The Maidens of Green Gables are hosting the Celebrating Faith-Filled Fiction Blog Party, and for my contributing post I decided to write about Adventures in Odyssey.
Shocker, right? Actually, choosing a topic was a difficult decision, but . . . how could I resist? Here's another shocker: I, who deplores choosing favorites, have definitive favorite AIO episodes, in a definitive order. (Haven't I mentioned that I have strong opinions when it comes to AIO?) Now, this is an extremely subjective list--I in no way think these are the all-around best, highest quality episodes produced. They're just the ones that currently mean the most to me. Let us proceed. #366: Solitary Refinement "Considering how much effort we put into blocking God out with all our noise, it's no surprise that we have to work that much harder to be with him in silence." This is a beautiful story of the value of silence and solitude in our lives, particularly in regards to the spiritual. The older and busier I get, the more this resonates with me. It has a very, very special place in my heart, unlike any other AIO episode. The daydream sequence is also a classic, and I love how the story doesn't feel crowded or redundant with both Whit and Jack in it, as each plays a distinct role in Eugene's journey. #715-716: The Perfect Church, Parts 1 & 2 "But what if something worse happens?" "That would be glory." Imagination Station adventures are (almost) always fun, but this one is so deep. It breathes life into the familiar story of the book of Acts and paints a vivid portrait of the early church--her triumphs, fears, and hopes. It's such a testament not only to the fortitude of the first Believers, but also of the faithfulness of God in keeping His church alive. This is a very personal one for me as well, and I have a jumbled mess of thoughts and feelings about it. #406-408: Malachi's Message, Parts 1-3 "I am your coincidences and your intuition. I am the one that you glimpse out of the corner of your eye and when you turn, nothing is there." (That quote gives me a thrill--several thrills--as Anne Shirley would say.) This three-parter is near perfection, in my opinion. It has such an ordinary, everyday feel even while plunging into the extraordinary. The Whit's End gang have to grapple with questions about divine intervention and heavenly messengers, and the dynamics between the characters are delightful. The various story threads are woven together so satisfyingly, and I adore it all. I really, really want to write a full review of this some day!! #330: The Time Has Come "The answer is yes." While the inimitable John Avery Whittaker is my absolute favorite character on the show, Eugene holds a very special place in my heart. I love seeing the bond between him and Jack Allen form while Whit is away, and it culminates magnificently in this episode. I sobbed when I first heard this, and I still can't listen to the flashback sequence without getting goosebumps. It's just so beautiful my heart cannot take it. #484-487: Plan B, Parts 1-4 "Eugene must have been in a hurry to get away." "Or else he was robbed by a vest lover." This four-parter is, in my mind, the crux of the Novacom saga. Pieces start coming together, and the action accelerates. I don't often listen through the entire saga, but I never tire of hearing this miniseries. It has it all--twists and turns, humor, intensity, and so much emotion. I so appreciate the writers taking time to let us grieve Eugene and Katrina's departure even amid the craziness. (Also, Monica Stone!) (Yes, I'm still waiting for her to come back.) #232: Thy Kingdom Come "I think I want to believe, but I need help with my unbelief." (I seem to have a lot of Eugene-centric epsiodes on this list . . ) I just love that this episode exists. On the surface, it's simple and almost dull. It takes the time to develop the aftermath of The Mortal Coil and is another baby step in Eugene' salvation journey. The last scene is really the greatest. Not to sound like a bitter old fan (I'm not that old), but I really miss Paul McCusker's Whit. He (usually) wrote Whit with such a thoughtfulness and gravity and all-around intelligence that I feel is somewhat lacking now . . . #928 & 929: The Lost One, Parts 1 & 2 "If you believe that God is listening to you, that means . . . mm, it means you'll have to face up to what you did." Aside from the unfortunate pigeonholing of Pastor Knox and Jason and Mr. Parker, this whole arc is masterfully executed. It's raw and real, taking its time to work through Olivia's doubts. Though there are very dark undertones, the story is infused with truth, goodness, and beauty. This climax has, in my mind, a Screwtape-ish feel, and it's just so good. Boy, that was fun to ramble about AIO :P Thank you, Maidens, for hosting such a neat event! If you haven't already, do go check it out! What are your favorite AIO episodes?
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So, as all you lovely readers have probably discerned by now, I am an ardent Adventures in Odyssey fan. I can't remember a time when the Whit's End crew wasn't a part of my life in some way, and I love them all to pieces. This feels like a strange first AIO-related post, but here goes: my very belated Thoughts concerning "The Best Is Yet to Come," Parts 1-4.
WARNING: This will be a LONG and SPOILERIFIC and possibly incoherent post. Proceed at your own risk!! First things first: Eugene's voice. I was skeptical going into this, for while I do trust Townsend Coleman, I don't trust AI technology. And Mr. Coleman did a remarkable job. The tones and inflections are spot on. Yet somehow many of his scenes come across as a little bit stilted. I think I probably over analyzed everything, though . . . I jotted down my impressions as I listened through the second time, and now here they are for all the world to read, in all their barely-edited glory. Enjoy.
I'll admit tears were shed during the last five minutes or so. Copious tears. I don't cry easily. I can accept it rationally and reasonably until the last few scene. Then--THEN-- Don't hate me, but I almost wish they had killed off Eugene. To me, his moving away, while sad, doesn't feel like the closure we need. It's like we are mourning two very different events--the passing of Will Ryan and the departure of the Meltsners--and only to us is Eugene really gone. I know moving is hard, but it's not as final as death, and it almost seems the characters have it easy. I know this all sounded extremely negative . . . I'm conflicted, okay? I do think the writers handled this very well, and I'm hoping this is will tie in with the 28 Hours/Novacom continuation saga, so I suppose I simply must follow Chris's advice and "keep listening"! But we need a "But Not Forgotten" kind of episode, in which the Whit's End crew grapples with the aftermath. I demand it!! :P Um, hopefully I haven't scared off all my readers with this onslaught of Opinion. If you've stuck out this far, you're amazing! I'd love to hear your sentiments. (Though I haven't heard album 76 yet, so don't spoil it for me!) |
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