Kara Brown returns to Jeopardy on Friday, Nov. 21. She challenges reigning champion Harrison Whitaker after a dramatic triple stumper finale. The payroll manager from Seattle came close but fell just short on Thursday.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- All three contestants stumbled on a Women Authors clue on Nov. 20.
- Harrison maintained his 8-game winning streak with $10,399 in winnings.
- Kara Brown finished second with $5,999 after aggressive betting.
- The correct answer was Harper Lee about her 2016 obituary.
- Kara returns Friday as a challenger on Nov. 21, 2025.
What Happened Thursday’s Game
Harrison Whitaker, a researcher from Terre Haute, Indiana, dominated through the first round. He entered Final Jeopardy with a commanding $16,400 lead. His opponents seemed outmatched.
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Kara Brown mounted an impressive comeback in Double Jeopardy. She located both Daily Doubles and answered two $2,000 clues correctly. Her aggressive play brought her total to $11,200, narrowing Harrison’s lead significantly. The game became genuinely competitive.
Blythe Roberson, a writer from Brooklyn, New York, entered Final Jeopardy with $3,000. She wagered everything but missed the final clue. The triple stumper meant no one earned final-round points.
The Infamous Triple Stumper Clue
The category was Women Authors, and the question was deceptively elegant. The clue stated: “In her 2016 New York Times obituary, this author was said to have ‘gained a reputation as a literary Garbo‘.” All three contestants drew blanks. The answer was Harper Lee.
Harper Lee wrote the celebrated novel To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960. She famously withdrew from public life after her book’s massive success. Like actress Greta Garbo, Lee became increasingly private and reclusive. Her 2016 obituary captured this legendary reclusiveness perfectly.
| Contestant | Final Score | Occupation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Whitaker | $10,399 | Researcher | Terre Haute, Indiana |
| Kara Brown | $5,999 | Payroll Manager | Seattle, Washington |
| Blythe Roberson | $0 | Writer | Brooklyn, New York |
Why This Game Mattered
Kara’s performance showed impressive skill and composure. Finding both Daily Doubles and executing strong wagers demonstrates strategic thinking. She scored $13,400 in her “Coryat” performance (neutral wagering). Her aggressive Final Jeopardy bet reflected her trailing position.
Harrison maintained his lead through conservative betting. He wagered $6,001 in Final Jeopardy, a “cover wager” protecting his $5,200 advantage. Even missing the clue, he stayed ahead. This disciplined approach kept him at 8 consecutive wins.
For Jeopardy fans, triple stumpers are rare and memorable moments. They showcase the difficulty of the show’s hardest questions. This Harper Lee clue required specific knowledge of her obituary plus the Greta Garbo comparison. Many viewers likely struggled too.
What’s Next Friday
Kara Brown returns as a challenger on Friday, Nov. 21. Contestants finishing second can compete again. Her $5,999 score proves her competitiveness against the champion. Returning challengers often employ different strategies on subsequent episodes.
Kara now knows how Harrison bets in Final Jeopardy. She may adjust her wagers accordingly. Harrison pursues his ninth consecutive victory and additional winnings. His current 8-game total stands at approximately $218,600.
Strong champion runs boost viewer engagement significantly. Harrison’s streak has made him one of the show’s strongest current performers. With five consecutive wins, he already qualified for Tournament of Champions competition.
Will Kara Break Through Friday?
Friday’s episode will feature Harrison’s quest for nine against Kara and a new challenger. History shows returning challenger performances vary considerably. Some contestants build momentum while others struggle under pressure. Kara’s experience on Thursday should help her preparation.
Fans will wonder if Kara adjusts her strategy. Will she be more conservative? Will she hunt Daily Doubles again? How will she approach Final Jeopardy with Harrison as the defending champion?
The Jeopardy community actively discusses champion runs. Harrison’s 8-game streak has generated significant fan interest. Friday’s episode will test whether Kara’s strong showing translates to victory.
Watch the action unfold
Jeopardy airs weekdays on ABC. You can also stream episodes on streaming services. Friday’s matchup between Harrison and Kara promises competitive gameplay. Their Thursday encounter proved both are formidable contestants with strategic depth.
Sources
- Red94 – Detailed game recap with contestant profiles and wagering analysis
- The Jeopardy Fan – Complete statistics and triple stumper breakdown
- PRIMETIMER – Episode highlights and Final Jeopardy strategy insights
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.