Bye for now...

My posting has rapidly decreased and I am really sorry for that. I've been really busy, and I think I must draw to a close until my classes end. However, I do have my personal blog that I will attempt to update more often. It's called Never a dull moment. Feel free to check it out if you wish.

Never for Nothing Review

Never for Nothing:


This episode was one I really looked forward to reviewing. It's quite possibly my favorite of album 54.
Grandma Lucia is a character that is interesting. She's older and opens up room for stories of her childhood, like has been done with Whit, Bernard, Tom, and Jack. it's excellent that she's moved to Odyssey. I like the way it ties the past to the present. Juan was to Lucia as Jay is to Matthew. The line by Esperanza that goes;
Esperanza: My Papa says we must always show love. No matter what. It does good.
Young Lucia: It's a waste of time on some people. It does nothing.
Esperanza: No. Love is never for nothing.
is my favorite quote from the episode. Matthew and the halfway house shows another aspect of love. And Matthew learns a little on loving Jay unconditionally. Esperanza is an inspiration to live and love without expecting niceness back. She repeatedly tells Lucia "never for nothing" throughout the story. The way Esperanza  offers to get Juan's shoe despite the fact that Juan was so aweful to them is so unlike the typical society viewpoint. The fact that she died makes this story so powerful and I totally wasn't expecting it. She tried to help out someone who could easily be determined an enemy, and ended up dying for it.
I definitely wasn't expecting the twist at the end with the halfway house owner being Juan. It almost opens the opportunity for Lucia and Juan to meet up again down the road. You never can tell.

This episode is so powerful and it reminds me that it's important to love unconditionally. I've listened to this one countless times, and it easily is one of my favorites.

Theme: Love Never Fails; 4.5/5
Humor: 4/5-- There may not have been much humor in this one, but with the seriousness of the episode it would have seemed out of place. 
Quotes: 4/5 --
Standout Quote(s): 
Esperanza: My Papa says we must always show love. No matter what. It does good.
Young Lucia: It's a waste of time on some people. It does nothing.
Esperanza: No. Love is never for nothing. 

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

Average Rating 5/5   

The Labyrinth, Part 1 Review

The Labyrinth, part 1 Review

The Labyrinth finally aired this past weekend. Well the first part at least. Here are my thoughts so far.

The first scene introduces two new characters to us. Agent Florin and Agent Billings of MI5 (British Intelligence).The accents are exceptional. This first scene was an excellent recap of what happened with Jason thus far as the Stiletto and the whole GRC.  The fact that MI5, Interpol and American Intelligence are working together makes everything so interesting. And setting it London is so awesome.

Jason as The Grinder is an interesting concept. We've already seen him work as The Stiletto, so having him undercover again as the Grinder to meet Reggie fingers seemed cool. I liked that Jason's secret identity was found out really quickly. It also disappointed me a little. I mean Jason is so awesome. He's not supposed to make mistakes. But that's also why I like this part. Jason slipped up and the bad guys get ahead in the game. It shows that even Jason slips up in the agent game. Sue is such an interesting character. She knows the ins and outs of London. A perfect accomplice for Jason. Almost too perfect? Jason and Sue find out that the police think that Jason was responsible for gassing the van. I like that Jason called Whit to get help. Which brings us to Dale and Ann Jacobs who just happen to be in London for a journalism symposium.
It's funny that Jason can't just walk into his room due to the fact that it's probably being watched by the police. Jason's plan for Dale and Sue to break in and get his brief case is brilliant.
Billings and Florin wake in the hospital. Billings seems to trust Jason while Florin is convinced that Jason could be turned and caught up in the labyrinth. She's so intent on getting a hold of Jason. But Jason is awesome and knows where his loyalties lie. He'd never betray anyone.
At the hotel Dale and Sue retrieve the briefcase, but not the easiest task in the world. A Detective Macontosh was watching the room and talked to Dale for a bit before going across the hall to watch the rooms from there. Thinking quickly Dale transports Sue in Jason's suitcase and tells the officer that Sue fell asleep. Pure genius. They take the elevator to floor two and then use the fire escape to the ground. The episode ends

This episode is packed with information and I had to listen several times to grasp it all. It's written so well and leaves you hanging as always. :D

Theme: Following the Right Path; 4/5
Humor: 4/5
Quotes: 4/5 --
Standout Quote(s): 

Reggie Fingers: The Grinder. What kinda name is that? Is that something you do with your teeth? Or with your finger nails, or with other people?
The Grinder: I used to have a dancing monkey in the street. Grinder. Get it?
~~~~~~~~~~
Jason Whittaker: You do much praying Sue?
Sue: I'm 'fraid not.
Jason Whittaker: Now might be a good time to start.

Interest level: 6/5
"Like" rating: 6/5

Average Rating 5/5  

I'll catch up with 54 hopefully really soon. Also be watching for an addition to CC Connection coming in the next few days. 

Odyssey Wallpaper

Here are some Odyssey wallpaper I made.

 Simply click the thumbnail, then right click and click apply as background.

Album 55 Summaries!

Hey all gather around. Here are the summaries for the upcoming season.

The Labyrinth, Part 1-3:
Jason's pursuit of Mr. Grote leads him to London, where he finds a plot even more ominous than the Green Ring Conspiracy. Jason must seek the help of some old friends to unravel Mr. Grote's schemes before it's too late.


My thoughts: 
This episode will finally wrap up the loose ends from the Green Ring Conspiracy, and we might finally hear Mr. Grote's voice! The fact that it takes place in London makes it all the better and that fact that its a three parter with Jason in it is even better.


To Mend or Repair:  
To distract her from some devastating personal news, Eugene tries to keep Katrina busy all the time. Meanwhile, Barrett gives Priscilla a special honor -- reading the pledge of allegiance on the morning announcements.


My thoughts:
 The Eugene Katrina storyline sounds really intriguing. What in the world could the devastating news be? That they can't have kids? Is Katrina sick? This is one of the episodes I am anticipating the most. The Barrett Priscilla storyline sounds kinda simplistic but maybe it'll compliment it nicely.


Mistaken For Good:
Jay's visit to a nursing home takes an unexpected turn when an old woman mistakes him for her grandson -- and offers him money as a birthday present.


My Thoughts:
 sounds very interesting. but initially there has to be more to it. I wonder how this one will play out.


Sgt York, Parts 1-4:
Eugene Meltsner and Red Hollard tell the story of Sergeant Alvin York, a troublemaker from rural Tennessee who became a World War I hero.


My Thoughts;
The fact that Red is in this one makes me all the more excited. The fact that it's a history episode on a story I don't know very well makes me even more so. Considering it's a four parter it should be really good.


Child's Play:
Eugene and Katrina take on a crazy weekend when they agree to babysitting two kids: one with limitless energy and another who must know the answer to every question.


My Thoughts: 
Sounds like a hilarious episode. Not to mention a look at how the couple could do with kids. 


Something Old, Something New Parts1-2:
Penny brainstorms ways to promote Connie's wedding planning business and one of her schemes dramatically backfires. Meanwhile, Matthew and Emily investigate a woman who may be trying to scam Jacque Henri.


My Thoughts:
I've heard some leaks about this one but won't further those. This episode sounds really interesting, but I'm hoping since it's a two parter there's more to it than the episode where everyone thinks Whit is getting married. I'm pleased that Penny is involved in some way.  I'm glad to see that Jacque Henri will be returning because he adds some diversity to the show. 


What are your thoughts? Be sure to discuss in the comments.