Let the great debate begin. On behalf of the “don’t give him the money” position: Rules are rules, and the little guy needs to learn that sometimes there are disappointments in life. It’s character-building. Let him slide this time and before you know it he’ll be dealing drugs.

On behalf of the “c’mon” position: C’mon. C’mon.

C’mon:

Hurley lowered his head in defeat upon Trebek’s pronouncement. Trebek then praised winner Skyler Hornback for his answer, which he noted was spelled correctly…

“I was pretty upset that I was cheated out of the final `Jeopardy!’ question. It was just a spelling error,” said the Newtown Middle School student, who won $2,000 as the second runner-up.

Until now a fan and regular watcher of the quiz show, Thomas said this episode cost “Jeopardy!” a fan. It likely has cost the show some adult fans, too.

The reply:

In an email, producers of Jeopardy! defended Trebek’s decision.

“If ‘Jeopardy!’ were to give credit for an incorrect response (however minor), the show would effectively penalize the other players,” they said. “We love presenting young people as contestants on our show and make every effort to be fair and consistent in their treatment.”

The kid’s from Newtown, Connecticut, for cripes sake. If he had spoken the answer, they’d have awarded him the money without question. C’mon.