. Unlike the last taping session, I made sure to leave ample time for me to get to the studio (I still did Uber Eats, but halted stuff at around 10am) so that I could get something to eat (KFC) before entering the studio (I originally wanted Popeyes, but the one I went to only had the drive-thru open, which was really unfair considering how early it was).

Once I showed the staff my vaccination card and my ID, they told me that it would be only one show in this taping session with absolutely no breaks whatsoever (in which I used the restroom right away). I go to the studio, it’s the exact same set from previous seasons (and some stuff like the $5,000 wedge appears to be gold) and Jim answers some questions from the audience (and I mentioned that I’m back in the studio again).

Starting this season, I learn that the episodes are not really arranged in accordance to how many BR wins/losses this season had. The slate said that it was scheduled to air 10/9 (which was moved up a week due to the Hocus Pocus airing).

Since this was Celebrity Wheel, of course there were celebrities playing. I didn’t really know who Ron Funches was until I looked him up on Instagram after the taping (he does something on Apple TV). I don’t watch Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ve linked Kevin McKidd to that show once one of the audience members pointed it out (the fact that he’s Scottish adds to the fun). Now if you’re wondering about the sub-title, well…

…the celebrity that stuck out to me the most by far has to be Kristen Schaal (I honestly hoped Brenda Song would appear this season, but Schaal had like a whole season’s worth of entertainment value. You’ve seen her from Bob’s Burgers, the Toy Story franchise (as Trixie the Triceratops) and Gravity Falls (Mabel Pines) and she displays a really bubbly personality in each of the characters she voices (it translates well to the studio). What surprised me is that she tried to not say a cuss word (as a man who frequently swears will probably have a negative view on his life…though she did say “pissed”…which was edited out of broadcast). She played well both games too despite missing both Bonus Rounds (see, Snoop, you can be a skilled player and funny at the same time).

The way this show was taped was a bit more relaxed and there were much longer breaks between each round segment (in terms of reshooting a moment the producers felt were iffy…I’ve noticed that the audience reactions in the studio didn’t pick up well which is why they sound rather weak on TV). Therefore, the same songs play between each round. It kinda wore me out ngl, but they were done before 2pm (the last taping session I went to, it finished at 2:30).

One of the taping breaks, Vanna comes in and I finally ask my question about if she has snacks behind the puzzleboard (regarding one of the previous posts about the taping session). Unsurprisingly, she has a grazing area behind her board (she’s gotta eat for long taping days) remembering an episode from early S21. She also says that she preps for what happens in the next puzzle.

On to the game!

I had the first Toss-Up from the first letter, but never in my life did I know what TU2 was (they’re basically really tight and short denim shorts). Gameplay was basically the same (solve bonuses pretty much proves that they don’t care that much about the wheel), nothing much to note here.

Puzzles from R2 onward were somewhat interesting. Never in my life would WHEEL use the Baby Shark song (and I honestly think that song’s annoying). I didn’t know that puzzle right until Kristen decided to solve (and I understand if Ron isn’t a fan of it). Crazily enough, Kristen solved the puzzle twice (she was aware she said DOO too many times and restarted being more careful) and after much deliberation, the producers still gave it to her (that was understandably cut out)! Even I’m shocked.

All of the Triple Toss-Ups (except for one) used just one line. BELLY BUTTON was used in the previous syndicated season, so I was surprised at how fast the puzzle reuse was (still doesn’t beat last season’s LATE BLOOMER). There was a discussion about which type each celebrity had (but was edited out).

PRIZE PUZZLE Round…did I accidentally stumble to the civilian show? Well, considering that the celebrities were playing for charity, I guess that the vacation is for viewers only (and Disney is still a big sponsor for the show…it’s on ABC for a reason). One of Kristen’s spins barely hung on to the iconic $5K wedge (to what is probably one of the best audience reactions I’ve heard) at which point, I already knew the puzzle. Alas, she called something I knew wouldn’t be in the puzzle, which caused me to groan once she said it (and she clapped back saying that y’all should try playing it for real…honestly really disappointed that was cut out from broadcast). Kevin solves the puzzle and Jim announces that a random viewer would win a trip to the Aulani Resort & Spa (a Disney property btw) if they know which person solved the puzzle.

I’ve been to Oahu before, but that was when I was just 8 years old (and it was the only time I was outside the contiguous USA). Honestly a beautiful location and I will be entering both sweepstakes (need the money and the Hawaii trip). Winning it would be a fantastic family trip (or just a nice bonding together with me and dad).

I think this was the first time since early season 20 where I witnessed a puzzle more than two lines long being used on rounds where the $5K wedge was in play (so I’m glad that they utilized of the idea of using that extra row if they know 100% the round wouldn’t go into Speed-Up).

BONUS ROUND #1: After the audience manager once again hates how some people go for THING in the Bonus Round (she chose AtH), Kristen spins the wheel and gets a puzzle I knew immediately with the RSTLNE. This was not a difficult puzzle by any means, but she really whiffed on the letter calls. Going the standard CDMA route would be helpful enough for a solve. At least she didn’t waste any letter choices and tried talking it out, but it was all for naught. Also, there was a table set for Kevin and Ron to watch.

---

After another lengthy break, it was time for the other game. The first Toss-Up was another 2010’s Song Lyric (and Kristen wasn’t too sure on how to solve it…guess she was making it up as she went along). I was surprised to see Before & After in Round 1 instead of Round 2 like what the show always does. Unlike my peers who knew the puzzle early on, I struggled big time with it (and the same went for those contestants). Even after I figured out the “After” part (GAME OF THRONES), my mind still went blank on the top word. Thankfully, Kristen remembered to BUY VOWELS and solved SQUID GAME OF THRONES.

Round 2…maybe the category should’ve been Proper LAST Names. I was surprised that the puzzle didn’t contain the ampersand, but I really was shocked that they would use four last names. After a quick google search, I learnt that they all share the first name (Chris), but I thought that it was related to the Avengers (turns out that Chris Pine does not play one).

I got the first of the Triple Toss-Ups pretty quickly, but I totally blanked out on the others (I had no clue what SCHMOOZING meant…it’s apparently a way to converse with someone informally).

In the final round, Kristen starts by putting up a few letters before the bells sounded (which scared her apparently) and she says this.

“You used to do (the Final Spin).”

Pat: “I did, then I got tired of it.”

Ngl, that kinda hit me in the feels, especially when Pat’s no longer able to get the wheel all the way around anymore (and that was cut out too…guess the editing crew didn’t like several things). She lands it on $950 (which I think was the first ever instance of that space being spun for the Final Spin) and play keeps going until she then solves HOW AWESOME WAS THAT? for $10,800 (excluding the $20K bonus) and the return trip to Bonus Land. Then Pat has trouble dealing with the coordinators on what to do (regarding if they should announce her total score or just focus on picking the Bonus Round categories). I see a replay of Kristen solving the puzzle just played and then tape playing it forward from there (so there was some edits about that moment).

Kristen has trouble picking out her second Bonus Round category, so she enlists on Pat to help her choose one (and I’m actually surprised he allowed this). Pat told her to choose Fun & Games (which is what I was hoping she’d pick considering she’s a really fun gal).

BONUS ROUND #2: Once Kristen proclaims that she should’ve said WARM last time, she spins the wheel and gets another puzzle that I already know with the RSTLNE. This time, I think the puzzle was probably too difficult for the celebrity version of the show (and I realized that there was no music change until the timer started). I would argue that it would be difficult for syndie Wheel, but the one time they used it in S26, a man completely aced it due to him using the category to his advantage (hence ZJWI). Kristen obviously can’t do it and doesn’t win the $75K once again (there was a reshot there). And therefore, I have yet to witness a taping where there was a Bonus Round win.

There was a lot more social media influence regarding this taping as I got to see Maggie Sajak record some clips regarding each of the three contestants. Once the audience wranglers told me the show was done, I left! Like last Friday, I did some DoorDash a couple hours later (and I did get a piece of the Beverly Hills action this time), but I did take some notes on what happened this taping immediately after I left the studio to plug my car at a nearby charging station.

If you ever get frustrated at the misplays WHEEL has had in recent years (looking at you, @skippslargo), then attending a taping is an absolute must. It gives you a different perspective on how the contestants play the game and what happens if they nearly take too long to make a decision. It really is an extraordinary experience.

And that concludes my adventures in Culver City for now. I may make several return trips to the studio…it really is an addiction.

WoF Recap: October 6, 2022

Sorry if this came out way later than usual. My brain was a bit fried coming out from the first day of work. Compound that w/ my Grandma’s sister moving in and a whole bunch of formatting problems and you’ve got something that took way longer than needed.

This is also a good reminder to join the site’s Discord if you want to keep up with the latest updates regarding recap plans!

EPISODE #7639: 🛫GREAT ESCAPES🛫

$1K Toss-Up: PLACE

B _ M B _ O
_ O R E S _

Nathan misses saying BAMBOO SHORES.

B _ M B O O
_ O R E S T

Navi might see a BAMBOO FOREST in the near future, but let’s get the rundown on this panel first…

Navi Uppal (Rolling Hills Estates, CA): She wants to win enough money to build the ideal backyard (it’s covered in dirt).
Nathan Kirby (Little Rock, AR): MMA guy (former professional fighter who coaches MMA) who’s also a motivational speaker. He’s also a gold medal multi-time black belt world champion in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Erika McCall (North Hollywood): Founder of a non-profit where they bring students from all over to Los Angeles to follow their dreams. She’s also an author of three books and a new aunt to Roman (4 months).

$2K Toss-Up: ON THE MAP

_ A S _ E R
I S L _ _ D

Navi pinpoints EASTER ISLAND.

FEATURED PRIZE: a Viking Rhine RIVER CRUISE ($9,298)

Round 1: CROSSWORD (? TOP)

Navi: $650 (“Tr… T” – there’s 3), $700 (S), -$250 (2 A’s), $700 (B), -$250 (E), $650 (2 L’s), $900 (2 N’s), -$250 (O), $850 (M), $600 (R; she has $6,550)

Nathan: $2,500 (F), -$250 (U), -$250 (I; NMV), $900 (H; complete board)

	S					H
M	O	U	N	T	A	I	N
	F					L
	T		T	A	B	L	E

He reads them all for $2,900.

Prevagen Mystery Round: SHOW BIZ

Nathan: RIVER CRUISE + $500 (S), -$250 (2 E’s), BANKRUPT near $650 (-$9,548)

Erika: $700 (T), -$250 (A), $650 (R)

Navi: MW near LaT (M; flips…nope)

Nathan: $800 (R repeat)

Erika: MDW (L), -$250 3 O’s, $650 (V), -$250 (3 I’s), -$250 (2 U’s; NMV), $600 (3 N’s), $500 (C), $600 (2 P’s), $900 (D), solve…

P U L S E – P O U N D I N _
A C T I O N / M O V I E

Erika gets PULSE-POUNDING ACTION MOVIE for $4,750 and the MDW.

Navi: $3K/Nathan: $2,900/Erika: $4,750 MDW

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Prize Puzzle: FOOD & DRINK

Erika: $850 (2 S’s), -$250 (A), -$250 (O)

Navi: LaT

Nathan: $650 (R), -$250 (5 E’s), $800 (T), $800 (H), $700 (3 P’s), solve…

_ R E S H / S _ E E T
P _ _ E A P P _ E

Nathan will enjoy some FRESH SWEET PINEAPPLE at the Hyatt Regency MAUI Resort & Spa ($9,200).

Navi: $3K/Nathan: $16,200 cash & HI/Erika: $4,750 MDW

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Triple Toss-Up: PHRASE

1.

_ _ / _ H _ / T _ P
_ F / _ Y / _ _ N G U E

Nathan’s wrong with ON THE TOP OF MY TONGUE.

_ _ / T H _ / T _ P
_ F / _ Y / _ _ N G U E

Navi’s even more off saying IN THE TOP OF MY LEAGUE.

_ _ / T H E / T I P
_ F / _ Y / _ _ N G U E

Erika says ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE.

2.

_ F _ / _ _ _ / _ O P
_ _ / M _ / _ E _ _

OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, I think Navi gets it.

3.

_ Y / _ H E / _ K _ N
O _ / M Y / T E E _ H

Navi nabs this one BY THE SKIN OF MY TEETH (or hers).

Speed-Up: WAYD?

Navi gives us $1,500 a consonant.

Navi: N
Nathan: R
Erika: G
Navi: S
Nathan: M
NULL CYCLE
Erika: T
Navi: K (MAKING A CRUST is too short.)
Nathan: 2 A’s
ANOTHER NULL
Erika: D
Navi: F
Nathan: 2 I’s
Erika: P (NMC; Nathan realized what it was)

M A K I N G / A
P R _ F I T

Erika’s finally MAKING A PROFIT to the tune of $4,500.

FINAL SCORES
Navi: $7K/Nathan: $16,200 cash & HI/Erika: $11,250 MDW

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1	R (Navi)
ROUND 2	R (Erika)		2 (Nathan, Navi)	R (Nathan)
ROUND 3	O (Erika)	Navi
ROUND 4 (aired)	S (Navi) D (Erika)				Navi
TOTAL	at least 11	1	2 (-$9,548)	1	1	$15,250 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $34,450

Nathan now gets to choose from…

• EVENT
• PHRASE
• THING

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$100K Bonus Round

Nathan spins a G. I have two options regarding the answer…

_ _ / _ _ _ _
_ _ L _ E

HCMO gives some top line help (which rules out my thought of GOOD)…

O _ / H _ _ H
_ _ L _ E

OF HIGH ALIVE is his final answer. He didn’t win something OF HIGH VALUE, which would be $40K.

I left the studio after Wednesday’s show (it was my first time, plus I had other plans…which might be a blessing). I know I haven’t been giving ratings this week, but that’s because I was watching them with the feeling I was part of the studio audience. I’m making an exception for this episode with a 3/10.

Andy will wrap up the week.

Adam Goes to Culver City Part 3

Around this point, Alex welcomes me to the Wheel of Fortune audience. I was enjoying myself, seeing my favorite show raw and unfiltered (meaning that there were no sketchy edits that you see on TV). The final show starts and this one has the most interesting of the contestant interviews (I still remember Lorraine’s cat, Momo). Daniel (AKA the guy with that long hair) has made some amazing accomplishments in his life (such as writing symphonies and operas at a young age compared to Pat who learnt to tie a tie in his teens). He also had a nana with dementia that made him such a fan of the show.

The show starts and while the first toss-up is not related to the theme (GOING GOING GONE!), it is not a replacement and it’s played as is (and I mistakenly thought that was the puzzle from Tuesday’s show…it’s hard remembering everything watching an eppy from the studio). Round 1 comes up with the category being SAME LETTER, making me wonder if the Crosswords were actually gone for good. From 9821’s taping, they are actually not according to this photo (and I think he did a good job representing the new season’s graphics).

Daniel goes on a nice roll, but then BANKRUPT stops him cold with an $8,600 loss (and that was thankfully the biggest loss I’ve seen in tapings).

Lorraine…might just be the weakest spinner I’ve seen on this show. Only one spin went 5ish wedges and I’m surprised they didn’t have to do any re-takes with her spins. Even Pat noticed this as well (such as telling her to give a good follow through). Even her final spin (more on that later; it was at the start of R4) only made it to the pink $600 (whereas on average, it would have been around the blue $600). Tristian (who for some reason accidentally kept calling her “Momo”) did bring up a good point saying that the crew wanted her to finish her spins (which is why they looked weak, some of her “stronger” spins were comparable to the smaller spins seen in S19 of this show) and she had absolutely no problem spinning the bonus wheel

BRAD PITT STARS IN BULLET TRAIN. This was taped a week after the film was released (being from Sony Pictures, there’s bound to be some promotion of it) and it was the puzzle I could not remember (aside from any 2^nd Toss-Up)…until I saw a poster of it while driving through Anaheim. Then it struck me that WHEEL used this puzzle on this exact episode. Being unfamiliar with the film itself, I struggled on it until I think the L’s came up (I got the person early on). 3-for-3 with having the prize wedge being won in the 2^nd round (this time, it was Lorraine who solved to go to the NY Lakes).

I almost forgot to mention, but the $10K Mystery this episode covered the blue $600 when I saw the crew switch out the wedges between the 2nd and 3rd rounds. So if Lorraine gave it a bit more power on the last spin and had the guts to go for it, that could’ve been a $20K+ round for her.

The trip puzzle (FEELING THE OCEAN BREEZE ON MY FACE) reeks of bad PP writing that a good majority of S26 had (overly specific, has to be tropical). Megan hops on the Express (and that turned out to be a fail). Daniel gets that puzzle (and shows how much harder it is playing the game for real; this was when I saw the timer in action) and wins a $7.5K+ trip to Curacao (this trip plus the Scottsdale one (and St. Maarten) are the only ones I don’t remember the show offering before in this taping).

If you wonder why contestants keep spinning even when the puzzle is blatantly obvious, it’s only because they don’t want to lose their turn due to a buzz-out. Games feel a lot shorter in the broadcast because they cut out a lot of dead silence between turns.

Speed-Up: I got the puzzle off the S & T (but it wasn’t until I heard an “oop” from Tristan that I knew what it was). Daniel calls off the 3 C’s and solves PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY (again, a puzzle that would be perfect for California Coast week) ahead of the buzzer…but he briefly paused after saying HIGH on the buzzer, creating total AWKWARD SILENCE. Pat reviewed with the judges for a few good seconds if that was an appropriate solve (if I were Bellamie, I would’ve scrapped that round out and put up a different puzzle). To my surprise, they actually gave it to him…only for him to lose by a 3-digit margin (even I felt that given that I didn’t know he was this close to winning it all). Oh, and big winner Lorraine has a Wild Card.

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BONUS ROUND

Before the segment started, we started predicting about what space she’ll land on (I think I predicted the Ampersand; I was wrong). I also noticed how my peers liked when anything other than the letter was spun. This puzzle was bit easier than the other two and I also RSTLNEd that one. I internally screamed “Yes!” when Lorraine picked M for her Wild Card choice…then my heart sunk when the timer (they play that before the bonus round as a test) counted down. Apparently, contestants struggling with the word YOU (the puzzle was YOU MARK MY WORDS) in this segment is somewhat of a trope (Were there any Bonus Puzzles containing YOU have been solved? And no, YOUR, YOU’RE and YOU’VE don’t count.). The season minimum pops up like the previous episode, sending Lorraine off with half of that envelope amount.

Shortly after, one person said that a similar puzzle was used in the Houston shows (and that was the episode where Richard Eton picked Pat up after he won the Bonus Round…good times). Michael S. thought that the first word was pretty hard to get for some reason. A group of people started leaving (and FYI, the contestant section was in the far right of me) and I moved to the front row (FYI, the third row was better). My peers told me to sit closer to them, which I happily agreed to do (they were good people). Pat and Vanna do the chat, mention that the bonus puzzle is something parents would say when they get very mad (also using the full name such as Vanna Marie White). The show ends and because I only signed up for the 12:00 taping, I was forced to leave (my peers stayed for the 3:15 tapings). I would have stayed for the latter taping, by I depleted my car’s hybrid battery (I drive a PHEV) and was scheduled to do DoorDash in Beverly Hills/WeHo in a couple hours (I tried to get a piece of that Beverly Hills action, but failed to do so).

I haven’t ate all day, so I stumbled at a local soul food place (was actually decent for a low-class establishment) after leaving my car to charge at a Toyota dealership (a guy tried to convince me to trade my car in for a Prius Prime). I did some DoorDash later on, and while picking up and order from Harold’s Chicken, I stumbled upon Alex Trebek’s star in the walk of fame (I didn’t find Pat nor Vanna’s)! I started heading home at about 10pm and had a late dinner at an IHOP in Downey (I would’ve had breakfast over there if I got an early start). Soon after, I docked myself at a charging station in La Habra and started typing up everything that I saw on this taping (I took notes on my phone between show breaks).

The worst part about this was tomorrow morning where I came home drowsy forgetting to turn off the car, therefore depleting the car’s battery and having me head over to Pep Boys. I learnt to be more careful next time. 😛

But hey, I decided to make a return trip next Friday…for a celebrity show.

WoF Recap: October 5, 2022

EPISODE #7638: 🛫GREAT ESCAPES🛫

$1K Toss-Up: PHRASE

_ _ _ _ G
G _ I _ G / G O _ E !

GOING GOING GONE! Lorraine gets the first solve from this midweek trio…

Lorraine Harry (Claremont, CA): Works at communications at Pomona College (where she also went to school) who’s married to Chris for 20 years with a teen daughter (Audrey) and a cat (Momo).
Megan Baldwin (Reno, NV): Victim advocate for law enforcement (she helps kids go through the court system or receive support services). She’s married to Pat (celebrating 5 years of that) with 2 kids aged 6 & 3.
Daniel Lincoln (West Hills, CA): USC School of Music assistant professor (BFA music theater program). He was 17 when he wrote his first symphony, 19 when he wrote his first opera, and wrote his first musical at 21 (not on Broadway yet). His nana (Lucy) is a big fan of the show (they used to watch it together). She’s struggling with dementia, but she is still an absolute pro at this show. In this case, Daniel’s playing for her.

$2K Toss-Up: IN THE KITCHEN

F _ E N _ H
_ O _ _ _ _ O K

Daniel solves FRENCH COOKBOOK.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa + day on the slopes w/ Olympic medalist Andrew Weibrecht (NY LAKES), $7,400

Round 1: SAME LETTER

Daniel: $600 (4 R’s), -$250 (2 E’s), $700 (3 T’s – SL), -$250 (3 I’s), -$250 (O)

Lorraine: $500 (N)

Megan: BANKRUPT near TD

Daniel: $700 (3 S’s), -$250 (5 A’s; NMV), $500 (4 L’s), OTHER BANKRUPT (-$8,600)

Lorraine: $800 (H), $500 (D), solve…

T R A I L S
T R A I L H E A D S
T R A I L _ L A _ E R S

Lorraine solves TRAILS TRAILHEADS TRAILBLAZERS for $1,300 and has $2,300 at this point.

Prevagen Mystery Round: SHOW BIZ

Lorraine: $500 (5 T’s), WC + $500 (3 R’s), -$250 (E), NY LAKES + $500 (2 S’s), -$250 (3 A’s), -$250 (U), -$250 (3 I’s; NMV), $500 (2 N’s), $650 (2 L’s), solve…

_ R A _ / _ I T T
S T A R S / I N
_ U L L E T / T R A I N

By getting BRAD PITT STARS IN BULLET TRAIN, Lorraine’s won $13,700 in cash & holiday- PR!

Lorraine: $16K cash & NY Lakes WC/Megan: STARTS NEXT ROUND/Daniel: $2K

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Prize Puzzle: WAYD?

Megan: MDW’s right side

Daniel: LaT

Lorraine: $900 (3 N’s), LaT

Megan: EXPRESS (G; HOPS ON)

Next Up: T, 8 E’s, H, I, S (-$2,500)

Daniel: $600 (L), $700 (2 F’s), -$250 (2 A’s), -$250 (2 O’s; NMV), solve…

F E E L I N G / T H E
O _ E A N / _ _ E E _ E
O N / _ _ / F A _ E

I honestly love FEELING THE OCEAN BREEZE ON MY FACE and Daniel won $1,500 (after being relieved solving this puzzle) and will feel that at the Dreams CURAÇAO Resort Spa & Casino ($7,521).

Lorraine: $16K cash & NY Lakes WC/Megan: HARD LUCK/Daniel: $11,021 cash & Curaçao

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Triple Toss-Up: FUN & GAMES

1.

_ E N N _ S
_ _ U _ _ _ _ _ T

Lorraine’s a letter over with TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

T E N N _ S
E _ U I P _ _ N T

Daniel steals TENNIS EQUIPMENT.

2.

A _ R O B I C
E _ E _ _ I _ E

Lorraine solves AEROBIC EXERCISE.

3.

_ _ E R _ _ S _
_ _ U I _ _ E _ T

Take the last words from the previous two words and you get this – Lorraine solves EXERCISE EQUIPMENT.

Speed-Up: ON THE MAP

Lorraine’s weak spin lands on $1,600.

Lorraine: T
Megan: R
Daniel: S
Lorraine: N
Megan: L
Daniel: 3 C’s

_ _ C _ _ _ C / C _ _ S T
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Daniel stopped a bit before saying the last word of PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY when the buzzer sounded (NOTE: There was quite a bit of discussion in the studio debating whether that was acceptable or not.)…it is approved for a $6,400 solve, but he ends up being $579 short.

FINAL SCORES
Lorraine: $20K cash & NY Lakes WC/Megan: $1K GOOSEEGG/Daniel: $19,421 cash & Curaçao

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1	O (Daniel) N (Lorraine)		2 (Megan, Daniel)
ROUND 2						PERFECT ROUND
ROUND 3	S (Megan)	2 (Daniel, Lorraine)	2 (Megan)
ROUND 4	R, L (Megan) N (Lorraine)
TOTAL	6	2	4 (-$11,100)			$4,300 unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $40,421

Lorraine has three generic categories to choose from…

• PHRASE
• PEOPLE
• THING

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$100K Bonus Round

After we see Lorraine’s hubby and daughter, we see her spin the S in SPIN. Take away the first word and you’d get something that was used in the Houston road trip back in ’98…

_ _ _ / _ _ R _
_ _ / _ _ R _ S

PHDO and M give her a fighting chance…

_ O _ / M _ R _
M _ / _ O R D S

YOU MARK MY WORDS – Lorraine…only gets the bottom line, so she loses $40K.

Pat and Vanna discuss certain phrases parents say to their kids when there’s some naughty behavior in the end chat (regarding the bonus puzzle). Vanna’s mom would use her middle name.

Adam Goes to Culver City Part 2

One show down, two more to go. Jim gives us more facts about the show itself, specifically the wheel. The big wheel weighs 2400 pounds (just over a ton!) and it’s held under a certain weight which makes spinning it tough to do (because let’s be honest, the producers feel like watching the wheel stop is cutting into those precious seconds of critical gameplay). Jim also told us that “aiming” the wheel is not allowed. He gave us an example of people who spin perfect rotations on that wheel. If they’re getting close to BANKRUPT, they can just give it a weaker spin (but with everything you need to focus on in the show, controlling your spin power should be the least of your worries).

Speaking about the other things, I believe Alex told us that the scoreboards on road shows are placed above the puzzleboard for some reason (he was a contestant on S23’s College Week in Denver…I’m in the process of making cosmetic changes to that week). Also, Jim told us the Wheel used to be rebuilt for assembly if it was taken on the road (which is pretty much extinct nowadays).

Also, somewhere, the news people from WABC did a little promo shoot between shows 1 & 2.

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The reason for the two-male show in the first show was because someone called in sick and/or couldn’t make it to the studio. There would be a couple of back-ups in this case. The rest of the shows did follow the “one men, two women rule”.

This show I could remember the contestants the least, but that black lady (Tashana) did something with the alligators once in Louisiana…and it’s freaky (also, I think Patti was raising awareness). Round 1, however, is tied to the theme and boy is it a terrible puzzle (GET MY TRAVEL AGENT ON THE PHONE!). I think it was late into the round that I solved that puzzle, but even if I did themed shows in my own mock games, I would NEVER write puzzles like that.

The Mystery Round begins shortly and Josh spins a $3,500 letter out of the gate. Unfortunately, that wasn’t capitalized. Again, a contestant lands on the Mystery Wedge next to the Lose a Turn…and it turned out to be a BANKRUPT once again. I knew the puzzle once the E’s came up and apparently so did Patti as she spun the Arizona trip and solved FLEXING MY MUSCLE BEACH right after (which would fit well with California Coast week).

SCOTTSDALE! One of my plans last year was to vacation to a state that had absolutely no mask restrictions (which I did 2 weeks after my 2^nd Pfizer dose) and Arizona was the perfect state to go to. When I got there, I immediately fell in love with the city, its attractions and stunning architecture. I climbed Camelback Mountain (which probably wasn’t the wisest thing to do in triple-digit weather), visited the aquarium and explored all of what the city had to offer. Hands down one of my favorite cities in the USA and I’m sure Patti would have a blast there (but I will say that’s an expensive trip for something close by).

A few seconds before the Trip Puzzle started (and my hands were super sore from all that clapping), Josh I think did a respin, which landed on $3,500. Speaking about the Trip Puzzle, I got it the same time Alex did (when the A’s came up). I felt like TOTALLY wasn’t necessary here (they’ve done short Prize Puzzles in the past). Patti struggles with it, allowing Josh to get on the board with a trip to Aruba.

Triple-Toss Up: They were all windows. I don’t think I’ve heard of a PICTURE WINDOW before (I’ve seen it, but never phrased it like that), but the last toss-up was an easy no-letter solve for me (and the only one in this taping session) and for the yellow guy, who starts the next round. And you could really feel the energy of the audience when Tashana and Josh each quickly solved one.

Round 4 starts with some regular play (which is nice as it’s becoming more and more uncommon throughout the years) and again, a player flirts too much with the $5K and immediately BANKRUPTs nearby. Tashana gets up some letters until the bells sound out and makes the remaining consonants the $1,500 minimum. I think I knew BUMPER CARS early on, but the top word eluded me until the last letter came up before the solve. I think with DRIVING, the only ones I know that could be driven are with a steering wheel. I’ve tried the bumper cars at John’s Incredible Pizza (which BTW, was my go-to birthday place for quite a while), and they did not have any steering wheels. Patti wins the game with $23K+, allowing her to go to the Bonus Round.

Patti seemed to be quite excited to bring Doris to the studio, didn’t she? Unfortunately, this is another case of me RSTLNEing the puzzle and figuring out it spelled doom for the contestant. I was impressed that she spotted QU- right away, but good ‘ol V and W were here to trip her up. There was a discerning groan from the audience after the puzzle was revealed (for good reason too) and the new season minimum goes unclaimed.

This one contained a full credit roll, and I looked at all the names that are currently part of the show (including Jimmy McGuire, who you may know was part of the Jeopardy! Clue Crew).

Shortly after, I exited the studio (temporarily) for a bathroom break. Before that, I introduced myself to Alex (the one with the big WoF library) and he said that we should reach out some time later. Such a cool guy!

Only one show remains in my tapings…tune in tomorrow for that show.

WoF Recap: October 4, 2022

EPISODE #7637:🛫GREAT ESCAPES🛫

$1K Toss-Up: PLACE

I _ _ E _ N _ T _ _ N _ L
A _ R _ O _ _

The INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT closest to me is SNA and Tashana solves first. Today’s contestants…

Tashana Rivers (Atlanta): Married with 3 children, she’s an adventurer who likes ATVs and kayaking. She did an “alligator tour” in New Orleans and actually held an alligator (Pat doesn’t think she looks like she can hold one). Pat also asks if she can rip a tag off a mattress.
Patti LaFleur (Auburn, WA): Married for 4 years, and in her past, she was adopted and had an opportunity to care for her mother who had dementia. Since she passed away, Patti has become an advocate for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s in the community.
Josh Hathaway (Temecula): Married to Renée with 3 kids; Pat starts talking about sports, and Josh plays hockey competitively and has done it since he was 11 years old, generally playing as the goalie (Pat then asks him to smile).

$2K Toss-Up: LIVING THING

_ _ O O P I N G
C R A _ _

Patti solves WHOOPING CRANE.

FEATURED PRIZE: trip to Adero Scottsdale (I’ve been to that city) + Hot Air Expeditions balloon ride (ARIZONA), $9,782
Tues./Thurs. Gift Tag: bnbfinder

Round 1: PHRASE

Patti: bnbfinder + $500 (4 T’s), $700 (S)

Josh: $650 (3 N’s), -$250 (5 E’s), -$250 (I)

Tashana: $650 (2 H’s), -$250 (2 O’s), $550 (P), $700 (2 G’s), -$250 (2 A’s), BANKRUPT near TD (-$2,750)

Patti: just solves…

G E T / _ _
T _ A _ E _ / A G E N T
O N / T H E / P H O N E !

GET MY TRAVEL AGENT ON THE PHONE! Patti’s won $3K cash & GT ($5K so far) for slowly saying that answer.

Prevagen Mystery Round: BEFORE & AFTER

Josh: $3,500 (S), -$250 (3 E’s), -$250 (A; I think I knew it around that point), $3,500 (T)

Tashana: $600 (N), MW near LaT (2 M’s; flips…no good)

Patti: ARIZONA + $500 (B), solve…

_ _ E _ _ N _ / M _
M _ S _ _ E
B E A _ _

Patti must have known it the same time I did as she nails FLEXING MY MUSCLE BEACH for $10,282 cash & holiday.

Patti: $15,282 cash & stuff/John: NADA/Tashana: $1K

---

Prize Puzzle: EVENT

Tashana: $600 (N)

Patti: $500 (3 T’s), -$250 (3 A’s), -$250 (O), $650 (2 L’s), $600 (2 Y’s), -$250 (3 E’s), $650 (2 R’s), SAME BANKRUPT SPUN IN R1 (-$4,550)

Josh: SPINGLES for $600 D…

A / T O T A L L Y
_ T R E _ _ – _ R E E
D A Y

He’ll spend A TOTALLY STRESS-FREE DAY (or two) while at the Holiday Inn Resort ARUBA, a $7,882 FlightGuru trip.

Patti: $15,282 cash & stuff/Josh: $8,482 cash & Aruba/Tashana: $1K

---

Triple Toss-Up: THING

1.

_ T _ _ _ E _ – _ _ _ _ S
W I _ D _ _

Windows is the theme and Patti solves STAINED-GLASS WINDOW.

2.

_ _ C _ _ R E
_ _ _ _ _ _

I’ve never heard of a PICTURE WINDOW before, but Tashana gets that one.

3.

_ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ U _ _ _ Y

Josh may have no-lettered it like I did and he gets the WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY to take the next spin.

Round 4: FUN & GAMES

Josh: IMMEDIATE BANKRUPT NEAR BIG BUCKS

Tashana: $700 (N), $850 (M), -$250 (A), -$250 (2 I’s); SPEED-UP

_ _ I _ I N _
_ _ M _ _ _ / _ A _ _

Tashana has spun $1,500.

Tashana: B
Patti: 3 R’s
Josh: S
Tashana: G
Patti: D

D R I _ I N G
B _ M _ _ R / _ A R S

I remember DRIVING BUMPER CARS at John’s Incredible Pizza and Patti’s won $6K worth of icing.

FINAL SCORES
Patti: $23,282 cash & stuff/Josh: $10,482 cash & Aruba/Tashana: $3K

PENALTY BOX	Duds	Lose a Turns	Bankrupts	Repeats	Missolves	Other
ROUND 1	S (Patti) I (Josh)		Tashana
ROUND 2	T (Josh)		Tashana
ROUND 3	N (Tashana)		Patti
ROUND 4			Josh
TOTAL	4		4 (-$7,900)			$10K unclaimed

WINNINGS SO FAR: $36,764

Patti’s generic category list consists of…

• PLACE
• THING
• PHRASE

---

$100K Bonus Round

After Patti brought her friend Doris to the studio, she’s spun the I in AMERICA’S.

(Patti begins walking ahead of Pat before realizing her mistake. Pat must go first, but he’ll go around the other way instead.)

_ _ _ T E
_ / _ _ E _

She almost begins with a vowel (which is allowed in the show), but BDMA will not add much…

_ _ _ T E
A / _ _ E _

She does get the top word (QUITE), but says WAY, CHECK and CHEF for the last word. There won’t be QUITE A VIEW of Patti winning the $40K (but I will say that’s “quite a try”).

In the final segment, Pat comments that every time the duo does a close, no matter how he feels, he looks over there at that puzzle…Vanna catches on to what he’s saying. “Thank you!” Pat still has quite a view.

And since I saw the show in the studio myself, I knew 100% that I wouldn’t be starting my ruby anniversary off on a horrible note.