To Mend or Repair Review

To Mend or Repair

 This was an episode I really looked forward to, and amongst message boards such as Campbell County, it had fans speculating and frantic to find out what the news could be that Eugene and Katrina got.

This episode is handled fantastically. The tone is really sad,

The Labyrinth, Part 2 Review

I was doing some checking, and it's been nearly 5 months since I reviewed the first part of the Labyrinth... And I can say this is one of my favorites to have to review.

The Labyrinth, Part 2

This part opens with Sue and Dale handing the briefcase, that they got from Jason's hotel room, over to Jason. Sue's line "What's a typewriter" cracks me up every time,

Childish Things Review

Childish Things

This episode opens with Penny worrying about how she can trust people. In an effort to find a sure fire method to figuring out who she can trust she turns to body language. After a few minutes the listener is found laughing with Penny as she tries to figure this out. This episode also strengthens the relationship going between Penny and Wooton. The happenings at the restaurant make the listener wonder if Penny knows that Wooton likes her. Penny on the other hand hasn't really suggested that she has further feelings for him than just friends. This episode takes a humorous approach to the theme Putting Away Childish Things. Penny automatically makes judgments against Henri due to his body language. at first the notion of this episode was kind of hard for me to grasp. Why would Penny be so easily persuaded to try this method because of a book. But after listening a couple more times, it kind of grew on me. It really is a pretty funny episode, and overall it's not bad.

A Penny Earned Review

A Penny Earned Review

Roommates of any can be difficult to live with and sometimes it requires adjustment and more often than not compromises. We've seen the difficulties of clashing roommates with Bernard and Eugene (Room Mates) and with Connie and Lindsey and Tamika and Kelly (Best of Enemies) so my question at the end of a Penny Saved was how will Connie and Penny be as room mates?

Right away in a Penny Earned we see that Connie will be challenged living with Penny? How? Well, for starters the playing board games till really late in the morning and Penny using the walls of Penny's room as canvas. But the main aspect of the episode is her trying to find a job in Odyssey. In some ways it reminded me of Connie's struggle in the episode What are you Gonna Do With Your Life. In this episode we are told that Eugene teaches a computer class at the college. It fits his character well, but I'm kinda sad to see Hand Up disappear without explanation. Penny's a little too trusting. The scene with Douglas Helm proves this. It was an honest mistake.

 I like the new guy Jacques Henri. He reminds me of Fred Holstein, and I really look forward to future use of his character. Although Penny is a relatively new I couldn't help wondering if maybe this would be her last episode. But I'm glad it didn't go about that way. Although the twist with Penny and Wooton being so alike that Wooton would know where she would "have to stop" was a little much, it kinda worked out. I'm looking forward to see how they develop Penny and Wooton's relationship in the future.

Theme: 4/5
Humor: 3.5/5
Quotes: 3/5 --
Standout Quote(s): 

Penny Wise: What artistic style do you like?
Woman: Hmmm...That! I want that piece of art.
Penny Wise: That's the sign for the restrooms.
~~~

---

Penny Wise: You've been praying?
Connie Kendall: Yes! Haven't you?
Penny Wise: Well, sure, but I didn't know everybody was in on it.
Wooton Bassett: That's one thing you can be sure everybody's in on. The praying I mean. 

Interest level: 4/5
"Like" rating: 4/5

Average Rating 4/5  

You're Two Kind Review

Calvin and Hobbes is a new found favorite of mine. But I'll try to mix it up every now and then. Calvin needs a good lesson on being kind especially since Christmas is right around the corner. Perhaps he should listen to this episode.

In this episode it brings more changes to Odyssey. Namely Katrina as a substitute teacher. We've seen Eugene as one before, but not Katrina until now. This adds a nice touch to her though and it makes sense. Also it's nice to see Katrina around in general and we saw more of her and Eugene at home too.This episode gave us a slice of life, and it was interesting too. Ryan was faced with a choice whether to stab Brad in the back or not and he choose wrong. The Eugene story line was interesting. Is trickery the best way to teach a lesson? Although we have seen this kind of thing in Odyssey from time to time. Some think it's fishy, but I think it works. Their point came across in the end.

This episode is strong with the Ryan story line and slightly weak with the bejewler plot. Overall I like it.But the bejewler storyline eh..


Theme: 4/5
Humor: 4/5
Quotes: 3/5 --
Standout Quote: 
Ryan Cummings: Valerie. The same Valerie I know? But she's so..
Brad: Spunky!
Ryan Cummings: Yeah, spunky like a pit bull.


Interest level: 4/5
"Like" rating: 3.5/5

Average Rating 4/5  

As always i love to hear your comments. And I'm almost caught up too! Freddy Jay over and out.

Forgiving More... or Less Review

From the description of this episode many fans comments portrayed to the effect of "Story telling to teach a lesson? Sound familiar?" And in some ways I agree, red does have several features similar to Bernard; such as a handy man, relating to the kids, and using entertaining figures of speeches. But is that to say that Red is Bernard's replacement? I wouldn't go that far,but some would say that.

Right away we hear from Red Hollard in this episode. That made me happy. The last time we heard from Red was in Wooton's Broken Pencil Show.  I liked seeing the kids working together on a project. In the scene with Camilla and Matthew breaking the oscilloscope we see more of Camilla's athletic side. I really like the chemistry between the Parker kids in this episode. The kids and the family are really developing nicely. Whit's little bit with the free ice cream for Camilla is classic Whit for you. He knew that Camilla broke the oscilloscope, but gave her free ice cream anyway. I liked Red's story alot. Even though when we hear story's from Bernard's we're used to hearing different voices, and sounds effects. I also like the fact that it's a parable from the bible, told in Red's own way. The approach made in this episode was good. You get camilla, red's story, more Camilla, and then more Red's story. Red's expressions are amazing. 

The themes in this album revolve around love and different angles on love and 1 Corinthians 13. It's so appropriate because forgiving and loving and be so hard to do at times. This episode reminds us to ask forgiveness and not just to try to forgive others.

Theme: 3.5/5
Humor: 4.5/5
Quotes: 4/5 --
Standout Quote: 
Red Hollard: I'm serious as a porcupine in a balloon factory!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---

Red Hollard: Barney was thrilled and he went right out and bought that tow truck, and what do you think happened then?
Camilla Parker: He ran out of toes to truck?

Interest level: 3.5/5
"Like" rating: 4/5

Average Rating 4/5  



A good episode overall. More reviews to come. Kinda trying to get caught up so I can review Never For nothing soon. And for now that's all from Freddy Jay.

The Amazing Loser Review

The Amazing Loser:

I was really excited to hear this one because it looks like it's the one portrayed on the cover. Although, Jay carries around a suppertime triangle in the beginning. He probably plays all percussion though. It fit that Barrett and Priscilla would be partners for the scavenger hunt, and interestingly enough Jay and Matthew were paired together too.

I was EXTREMELY happy that Hal's Diner and Hal Schneider is in this episode. The importance of other businesses is really important, but not just new ones. It's nice knowing that it's sticking around. I like the whole scavenger hunt feel. Though it also introduced more new businesses too.

The scene with the girl wanting shoes and Barrett bought them for her was very touching. It showed Barrett had compassion. Even though they found out that she actually did have other shoes, just not that specific pair.  The lady from the Thrift store, it would have been neat if it was the same one from Tuesdays with Wooton. I'm wondering where in the world can I find gumballs for a penny. Cause then I'd have a pretty hefty stash. Barrett feels bad that they lost for nothing. I like Whit's advice to them. That sometimes we're tested whether we'd do the right thing despite the outcome of our actions. It's funny that Barrett and Priscilla win anyway and Jay and Matthew lose because Jay bought the victory gumball.

This episode is pretty good. It's quick paced, and Jay's humor adds to it as always. I was dissapointed that this episode didn't explain what Whit is writing on the board on the cover of the album. It should have been in the episode somehow... And this one didn't have Barrett's trombone or Priscilla's clarinet either. Oh well..

Theme: 4/5
Humor: 3.5/5
Quotes: 4/5 --

Standout Quote:
John Whittaker: Well, let me say it's been a pleasure to host this year's band camp. I'm really looking forward to hearing what you all learn. Now, to kick things off. We decided to begin with something a little different. A competition.
Jay Smouse: Look out Barrett Jones. Soon you'll be tasting cold steel. The cold steel of my supper time triangle.
 ~~~~~
Jay Smouse: (To tune of Hail to the Chief) Hail to Jay Smouse who wins the scavenger hunt. Barrett Jones loses cause he's such a chump.


Interest level: 4/5
"Like" rating: 3.5/5

Average Rating 4/5 


What are your thoughts on this episode? Be sure to catch Anger Mismanagement next week.

When You're Right, You're Right Review

When You're Right, You're Right.

• In this episode we hear more of Barrett and Emily.
• We have a brass player in Odyssey now. Barrett's playing was good. Although it's not a trumpet, I still really like it.
• Barrett's song is kinda rough, but entertaining none the less.
• Emily's line, (No offense Matthew, but you're a boy. You wouldn't know what a girl wants........Yes! In case you haven't noticed. I'm a girl!) made me think of Connie.
• The technology mentioned in this episode. Matthew being able to create a card like that sounds really cool.
• We learn more about Emily's character. She seems to have a take charge attitude. 
• I can see the Jones' family competing against the Parker family for being replacement for the Barclays. The Emily/Barrett, brother/sister chemistry is pretty good.Same for the Parker siblings.
• Matthew has been in every episode so far this season. I think they could have had more balance with the character selection. But I do like Matthew. So I guess I won't complain too much.

Conclusion: I give this episode 4/5.

If I think of anything else may add more later.....
Anyway, This is Freddy Jay saying "So long."

For the Birds Review

Here are some general thoughts.

• Eugene gets attacked by a dove? Comical, but realistic? I'm not so sure.
• The part where the family is discussing why pets is a bad combination for them is pretty funny. I don't really like Matthew's line "They had a suicide pact." Referring to the fish.
• Wooton's part(s) in this episode were great. Quote: Matthew: Hey maybe Wooton knows
  Wooton: Wow! Well I never did before, but there's a first time for everything. What is it?.
• This episode gives a little more about the Parkers. 
• I like that this episode doesn't have the expected ending. The baby bird doesn't make it. Also Camilla doesn't get a dog, even though she proved how responsible she is.
• We hear the explanation behind the cover of the album. 
• Camilla's scream when she sees Eugene's shaved head, priceless.

 Conclusion: This episode has a good funny side to it. It was good to here more of the Parker family's personality. The theme was good too. Although it seemed to hit several;curses, responsibility, prayer. The theme that they hit the most in a way, and the one I like, is that even if you pray for something, it doesn't guarantee it's gonna happen. Also I liked how they had a serious moment, and then it ended with a funny one. I give this episode 4/5

Game For a Mystery Review

First as you can tell I'm once again experimenting with new things. One of which is the new logo which came from Original Joe from Odyssey Way Thanks again. I will also have a poll on the side with a trivia question. After a week or so (or shorter, if I change my mind...)I will have the answer and a quote under the next poll.

 Onto Game for a Mystery.
Here's my thoughts on this episode

First we meet Emily Jones and Barret Jones-new characters
Introduces Verminoids game Barret likes playing. I like Barret and Emily's Dad. Great dad humor.
Barret has an interesting imagination. Kinda like Jared, except his is probably more sue to playing video games. Quick to assume..
Matthew talks a little like Eugene. Seems more and more like a kid Eugene.
Emily is very interesting. Observes the minor details. Good at making deductions.
Very interesting mystery.
Nelson from the Kidsborro series is also in this episode.
This portable verminoids game sounds very updated. Register online, etc. We see more of Matthew's technological smarts side.

This episode is good. It reminds me of another episode called The Bad Hair Day. In that episode a comic book and a pocket knife are missing. They look into it, and Rodney and his gang thinks its Charles that took it. It turns out it was a raccoon. I think it's interesting that they included a raccoon in this one, only to have that option turned down due to deductive reasoning on Emily's part. The end of it was somewhat unexpected. I never would have guessed the culprit. Too bad the game ended up getting ran over...Great mystery episode, maybe not action packed, but intriguing none the less. I'm really liking Matthew. His sense of knowledge, and sometimes big words. More and more like a young Eugene.
I liked it. All in all, I give it a 4/5

 Here's a review from Campbell County.
Nate Maxwell  says

I think the relationship between Emily and Matthew can almost be described as flirting which is why I somewhat disliked it. Nelson's Cameo in a non Kidsboro episode was pretty sweet. Garret seems like a nerdy Jimmy Barclay which makes me happy. I also liked how Chris had us look in Proverbs, She hasnt given us an assignment in awhile! All in All I think the episode will be a stepping stone for many more fun adventures with the Jones and Parker Detective Agency. It was OK so I give it Three Stars ***

That's all for now. This is Freddy Jay saying "Can't wait for more."

The Inspiration Station Part 2

First I'm gonna point out something else on part 1. Towards the end, Eugene, Connie, and Whit are around the Inspiration Station. Then we hear a train-like whistle and Eugene says there's someone at the door. My first thought was that they removed the bell, but in the second part we hear the bell when Eva comes in. So maybe it's a device that alerts them when they are upstairs. Also the security alarm with Eugene's voice was kinda cool.

My Thoughts on Inspiration Station Part 2

The opening scene was very intense. It seemed like something very bad was going to happen.

The conversation with Connie about her experiance in the Inspiration station seemed really heavy..

Mortimer is a very interesting character, and we can assume that he is the person Connie was referring to in Part 1.Is he going to be a one time only character? Or are they gonna somehow bring it back in other episodes..? "That lead to...which lead to..which lead to this and that and there we are!"

We learn of Whits "town clock mistake. "

My favorite part of the whole episode is with the clips of the different people saying how Connie inspires them. Congrats to all the people who made it in, including Audry from AIO Insanity, to find out what she said, click here.

Over all this two part episode was pretty good. I give it a 4/5. It was great, can't wait to hear the rest of the season.

I thought I had an Odyssey connection today...but it seems I forgot it.....so...I guess that's all for now this is Freddy Jay saying "catch ya later."

The Inspiration Station Part 1

After hearing this episode for the third time here are some of my thoughts/questions.

I noticed they didn't include the new theme. Maybe we'll hear it in later episodes in this album..I guess.

Andre is a great Whit. He sounds a little different than Paul, but it still works somehow. To me Whits sounds a little older now.

What does the inspiration station do? Connie says she walks around in it, so does that mean it's somewhat similar to the imagination station? Who is Whit's friend that Connie meets in it? It seems after going in there she starts thinking about her pet peeves, but she's not bothered by them. Very intriguing.

Once again in this episode we begin to see more of Eugene's smart side again.

Then it starts having problems, and all the inventions start acting up, like in the applesauce episodes, although Whit says "I've never seen anything like it." At first I thought it was a goof because there was an incident similar to it in the Applesauce and Blackgaard episodes. Then I listened to the episode "The Battle" and I noticed that Whit wasn't in Whits End at the time of the incident in Applesauce or the time in The Battle when Blackgaard hacked the computer.

I like Matthew Parker. He seems like a modern kid that likes our type of technology. Which brings another point. This episode brings Odyssey suddenly to a new age. With all sorts of our technology. DVR, GPS, Laptops, burning DVDs. I like it. Back to Matt. Somewhere someone made a reference to Matt almost like a kid Eugene. Matthew kinda talks like Eugene in a way. I think the picture for Matthew is pretty close to how I imagine him. Great chemistry between him and his parents and sisters. Almost reminds me of the Barclays.

Connie and Eugene have petty arguments again.

This episode brings back old times in a way. A kid does something wrong and Whit is there to advise.

It's interesting that Connie is hesitant to share her experience in the Inspiration Station. She's worrying me. What is going on in there? She seems different too. All her pet peeves don't bother her as much anymore. She's being considered as the "new Connie." Concerned about her addiction for it though. Also her agitation when she finds out it's fixed but isn't told is worrying.  Then  she sneaks into Whits End! Aaaaah! What will happen next? I can't wait for the next part.

Overall I think this episode is pretty good. I give it a 4/5.  

Hear are some other sites that you can check out for reviews and feedback.
The Odyssey Times
The Unofficial Adventures in Odyssey Podcast
AIO Insanity
The AIO fan's Life

In other news,  Original Joe of the Odyssey Way has uncovered some interesting comments pertaining to album 52's title,  that were placed on Odyssey Scoop. He has some theories as to what the next album title could be. Check it out on his blog Odyssey Way.

I think that's all for now, this is Freddy Jay saying "What will happen next? I can't wait!"
The Odyssey Times