SmartLess Presents ClueLess – Episode 102: "Odd One Out" (w/ Ali Wentworth)
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliot Kalan welcomes returning contestant Sean Hayes and introduces the special guest, actress and comedian Ali Wentworth. The episode sets the stage for a series of engaging puzzles designed to challenge the minds of listeners, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere.

Elliot Kalan [01:12]: "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes, and Sean Hayes."
Sean Hayes [01:25]: "Hey, thanks for making me."

Recap of Last Episode's Cliffhanger Puzzle

Elliot begins by revisiting the previous episode's cliffhanger puzzle, which involved the success of the energy drink Prime Hydration and its unique choice of gold and silver bottles. The puzzle required listeners to discern why gold and silver were chosen over materials like iron or tin.

Elliot Kalan [02:10]: "Why would gold and silver be appropriate for bottles for Prime, but iron or tin would not be?"

Sean attempts to solve the puzzle, linking the answer to the periodic table elements, albeit humorously misnaming it.

Sean Hayes [03:00]: "What is it called? What is it called?"
Elliot Kalan [03:10]: "It's called the periodic table of elements."
Sean Hayes [03:16]: "Pediatrician. Oh, periodic table."

The explanation reveals that gold (atomic number 79) and silver (47) are chosen because their atomic numbers are prime, whereas iron (26) and tin (50) are not.

Elliot Kalan [03:22]: "Gold has an atomic number on the periodic table of elements of 79, which is a prime number. Silver's atomic number is 47, which is also prime."

Despite the complexity, Sean humorously questions the relevance of such knowledge in everyday life, garnering laughter from Ali and Elliot.

Ali Wentworth [03:50]: "What the hell kind of show is this?"

Main Puzzle: Odd One Out

The episode transitions to the main attraction: the "Odd One Out" game. The premise involves a whimsical scenario where the five members of the Backstreet Boys attend a picnic, each bringing multiple items. The challenge is to identify which item doesn't belong based on a shared category.

Elliot Kalan [06:11]: "Odd One Out game starts with another story. The five members of the Backstreet Boys are meeting up for a picnic..."

Round 1: Kevin's Contributions

Items: Rockstar, Ghost, Crab, Monster
Correct Answer: Crab

Ali Wentworth [07:41]: "The ghost is the odd man out."
Elliot Kalan [08:21]: "The answer would be Crab because Rockstar, Ghost, and Monster are all energy drinks."

Sean initially overthinks the categories, leading to humorous exchanges about his thought process.

Sean Hayes [08:20]: "Oh, wait. Ghost is like a famous movie. Rockstar. Is that like..."

Round 2: Nick's Contributions

Items: Carpenter, Prince, Archer, Spears
Correct Answer: Archer

Ali Wentworth [08:56]: "Spears is the only inanimate object."
Sean Hayes [08:57]: "Yeah, it's Archer."

The team cleverly connects the items to famous personalities, identifying that "Archer" refers to the "Archer Twins" while the others are known singers.

Elliot Kalan [09:02]: "Sabrina Carpenter, Prince, Britney Spears."

Round 3: Howie's Contributions

Items: Rose, The Olsen Twins, Hedgehog, Axe
Correct Answer: The Olsen Twins

Sean Hayes [09:52]: "The Olsen Twins, because the others all have pointy or sharp physical aspects."

Elliot applauds Sean's reasoning, despite his initial hesitation.

Elliot Kalan [09:46]: "You're exactly right."

Round 4: Brian's Contributions

Items: Mustang, Ram, Bronco, Thunderbird
Correct Answer: Ram

Ali Wentworth [10:34]: "Ram is a truck. It's a truck."

Although Ali initially suggests Ram because it's a different type of vehicle, Elliot clarifies the intended category.

Elliot Kalan [10:43]: "Ram is a Dodge car. The others are Ford cars."

Round 5: AJ's Contributions

Items: Tiger, Scorpion, Leprechaun, Vampire
Correct Answer: Scorpion

Ali Wentworth [11:30]: "The Scorpion is the odd one out because the other three are on a box of cereal."

Elliot Kalan [11:31]: "They're all signs of the Zodiac."

Mega Clue and Final Answer

After successfully navigating through the rounds, Elliot presents the "Mega Clue," requiring listeners to identify the common category among all the previous answers.

Elliot Kalan [12:02]: "What category do all this?"
Sean Hayes [12:21]: "You really don't know it?"
Ali Wentworth [12:26]: "Easy peasy. Go."
Sean Hayes [12:27]: "Yeah. It's a horoscope."

The team concludes that all answers correspond to the twelve signs of the Zodiac, tying together the puzzle seamlessly.

Elliot Kalan [12:31]: "They're all signs of the Zodiac."

Cliffhanger Puzzle

Elliot introduces the episode's cliffhanger puzzle, a riddle combining fractions and animal names, challenging listeners to decode its meaning until the next episode.

Elliot Kalan [13:23]: "What is three sevenths, chicken, two thirds cat, and 2 fourths goat meatloaf?"

Sean humorously attempts to grapple with the perplexing nature of the puzzle, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the solution in the subsequent episode.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Elliot thanks Ali Wentworth for her participation and humorously alludes to the complexities of friendship within the show.

Elliot Kalan [14:27]: "We will find out the answer on our next episode. Until then, Allie, thank you so much for being here."

The production credits roll, highlighting the talented team behind the scenes, but adhering to the summary's focus, these are glossed over briefly.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elliot Kalan [01:12]: "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes, and Sean Hayes."

• Ali Wentworth [07:41]: "The ghost is the odd man out."

• Elliot Kalan [08:21]: "The answer would be Crab because Rockstar, Ghost, and Monster are all energy drinks."

• Sean Hayes [09:52]: "The Olsen Twins, because the others all have pointy or sharp physical aspects."

• Ali Wentworth [11:30]: "The Scorpion is the odd one out because the other three are on a box of cereal."

• Sean Hayes [12:21]: "It's a horoscope."

Conclusion

Episode 102 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully blends challenging puzzles with comedic banter, featuring stellar performances from Elliot Kalan, Sean Hayes, and guest Ali Wentworth. "Odd One Out" not only entertains but also engages listeners in thought-provoking scenarios, ensuring both fun and mental stimulation. The episode culminates with an intriguing cliffhanger that promises to keep the audience eagerly awaiting the next installment.

For those who missed this episode, SmartLess Presents ClueLess offers a delightful mix of puzzles, humor, and charismatic hosts, making it a must-listen for fans of brainteasers and light-hearted competition.