Who is … Waltham’s own ‘Jeopardy!’ contestant? Abigail Arnold tells what it’s really like on set

If it’s 7:30 p.m., it’s “Jeopardy!” time. 

That nightly ritual brought about 40 “Jeopardy!” fans out of their favorite TV viewing spots to the Waltham Public Library on Tuesday night for a special event. 

The event, sponsored by The Waltham Times, was the chance to meet Waltham resident and recent “Jeopardy!” contestant Abigail Arnold. 

Arnold, who holds a Doctorate in English from Brandeis University and is currently the department administrator for the university’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, sat down with Waltham Times board member Annette Reynolds for a one-on-one interview to talk about her “Jeopardy!” experience. 

During the course of the interview, she revealed many surprising behind-the-scenes facts about appearing as a contestant. For example, all contestants take qualifying online tests, often multiple times, before getting a call confirming they can appear on TV. 

After multiple tests and a few years of waiting, Arnold got the call. Not recognizing the number, she said she didn’t pick it up. Only later, when listening to voicemail, did she realize it was her time to shine. 

She also said that, despite what many fans might think, she had to cover travel and lodging expenses to attend taping sessions in Los Angeles. 

Also, show producers taped several episodes in a row , so she had to bring a few outfits so as not to appear wearing the same clothes on different episodes. As it turned out, Arnold couldn’t unseat the reigning champ and only needed one outfit, her now-signature blue dress.

Once on the set, Arnold met and spent time with fellow contestants. They played several practice games to familiarize themselves with the signaling devices and get their timing down. 

When asked about any regrets or how she might have been better prepared, she lamented not having a better betting strategy since her miscues on a Daily Double and in Final Jeopardy cost her the win during her game. 

Arnold did remind her fans she was an English, not a math, major. That sore point is offset by the friendships she made and the ongoing chat group she has with other contestants from around the country she met during her show.