Alex Trebek at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Award on June 27, 2010.

I’ve read comic books since I was a little kid. Every summer, I flock to the theater to see every superhero movie. There are times I lie in bed at night and think how awesome it would be to have the ability to fly, or shoot spider webs from my wrists, or have a skeleton made out of Adamantium metal.

O'Donnell

One of the best aspects of any superhero is his or her alter ego. Some masquerade as millionaire playboys or hide behind glasses and work as newspaper reporters. A solid alter ego only enhances the mystique of a superhero.

As it turns out there has been a real life superhero gracing the televisions of many of our homes every afternoon. His cunning alter ego as a game show host has fooled the public for years. A situation recently occurred that forced this hero to use his powers and expose his true self to the world. Who is this incredible crime fighter? It’s a bird, it’s a plane — it’s “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek!

Trebek traveled to San Francisco to be a part of the National Geographic World Championship geography finals. While visiting the Bay area, Trebek had no choice but to use his powers and leap into action. The supervillain facing Trebek was a sinister female burglar. Trebek was resting comfortably in his hotel room when the woman made her strike.

According to The Bay Citizen News, the woman did not intentionally target Trebek and was not a stalker. She was just a burglar trying to snatch as much loot from the hotel before disappearing into the night. Trebek put a stop to the woman’s reign of terror when she stumbled into his room.

The burglar attempted to flee the scene but Trebek gave chase. There were no reports that he was running faster than a speeding bullet, however, The Bay Citizen News did report Trebek took a nasty fall. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon but the pursuit was not in vain.

Trebek’s courageous efforts slowed the thieving woman down enough for security to swoop in and apprehend her. Trebek saved the day and despite his injury, still made it to the National Geographic event the following day.

Originally, it was thought Alex Trebek’s only power was to host a daytime game show stronger than Nyquil. It is now clear his super powers run much deeper. Yes, he is missing some key superhero components like a cool costume. Every good superhero movie deserves a sequel. Maybe the next time around Alex Trebek can work on a few things and become a complete superhero. You have to admit the Trebek-mobile has a nice ring to it.

Jordan O’Donnell