Tense Match Highlights Spectacular Week on ‘Jeopardy!’

LOS ANGELES, California — A dramatic episode of ‘Jeopardy!’ aired on March 14, 2025, showcasing thrilling gameplay that has captivated fans throughout the week. The episode featured returning champion Jack Goldfisher competing against new contestants Alex DeFrank and Jamie Hare.

Goldfisher, a screenwriter and director from Los Angeles, returned to the game after a successful Thursday, where he won $32,401. Facing off against DeFrank from Brooklyn, New York, and Hare from Decatur, Georgia, the stage was set for another riveting showdown.

The first round quickly revealed DeFrank’s strength, as he answered every $200 clue correctly, amassing a lead of $4,800 by the first commercial break. Goldfisher was trailing with $2,800, while Hare struggled in third place with a mere $400 after two correct responses.

During the interview segment, Goldfisher shared a nostalgic moment about his favorite candy, Good & Plenty, expressing a desire for its return to store shelves. He mentioned that he enjoys the treat while watching movies. In contrast, Hare, a library worker, brought an interesting background to the game, having spent a year in India working on her Ph.D.

DeFrank found the first Daily Double late in the round, wagering $6,800 on the clue about Hessian mercenaries during the American Revolution, and answered correctly, boosting his score to $13,600. As the first round concluded, standings were DeFrank at $14,400, Goldfisher with $4,200, and Hare at $1,200.

The following Double Jeopardy round saw a dramatic shift, with Hare rallying to tie DeFrank for first place. She scored big after finding both Daily Doubles. Her first clue regarding Canadian author Margaret Atwood boosted her score to $6,400. Her second Daily Double, about Saturn’s moon Titan, further solidified her comeback.

Despite DeFrank having a record of 24 correct answers, Hare’s strategy allowed her to equal his score by the end of that round. As the final round approached, DeFrank led with $26,400, Hare followed closely with $21,200, and Goldfisher lagged behind with $6,200.

The Final Jeopardy category was “21st Century Broadway,” with the challenging clue concerning the musical ‘The Book of Mormon.’ All contestants answered correctly, but it was their wagers that decided the match. Goldfisher wagered $2,200, finishing with $8,400. Hare wagered $5,201, totaling $26,401. DeFrank’s calculated wager of $16,001 crowned him the night’s winner, bringing his total to $42,401.

Fans eagerly await DeFrank’s return on Monday, March 17, pitting him against two new contestants. Social media was abuzz following this week of competition, citing it as one of the most exciting in recent history. “This has been one of the most competitive weeks of regular play that I can remember,” commented one viewer on social platforms. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing their admiration for the skilled lineup of contestants.

As ‘Jeopardy!’ continues to entertain audiences, the adventures of its contestants have proven to be just as riveting off-screen, contributing to the show’s ongoing legacy.