Podventures in Odyssey

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we talk about the original cover art on the album we just finished. In this review, we actually cover two iterations of the album art - the art from the album that Tatjana owns, and the art from the original album release. You can follow along with photos on our reddit as we discuss classic vs. current Whit design, a suave gambler man, and deep Odyssey...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Battle, Part 2,” in which the tension between Dr. Blackgaard and Richard Maxwell finally reaches its breaking point. Will Richard take one of the many opportunities presented to him to confess his crimes before things escalate? Or will he opt for the loudest, showiest climactic comeuppance in Odyssey history? Give the man a silver dollar! Also, conse...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Battle, Part 1,” in which Blackgaard’s Castle is open for business. And what business is that? Why, crime of course! While kids run amok upstairs, the evil doctor and the computer-hacker-conman are downstairs committing cyber crimes against Whit’s End! Our two villains seem to be having a lovely time, until certain buttons are pressed, both metaphori...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Our Best Vacation Ever,” in which the Barclay family is disappointed to discover that a summer vacation just isn’t in the budget this year. At the encouragement of Mr. Whitaker, they reconsider their assumptions about what makes a vacation fun and set out to enjoy a wild staycation. Also, the introduction of the WodFamChocSod, a mudslide on Poprock Mount...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Nemesis, Part 2,” in which Richard Maxwell finds the line he won’t cross and sees his first glimpse of the kind of man Dr. Regis Blackgaard really is. Meanwhile, Lucy ignores her better judgment about lying, allowing Whit and Connie to finally have a conversation. Also, stories that are narratively flawed in a way that makes your bad guy correct, sti...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Nemesis, Part 1,” in which Dr. Regis Blackgaard attempts to secure a business license in Odyssey despite failing to pass the vibe check, Richard goes fishing (for information), and Connie tries and fails to reconnect with Whit after learning a lesson at Camp What-a-Nut. Also, villainous euphemisms for doing harm to people, June plays a bout of tennis...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Eugene’s Dilemma,” in which Eugene finds himself in the center of a conundrum at Campbell College involving a child genius, a secure computer room, and the world’s sketchiest student counselor. Our problematic fave is back! Will Eugene handle the situation any better than he did Applesauce? Also, Richard Maxwell’s actual introduction, Dickensian-level vi...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie Goes to Camp, Part 2,” in which Connie continues recounting her time as a Camp What-a-Nut counselor in a letter to her mom. The boys vs. girls competition heats up, the clothes vs. television competition escalates, and Lucy learns that rules are not made to be broken, no matter the circumstances. Also, praying for our enemies, good sportsmanship,...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie Goes to Camp, Part 1,” in which Connie recounts her time as a Camp What-a-Nut counselor and the lessons she learned in a letter to her mom. While at camp, Lucy succumbs to the temptation of secrets, Allison displays a disconcerting obsession with television, the girls face a ludicrous level of gender discrimination, and the boys attempt to learn s...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Bite of Applesauce,” in which Mr. Whitaker entrusts Eugene with the knowledge of a secret computer room in Whit’s End that houses a mysterious, off-limits program called Applesauce. This becomes the premise for a Biblical Fall allegory starring Eugene as Adam, Connie as Eve, and Whit as God. A cool metaphor in theory. Let’s discuss how it plays out in...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “An Encounter with Mrs. Hooper,” in which Donna Barclay has an encounter with an orderly named Richard Maxwell and then befriends an old woman named Mrs. Hooper who is living in a care home. Donna learns the importance of engaging lovingly with people even when they put up walls. Also, Whit’s greenhouse makes an appearance, Baby It’s Cold Outside discours...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Imagination Station, Part 2", in which Digger Digwillow has moved beyond thinking the Bible is boring and is actively trying to stop the crucifixion of Jesus in the first ever Imagination Station adventure. The experience may be simulated, but something real is happening in Digger’s heart. Also, good soundscaping, good storytelling, and how does the...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Imagination Station, Part 1," in which Digger Digwillow, a kid who thinks the Bible is boring, gets set straight by Mr. Whittaker’s titular invention! Whit pulls exactly zero punches as he sends Digger off to witness the climax of all history--the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Also, casually inventing ground-breaking technology, imagining th...

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we talk about the original cover art on the album we just finished. You can follow along with photos on our reddit as we compare galoshes to rain boots, discuss jewel heists, and attempt to accurately describe an ottoman. Galoshes (n.): A tall, waterproof shoe worn over other shoes to keep the foot dry in wet conditions. If you have any drawings of a b...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Go Ye Therefore,” in which Connie recounts her tales of woe to Whit after failing at many exploits in evangelism. In the end, though, she learns that evangelism isn’t just about giving out tracts and saying the right words, but about witnessing through her life. Also, creative evangelism, soapbox sermons, defining persecution, and the five steps to salva...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Choices,” in which Lucy’s science teacher grants/assigns her the honor of writing an article for a local journal on the topic of evolution. Lucy feels conflicted, as she doesn’t believe in evolution but also doesn’t want to disobey her teacher. In seeking the answer to this moral dilemma, Lucy learns that sometimes what’s right and wrong isn’t so cut and...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bad Company,” in which Donna learns just how bad her friend Rachel’s company can be and must make a difficult choice about their relationship after Rachel commits a petty crime. Meanwhile, Connie learns that not all Bible studies are created equal and faces her first doubts as a Christian. Also, hermeneutics, heresies, and Macho Headbanger, Private Eye (...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Greatest of These,” in which Robyn Jacobs is paired with her struggling classmate Oscar Peterson for the science fair, much to Robyn’s dismay. Whit suspects there may be a good reason why Oscar has a hard time in school. But should that matter when it comes to the way Robyn treats Oscar? That’s the real question, folks. Also, spelling sports, uncondi...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Good and Faithful Servant,” in which the Barclays go on a family budget and Whit has a scheme to end Connie and Eugene’s constant bickering. Also, we are all stewards of God, money is a great motivator (and a universal reward), and bowling is more than a one-dollar injury. This whole episode just puts one in a millennial mood.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Let This Mind be in You,” in which Whit leaves Connie and Eugene alone for a weekend with the instruction to run the shop as he would. Both employees take this to heart in their own ways. Naturally, everything goes smoothly without any bickering or mishaps! Haha, couldn’t say that with a straight face! Also, friendship origins, burning down Whit’s End, t...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Boy Who Didn’t Go To Church,” in which Jack fills in as the lead during the Little Theatre’s dress rehearsal. The play tells the story of B.O.D.Y., an organization full of body-themed characters dedicated to helping people. However, LaFeet is tired of doing the same job for the B.O.D.Y. every day and decides to strike out on his own. We learn just wh...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “And When You Pray,” in which Donna Barclay tries to understand prayer after her brother Jimmy gets the bike he prayed for. She experiments by making a prayer request of her own. If prayer really works, surely God will make it rain on gym class, right? Also, God’s Corner™, mustard jar faith, biblical deep cuts, and the 8th deadly sin.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Worker Approved,” in which Robyn Jacobs learns how to explain God. Whit and Connie teach Robyn the value of scripture reading, scripture-based evangelism, and studying scripture in community. Also, Chris lore, driver’s tests, spiritual rhythms, and the cost of spiritual freedom. Have you learned the one way that you interact with scripture? Good. Now t...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Matter of Obedience,” in which Tom Riley subs in as a Sunday school teacher and regales the class with a tale from his youth to illustrate the importance of obedience. Once upon a time, young Tom and his sister Becky were given very specific instructions by their father about delivering medicine to a woman on the other side of the Gloomy Woods. But did...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Prodigal Jimmy,” in which Jimmy learns a hard lesson about obedience after falling in with a bad crowd at the arcade and getting conned out of all his savings. Thankfully, Jimmy has a good father whose love for his son is unconditional. Also, becoming Scrooge, modeling healthy Christian family life, and the importance of unstructured time (never not...