Stephen Sporer came close to adding another $40,000 to his impressive winnings, but one missed answer in the Bonus Round kept him from claiming the larger prize. Although he finished the game with a substantial $35,000, the final puzzle created a bittersweet ending to an otherwise strong performance.
Sporer successfully reached the Bonus Round and was given the phrase “ON OUR WAY” to solve. However, he could not identify the correct answer before time expired. As a result, the additional $40,000 remained out of reach, leaving him with a memorable but somewhat frustrating conclusion.
The episode also generated discussion among viewers because of an earlier puzzle, “Seeing the green flash.” Some fans criticized the clue online, describing it as unusually difficult or obscure. Their reactions added another layer of debate to an episode that had already given viewers plenty to discuss.
Despite the controversy and missed opportunity, Sporer still walked away with $35,000 after a strong showing. His performance demonstrated how quickly a successful game can become a mixture of excitement and disappointment, especially when a much larger prize is within reach. In the end, his appearance remained a significant achievement, even though the final moments left viewers wondering what might have happened with one more correct answer.