The late host made Jeopardy!
Who was Alex Trebek?
There was disappointment in those moments, but also amused generosity.
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The great old blank men of television became figures of fun and satire for the brash generation that followed.
He had a good job he could keep forever, so maybe he knew he would outlast any parody.
Jeopardy!is the rare great TV show that is also, I think, unquestionably good for you.
The format values knowledge and wit, mixing memorize-the-encyclopedia topics with don’t-be-slow wordplay.
Other game show hosts fake excitement with physical gesticulation or audible exclamation points.
Other quiz shows are just dumber, frankly.
“People on our program aren’t there for the money,“he said.
“They’re there for glory, to show off their intellectual prowess.”
There was a lot to admire in the day-to-day grind.
These werepro formamoments, and you lived for when the conversation would spark something with the host.
But yours doesn’t speak English at all?”
TYLER:“After 30 years of watchingJeopardy!, he still has not learned English.”
ALEX:“Why does he watch?”
TYLER:“I think he likes to hear your voice.”
ALEX:[turning toward camera]Thank you, Granddad.
[puts hand to ear] I’m very happy that you watch our program on a regular basis.
when they get one right.
So: A sturdy career for a sturdy man.
Then came the cancer diagnosis,revealed to the publicin a March 2019 video.
His explanation of his condition is a marvel of grace under pressure.
He does not want us to worry.
Chemotherapy followed, and what he described as “sudden massive attacks of great depressions.”
The hair and makeup department could only hide so much.
So now every episode became a little triumph of human endurance, and a portrait of resolve.
Viewership crossed the 15 million mark.
He must have had so many questions; when it comes to our own mortality, we all will.
But only Alex Trebek had the answers.
