April 1, 1997 (Invasion) recap

And now, here's your host...Alex Trebek! (as announced by Johnny Gilbert)

16 years later, he finally returns for a half hour. Pat and Vanna are off for the day, but now who is going to turn letters?!

...none other than the Mrs.; here's Lesly Sajak!

Sneaky that she told Vanna that the taping was canceled today, so she could take the day off.



Yes, the duo really got a proper Jeopardy! introduction from Johnny Gilbert, music and all. This is the least I could do. But now to the game.

...

Vanna will play for the American Cancer Society, and Pat will play for the Boy Scouts of America. Pat even said he was not a Scout, so he wants to fill the void by contributing to the charity.

The top-dollar value on the Wheel is $1,000, and guess who can finally take advantage of it?


Pat is curious to know who that letter turner is...

After he calls Z, Alex points out that originally being from Canada, it is spoken differently.

Pat solves PAT I'D LIKE TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE. Alex rebukes him by saying it's "Alex, I'd like to solve the puzzle" before crediting with a correct answer.


They can now fight over the $2,500 and one-third $10,000 spaces in this round:


Pat and Alex pause to express a little condolence for Vanna hitting BANKRUPT.

Pat tried to fool Alex by picking up the $10,000 wedge before calling a letter, but Alex stopped him.

Pat and Vanna actually solve the puzzle together, saying VANNA MAKES HER WHEEL DEBUT.

A clip of Vanna's introduction in her first official daytime show is played afterwards. Alex points out Vanna has less hair, and Pat has more hair!


The $3,500 and Jackpot spaces now go on the Wheel for Round 3, and possibly for Vanna to catch up:


Pat said he'd like to "take a P", and it is immediately pointed out by Alex. Apparently, Pat has avoided that line for 16 years.

Pat solves SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS.

Bonus alert! This puzzle has a $2,000 bonus for answering this question...

From which musical is this song from?

Pat provides the correct answer of Mary Poppins.


With very little time, it's Alex's turn to give the Wheel a Final Spin. It only moves five wedges, so consonants are worth $400 a piece. Commence destruction from Pat:

Pat: T (x3) ($1,200)
Vanna: S (x5) ($2,000)

Vanna guesses IT'S NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEMS. Pat cheers, but then stops.

Pat: M (DUD!)
Vanna: Y ($2,400)

(Lesly has difficulty lighting up the Y, and she still can't light it up before...)

Vanna is correct a second time with IT'S NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS.






BONUS ROUND:

Pat and Vanna are working together on this one! They're combining totals, and they will attempt to solve this puzzle to split an extra $25,000 for their charities. Hey, it's their show, so they can do whatever they want.

RSTLNE gives them...

They eventually decide on GMCA. Alex accidentally tells them there is a G before they pick any more letters. Anyway:

Vanna solves TRADING PLACES, and they add $25,000 to split $50,150 among each of their charities, for $25,075 each!

During the post-game chat, all four gather on-stage, and Alex says he will return in another 16 years.

Meanwhile on Alex Trebek's stage...