Pat Sajak, the beloved 76-year-old host of “Wheel of Fortune,” experienced quite the shock during a recent episode. As viewers know, Sajak’s steady demeanor has graced our screens for decades. Yet, not even his years of experience could prepare him for the exuberant reaction of contestant Laryn Nelson, an elementary school principal from Atlanta.
When Game Show Enthusiasm Takes a Turn
During the climactic final puzzle, Nelson had 10 seconds to solve it. After several missteps, with guesses like “Pitching my goals,” the buzzer ultimately defeated her. The answer was revealed as “Obtaining my goals.”
Pat Sajak JUMPED. pic.twitter.com/o13FDHMj5s
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) September 14, 2023
Her lively spirit undiminished, Nelson commented with a chuckle, “Oh, my goodness. All right. That’s okay. I’m going to do that one day, though, obtaining my goals.” To which Sajak wittily responded, “There’s really no need for a host on this show. Just let them do it.”
However, the real scene-stealer came next. When Sajak revealed the prize card, indicating she could have won a brand-new Volkswagen car, Nelson’s excitement bubbled over in a shriek that startled even Sajak. Although she missed the car, she still secured a substantial $24,250 in winnings. Sajak, recovering quickly, assured her post-apology, “It’s all right. I’ll be fine.”
Fans Challenge the Puzzle’s Phrasing
While Nelson may have taken the results in stride, fans took to X (previously Twitter) with criticisms over the final puzzle’s phrasing.
Comments ranged from confounded to downright irate:
- “What the heck is obtaining my goals? Setting my goals. Meeting my goals. Achieving my goals,” voiced one user.
- “Obtaining my goals?? Attaining my goals would be the proper phrase. What a horrible prize puzzle,” another added.
- “Tonight’s #WheelOfFortune bonus round puzzle was garbage. ‘Obtaining my goals???’ Nobody says that. It’s ‘achieving my goals,’” chimed in others.
The Changing Wheel of “Wheel of Fortune”
This episode’s excitement coincided with another significant announcement. Sajak, after years of steering the ship, revealed his intention to retire following the 2023-24 season. Expressing gratitude for his journey, he shared that “it’s been a wonderful ride.”
In light of Sajak’s departure, the announcement of Ryan Seacrest stepping into those iconic shoes has raised eyebrows. Previously, fans voiced their wishes for Vanna White, Sajak’s longtime co-host, to assume the hosting mantle. There were even whispers of Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, filling White’s shoes.
However, despite the change in guard, White seems undeterred. Sources suggest she’s currently in talks to renew her contract, indicating she’s not yet ready to say farewell to the wheel.
As the iconic show undergoes a facelift, one thing remains constant: its ability to evoke emotions, surprise its audience, and remain a staple in entertainment history.
Source: Foxnews
