On Friday, September 13, 2024, “Wheel of Fortune” viewers witnessed an exciting yet challenging episode. Contestants Derek Stutz, Rosemary Underwood, and Vicki Byrd faced off in a battle of wits, spinning the wheel and solving puzzles for a chance to win cash and prizes. Derek Stutz emerged as the evening’s winner, showcasing sharp puzzle-solving skills and a bit of luck.
The episode kicked off with Rosemary Underwood taking the lead by solving the $1,000 Toss Up with the phrase “I’M HAVING A BLAST.” However, Derek quickly gained momentum, showing his prowess in the $2,000 Toss Up with “IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW.” The contestants navigated through a series of challenging puzzles, including “AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE” and “CHOICE, EDITION, LOVE, BORN” in the Crossword Round. Bankruptcies were a common theme, touching all contestants and adding a layer of tension to the competition.
Prizes and Puzzles
Throughout the night, various prize puzzles added excitement, with “STROLLING DOWN THE BOARDWALK” being a notable highlight. Derek’s correct solution not only earned him a significant cash prize but also a trip to Myrtle Beach. The Triple Toss Ups featured gourmet foods like “KOBE BEEF,” “BELUGA CAVIAR,” and “VIENNA SAUSAGE,” with Rosemary demonstrating quick reflexes and culinary knowledge to solve two out of three.
The episode concluded with the Bonus Round, where Derek faced the challenge of solving the puzzle “WAITING FOR A PACKAGE” under the category “What Are You Doing?” Despite the support of the letters RSTLNE and his chosen letters HPDA, Derek could not complete the puzzle, missing out on the bonus prize. This moment was particularly significant as it showcased the unpredictability and often heart-wrenching turns of the game.
Puzzle Solutions Table
Puzzle Type | Solution |
---|---|
$1,000 Toss Up | I’M HAVING A BLAST |
$2,000 Toss Up | IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW |
Round 1 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE |
Round 2 (Crossword) | CHOICE, EDITION, LOVE, BORN |
Round 3 (Prize) | STROLLING DOWN THE BOARDWALK |
Triple Toss Up 1 | KOBE BEEF |
Triple Toss Up 2 | BELUGA CAVIAR |
Triple Toss Up 3 | VIENNA SAUSAGE |
Round 4 | SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER |
Bonus Puzzle (What Are You Doing?) | WAITING FOR A PACKAGE |
Fan Friday Highlights
The episode was further spiced up with the “Fan Friday Word of the Day,” which was “GONDOLA.” This special segment not only engages the audience at home but also ties into a lavish prize. On this particular Friday, the chosen fan was awarded a trip to Venice and its Croatian Islands, sponsored by Colette, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show’s atmosphere.