Marshell Pentfield quotes from Numb3rs

Marshell Pentfield

We got to get this guy. He made me itch in front of strangers.

Marshell Pentfield

How do you not have your own show on PBS?

Charlie Eppes

Where's the glasses?

Marshell Pentfield

Where's the hair?

Marshell Pentfield

God, why am I so stupid?

Charlie Eppes

Do you want answers 1–50 or 50–100?

Charlie Eppes

It sounds like they created a classic game theory scenario, doesn't it?

Marshell Pentfield

Yes, it does. "Johnny von Neumann", the old three man gunfight.

Colby Granger

A mathematical gunfight, huh?

Marshell Pentfield

Imagine a duel between three people. Now, I'm the worst shot. I hit the target once every three tries.

Marshell Pentfield

One of my opponents is better. Hits it twice every three shots.

Marshell Pentfield

The third guy is a dead shot. He never misses. Now, each gets one shot. As the worst, I go first. Then Charlie, then Colby. Who do I aim for, for my one shot?

Colby Granger

I guess me 'cause I'm the biggest danger, right?

Marshell Pentfield

[makes a gun shooting motion toward Charlie] I shoot Eppsey first, but not for the obvious reasons. Chances are two to one I'm going to miss.

Charlie Eppes

And now it's my turn. Logic says I shoot Colby. [makes shooting motion toward Colby]

Colby Granger

Right, 'cause if I'm still standing, I'm gonna shoot you, and I don't miss.

Charlie Eppes

Exactly.

Marshell Pentfield

As the worst, I use the two better shooters against each other.