TASK DEFINITION: You will be given a trivia clue, and the category it belongs to. You should answer with the best answer that belongs in the category and is described by the clue. For simplicity, answers should be in all lower cased letters.
PROBLEM: Category: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 
Clue: Among VMI's most famous graduates is this 20th century 5-star general & Nobel Peace Prize winner

SOLUTION: george marshall

PROBLEM: Category: ON THE COAST 
Clue: A 19th c. "Committee of Vigilance" fought the crime that gave part of San Francisco this North Africa-inspired nickname

SOLUTION: the barbary coast

PROBLEM: Category: TV FINAL EPISODES 
Clue: Her sitcom ended in 1998 with a mockumentary celebrating her long career since Vaudeville

SOLUTION:
ellen degeneres