Opposite Day Review

Here is my thoughts on last weeks episode Opposite Day.

This album has a plethora of recurring characters from album 51. The kids especially. Barrett, Priscilla, Olivia, as well as some new characters such as Amber. The Olivia/Amber story line quickly lost my interest. Nothing specific, but it seemed......ugh.Not sure why. The Barrett/club kid-chat storyline grabbed my attention though.   I originally had mixed feelings about this episode before I heard it. This brings social networking into Odyssey. It sort of seems out of place to me. Then again, Odyssey in general is beginning to get "up with the time". In album 51 they mentioned all sorts of gadgets like dvr, gps, and verminoids which connects through wifi. It seems odd, but I guess it makes sense. With scoial networking on the rise, and it seems like kids are getting a facebook at younger and younger ages.....After hearing it I like the way they aproached this part of the episode.

Rating:
Theme: 4/5
Humor: 3/5
Music: 4/5
Interest Level: 3/5
"Like" rating: 3/5

Total average rating : 3.5/5


Tomorrow, The Owlnapping airs. I may be able to get my review out sooner than the rest have been...

Fast As I Can Review

Alright...Time to get caught up again.

Fast as I Can.

This episode has a great theme. It's one that hasn't been touched on a whole lot in Odyssey. Although in The Meaning of Sacrifice, the Barclay gave up TV for a similar reason, but it's sort of different I guess. I like how each character has their own unique fast/lesson learned from said fast. In this episode, Eugene seems back to his old usual wordy self. Having him give up words more than two syllables was perfect for his character. A very nice touch for this episode. Matthews fast of computers seemed very fitting as well. Although his whole adventure in the imagination station seemed out of place.... The imagination Station being influenced by a computer obsessed mind? It makes sense I suppose, but in the context of this episode it makes it seem like the user would have to have knowlege of the adventure in order for it to work. Which wasn't required before. This aspect of the imagination station is really the only big thing I didn't like in this episode. Wooton's fast of junk food was hilarious as well. The scene with Mrs. Randolph is too funny. "Thank you for the Moon!" All the fasts and all the lessons learned fit together nicely in the usual Odyssey multi story manner. Such a nice way to get multiple perspectives on the same theme.


Rating:
Theme: 5/5
Humor: 5/5
Music: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
"Like" rating: 5/5

Overall this episode was a very good episode. Nicely written, and definitely one I could listen to over and over again.
Total average rating : 5/5

Stage Fright Review

Stage Fright

Right away I was drawn in with Barrett singing about trombones. Definitely a song I'll have to remember. But that's sorta the only thing that sticks out to me in this episode. After Game for a Mystery, I wasn't exactly thrilled with the thought of another Jones and Parker Mystery. But thought maybe it wouldn't be along the same lines as that. Perhaps it would be done...differently? Nope. This episode in particular had more of a Scooby Doo twist. It reminded me of Scooby Doo in part because of the phantom, but also because Matthew (the sidekick) was scared while Emily wasn't. Kinda the same way that Scooby and Shaggy (sidekicks) are always scared and the other three usually aren't for long. But like Scooby Doo, it had this predictability to it. That someone is creating the phantom so everyone would leave for one reason or another. The way that these mysteries point in one direction leading you to believe that it's one person, only to disprove it the next, isn't exactly to my liking. I'm more of a fan of the type that you can collect clues with the detective, and can predict who it is.  Another point, both mysteries tied a bird into the culprit somehow....

Rating:
Theme: 3/5
Humor: 3/5
Music: 4/5
Interest Level: 2/5
"Like" rating: 2/5

Total rating: 2.5/5 (Not a bad episode persay, but it's not on my top 100 list)

Wooton's Broken Pencil Show Review

This is slightly late...but I've finally gotten around to doing this. Here's my thoughts on Wooton's Broken Pencil Show.

The first thing that got my attention was the title and the summary, even before I had the album. The title itself sounds somewhat random. Which in general is a good way to describe Wooton. But this show was one that I was sorta looking forward to, but somewhat worried about how it would turn out. I mean a kids radio with Wooton ablibbing the whole time? ..The way it went was actually pretty good. Having Captain absolutely back was good. Also Harlow and Red played good roles in this episode. Harlow was his usual goofy, and slightly ignorant self, which in some cases is somewhat annoying. This case it wasn't too bad. This episode was somewhat confusing towards the end though. Most of the episode it seems like they are improvising, but then later Connie mentions that the breaking glass was just sounds effects. Therefore it implies that the show was scripted?....Maybe...Anyway, Onto the rating.

Theme: 3/5
Humor: 4/5 (It was more on the entertaining side than haha funny, but good none-the-less)
Music: 3/5
Interest level: 3/5
"Like" rating: 3/5

Total rating: 3/5 (Good episode, but overall average.)

The Mystery of the Clock Tower Parts I, & II Review

The Mystery of the Clock Tower, Part I & Part II Review (Links = Wiki page)

Here's my reviews for the premiere episodes of the season. 

First Part:
The first part was pretty good. Not the "I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, and gotta know what's gonna happen next" good or "One part scared the bajeepers out of me" good, but good all the same. The ending was especially "good". It left me wanting to know why exactly the clock was counting down. Although, I'm not sure the cover art was really explained in the episode. What is Eugene reaching for on the coverart? The characters worked especially well together. Then there's my favorite quote of this episode "It's freak out time!.
Overall I give this episode

Theme: 4/5
Humor: 3/5
Music: 5/5
Interest level: 5/5
"Like" rating:  5/5

Total: 4.5/5

Second Part:
Some think this part didn't hold to the first, kinda like the Inspiration Station. To me it wasn't too bad. It kinda wrapped it up pretty nicely. The whole clock counting down as a diversion was an interesting touch. I had maybe the slightest suspicion that it was the janitor dude, but it wasn't really all that predictable in the sense I had no clue how he'd pull it off or why. So it was perhaps thrown out on a chain, for us to bite, but there wasn't much else to go on until this part. The conversation(s) on the phone part was a funny/unique part to it.
Overall I give it
Theme: 4/5
Humor: 4/5
Music: 4/5
Interest Level: 5/5
"Like" rating: 5/5

Total: 4.5/5

My total rating for this two part episode is: 4.5/5

Other reviews of this episode

The Jubilee Singers Review

The Jubilee Singers

Before I got the album, I was glad to read that we would hear more of the Gallery. When I heard the episode I wasn't let down either. Using the Gallery they have another way of telling stories without using the Imagination Station, or a main character telling. In these episodes Frederick Douglas tells the story of the Jubilee Singers. Unlike others, I kinda like the voice for Frederick Douglas. His voice helps me picture the character, like most of the characters in Odyssey.
I was glad to hear another episode with Red. In a way it increased the humor factor in the beginning. I think I said this before, but I will say it again. I think Red will prove to be a promising character, with many fun quotes in the future.  This episode definitely had an awesome story to it, along with great music/songs. The music style was well done, and I really liked that it had a southern gospel feel to it.I recognized some of the songs. One of them I sang with my school choir!
My rating:
Theme: 5/5
Humor: 4.5/5
Action: 5/5
Total Rating: 5/5

This episode is by far the best in album 51. If by some chance you missed the others in this album, The Jubilee Singers is one you definitely don't want to miss hearing.

Well that ends the reviews for album 51. Album 52 doesn't start airing until October. What will we do in the mean time? Well Audry of AIO Insanity hit her 100th post and has a podcast up, and if you want to hear what Marvin of The AIO Fan's Life sounds like, you can hear him on his blog as well.  If you're curious what the upcoming summer schedule looks like, you can check it out: May, June, July

 That's all for now. This is Freddy Jay saying "School's Out for the summer!"

Finish What You..... Review

Finish What You.......

• Right away Eugene starts talking in his usual confusing, big vocabulary style. Olivia though doesn't ask the usual "huh" like other kids have in the past. 
• Eugene plays the guitar? Well I suppose it wouldn't be too different than the ukulele.
• Eugene teaching guitar lessons? I think it's going better than his substitute teaching. (The Invisible Dog)
• Version difference: The disc version includes a scene where Eugene knocks on the Parkers door and is greeted by Mrs. Parker. This extra scene includes the fact that Eugene named his guitar Henrietta.
• The "I broke a nail" line is kinda  a little weird for an 11 year old.
• The cubits line, best joke of the episode.
• The endless list of things sitting around of previous commitments reminds me of......well me....
• Yet another episode without Katrina?.......Not even a mentioning.......
• The song played by Eugene and Olivia at the end is pretty good.
• the wrap up at the end was pretty funny too.

Rating : Humor:3/5
            Theme4/5
            Action: 3/5
            Total: 3.5/5
Well that's all for now, Be sure to watch for The first part of The Jubilee Singers next week. This is Freddy Jay saying "so lo.......".

Grandma's Visit Review

It's still raining.................and thunder storming and my dog was going crazy earlier....and now for my review of Grandma's Visit

• What a surprise. You'd think that someone from the family that was visiting for the wedding would have called to say that they were coming wouldn't you?And then that would spoil the surprise...
• I like the Spanish incorporated into this episode. 
• Great music.
• Lot's of humorous lines, and great quotes.
• Aunt Rosalita seems like a soap opera character...(Someone on CC said this too.)
• I was glad that Eva stood up to her mother.

Conclusion: Overall this is a fantastic episode. It's really, funny. It's up there with my favorite for the album. Course I'll save that for later. Rating: 5/5

This is Freddy Jay saying "It's still raining.......?"

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

Yeah!

The new episode "For the Birds is up on the ToO.

We still don't know what the surprise is on the Odyssey Scoop, or what the mysterious email is that James the intern found.The surprise on the scoop is supposed to be revealed sometime tomorrow. Whether that is at midnight, or noon tomorrow, or 10 o'clock tomorrow night, Jacob didn't say. Can't wait to see what he's up to.

I think that's all for now. This is Freddy Jay saying "So long."

Target of the Week Review

I'm Listening again as I'm typing this.

Yeah, more nelson. This episode introduces Vance King. At first he sounds like a big bully. Kinda like a Rodney but with a twist, not quite as mean or tough.
A Wooton episode! Yes! Wooton as a baseball commentator? Excellant, reminds me of when Lawrence tried. He made things interesting in the game play.

Vance now sounds more of a prankster than a bully. Somewhat harmless.

I couldn't help thinking of The Winning Edge and The Defining Moment. These two are also baseball episodes.
I like baseball. A Player on the coyotes named Mcgwire? Funny.

When Vance dropped the ball that reminded me of my own experience on the field as a little league player......course then again my glove wasn't tampered with...

Matt's confession was an admirable one, and definitely a hard thing to do. Great speech by Kent.

Conclusion:
This episode was pretty good. I liked this one a lot, and not just because baseball is my favorite sport. Vance wasn't the big bad bully I thought he was going to be. I wonder how much we're gonna see Vance in future episodes? The baseball game scene with Wooton helping Whit with the announcing was a nice touch. Chris's wrap up was good too. I think the theme was a good one to remember as well. This one is one of those that keeps you interested even though it doesn't have a lot of action and spies and stuff like that. I give this one a 5/5.

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."

Fight! Fight! Fight!

The new episode Game for a Mystery is up. You can catch it on the link in the announcements. or tomorrow (Saturday) you can catch it on the official player here. I will give my thoughts, after listening a few times.

Odyssey Connection: Today at school there was a fight. I don't see what all the hub bub was about. But like always, it's what everyone talks about for the rest of the day. Since it happened in the morning it was a long day of hearing the same thing over and over again...What is so entertaining about a fight? Why can't people just learn that violence is not the best way? Mike learned a similar lesson in Mike Makes Right. He went to fight the bully, and ended up a bully himself after the won, only to lose when someone tougher came along. Also in this episode it proves my point. There is someone commentating on the fight (a student) and a group of kids is gathered to watch.  I'm not sure I understand why violence is entertaining to some people, but here is a clip of a boxing match that was meant to be funny. (sorry that it is in black and white.....) Charlie Chapin boxing.

That's all for now, This is Freddy Jay saying "Be sure to check out my review of Game for a mystery. Coming Soon."

Clutter Review

In Clutter we meet Red. I like him. I see him being a character that is around for quite a while, or at least I hope so. The Parker's garage kinda sounds like mine, and my basement. I like the Parker kids they are typical kids don't like to clean, bickering, makes it seem more like reality, and reminds me of the Barclays. The way David convinces them to help is genius, and very dad/parent like. The chemistry of the Parkers is great. Andre is really beginning to grow on me as Whit. I can really relate to them, clutter builds up quickly, and is somewhat hard to sort through. Great episode with a good theme and some humor, I give it a 4.5/5

If you haven't heard it yet. check it out  here.

Also in my previous post I mentioned Wooton's middle name. It seems it was revealed in an episode of Clubhouse Magazine. I found it in a comment on The AIO Fan's Life. It seems his middle name is Zicabodia. Kinda reminds me of Ichabodia..

The new season so far is great. Campbell County is gonna do End of Season awards. This is where the users submit niminations for various categories like best charactor, best episode, best quote, and others. From there the winners for each category will be announced on a Podcast called The Whits End Podcast.
Get in on the fun at Campbell County.

That's all for now, this is Freddy Jay signing off.

Yes!! Finally!

The new season finally aired today after what seems like forever since we heard a new episode. If you haven`t heard it yet you can check it out on the official website. I don't have feedback on it yet cause I haven't heard it yet. But I will shortly.

(I am experimenting and making this post from my dsi, so i can't provide a link to it now.)

Odyssey Connection: So today I competed in a bowling competition. While I was bowling I thought of the episode where Connie bowled with Mitch. She was too distracted with talking to Mitch that she bowled 3 strikes in the wrong lane. I needed Connie bowling for me today. We bowled three games. My average was 99.
I think that's all for now. This is Freddy Jay saying "Time for Adventures in Odyssey"