Friday, October 04, 2019

I’m Sorry, the Card Says “Moops"


by BK Munn

In the Season 4, episode 7 episode of Seinfeld, “The Bubble Boy”, George plays a game of Trivia Pursuit with the obnoxious Bubble Boy and finally gets the upperhand by spitefully refusing to accept that a misprint on one of the cards should read “MOORS” instead of the nonsensical “MOOPS”.

Vexed by bubble-bound Donald Sanger's bullying during the game, George disputes the answer to the question: "Who invaded Spain in the 8th century?" Donald answers "the Moors," but due to a misprint, the question card says that the answer is "the Moops." George refuses to give Donald the point, and Donald begins strangling him. When Susan tries to help George, she accidentally depressurizes the bubble, causing Donald to collapse.

The plot of this episode is based in part on the real-life experience of Seinfeld writer Bill Masters who found the “MOOPS” answer while playing a version of the Jeopardy boardgame (the 9th edition). Here’s the card, and the game:



Now you know!