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Here were the comments made during the Fall Season of 1999.
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Random thoughts on passages:
-- Music: Wonderful (as always) -- Story: Very much like a Chronicle of Narnia, but great -- Ending: Closes the episode, but is very open. Leaves you wanting more: the book series...!
I listened to the beginning of Passages until the commercial break (I'm going to wait just two more days) and I was struck by the resemblance the my favorite books, the Chronicles of Narnia
I thought it was really dumb. I think it would have been much better to have a Blackgaard show where he came back from the dead, only to find out that it was a dream of Jack's
Is it just me or has AIO started to get a little too childish the last dozen episodes or so? I am definitely glad that Blackgaard did not raise from the dead, but a computer virus??? It sounds like the authors had seen The Matrix and decided to try to make it fit into an Adventures in Odyssey episode. Also, it didn't seem to me for there to be a lot of content here, the episode could have been easily spliced down to 20 minutes or so without losing any major plot points. Do they really feel that AIO needs to be dumbed-down to the lowest common denominator kid's cartoon? If the plot ideas are going to get much more ridiculous than this, why don't they just quit while they're still ahead??
I know I've already commented on this once, but since I missed all the discussion on the Yahoo club in March and April, I'm going to say this now. Personally, I thought Margaret Faye was Blackgaard's wife. It makes sense. When she first appeared in 1997, she said her husband had recently died, and that he was a businessman. Just a theory
I thought that Blackgaard would really come back, not from the dead, I wasn't sure he really was dead. I thought that it would be kind of cool, but although it's a pretty exciting episode, I thought it was rather far fetched, and that the AIO team could have done better... I thought that the thing on the second part of Blackgaard's revenge was really stupid, I hope they don't continue to do it in other episodes....
I thought that the "Gloobers" episode was extremely well done. I may also think that because it contained my two favorite characters: Jared DeWhite and Dwayne Oswald. I normally do not like the new episodes. The characters pop out of nowhere. Where did Julie and Heather come from? And what about that other guy in "Chores No More"? Not Dwayne, the other one. I was in that one , and, as far as I know, hasn't been in any other episodes.
Well I've listened to the Blackgaard's Revenge two episodes, which I thought were pretty interesting. What a strange thing to put in the "short story" before part two of Blackgaard's Revenge. I thought the short story was good, but needed to be in a different context. As it was presented, I felt torn between the two stories not really able to fully focus on either one. Usually after an episode, you have the following time to ponder the point and discuss it with your family. I'm concerned that my smaller children will not fully focus on either one and they will be jumbled together. If the writers wanted to "lighten up " the impact of Blackgaard they could have chosen other, less confusing means. I think the AIO writers need to quit worrying about who their stories are aimed at (age group). Both groups are important and should have storylines directed at them. Why not? Is it wrong to please both groups. Enjoy your success. Maybe start a second program, "Odyssey Senior" for older listeners. Then each program could focus on issues with characters geared for their appropriate audience. What do ya think?
Another thought, Is it really necessary to refer to honest attempts by the writers as "dumb" or "stupid"? Let's remember that we are all Christian brothers and sisters working together for Christ. We are not a bunch of worldly, godless people who are prone to criticize the intents of others who we do not know? How about offering constructive criticism with the intent to edify and help achieve a worthy goal. Isn't AIO about glorifying God and teaching others principles from His word? This can be done with interesting characters and storylines. The writers would be more prone to take what you think seriously if you offer it with love and thought. I'm open for comments...... God Bless
I thought that Blackgaard's Revenge was rather, well, fluffy. A computer virus? I wasn't very impressed. I think that if the episodes continue to be like that, AIO is going to lose a lot of the older section of Odyssey fans. Maybe they should start a new Odyssey for older people. Otherwise I really do believe that AIO will lose a lot of older fans. Blackgaard's Revenge doesn't compare with episodes like, the ones in Daring Deeds Sinister Schemes, or Waylaid in the Windy City or Darkness before Dawn. I would take ANY of those over Blackgaard's Revenge. What about the short story in the second part of Blackgaard's Revenge? I wasn't really impressed with it and didn't see much point in it. I hope they don't continue that in later episodes.
I thought that "Gloobers" was really funny! With the brain who had "laughed its head of" or "would never get ahead in life" and all. By the way, did it remind anyone else of "A Wrinkle in Time"? Though "Gloobers" was kind of a silly episode, it was great just the same.
The Buck Stops here was a good episode. It was funny. I rate 3 out of 4 stars.
I liked 'Another Man's Shoes' because it had a new invention of Mr. Whittaker's. I wonder if they will use it in future episodes.
WHoops! I made I typo in the review I wrote on Gloobers. I wasn't in it. That was supposed 'HE'
I enjoyed it. I didn't think that Blackgaard really died in "The Final Conflict". I kind of hoped that it dealt with Edwin talking about his brother and giving some look at their past... how Regis went bad and Edwin didn't. Also, what about their mother?
Why is everyone complaining that Blackgaard's Revenge isn't the same as the other Blackgaard episodes? It was supposed to be different! A new Blackgaard episode, unlike any other one ever before. I thought it was good, even though it was really unrealistic.
It's funny! I never thought Jared could be like that. Of course, He got it from Whit. I think it was great advice. I could apply it in my own life as well.
Yea I know that every one may be saying that "Blackgaard's Revenge may have not been very well done, but I must say that Blackgaard always kept me on my toes and that he was the one who always made the adventures exciting. You said in old episodes that Blackgaard was computer illiterate. How could He make such a powerful virus? Professor Bovril could not have created it in even the time he had. Otherwise it was an awesome episode. Just another thing. every one gets used to the old characters and then comes along new characters you have no idea who they are. I am a big fan though and love listening to them constantly!
I really liked Blackgaard's Revenge because Blackgaard always brought suspense and got the Adventure's really moving. It is just a little thing. In old episodes you tell that Blackgaard was computer illiterate. How could he make such a program made? Even Richard Maxwell or Professor Bovril could not have done that even in the time he had. However there was a new girl. Whatever happened to Sam, Courtney, Erica, Lucy, Robin, or Curt. It is hard to find out who the new characters are. I do like people like Jared, Dwaine, Mandy, ext.
I really think that it could have been better. Such as, we could have found out what happened to Richard Maxwell by them perhaps calling him. He, in turn may then know how to stop the Blackgaard Virus, because he knew Blackgaard. As I said, it could have been better, but either way, I think that it was a good idea to bring Blackgaard back as a computer virus. It would have been better for him simply to NOT have died and now he's simply...BACK, but I supposed they figured that he had done that enough of that already. They would've had to redub him "Houdini".
I thought that the ending to Blackgaard's Revenge II was cool. It had me on the end of my chair. It was much better than Blackgaard's Revenge I. It really scared me that that the man who went into the vortex was Mr. Whittaker. I almost screamed. If it had really happened, and I was Aubrey, I would have felt terrible, because, face it, it was partly Aubrey's fault for believing that Blackgaard was telling the truth after all that everybody else had said. I rate Blackgaard's Revenge I a 2 out of 10. II I would rate 5. That may seem weird, but I (Blackgaard's Revenge I) was lame, and II was cool. It was too short though. I think that there should have been a B'sR III.
I was surprised that you had Blackgaard come back as a computer virus. I thought that he really wasn't dead. The ending was a little surprising but you know nothing could ever happen to Whit. I really miss some of the older characters (who is Aubrey?) but I think that some people are being to harsh in their criticisms of these episodes. Maybe this episode was for younger listeners but it was still OK. I just think it went around in circles a lot.
I thought it was one of the best episodes I ever heard. Though it may have a distinct resemblance, there was more of a Gideon symbolism. That was easy to figure out as soon as Fletcher was told to rebel against the Adrians.
Aubrey was the girl in Opening Day, right?
I thought that this was a well-done episode, but I think that the Odyssey producers needed to let Blackgaard rest in peace after the bombing at Whit's End in the "Final Conflict". I hope they keep making Odyssey happen for another 20 years.
I thought that "The Buck Starts Here" was very good. However, where did Ashley and Nathaniel pop up from? Man, oh, man, the people in Odyssey like to hide and then pop up when you least expect them! Like Ashley and Nathaniel. Jared and Dwayne. Mandie and Sarah. Julie and the 2 Heathers (or maybe Heather's voice changes fast.) But what's the deal with Jared being 12, but still being a total airhead? He HAS to have some sense! HE always learns the biggest lesson! And where did the Barclays and Curt and Oscar and all the classic characters go? I know why Lucy and Jack went (in real life they got married and then moved out of the country and nobody knows where they are.) But everybody else left!
I was really touched by this episode. Jason was really funny. So was Connie of course, since she is my favorite character. The only part I didn't like was the last part when Whit says "I just had a burst of inspiration." Is was pretty lame. But I loved the rest of it. Oh I would love to see more of Katrina and Eugene. I really want to see what happens with their relationship.
I am listening to this episode right now. I like Mandy and Jared the best. I like the part when Mandy finds out Jared is Mrs. Friendship. Without Jared it wouldn't be as fun. So thank you Jared..
The one where I put The Buck Stops here on the other one I did is really Something Cliqued between us. Sorry about that. Well about the buck stops here. Jared again he's really great and so is Mandy. It's one of my favorite episodes I can't wait till it is a album. Good job Jared and Mandy!
Blackgaard's Revenge was great! Adventures in Odyssey is starting the new shows off with a great start. I still wonder why they didn't find Blackgaard after the explosion but they found Jack by a tree outside the cave in the Darkness Before Dawn set. I think he's still out there. Can't wait for a new odyssey video! I hope they make another one soon. Maybe one with Jason and Jack and Katrina. Keep up the great shows!
I think the Adventures in Odyssey writers and voice actors should get a big pay bonus. They do a great job. I've been listening to Odyssey for the past five years. It's better than any TV show. Keep up the great new shows.
Chores No More was great. Funny. 6stars. Highly recommended.
Jared moved away. He's only been in a few shows. He was funny. He will be missed.
I thought that this was a funny episode, but I am still having trouble figuring out Nathaniel, much less where he came from. Um, what happened to Jared by the way? I apparently missed that episode.
Ed. Note: The actor who plays Jared began to work on a TV show and wasn't available for AIO anymore. There was no specific episode where he moved away.
How could they get rid of Jared??? He was the best of the new characters! NOW whose gonna be Dwayne's sidekick?
I think this episode stunk! It was poorly done and was geared toward toddlers! I also don't like the two episodes in one approach!
Why was Nathanel in Jared's place in this episode? If they took Jared out of Odyssey, I know tons of people, myself included, who will be extremely upset!!!!!
I Really enjoyed the new two episode format but I hope that this does not become a weekly thing. It seems that the events and people seem to be missing. Where is the relationship between Eugene and Katrina keep going? We need to clear up most of the past events before all of the new episodes come. What has Happened to Jack ,Jason, and Katrina. It 's inconceivable to allow Dr. Blackgaard to be Finally, Really, and Truly dead. This takes away the main element of any story you have to have a Good/Evil. He survived the fire at Blackgaard's Castle And the Ruku virus he has to come back sometime. The saddest part is that my AIO uniqueness is wearing off. To me the only way to really understand AIO is to hear them all. Each episode is just one more piece in the puzzle of the AIO story. No matter what happens I will still always LOVE AIO.
Dwayne would be Jared's sidekick actually. The split was not, not a good idea. Jared left town because he had a better offer. He's doing a kid's show now. But if you jump over to the Odyssey Town Hall you'd know all about that. Marshal Younger actually explained it to us, who wanted no to believe :)
This episode wasn't too bad. Actually I thought it was kind of funny. Especially the part where they had a spoof on the Backstreet Boys.
Personally, I think that it was lame. If you liked it, I'm sorry if I hurt any feelings, but I thought it was like Alice in Wonderland on the air. There was too much fantasy and too little realism. I rate it a 2.
I don't know what to think. I couldn't listen to it that day (it was my birthday) and so I was taping it. My little brother turned it off as Jared said "uh-oh" as Mandy was leaving and then he forgot to turn it back on...that's all that I got. What I heard was very good though. I don't I like Liz. Personally, she sounds like a whiney nosey paranoid brat.
I thought it was the best split yet. The Treasure Room was pretty good, although it almost seemed to forget about Jenny's blindness. And, also, wouldn't Whit have also put up pictures of Jack and Oscar and Robyn and Melanie and Lucy and Sam and Erica and Jimmy and Donna and Charles and Lawrence and maybe even Glenn, or did he just want to remember the current patrons. Chain Reaction was much better, and it seems to be good news for the split episodes if they are going to start telling stories as good as that one. But certainly the best split so far.
Being in the middle east musta erased Whit's memory. Where are the pictures of Digger and Lawrence and Donna, Jimmy, the one-time-used Donny and his sister Gloria, Robin, Mel,... The folks at FOTF forgot the classic characters! They vanished like... I dunno...Malachi. Oh, yeah, that was a super episode.
You are right. Passages I&II were not realism, but neither is Chronicles of Narnia. Of course i don't know what you think of Narnia, but I think that both Passages and Chronicles of Narnia are awesome.
I think these episodes are very cool they give a very neat look back at the last thirteen years of Odyssey
I like this BTV a lot, I think it's better than 410: BTV: Forgiveness
I really like Odyssey, but I think the writers could've done better on the subject of "The Eternal Birthday" and "The Imaginary Friend." I'm all for new characters but what's going to happen to Eugene and Katrina, Jack and Jason, and whatever happened to the Eugene and Connie episodes.
Your most enthusiastic fan.
P.S. I think Jason and Connie should get married.
I, too, think that "The Eternal Birthday" and "The Imaginary Friend" could have been presented better, and Jason and Connie would be very cute together. What happened to Richard Maxwell, did he get better and settle down in Odyssey, or did he leave? He is my favorite character.
Very Good. However Some things they used were in The Complete Guide.