Anger Mismanagement Review

I changed the blog to experiment with the new style. I like it, but it's not compatible with gadgets at the moment... They're working on it though. What do you think?

Anger is a natural thing, and it's expressed in everyday life and in the media. Garfield is one example, and another being Tom and Jerry. (Yes I am a big fan of the older cartoons over what we have now..) The cat is constantly trying to catch the mouse, but Jerry is just to smart and sneaky. And every episode he does things to Tom to get away from him, and it just makes things hilariously worse. Tom and Jerry is entertaining, but nothing is ever really resolved between the two of them. In Anger Mismanagement, we look at anger in an entertaining and important way. One that isn't so common in other media.

This episode does what we often see in Odyssey episodes. We get three story lines pulled from different angles to the same theme. In this case we get Olivia mad at Valerie for doing the parade interview instead of Amber, Wooton and Mrs. Cramer, and Lucia's hair salon. The fact that Olivia sits and tells Whit about her anger reminds of older episodes where kids do the same thing. I like that he touched on the factthat getting angry isn't a sin, but what we do with our anger is when we sin. The Wooton story line is nicely done because it shows examples of ways to deal with other peoples anger without getting mad at them in return. And it handled it without Wooton's character getting too goofy. The scene with him getting stuck in the rose bush was classic. Then there's the Lucia hair salon plot. Gotta love Lucia. And it's good to hear that she's moving to Odyssey. Her character has potential to become a close friend of Whit. Is it just me, or does it seem possible that Red and Lucia kinda share the combined traits of Bernard and Tom? The hair slaon plot was interesting because potentially David had every right to get angry because he had to miss the game. but instead he found a solution for Lucia to be able to continue her salon in a different way.

This episode is a classic example of why I like Odyssey. It takes something that applies to everyone such as anger and pulls through with valuable lessons to remember from it in an entertaining way. And now on to the ratings.

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

Standout Quote: 
David Parker: That's odd, I haven't seen this many cars out front since that hot air balloon landed on our roof.
~~~~~~~~~~

---

Wooton Bassett: The point is Olivia, that sometimes we have to try to be understanding even if we don't understand what we're supposed to be understanding about. Understand?
Olivia Parker: Actually that makes sense.
Wooton Bassett: Thanks a lot.


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

Average Rating 3.5/5  



Overall a pretty good episode. Love the subplots and the way Lucia takes a part in it. What did you think? Let me know. Freddy Jay over and out.

Album 55's Artwork

if you haven't seen it yet, the artwork for album 55 has been revealed. It goes well with the impression of the title, the Deep End. Also another note; Brock did an interview with Gary Locke on Brock's blog; Check it out.

Reviews on the new episodes coming soon. In the mean time, What are your thoughts on the upcoming show Never For Nothing?

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.

A Penny Saved Review

A Penny Saved

The episode title may throw some people off. By first glances one may think; "Penny is going to become a christian." But that would be too redundant. But that poses the question, if she doesn't "get saved" then what is she saved from?

This episode was one I really looked forward to hearing. Because just like they did with the other sagas, it ties up some loose ends. I really liked the beginning with the news report and trial. We got to see some of Polehaus and his dry sense of humor. This episode really added to Penny's character too. We got to see how this whole ordeal effected her. And it showed that she isn't the type to ask for help even if she needs it. This episode adds to the friendships between Wooton, Connie and Penny. Connie and Wooton show genuine concern for her even though they haven't known her for too long. I like that we meet another Professor of the college. It seems like Odyssey lost some of it's businesses in after 50 albums. It gained some,  but some things just haven't been mentioned yet, like the paper, Odyssey 105, etc.

Wooton's concern for Penny is uncanny. And Connie hit it on the head. Love? This soon?.... But will it last? Penny at McCalister park is kinda funny. Yet sad all the same. The trunk part is kinda strange, but it fits her character. I can see her as the type that would have trouble figuring out things like finding the trunk button. The fact that she requests that the officer read her her rights was funny too. The fact that she was ridiculed for doing the right thing reminds me of Mitch's situation after Novacom. It is pretty similar, but in her case she takes it a step further by hiding the fact that she needs a place to stay. Her being "put in Jail" for her protection was kind of the officer.It was very Penny-like to throw a party in jail. Classic. Penny is a character that I can see sticking around for a while. The post-50 character mesh is gradually coming together, and a Connie/Wooton friend is a nice thing to see.

This episode precedes the GRC quite nicely. Wooton and Penny's chemistry wasn't used too much in this one. The news cast at the end stating that Trask gets 25 years for his crimes wrapped it up nicely. I enjoyed the scene with Penny, Wooton, and Connie overlooking Odyssey and the area where the whole thing happened. It created a feeling that the characters would be able to move on after everything that had happened.  One thing that wasn't answered was what happened to Buck? They could have mentioned him in a passing statement or something? But I guess if we don't hear anything referencing him in 54, maybe we will in 55.

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

Standout Quote: 
Ted Humpfries: Wooton Bassett, also from Odyssey and personally involved in the case, gave us his take on the verdict.
Wooton Bassett: Thanks Ted. Did you see the size of the judge's gavel? That thing was huge! I'd love to have one of those at home.
Ted Humpfries: About the verdict?
Wooton Bassett: Oh yeah, the verdict. That was a good call, and the jury foreman had good diction when he read it out. Very Shakespearean.
Don Polehaus: I've seen it happen more times than Wooton can count.
Wooton Bassett: Six?
Don Polehaus: Exactly.
Interest level: 4/5
"Like" rating: 3/5

Average Rating 3.5/5


And that wraps up my thoughts on this one. What did you think? What do you think is yet to come? What do you think will happen in the other Penny related episodes? Be sure to comment.

Wooton Knows Best Review

Wooton Knows Best:

Stories are a wonderful way to pass time. And it's really fun to tap into your creativity and just roll with the flow. We see this in Odyssey characters from time to time. Whether it be Bernard with a story from his life/bible story, Whit with a story with a lesson, or Wooton with Captain Absolutely. (Also with a lesson) And once again in Wooton Knows Best it starts with a story by Wooton. The point of the story was to tell Whit's Sunday School Class that he needs an assistant for a weekend retreat at Camp What-a-Nut. That's a place we haven't heard from in quite a while. I like that they brought it back.

The over all angle and theme of this episode is great. The conflict between Matthew and Olivia, the bickering between them in this one is classic. It brings back thoughts of the chemistry between Donna and Jimmy. The fact that Wooton had to choose one of them knowing that one might be hurt that he/she wasn't chosen is very applicable to real life. Wooton seems more classic Wooton in this one. He has some funny lines, but he also shows a more human side than we've seen in some of these recent episodes. The way Wooton determines the helper was great. And I like the over all plot of the episode.

Olivia's tantrum seemed a little over the top, and in some spots seemed forced. But I kinda like it in a way. It shows a side of Olivia we hadn't seen yet. The talk between David and Olivia following it is a very memorable scene. Including David's humor with the fire extinguisher. This scene is very touching and down to Earth. It's a classic down to Earth dad wisdom  scene that we've scene a few other times. The theme is very clear from this scene as well. 

The only complaint I have about this episode is the ending. Why bring Melissa Cyphers (Why does that name sound so much like Miley Cyrus to me....probably just a coincidence.) to meet Olivia? I mean she gets hurt that she can't go to camp, learns a lesson and then gets what she wanted anyway? What message does this send? She clearly made it obvious to Wooton that she was upset that she couldn't go, but things like that happen. Why make a consolation prize, it doesn't always work out that way.There aren't always happen endings...

I also really enjoyed the snippet at the end with Wooton and his story at Camp What-a-Nut. I've always enjoyed the tacked on scenes and can't wait for more of them.

Theme: 3/5
Humor: 4/5
Quotes: 3.5/5 --

Standout Quote: 
Olivia Parker: I'm better with kids than you are.
Matthew Parker: Oh, right. Did you decide that before or after you dyed Camilla's hair purple?
Olivia Parker: You know that was an accident. Easter egg painting got a little out of control.

Interest level: 4.5/5
"Like" rating: 4/5

Average rating: 3.5--- Slightly above average episode. Great season opener.

So far the season has started well. It's nice to be able to finally share my thoughts. The review for A Penny Saved will be coming soon as well.