733: Big Trouble Under the Big Top

Hey y'all!

Things are getting crazy up in here. Ally has tennis non-stop, and I'm doing college apps and clubs and extracurricular activities and...well, you get the picture. But in the midst of it all, we're trying to find time to edit Episode 2, or the season premiere, of Candid KOnversations and start recording Episode 3! I'm getting a slight idea of what it must have been like for Phil Lollar and Steve Harris back in '87. And to the circus we go, along with the one-episode triumphant return of Matthew Parker!

UPDATE 10/26: Marc Evan Jackson, otherwise known as David Parker, guest starred on my favorite show, Parks and Recreation, and he was hilarious. But anyways, reviews of Life Expectancy and The Pilot should be released soon, but note that all Album 57 reviews will be subject to change since they're based on the radio version, not the album version. After hearing of some potentially important scenes, we might have to wait a little longer so I can listen to the album version!

LISTEN ALONG WITH ME HERE

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- Finally, a title of a mystery that is actually the title that Emily selects.
- Oh no! Zach's voice is beginning to hit that time of life!
- "Welcome to the circus!"
- Well, look at you, Emily and Matthew, Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock Einstein.
- I thought clowns didn't talk to people that weren't in the CCC... (Like Father, Like Wooton, Album 47: Into the Light)
- Dual identities! 
- "Don't let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write them around the tablet of your heart." - Proverbs 3:3

REVIEW:
Jones and Parker Detective Agency mysteries have been a curious phonomenon in the new era of Adventures in Odyssey. The excitement of what could have been was run over the appearance of Game for a Mystery (Album 51: Take It From the Top), and expectations were lowered. Emily was a know-it-all who was a little insufferable, although smart. Although there was potential for this annoying character to have somewhat of a human side, we never saw it throughout Albums 51 - 52 (Take It From the Top, Cause and Effect). 53 - 54 (The Green Ring Conspiracy, Clanging Cymbals) began to open her up and break her character down and really deconstruct the once smug, all-knowing personality we associated her with. 56 (The Grand Design). Emily has slowly evolved into a character who is definitely extremely smart and observant, and while she has many unlikable qualities, still remains to gain an amount of respect from at least this listener. The most recent albums have given us both characterization and development for Ms. Jones and the other characters, moving plots further (Something Old...), giving us more insight (Great Expectations), helping other characters grow (the very good Repent After Me), and more mysteries. 

That brings us to Big Trouble, which seems like it might be trouble but manages to dig itself out. It feels like a shadow of the earlier Jones/Parker mysteries, but Matthew definitely has the stronger presence that he's been having throughout the show. He was mostly used for comic relief and circus trivia throughout the show, which, pun intended, seemed rather trivial for his character. I'm wondering if the writers are wondering what to do with Matthew at a point where his voice is beginning to change, but he's not involved in any heavy storylines. This is his only appearance in this album, a shocking change from the last six, and it unfortunately barely registers due to the story. 

Emily's deductive reasoning (and yes, a little Matthew) led to the culprit being uncovered. Of course, for many listeners, the mystery was never really in doubt. The culprit's motives were relayed very unsubtly toward the first five or so minutes of the episode. The real question was whether the episode could hold the audience's attention. After Game for a Mystery, many listeners were disappointed that it was more whiny Barrett and less Encyclopedia Brown. They got it with this one. Unfortunately, it was way too predictable of a mystery.

However, on the attention front, Wynn and Hoose fired on all cylinders. The circus atmosphere is a lot of fun and brings a lot of great moments and characterizations from the staff. I was a huge fan of the voices, and I know it sounds strange, but I got a big Madagascar: Europe's Most Wanted vibe. Zara, Esteban, and Pockets were great characters that were fun to listen to. 

One major element of the plot was the idea of a class system in the circus family. They used it to tie up a theme about treating others well and with respect. I thought that that was a squandered opportunity that could've been used to open up a discussion about the way we see people, but that's a minor complaint. Music and sound design were on point and very well-done and slightly over the top to match the writing.

Overall, Big Trouble Under the Big Top manages not to find itself in that much trouble. It's an enjoyable Jones and Parker Detective Agency that's very predictable, but it's a lot of fun, with a quirky sound design and score. I give this episode a 87/100, or a

B

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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
Comment with your thoughts and reactions!

AVERY WATCH:
Best Sound Design - Jonathan Crowe
Best Score - John Campbell
Best Actor - Eduardo Antonio Garcia (Esteban), Gregg Bissonette (Pockets the Clown)
Best Actress - Hahni Critch [?] (Zara)

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

731: More Than a Feeling

Hey y'all. Hope you're enjoying the last days of the actual summer. 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 More Than a Feeling for my quick takes and thoughts (aired originally September 7).

LISTEN HERE

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- Four days of rain.
- I don't know why, but the way Katrina says "I need a jolt" is hilarious.
- If Camilla decides to start a new ministry, she can call it Crochet by Camilla.
- "That's how you're going to commemorate the beginning of your love - with chicken?" - Connie
- The Smell of Love seems like a particularly atrocious rom-com by the title. Their marketing team needs some work.
- Eugene and Katrina are adorable together. 
- I love Eugene and Katrina's definition of unhealthy food.
- Connie at work once again!
- Panzini's went from upscale Italian fare to the world-famous 23 different varieties of nachos. Quite the downgrade. Perhaps an abrupt change of management?
- "The everyday stuff may not be romantic, but there's a lot more to marriage than romance." - Katrina
- "My love for you is much more faithful than any feeling. My love for you is constant, and always will be." - Eugene

REVIEW:
The premise of More Than a Feeling feels so basic. Camilla stumbles with her faith; Eugene and Katrina stumble with romance. But as we learned, feelings are fleeting, and this episode definitely hit that lesson out of the park.

One word that describes this episode to me is charming. Marshal Younger's script feels very light while getting across some very heavy themes. In fact, I would argue that this exploration of the true definitions of love, marriage, emotion, and being a Christian is the closest that Odyssey will get to tackling, ahem, more controversial topics. But his deft balance of large topics, new Christian hijinks, and romantic comedy is an utter treat to listen to. 

One thing that really supports Marshal's script is the chemistry that has really began to blossom in the Odyssey cast once again. My previous impression of Whit and Camilla's relationship was in Forgiving...More or Less ("Big scoop! I've got one for the ice cream...har har."). Mr. Whittaker was definitely more warm and human here, and that's due to Andre Stojka's increasingly wise portrayal. There's still a lot of Owl that I hear and vocal inflections that I loved from Paul Herlinger, but I feel like the spirit of Whit, if that makes any sense (and not to break any theological bubbles, just for metaphorical purposes, por favor), is definitely something that's starting to come back. It was great to see Connie getting back into meddling and continuing the great Eugene/Connie scenes as of late. I also enjoyed seeing Connie and Katrina at it again, and the Parker family's chemistry continues to impress (understanding that Michaela Dean is only on her second episode as Camilla). 

In previous David-watching football episodes, Mark Evan Jackson has to record his shouts before the sound goes on. This issue was also apparent in Happy Hunting with Connie, Penny, and the bird noises. Something must have happened, because the sound was a lot smoother this time around, and that's thanks to great work by Christopher Diehl. The music was once again fabulous by John Campbell, after last week's not-up-to-Odyssey standard work by a guest composer.

However, it's the Eugene/Katrina storyline that really stands out. Marshal turns the conventional idea of a happy, successful marriage often exemplified in the media and our imaginations (illustrated through Connie) and turns it on its head, dissecting the issue with that assessment in a very real, raw, hilarious way. I've often complained recently as how Odyssey seemed to downgrade itself to a lower brand of humor, seemingly to appeal to the age group after the relaunch. However, the writing has vastly improved since then and the humor is back to being funny for me, and hopefully for more people than the candy-coated days of Game for a Mystery. But the bits, from the late night conversation to the nacho dinners, were spot on. The characters felt completely in character and everything just felt incredibly natural. 

Camilla's enthusiasm for her faith was another element of this very charming episode. Her scene with David celebrating Jesus while watching the televangelist is simply adorable. Michaela Dean (voice of Camilla as of Album 57) is definitely growing on me. Her struggles with her faith is something very real that all Christians face. It's often a reason why many people turn from the faith, and something that Odyssey addresses spectacularly.

More Than a Feeling goes above and beyond in more than one way. The script is fantastic, but the episode really works thanks to incredible chemistry throughout the entire cast. So much happens in the twenty three minutes or so that the listener is left breathless by the end. The mix of heavy themes, light comedy, and Odyssey staples is a fantastic blend. Look for this episode at the Averys. I give this episode a 95/100, or an

A

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

Read a really good article about love, emotions, and marriage here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elad-nehorai/i-didnt-love-my-wife_b_3908956.html

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
Best Sound Design - Chris Diehl
Best Actor - Will Ryan (Eugene)
Best Actress - Audrey Wasilewski (Katrina)
Best Scene - Eugene and Katrina attempting to rekindle late-night conversation

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

727-728: Your Servant is Listening, Parts 1 And 2

Hello Album 57!

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- Matthew is headed for the skater look.
- The age-old "how lenient is too lenient" question between older generation and younger generation.
- Jesse Fliscergold got a pencil eraser stuck up his nose? Oh, Jesse. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse.
- Oh snapple, the second Parker has changed voices. Stay on, Zach Callison, stay on!
- Camilla got a lot younger-sounding with a more pure and less raspy voice. She was originally Joy in Child's Play.
- Camilla, let's not resort to logic leaps to get what you want. You're smarter than that!
- The Imagination Station is just "big and empty," as Lucia describes. 
- "Don't we have to buckle in first?" - Lucia and a clever nod to earlier IS incarnations
- Three generations of Ortega women - out on the town, as in Shiloh!
- "He could stand to cut down on the tamales though; he's a large one." - Lucia on Eli
- The return of the Sunshine Girl references!
- "I think he has my nose!" "I still think he's cute." - Elkanah and Camilla
- "Prayer changes us. It shows our dependence on God and our desire to invite Him into our lives. It also allows us to express our heart to Him, and then He does the same with us!" - Hannah
- What's a time when you've seen God in your life?
- Eli needs help with child control.
- Cinderella, Cinderella, night and day, it's Cinderella. Phinehas, also known as the Evil Goddefiler.
- "That's where the Ark is." "Oh, so that's where Noah parked it!" - Samuel and Camilla
- "The Ark contains the power and glory of God!" "What would happen if you went there?" "I'd be struck dead." "Yeeee, you're right, we'd better take another way out." - Samuel and Camilla
- Indiana Jones knows the lesson from the above quote very well.
- Way to bring French toast to Israel, Camilla!
- "We're all His children. He has something to say to each of us - if we only listen. And of course, we have to talk to Him too." - Samuel
- Welcome to God's family, Camilla!

REVIEW:
After having the last Bible story season premiere become one of my favorite episodes of all time, I tried to have low expectations for this season premiere. I was curious to see how an adventure with "three generations of Ortega women" written by Nathan Hoobler and Kathy Buchanan would turn out, and how Samuel would work as a story. Suffice it to say, it worked. 

However, it didn't work right away. The first half and second half were pretty much disconnected from each other (for the sake of argument) in terms of...well, for me, almost everything. On the surface, part 1 was about Hannah and how God listened to her, while part 2 was about Samuel and how he and the nation of Israel (and us) had to learn to listen to God. I thought the acting in the first half, in terms of the Biblical characters, was weak. I didn't really connect to any of the characters because of what I heard as a stale delivery. As didactic storytelling, Odyssey has mostly managed to get a lesson across without being "preachy." While the act of preaching is not a bad thing (hello, Sunday!), it's more difficult to make a lesson really sink in when you stick it into entertainment. I felt that a lot of things had to be explained, and more things were told to us than shown (comment if you're interested in some of these cases) in the first half. One of the things that needed to be told, Hannah's conversation with Camilla, wasn't as strong as it could be because of Terrianne Steinhower's performance, although I felt her performance improved as the episode went on.


Speaking of performance, let's talk about Michaela Dean! I thought something was amiss when I heard a less raspy, younger voice for Camilla. After listening to the latest podcast and finding out she had previously voiced Joy, I recognized that the writers either needed Camilla to be younger or Sydney Shiotani had lost interest. I was SUPER disappointed and bummed by the loss of Sydney, since I LOVED her voice and thought it was incredibly possibly iconic and unique to Odyssey, Michaela did a fine job. I still miss Sydney, though!

My favorite part of part 1 was towards the beginning, when Lucia and Eva explained to Camilla about animal sacrifice - and connected it back to the Gospel! Applications and how the Bible still relates to us today is something Odyssey can do really well, as best shown in The Perfect Church and The Imagination Station, to name a few. The second half picked up on this with Samuel and Camilla. Samuel's message of learning to listen to God was timely and important. I always like to say how God is such an amazing storyteller, and it's interesting to see the story of Phinehas and Hophni, who didn't listen to their father, juxtaposed against Samuel, who listened to his Father. Camilla's conversion after learning to listen to God was a very natural step for her, and it was exciting and interesting to see an example of how someone came to faith growing up in a Christian family (I'm not sure when was the last time we heard that on Odyssey). 

I've always loved the chemistry between Lucia and Eva, but I felt it was even stronger in this two-parter as they spent most of their time with each other. Their relationship feels so real, thanks to their superb performances. Lucia brought a lot of great levity to the episode, and I appreciated her warmth, humor, and wisdom. It reminded me of better Mr. Whittaker days! Eva's job as a nurse was perfect for this episode, and I'm so glad Mr. Hoobler and Ms. Buchanan incorporated that for continuity. 

For me personally, this episode was very eye-opening, as I learned that I need to take the time to try and listen to God. I think we often treat prayer like a one-way conversation (at least I can), and we need to remember that there's always Someone listening (and speaking) on the other side of the phone!

While starting slow (in terms of telling over showing and acting), Your Servant is Listening is a well, thought-out, thought-provoking two-parter that asks us to check ourselves on how we listen to God and not just talk. Sound design and score is on point, as is the writing, performances, and attention to detail. I give this episode a 93/100, 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
Read our review of The Perfect Church
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County

AVERY WATCH:
Best Episode - Nathan Hoobler, Kathy Buchanan, Bob Hoose
Best Sound Design - Chris Diehl
Best Actress - Lucki Wheating 
Best Score - John Campbell

726: Push the Red Button

Happy Sonday!

The goal failed. Couldn't do a review during the week. I'm hoping to make my way through Your Servant is Listening and No Chemistry Whatsoever this week. Happy Labor Day! No new Candid KOnversations updates, so we'll be on our way.

Hi, Will Ryan!

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
- A master program that controls anything at Whit's End - that could possibly destroy civilization as we know it? Oh yeah, nothing could go wrong.
- Matthew Parker assisting a master program that controls everything at Whit's End? It's officially official - nothing, nothing, could go wrong.
- Penny is on a no-carb diet in this world.
- We have a different voice for Michaelangelo here than in the live show.
- Is it just me, or does Townsend Coleman's voice for Lord Gargantuan Foulspleen remind the listener a little bit of Dr. Doofenschmirtz from Phineas and Ferb?
- Silly Lord Gangantuan Foulspleen. If you listened to Odyssey, you'd know that the Imagination Station is not a time machine.
- Eugene and Whit, do you really NOT REMEMBER that the Imagination Station is not a time machine? Matthew, sorry, buddy, you still gotta head to French.
- Nice reference to the Slavs in ancient Russia!
- I wonder what people's rationale for thinking this episode was in total reality was.
- When I saw the extended version of the live show, I thought Odyssey was about to head into a post-apocalyptic Album 57. 
- Penny paints a beautiful masterpiece in minutes. Look out, Picasso.
- "Maximum defilation" - new LGF term
- A big kick to the machine. Ladies and gentlemen, Matthew Parker, technical genius.
- Nuclear bomb go boom.
- "What's weird is to use such an obvious cliche to end a story." - Penny
- Philippians 4:8-9

REVIEW:
I think opinions can soften over time. That was certainly the case for this episode. When I first heard it, I had a severe dislike to this episode (not the live show version) for its cheesiness, unrealisticness, and sheer what-the-heck-is-happening-ness. But after a relisten, a couple elements have grown on me. 

After getting upset over the use of the "just kidding, guys, it was all a dream," on earlier listens, I caught Penny's self-aware tongue-in-cheek comment to the audience (see the Odyssey Times for this ep). I just wish the rest of this episode had that making-fun-of-itself tone as it did during the live show. The live show wasn't a masterclass in writing, but the extended run time allowed us to see just how impressive the acting, impressions, and sound design could be. Running jokes, like Wooton/Penny interaction and "fourth wall" Jason cracks, made the experience a memorable, hilarious one. The fact that Push the Red Button radio edition takes itself a little more seriously is not necessarily a good thing.

Another difference between the live show and radio edit is that Michaelangelo is not as intriguing as Chuck Bolte. Sure, he's a better-trained Italian accent, but...yawn. He was a completely forgettable character here, while he was completely unforgettable in Texas because everyone's always wanted to hear an Italian George Barclay. Stunt casting worked there - and the regular casting here felt dry. 

I now can understand why Red Button got that Sound Design Avery - all very impressive work by Rob Jorgensen. The music is ridiculously overdramatic fun by John Campbell. I think the main reason why I disliked this episode is because of the writing. As Ben Warren discussed in his review, other examples of exaggeration in Odyssey had proper framing to explain the out-there-ness of it all. My hyperactive imagination, upon seeing the live show for the first time, worried that a nuclear bomb had actually detonated the entire town of Odyssey and the surrounding Campbell County and we'd spend Album 57 living Winter's Bone - Our Daily Bread style, with the Barclays scrounging for squirrel meat in parks to escape from the mass hysteria from the first nuclear explosion in the United States.

I guess I'm simply tired of ridiculousness. It's fun every once in a while, but to trot it out a lot more recently in this new era takes away the positive elements it can bring. Mindless chaos can be fun, but can't entertainment with truth, goodness, and beauty be fun and good for you? The extremity of the ep led to a story that didn't get too invested in its themes. What really is truth, goodness, and beauty? For that, I'd have to turn to other AIO eps.

Push the Red Button is a hyperactive bombastic ear fest with great sound design and score. The actors all seem like they're having a lot of fun. However, it's the writing that drags everything down. The tone's off, the characters are all over the place, the moral is difficult to discern at face value, and the plot is sadly too out there to come back to orbit. I give this episode a 70/100, or a

C-

That brings us to the end of Album 56! Nine months after it aired. And on to A Call to Something More...

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months here
Read about our Live Show experience here

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

724-725: Home Again, Part 1 And 2

Well, it's been quiteeeee a while, you guys. It's been a long, busy summer - and I'm just realizing that our last review was on April 6. That's about four and a half months since the last review! Ohmeohmyoh. 

Anyways, it's back to work at home and school and in Odyssey. Album 57 has begun! I already have thoughts on Your Servant is Listening, and I would have thoughts on No Chemistry Whatsoever if there was any episode up online whatsoever. (UPDATE: It's on AIO Wiki!) But that's cool. The goal (and we have a lot of failed goals) is to do Push the Red Button this week and Listening this weekend. Hopefully, we'll catch up from there. But then...there's also Candid KOnversations. The season premiere for Candid KOnversations is...Saturday, November 2! I know it's a while, but we want all y'all to focus with us on Album 57 while the season progresses! And it looks like we'll have a lot of interesting Call to Something More stuff to talk about. Check out the Candid KOnversations page for more information.

With our busy schedules (practicing and learning instruments, homework, new clubs, old clubs, new projects, old projects), I think I've managed to figure out some kind of schedule that puts up posts here at least semi-regularly. The goal (anotherrrrr one) is to post at least once a week. Since I have super easy classes this semester, hopefully, we can make that happen! And now, to our review.

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from these eps):

- Don't go, Jack and Joanne! Eugene, quick, sabotage your inventory system so THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE!

- Thank you, Joanne, for your book endowments to the Whit's End Library!

- I'm still not fully comfortable with Whit's new chuckle.

- Why is Whit so surprised that Jason drove all the way back from Washington? Joanne and Connie have done it before (Album 41: In Hot Pursuit).

- Oh, Connie. Connie, Connie, Connie.

- "Prayer means you're dealing with something hard!" Connie, I bet you prayed for that new red Prelude - and I wouldn't call that something hard.

- Nice reference to Something Old, Something New for continuity.

- Why did Connie miss Jason so much? Wink, wink.

- Nice reference to The Green Ring Conspiracy for continuity.

- Wooton outsmarted Whit? Never thought I'd ever write that last sentence.

- They're building another cabin on Trickle Lake.

- "The spiritual disciplines are called disciplines for a reason - they require work. Times of solitude aren't always restful." - Whit

- Jason...really likes coffee.

- Jansen's Jewelers - is that a reference to former EP Al Janssen?

- "It'll make you thirstier so you can appreciate the water more." - the walk from picnic to #3

- "Yes, it's that hint of naïveté in the voice. He's not bad." - Rudolph on Eugene

- Connie sounds abnormally happy to see Jason.

- When was the last time we heard Jason talk to Wooton? 

- "You know where I live?" "Wooton delivers the mail!" "Ohhh...kay..." - Jason and Penny

- Kron's Jewelers is down the street.

- Do the criminals really have to reveal their plans right in front of Eugene?

- Katrina sends really long texts.

- The Judo flip, the Vulcan neck pinch...we've got some intense martial arts action happening in Odyssey.

- "What I want is time to be with God along with time to be with family and friends." - Jason

REVIEW:

The fact that it won three Avery Awards shows the love for Home Again from the fans. It definitely brings back a sense of nostalgia, with previous mainstays like Jason, Jack, and Joanne back on the radio once again. But is that all the episode was? Did it only win for the nostalgia? 

Two elements stood out to me that prevented it from getting my vote for Best Episode. The score for this episode felt very disjointed in certain places, as if they'd just picked up a couple of old John Campbell selections to fit. They didn't all fit well. The end cue was a typical Campbell chord-tingling, heart-racing, emotion-gathering closer, but the rest of the score didn't add much to the story. Eugene's jewel thief storyline also felt disjointed in a similar vein. As Campbell's score felt out of place, the cartoonishness of the whole Rudolph thing felt very disjointed from the dramedy-ish main plot. The "let's capture the criminals" scene near the end with Jason and Whit confronting the thieves was laughable and very unreal. That kind of cheesy capture has worked in previous episodes, but they worked because the entire tone of the episode was in that light-hearted realm. This episode did not need that tone at all, and it added a little bit of a bitter aftertaste (afterhear?) for me after listening.

Courtesy AIO Wiki

But let's look at the positives. I loved hearing new dynamics that have never been heard on the show before. I AIO wikied it and found that this was the first time that Wooton and Jason have ever been heard together! I also liked the comedic interactions between Joanne and Eugene. Normally, Eugene went to go talk to the Allens for perspective from both Allens. I thought the chemistry between Will Ryan and Janet Waldo was fantastic - it felt raw and real and hilarious. Townsend's monologue as Jason toward the end of the first part was also incredible. It gave us an inner look at Jason's thought process, especially the settling down after a lifetime of spy work part. Coleman managed to inflict the emotions of trying to find peace while managing to add comedy with the whole coffee thing. The sound design was also spot-on. It was pretty subtle, but that's often what makes the design great. 

I was also proud to continue to see Connie, Penny, and Jason grow as characters. If you've read some of my previous posts, you'd know I was upset that they seemed to grow stagnant from Albums 51 - 54. Connie's been learning about letting go of regrets and making assumptions since Something Old, and it's really interesting to learn and grow along with her. Penny has been making some steady progress, and although her journey can be a little annoying at times (repeating the same process as Childish Things with Happy Hunting), her growth is growing on me, so to speak. Jason's vulnerabilities are beginning to be more fully explored again, which is a great move for the show, from the end of The Labyrinth to now. That's why it was so saddening to see him once again resort to the action hero archetype at the end. Thankfully, his new job heading J&J Antiques should bring in plenty of new story for him. Oh, and the thing with Connie and Jason? That deserves its own article.

Home Again is not my most favorite episode of Album 56. The writing wasn't completely airtight and was too disjointed in trying to craft its theme into all of its plot threads & stuffing in old John Campbell cues to hobble together a score. But for all of its disjointedness, it makes up for it in characterizations, acting performances, sound design, and new dynamics. The very presence of Jack (so good to hear you, Alan Young!) boosts this up a couple more points. I give this episode a 92/100, or a

A-

Post your comments below or email us at jandakocompany@yahoo.com!

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 56: The Grand Design via CBD
Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at Campbell County

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

722: The Lost Riddle

Well, hi there, everyone. I've been visiting some colleges during my break this week and it's starting to make me realize just how little time I have left until it's time to move on to a new stage in my life.

Well, Grover Cleveland, that was a rather dim way to kick off this review.

College hunting was also fun to check out different campuses and ask questions and do awkward things (like normal), but I had to do a lot of investigating this week. You might say in fact, as much investigating as EMILY AND MATTHEW DO IN TODAY'S REVIEW.

Oh, come on. Was that a great tie-in from real life to review or what? Just wait till the next review: Groundhog Jay. Haha, alright, let's get serious (not) and head into a Jones/Parker/Jacobs mystery.

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
-I sympathize with group partners not doing their fair share.
-Emily grunts quite loudly when banging herself against her locker.
-As Ben Warren noticed, in all the years since the riddle has been in the locker, NO ONE HAS NOTICED IT? Hey eyedoctors, there's a great opening for you at Odyssey Optometry.
-"I have never been, am always to be; no one ever has, nor ever will be a witness to me. You cannot touch me or taste me, I neither grow nor decay; but if I did not exist, you would all pass today." - #riddlemethis
-Matthew and his wry comments on Emily's case-naming skills. Love 'em.
-Whit taught 25 years ago. My deduction is that if 25 years ago in the real world was 1987, and Whit was at Whit's End then, Odyssey time either runs slower, or this mystery happened over five years ago. I won't know until I review the other seven hundredish episodes I have left. That shouldn't take too long.
-Mrs. Mays w/ motorcycle is played by Mary Pat Gleason. I searched her up, and she's been in dozens, if not hundreds, of TV shows and movies, including Guiding Light, 1600 Penn, and The Island.
-I appreciate the sound design in the filing room, as I do with the rest of the show.
-"Dale Jacobs of the Odyssey Times? Dale Jacobs of the need for pimple cream." - Emily and Mrs. Mays
-THE SOUND OF DALE JACOB'S VOICE ON ODYSSEY ONCE AGAIN; IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE...oh wait, he was in The Labyrinth. Never mind, nothing to see here, carry on.
-Secret Codes 101: Put water on laminated cards and messages can appear as the ink outside of the card rubs off. When you put all the letters all together, it'll create groups of words. Then you put them all together into a simple message. Lemon juice can be used for invisible ink and can be viewed when you put heat on it.
-The Science of Secret Codes 101: The acid of the juice weakens the paper fibers.
-Whit tells Emily and Matthew "happy hunting" - inspiration for the name of the episode two eps prior?
-Kenny Rutherford writes the Big Jack Brannagan mystery series.
-From AIO Wiki: It is revealed that Whit was a teacher while Dale Jacobs was still in middle school over 25 years ago. As Whit stated that he that he was teaching part time this means that Whit was either in his 50s or 60s at the time putting Whit in his 70s or 80s now and putting Dale in his 40s or 50s now which would make sense taking into account Robyn and Melanie are living on their own.
-In addition to all of that, if Dale was in middle school 25 years ago, yet Robyn and Melanie were already preteens 25 years ago, the timeline gets screwed. The time paradox continues...
-"And I'm a big fan of your books, Mr. Rutherford! And I'm...her friend." - Emily and Matthew
-"With my guilt, I read into everything you did and didn't do." - Kenny Rutherford

REVIEW:
I've developed a special relationship with the Jones and Parker Detective Agency mysteries over the years. I enjoy reading them in Ally's Clubhouse, but the first time I was introduced to them was through Game for a Mystery. My, oh, my, have times have changed. While definitely disenchanted with the Agency at first, they've steadily improved from Stage Fright to The Case of the Missing Appleberry (name coined by me) to Something Old, Something New. This mystery continues off where Something established, which was to make us care about the case. Quite honestly, Barrett's voice was so irritating and annoying back in Album 51 that I didn't really care that he'd lost his video game. Emily hadn't been established long enough to make me want to care about her solving the ghost problem (that, and the fact that it was once again all a ploy by a reality TV show). But as the characters of Emily and Matthew have developed, I've started to care, and the writers have latched on to that whole "caring" notion by connecting Penny and Connie in their last case.

The Lost Riddle brings back Dale Jacobs to our ears to help Emily and Matthew solve this case, so we already have someone we know and love to care about, and since Emily has been made much more sympathetic and vulnerable with her character arc, we care about the crime-solvers as well. Since this case was about a riddle, there were elements of this case that the listener could try and solve for themselves, something that fans complained about back when Game for a Mystery first came out.

I must admit that I was one of the fans who complained that Odyssey had once again ripped off a past show, in this case, Buried Sin. But after relistening to the show for the review, I had to slightly retract that thought. The idea, skeleton, and structure for the show were similar, but it was the tone that was different; I guess you could say that this was slightly more comedic. Nonetheless, I'm still disappointed that Odyssey has to resort to recycling old ideas after steadily coming up with new material for 20 years, but hey, that's another article for another day.

The music and sound effects sounded even better when I listened via headphones. The scenes really came alive, especially in the aforementioned filing room scene with Mrs. Mays. The tie-in with Jay fit, and not only was a case solved, but a lesson was learned by the case solvers.

The Lost Riddle takes an old Odyssey idea and adds some new elements that work, with excellent production design, although it lacked some originality. Nonetheless (and partly in thanks to the very presence of Dale Jacobs), I give it a 89/100, or a

B+

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

721: The Holy Hoopster

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, & quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
-NEW: the Odyssey Owl Radio Network
-Coach Chang Fang is back!
-Camilla takes a new career as a watergirl, while Nelson spends time as a benchwarmer.
-Ally's favorite character sorta Ryan Cummings is there! :D
-New team name: Trenton Knickerbockers
-"Prayer isn't about working or not working. Or winning and losing. Prayer is about a relationship with Jesus. That's what's important." - Ryan
-"Has it occurred to you that the reason he's nice is because of all that prayer stuff?" - Nelson

REVIEW:
Surprisingly, I didn't find that much to say about this episode. I did really enjoy the real-life parallels (Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow) to the Odyssey world - but if you wanted to hear more about that, you could just check out Ben Warren's review over at The Changing Times. 

The introduction of the Odyssey Owl Radio Network was interesting, but was it really necessary? Why didn't they just broadcast it via Kids' Radio like they usually do - are Odyssey residents really gonna turn on the radio to get the latest updates on middle school basketball as much as the NFL or NCAA? Regardless, Jay was a definite highlight of this episode with his color commentary work and great lines.

Don't get me wrong; I loved this episode. I'm mostly nitpicking to give feedback on what could have been better. The middle got a little slow for me as Ryan went into a slump. Another interesting angle that the plot could've taken could have been to have Ryan have some big "mess-up" or "scandal" that made everyone question "just how holy the Holy Hoopster" is. But those are moot points; the chemistry with all of the characters felt great, and the music/sound design was as on-point as ever. The Lightning Livingston made the Odyssey Nerd in me feel very satisfied, and the acting continues to be terrific. 

Overall, The Holy Hoopster is another engaging sports plot by Marshal Younger with a lesson that applies to our times and appeals to both kids and adults, with terrific chemistry between all of the actors. Although the pacing is slow at times, I give it a 90/100, 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

720: Happy Hunting

Happy Monday! The pilot for Candid KOnversations is nearing completion, I'm done with calculus FOREVER (well, in high school anyways), and my jazz band did really well at a festival yesterday, so things are going well. However, things are slowing down at Campbell County Message Boards - please click on the link below and help us revitalize the site so I can have more people to talk to there! Plus, today, we get to celebrate the man who said that "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Thank you, Dr. King, for reminding us that we are all God's children who had His Son die for everyone, no matter what race, nationality, or sins we've ever committed or been part of so that we could be saved. And now, to our review!

THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):
-So apparently, these paintings by Diego are doing really well by the "sophisticated." Humpty Dumpty, palm trees with bloodshot eyes...is pop art making a comeback in Odyssey? I thought they were stuck in the past? ;)
-Don't worry Penny, I left the tag on a new pair of jeans until someone pointed it out to me. Fortunately for me, they weren't as expensive as your new boots!
-Why is Whit getting confused more often? It makes him seem older...
-"Laugh for seven minutes a day? I get black spots when I laugh for seven minutes. Those are endorphins, which make you happy! Actually, I think it's a lack of oxygen." - Wooton, Penny, and Whit
-Save the rib newts!
-How do you figuratively break your ribs?
-Penny's "ow, ow, ow" reminds me of Katrina in For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll (Album 29: Signed, Sealed, and Committed).
-JOSH'S AWKWARD REACTION OF THE REVIEW: Penny's adorable when she has allergic reactions and just as funny as Lindsey (Best of Enemies, Album 48: Moment of Truth).
-Wouldn't it have been hilarious if that happiness support group was Happy Smilers? (Happy Smilers, Album 37: Countermoves)
-"I never knew alliteration could be so irritating. Memorizing makes the mind more manageable! And alliteration annoys!" - Penny and Connie
-"The quest for happiness in and of itself can be a mistake. It can make us focus on ourselves, our feelings, to the exclusion of others. Sometimes God calls us to sacrifice ourselves in ways that won't necessarily make us happy." -Whit
-"It's an emotion. And no one can maintain an emotion for very long. At best, you can only create short bursts of happiness for yourself...the only kind of happiness...with Him involves peace, joy, and commitment that only He can give us. Those things can't really exist without Him." -Whit


REVIEW:
Hearing this for the first time was very enjoyable. After the second time, I got deja vu - but not because I had heard it before. It was then that I realized that we HAD heard this before - two albums prior in Childish Things (Album 54: Clanging Cymbals). Penny feels like she's missing something in life, so she finds some kind of "advice" to help her find that one thing and tries to implement that advice in her life, and comedic hijinks ensue. This episode, while having a great wrapup by Whit and Chris at the end, accomplishes its lesson by having Penny repeat the same mistake and show us that Penny actually didn't learn anything from last time. But while I would've had Camilla star, what's done is done, and that's what we look at here.

I didn't mean to start the review off negatively, but let's go into the positives and observations now. Connie contrasts Penny by being the "negative Nelly" to positive Penny. It provides a funny and interesting dynamic between the two friends that's something we haven't heard before. Kimmy Robertson plays Penny adorably - yeah, that's the only word I can use to describe it, when she talks about the people who are trying to "squash your spirit," her tone alone is hilariously cute. Penny's still naive and a young Christian who acts a lot younger than her age, but she continues to be funny.

Is anyone else besides me upset over Jacques Henri's fake French accent? What nationality is he actually? Wooton is once again used for comic relief, but at least this time, he's given a barrage of comic material that sustains his character for the entire episode. Whit has been used well this whole season, and that streak continues here. His advice feels more organic and less mechanical, more Biblically-oriented instead of worldly-grounded. John Campbell's score is typical Odyssey awesomeness, but I was disappointed with the sound design for the bird sounds - it seemed very obvious that the voice and sound tracks were recorded separately.

Overall, Happy Hunting is an amusing episode that has a good lesson, great music, and wonderful performances by the main characters, but my smile was dragged down by weaker supporting performances, sound design issues, and a lack of character growth. I give it a 82/100, or a 

B-

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