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?
12 Comments
I was so excited when you annouced you would be discussing Adventures in Odyssey! We get so little chances to gush about Odyssey with fellow fans, so this is wonderful!!
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Ruth March
3/19/2024 07:51:48 pm
Aw, thanks! I never tire of talking Odyssey, and it doesn't get enough love!
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Grace is playing us clips from the Augustine Institute's radio dramas riight now - they sound like they are done really well! That's sad Mr. McCuster is no longer writing for AIO, but I'm glad the others are still there.
Ruth March
3/23/2024 11:11:11 am
*giggle with you* Is boycotting drastic enough? :P I wouldn't mind Jason and Connie, but I wonder if it's too late now? Considering how long they've known each other, I rather think that if something would happen between them, it would have happened already. But I'm willing to be surprised! (Not that I have much of a choice :P) Monica was in the Novacom saga. She didn't have that many appearances, but I think there is sooo much potential for her character. And her actress has worked with AIO in more recent shows, so they really should bring Monica back!!
Hehe!! That's funny! You have good thoughts on Connie and Jason, and I'd definitely prefer Monica over Jillian!
Ruth March
3/27/2024 07:54:46 pm
I know, I like getting her riled up about Jillian ;) 3/22/2024 08:51:04 am
Ahhh what an awesome post Ruth!!! I loved reading your thoughts! Odyssey has such a special place in my heart and it's talked about way too little!!
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Ruth March
3/23/2024 02:52:57 pm
Thank you, Grace! I agree heartily . . . all the more reason to discuss it together! :D
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3/25/2024 08:56:58 am
Hmmm ok, well that does sound like a good way to handle the actors departure. I'm glad they didn't kill off the character or completely write him out! I did some reading up on the newest episodes and I'm thinking of getting a club subscription for a month and catching up on everything ;)
Ruth March
3/27/2024 07:59:08 pm
More AIO always sounds like a good plan ;)
Emily
3/24/2024 08:01:43 pm
Awwww, one of my absolute favouritest topics, and here I ought to behave and not indulge…. But you girls are delighting me here anyways😜 I’ve been revisiting so many episodes these past weeks, and Malachi’s Message was among them….
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Ruth March
3/27/2024 08:05:15 pm
'Tis so good to hear from you, Emily!! (Though do please take care of yourself!) (But isn't Malachi's Message so good??)
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