732: Repent After Me

Happy Monday! Just kidding. Silly, those don't exist. 

If you haven't already, listen along with me and read The Odyssey Times below as you listen to Repent After Me for my quick takes and thoughts (aired originally September 14).

LISTEN HERE

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- Priscilla hit academic probation a couple years ago.
- Katrina's been installing a new physics lab at Odyssey Middle School.
- Hoo hoo hoo! Whit's impressed laugh sounds quite Owl-ish.
- Eavesdropping Emily's at it again!
- The Jones and Jones Detective Agency are on the case!
- Twist: the locker belongs to no one!
- "Or she - villains can be female, you know!" - Emily, making the cause for villain equality
- Mr. Redekop - hmm, that name sounds familiar. (:
- "Repentance is more than feeling badly for what you did and trying to fix it. Those are important things, to be sure, but another key is confession. Admitting what you did to God and the person you harmed and asking for your forgiveness." - Whit
- Oh snap, Emily's not the only detective on the block, and Matthew's not the only Parker who could be in a detective agency.
- Bren McFarland, you're a cheater! 
- There was only one real suspect this whole time.
- "They were a public service for disadvantaged students who needed a helping hand with, you know, the rigors of a tough school schedule." - Jay thinking fast
- "The last step of repentance. What's that? Accept forgiveness." - Olivia and Barrett

Courtesy AIO Wiki

REVIEW:
For me, the most exciting thing about this episode after I had heard it for the first time was that I had figured out who the culprit was long ago. The exciting fact was that I was riveted still the entire time. That's due to another great script by Marshal Younger (another winner after last week's More Than a Feeling) and the always talented Nathan Hoobler. While the opening scene had a lot of exposition at the beginning, we started moving briskly along.

The entire episode was an intriguing case study on repentance and how God uses other emotions, such as guilt, and people, such as Olivia, to guide us back to Him. Or as I like to call it ('cause I'm feeling rhymy tonight), an interesting meditation on motivation. With all due respect, this blew most of the typical "mystery" cases we've heard lately out of the water because the suspense was so character-driven and not so gimmick-based. I loved the mystery-solving teamwork element between Emily and her brother - it made the mystery so much more interesting hearing a dynamic we don't get to hear often enough.

ASIDE: In this new era of Odyssey shows, family time is a very precious thing. The last time the Parkers were all together was...An Agreeable Nanny? Three years ago? The Jones last convened in Emily the Genius - two years ago. The emphasis now seems to be on the "gang" of kids - being Matthew, Olivia, Emily, Barrett, and Jay; with Priscilla and Camilla recurring. END ASIDE.

My favorite part of this episode was the relationship between Barrett and Olivia. This season, we've been able to see them interact in both humorous, partnering, and dramatic situations, and the character development has been huge. Major props to Kelly Stables for one of her best, if not her best, performance as Olivia, handling some really dramatic and sleuthin' scenes really well. Some commenters have wondered if this is the beginning of a triangle with Priscilla - frankly, I don't care. Whatever the writers decide to do with B/O is fine as long as the development continues, because the growth is a huge positive for the show.

My final comment is on the placement of this show in the season (SPOILER ALERT). With the knowledge that Jay had, of course, once again concocted a plot to get Barrett in trouble, I thought that this would've been a great lead-in to The Friend Formula, which showed Jay attempting revenge and intel on Mr. Jones. With the order of the shows, it appeared Jay had learned nothing from Friend Formula, which he may have well have, and grasped no new developments after the friendship with Riley. I would've preferred to have them swapped, but who knows, maybe the writers are building toward some ultimate Jay-Barrett showdown in the near future. 

A script that dabbles in mystery and delights in character development is not only a joy to listen to, but a joy to learn from about repentance, and that's what Marshal Younger and Nathan Hoobler do here. With great performances from Christina Puccelli and Kelly Stables and a good starring turn by Andy Pessoa, solid score and sound design, this is one episode to repeat after me. I give Repent After Me a 96/100, or an

A

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months here

Buy this episode and 11 others on Album 57: A Call to Something More via CBD
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County

AVERY WATCH:
Best Episode
Best Script - Marshal Younger and Nathan Hoobler
Best Sound Design - Rob Jorgensen
Best Actress - Kelly Stables (Olivia)
Best Scene - Barrett and Olivia wrapping up the episode

730: The Friend Formula

Happy SonDay! Hope everyone's enjoying their weekend. Be sure to let me know what you thought about the episode!

If you haven't already, listen along with me and read The Odyssey Times below as you listen to The Friend Formula for my quick takes and thoughts.

LISTEN HERE

Dulcimer image courtesy of MetaTalk

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- Mr. Whittaker returns to the opening theme.
- Cherry italian sodas? Are those new to the Whit's End menu?
- Barrett and Olivia are starting a band! Olivia plays guitar, Barrett plays trombone, and Priscilla sings? Is La Perros Frescos 2.0 available for a band name?
- I must admit I'm also wondering why Riley is carrying around a dulcimer around with him. Does he expect to play it somewhere? Is he looking for a band to join? Perhaps stumble across a music rehearsal somewhere or someplace?
- "So, Riley, old boy, what's your story? You look like a cheerleader for a funeral." - Jay
- Kemosabe! Perhaps this was written back when there were people excited for The Lone Ranger remake.
- Jay's super excited for Clambake (the soundtrack album from Elvis's last film for United Artists Pictures in 1967).
- The four "i-ngs": Spying, crying, plying, and lying. Jay's definitely one for wordplay.
- "So, how'd it go, kid? I left right around the time when you two were taking my name in vain." - Jay
- "Talk to her? But she's a girl!" Aw, Riley. You can do it! If Jimmy can confront Jessie, Miss Romantic, about her love for him, you can utter four phrases over and over when talking to Olivia. (The Trouble with Girls, The Lost Episodes).
- "Never trust your feelings, kid." - Jay, and a possible reference to next week's More Than a Feeling?
- Riley's turning the tables and recognizing Jay's "I-ngs!" Good for him.
- The Biblical response to the "I-ngs" - listening, sharing, caring, and trusting.

REVIEW:
I'm not sure how to feel about this episode. There's a lot of good things happening here, but the not-so-great ones are frustrating, after the positive direction from the past two episodes. It's definitely overall a good episode, but some uneven things kept it from being something better. 

I loved the concept of the show. The "I-ngs" idea is something that many of us have unknowingly implanted in ourselves in a belief that we'll come across as a "cooler person" when we portray ourselves to be that way (I actually wrote a post about that this summer, which you can read here), and the moral of true friendship is something relatable for all ages. 

Gage Davenport, who plays Riley, did, for the most part, a very by-the-numbers performance. I didn't think it was incredible, but he did an admirable job. I'm not quite sure if Riley caught my attention enough to warrant him coming back, in my mind, but I will be curious if they do. I felt that Cindy, introduced in Unbecoming Jay, was a more interesting foil for Jay, who, while had a similar personality to Riley, also had a bit of a conniving side similar to her cousin, which made for an incredible and fun to listen to dynamic. However, Whit Hertford continues to bring an incredible false gravitas and great levity to playing Jay. I would love to hear Jay in some kind of dramedy-type episode, because I feel that Hertford could definitely pull off multiple dimensions and really explore some new characterizations for Jay. Not that the scheming Jay isn't tiresome, it's just that it'd be great to explore new territory with the character since he's played by a great actor. 

I also had a concern about the placement of this show in the season, but that's to be discussed later. The score was done by someone other than John Campbell, named Detrich Terry, and it sounds like that old-fashioned sound that unfortunately usually happens whenever Campbell doesn't do the score (a la Tim Hosman). The sound design wasn't a major factor in this episode. I liked how Whit and Riley could turn around the "I-ngs" into something more positive, but the band subplot never got out of its sour note funk for me. Olivia bounced back from her over-the-top-ish good personality last week, but I don't quite understand what the point of it was, unless it factors into a later episode. It seemed a little drawn-out, although the Riley-Olivia prying conversation was hilarious. Some of the dialogue was so-so, but overall, the script zipped along, thanks to Bob Hoose. 

I've noticed that Odyssey is beginning to move back to a more all-ages format, which is good news for older fans like me. As the show went into a new era three years ago, it seemed to have lost its footing when attempting to cater more to a selected age bracket of 8-12. It worked so hard at that that the writing took a hit. Since Album 55, the stories have been on a general upswing, which is definitely a good thing. 

The Friend Formula has a formula that translates to success, although some elements needed a bit more mixing. The story was interesting and the moral was important, but some scripting, acting, and score issues hampered the final product. However, Jay continues to shine and the Barrett/Olivia duo go two for two after last week's Chemistry. Riley has potential, but it's still too soon to tell. I give this episode a 86/100, or a 

B

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months here

Buy this episode and 11 others on Album 57: A Call to Something More via CBD
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County

AVERY WATCH:
Best Line of Dialogue - "So, Riley, old boy, what's your story? You look like a cheerleader for a funeral." - Jay

729: No Chemistry Whatsoever

Hey everybody! Hope you're having a great week. Things are starting to ramp up again, but so much as in my junior year. Prayer for balance and continued quiet time would be much appreciated.

If you haven't already, listen along with me and read The Odyssey Times below as you listen to No Chemistry Whatsoever for my quick takes and thoughts.

Courtesy Coffee House Apologetics

LISTEN HERE

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- I feel like I've heard this opening theme before. Bonus points to whoever knows!
- 7:30 AM Chemistry? At least when I had 7:15 AM classes, it was jazz band.
- Professor Sharp. Heart surgery? THAT'S your excuse? Pshh.
- I love Connie's exaggerations and Penny's realities. Normally, it's the opposite.
- I keep thinking that there should be some kind of conflict of interest, but then I remember that they're actually not related. It just seems like it since they've been on the radio for so long.
- If Jay ever listens to this episode, he knows what to bribe Barrett with (HINT: it rhymes with daughterpearled.)
- Connie Kendall, former valedictorian, receives a D for the first time since 10th grade.
- "You gotta put something in to get something out, I always say. You don't get anything good by doing nothing!" - Penny
- "Do you have a photographic memory? Yeah, but it hasn't been developed yet. Ba-doom-da!" - Olivia and Barrett's corny response
- I think the Bible is telling me to REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.
- "John 11:35 - Jesus wept. Yeah, probably 'cause he knows what you're up to." - Barrett and Olivia
- Is Eugene's proton joke from the same jokebook he wrote in Around the Block (Album 46: A Date with Dad)?
- Is it just me, or does Eugene sound older?
- Loving how the Gospel has been talked about more and more this season, such as how Jesus talked about Lot's wife.
- "The bleach oxidizes the hair's melanin molecules, leaving it colorless." - Penny's wide knowledge of chemistry
- Ah, metalloids. I remember those.
- Congratulations on your B+!
- Hard work pays off! Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Christ Jesus.

REVIEW:
It seems like so long since we've had an episode that focused on Eugene and Connie's relationship, especially since I've tried to forget about Connie's bedazzler in You're Two Kind. Unlike the aforementioned episode, Chemistry manages to bring in some great character development for Eugene, Connie, and Barrett; plus a great supporting role by Penny. 

My only complaint lied in the dialogue. A lot of it felt canned and a little cliche across the board, especially Olivia's lines. Sorry, Kelly Stables! I also felt that Olivia was portrayed as almost obnoxiously good, pointing out Barrett's flaws in a way that I felt came across as too harsh. It's been interesting to see how her character has changed from someone really annoying (See: Albums 51/52) to a slightly less grating character but one who is trying to become a better Christian. This episode harkened more to the old Olivia, which I wasn't the biggest fan of. 

Other than dialogue issues, Kathy Buchanan's script was top-notch. Every seemingly random detail was tied up throughout the episode, from Eugene recording his schedule (to set up the hilarious ending punchline) to Barrett's reference to John 11:35 after memorizing it earlier, shown then as simply a punchline. The chemistry metaphor played really well, especially since Will Ryan and Katie Leigh continue to have an incredible...chemistry! Penny served as a straight man, which was even funnier than when she just plays normal Penny because it's not a common occurrence. I'd love to hear more of that. I loved how Ms. Buchanan tied in A License to Drive to show how deeply the characters care about each other and how that affects their relationship and rivalry. The role reversal realization was another great character moment with Connie, who has been on the upswing since Something Old, Something New and looks to continue with future episodes such as Life Unexpectancies. The sound design and music weren't anything extraordinary, but drove the plot along. 

I'm glad to see Whit offer wisdom in a less conventional way after being seemingly chained to the ice cream counter for the past while. The Barrett and Olivia relationship is something good that continues to build, except for the Olivia dialogue snags. The comedic moments hit really well, and the whole episode just felt really charming, in a good 'ol WodFamChocSod kind of way. 

No Chemistry Whatsoever offers an extraordinary amount of chemistry between its cast, as well as a lot of comedic moments and characterizations. With a great script (that obviously had a lot of hard work put in) and serviceable sound design and score, I give this episode a 93/100, or a

A

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months here

Buy this episode and 11 others on Album 57: A Call to Something More via CBD
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County

AVERY WATCH:
Best Script - Kathy Buchanan

723: Groundhog Jay

Hi guys! Thanks for sending us your feedback on the pilot of Candid KOnversations; we'll be using it all season long! We're getting ready to record Ep 2 this week. In the meantime, thanks to the Peacheys for their promotion on their blog (see Our Friends in Odyssey). We really appreciate it! And now, on to the review...

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
-Wait a minute, so now ANYONE can program something into the Room of Consequence? Matthew's was at least a little more understandable since he's somewhat of a tinkering genius and all, but Barrett? The guy who had trouble making a birthday card? Next thing you know, Tom Riley will show up and invent the Innovation Station - with his eyes closed. It all makes Whit's inventions seem less special!
-Jay's new idea: the Room of Coincidence?
-Jay, dates inside of inventions don't work out so well. Do you not remember The Triangled Web?
-NOOOO...how many ice cream floats were harmed in the making of this adventure?
-"Hey, watch it, there's an arm in that sleeve!" - Jay
-Jay's new idea: the Room of Challenges?
-"What would Barrett say?" "I don't know, durrrrr." - Priscilla and Jay
-"Barrett's not my boyfriend. He's just a good friend." FOR NOW.
-Nice reference back to Stage Fright ("Rue the day")
-"You steal my heart, I have underestimated you." Could this be the beginning of a possible Jay-Priscilla future?
-"Every action has an opposite fraction." - Jay
"I didn't realize I had such rugged good looks. Squint of my eyes, lean man-like jaw, mhmm." - Jay
-Jay's new idea: the Room of Concentration?
-Why do the people in Odyssey have to trick each other all the time to teach each other lessons?
-Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is right and pure."

REVIEW:
After last reviewing The Lost Riddle, which took the structure of Buried Sin, Groundhog Jay follows the structure of The Eternal Birthday. The great thing about this particular structure is that you can do multiple stories that repeat over and over again, so Jay feels very fresh. It also doesn't hurt that the cast has such great chemistry with each other. This is the first pairing with Jay and Priscilla, and in my humble opinion, they're a more entertaining mystery-solving team than Emily and Matthew! Jay's morally ambiguous personality combined with Priscilla's sweet sensibilities is an intriguing combination, proved by their first episode co-starring together. 

Bob Hoose and Dave Arnold work together to create fantastic snap-crackle-pop dialogue for Jay all the way through. Hertford was given line after line to work with, and he delivered once again. This episode combined both Jay's more devilish tendencies (as in Unbecoming Jay) and dramatic tendencies (Mistaken for Good).  It was interesting to see him learn a lesson, but learn it in a very funny episode that still felt very Jay. I'm curious to see what further character development happens to Mr. Smouse in Album 57.

The revelation that the adventure was once again a sneaky trick by the good folks at Whit's End to teach someone a lesson baffled me at first, but then I realized that it was the only way that would get Jay to get in the Room of Consequence. I do think that the writers need to stop using that device so often - it's almost becoming a cliche, and it didn't work very well in You're Two Kind.  However, it worked out fine here, although Barrett being a puppetmaster (Italian) doesn't fit with Jay's description of him ("a leprechaun - without the beard!") 

In the episode, Jay asks "What is the brilliant but slow building big idea?" The theme of taking responsibility for one's actions is explored quite well - and interestingly through the fantastic pairing of Jay and Priscilla. With great dialogue and humor, I give this episode a 91/100, or a

A-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Buy this episode and 11 others on Album 56: The Grand Design via CBD
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County