Ken Jennings


Alex and Ken: Together Forever? 

Surely you've all heard about this now legendary Jeopardy! champion who has reigned more than 30 consecutive days and has won over a million dollars in prize money. This guy is amazing. How does he know so much? It's really incredible.

At this point he and Alex Trebek are so chummy together, the other contestants tend to sink into the background, like bad window-dressing in someone's home that probably won't be there the next time you visit. He and Alex even have a witty repartee going, as if Ken is the co-host or sidekick of the show. He's Alex Trebek's Paul Schaffer or Ed McMahon.

Alex and Ken have spent so much time together, they finish each other's sentences. On tonight's show Ken chose the first Daily Double clue and said "I'll wager --." 
 
Alex interrupted, "$6,800?"
 
"That's right, the usual," Ken replied with that golden smile of his.  It's like Ken is a regular at Alex Trebek's bar and being a good bartender, Trebek anticipates his customer's desires without them even having to ask.

A few moments later Ken picked the second Daily Double question. The audience applauded appreciatively while the other two contestants turned to each other in resigned conversation. By this time those two could have made plans to spend the weekend together. But Ken surprised Alex by only wagering $5,000.
 
"Why?!" Alex questioned painfully, like a lover whose trust has been betrayed.

"I'm trying to keep a safe margin between my opponents," Ken replied.

"If you say so," Alex chided. "You know, I could easily make the wagers for you as long as you answer the clues correctly," Alex offered with a forgiving smile.

"Yeah, why am I even here at this point?" laughed Ken, head in his hand. 

Ha ha! Oh boy, it's all fun and games (literally) at "Alex and Ken's place." Or should it be "Ken and Alex's"? Hmmm. Alex has been on the show for so long, but Ken is the reason people are tuning in these days. Soon Ken's agents will be asking for equal billing with Alex. And who knows, maybe Ken will take over as Jeopardy! host someday when Alex realizes he can't keep up with the 30-year-old whippersnapper.

How long can Ken Jennings last?  We'll just have to tune in and see...

Follow the link below for a funny audio commentary from comedian Jake Johannsen:
NPR : Ken Jennings, 'Jeopardy!' Legend in the Making