Pirjo’s ‘unsolvable’ puzzle

Pirjo brings in a simple-looking puzzle, which she claims that she is unable to solve. And, naturally, because she is unable to solve it, that means that no-one can solve it.

After apologising for associating Pirjo with the word ‘puzzle’, Jaakko asks Pirjo to explain more about her puzzle (in Finnish, the word ‘älypeli’ literally translates as ‘smart game’, so Jaakko is jokingly apologising for calling Pirjo ‘smart’).

Pirjo shares that she was gifted the puzzle by the actor/screenwriter Kari ‘Hissu’ Hietalahti (which, Jaakko jokes, already explains quite a lot).

Pirjo defends her prize in a very confusing way, but basically claims that the puzzle is deceptively difficult, and that no-one can solve it, even though there exists a video online showing how it can be solved (which is the only way it can be solved).

She also mentions that a man from Japan has apparently been able to solve the puzzle (she is likely referencing this 2004 clip from the Japanese variety show Detective! Night Scoop, wherein viewers are able to write in and ask the ‘detective agency’ – comprised mostly of comedians – for assistance in solving problems they have; one man had tried to solve this puzzle for a decade without success, and the show located a puzzle expert to help the man finally conquer the puzzle).

Jaakko is not particularly inspired or moved by anyone’s submissions, so awards everyone 2 points. However, he also awards Pirjo a bonus point for her “persistent explanation”.

(Written by Jenny R and proofread by Karl Craven)

(Illustrations collected by Jenny R and adjusted by Karl Craven)