Collections
2005 - 2006

Summer 2005 :
572: Odyssey Sings!

Fall 2005 :
573: Back to Abnormal
574: Prisoners of Fear, Part 1
575: Prisoners of Fear, Part 2
576: Prisoners of Fear, Part 3
577: The Business of Busyness
578: All-Star Witness
579: Always
580: Tales of a Small-Town Thug
581: A Christmas Conundrum
582: Silent Night

Spring 2006:
583: The Champ of the Camp

   584: Dead Ends
585: The Poor Rich Guy
586: A Cheater Cheated
587: Bringing Up Dads
588: Broken-Armed and Dangerous
589: The Impossible
590: Three O'Clock Call
591: Switch
592: Now More Than Ever
593: Around the Block
594: A Time for Action, Part 1
595: A Time for Action, Part 2
572: Odyssey Sings!

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof & Marshal Younger
Director: Bob Hoose & Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell with Jim Adam, John Doryk, Jeff Caylor, and Nathan Jones
Songs: John Fornof & Will Ryan
 Original Air Date: 07/09/05
Scripture reference:
Theme: Fame

 Plot:
Looking for a ratings boost, the TV show "America Sings!" decides it needs small-town singers for its latest auditions. Guess which town is chosen. Odyssey hopefuls are eager to sing their way to the top and win a recording contract... but they have to get past Bryan Dern and the other judges first! Tamika, Eugene and all our friends show how fame isn't all it's hyped up to be.
Album:
Reviews:
Frank's Breakfast Inn
The Town of Odyssey review page (post yours too!)

Characters:
Whit, Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, Wooton Bassett, Tamika Washington, Cryin' Bryan Dern, Walter Shakespeare, Harlow Doyle, Officer Stew Burke, Bart Rathbone, Mr. Tuttle, Murray

Notes:
All songs were composed by John Fornof, with the exception of "Have You Ever Been to Odyssey?" This song was composed by Will Ryan for his musical album, "Eugene Sings!" The show was done, in part, to promote the release of the album.

This program featured many Odyssey characters singing. John Fornof composed the songs, which were orchestrated and arranged by John Campbell. The actors then sang to Campbell's "scratch" tracks in the studio. Full versions of all songs (except Connie's) were recorded and will be included in the "Volume 45: The Complete Collection." For the broadcast version, live music was recorded. The musicians included:
  • Jim Adam — guitar, acoustic bass, jug, banjo
  • John Doryk — violin, spoons
  • Jeff Caylor — accordian
  • Nathan Jones — guitar ("The Highway" — Tamika's song)
  • John Campbell — piano, bass guitar, drums, bells, marimbas

Included the following songs:

  • "The Electric Palace Do-Dah Song" — Sung by Bart Rathbone, Music by Wooton Bassett
  • "You Have the Right" — Sung by Officer Burke
  • "My Ode to Macaroni" — Sung by Wooton Bassett
  • "The Trip of a Lifetime" — Sung by Connie Kendall
  • "A 27-Second Opera" — Sung by Harlow Doyle
  • "The Highway" — Sung by Tamika Washington
  • "The Red River Valley" — Sung by Whit, Connie, Eugene, Wooton, and Tamika
  • "Have You Ever Been to Odyssey?" — Sung by Eugene Meltsner

This was the first episode in which Walter Shakespeare appeared and Edwin did not.
 
573: Back to Abnormal

Essential Facts:
Writer: Kathy Buchanan
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: Library
Original Air Date: 10/01/05
Scripture reference:
Theme:

Plot:
Finding a job becomes Eugene's goal after he learns he's not needed at Campbell College or even Whit's End. Meanwhile, Wooton tries to help Grady deal with changes at home when his mom starts a new job.
Album:

Reviews:
Frank's Breakfast Inn
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Whit, Eugene Meltsner, Wooton Bassett, Dean Joshua Martin, Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, Grady McKay, Sam McKay

Notes:
 
574: Prisoners of Fear, Part 1

Essential Facts:
Writer: Marshal Younger
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: GAP Digital
Music: Jared Depasquale
Original Air Date: 10/08/05
Scripture reference: Psalm 130:7
Theme: Serving others

 Plot:
Eugene tells of a trip he and Katrina took to a small village in Africa, before they came back to Odyssey. The people there arenft exactly friendly...especially when they believe that Eugene and Katrina have awakened an ancient curse!
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, Gobir, Aman, Kwame

Notes:
 
575: Prisoners of Fear, Part 2

Essential Facts:
Writer: Marshal Younger
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: GAP Digital
Music: Jared Depasquale
Original Air Date: 10/15/05
Scripture reference: Psalm 130:7
Theme: Greed

 Plot:
The plot thickens as Eugene and Katrina find themselves caught in the struggle between two African tribes. But everything takes a sudden turn when Eugene discovers more about a connection to his own past.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews) Updated 10-25!

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, Aman, Yosef

Notes:
 
576: Prisoners of Fear, Part 3

Essential Facts:
Writer: Marshal Younger
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: GAP Digital
Music: Jared Depasquale
Original Air Date: 10/22/05
Scripture reference: Psalm 130:7
Theme: Overcoming fear through faith

 Plot:
Eugene and Katrinafs African adventure comes to a thrilling climax. Eugene discovers more about his parents and their connection to this isolated village. But the couple realizes that their true purpose on this mission is overcoming the lies that imprison their new friends in Africa.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, Aman, Yosef, Gobir, Kwame

Notes:
 
577: The Business of Busyness

Essential Facts:
Writer: Kathy Buchanan & John Fornof
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 10/29/05
Scripture reference: Luke 10:41-42
Theme: Being too busy

Plot:
With Tamika in dance class, Marvin's dinosaur club and a schedule full of other activities, the Washingtons can't find time for family devotions. Meanwhile, Eugene's new service organization has him running in circles!
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Connie Kendall, Ed Washington, Elaine Washington, Marvin Washington, Tamika Washington, Mrs. Thatcher

Notes:
 
578: All-Star Witness

Essential Facts:
Writer: Nathan Hoobler
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Bob Luttrell
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 11/05/05
Scripture reference: Matthew 18:15
Theme: Communication

 Plot:
Who knew that Little League baseball could lead to a court case?! When Coach Tom Riley doesnft choose Ashley for the local All-Star game, her father sues Tom. Tensions rise once Tom chooses a "lawyer"...Eugene!
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Tom Riley, Ashley Jenkins, Bill Jenkins, Tamika Washington

Notes:
 
579: Always

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof & Marshal Younger
Director: Bob Hoose
Production Engineer: Allen Hurley
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 11/19/05
Scripture reference: Song of Solomon 8:6
Theme: Family love

Plot:
Aubrey Shepard prepares to leave home for college, believing God has led her to the right school at the right time. Emotions run high for her mom, dad and especially young sister Bethany. When Aubrey realizes her family's loss, she wonders: can this be God's will?
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Aubrey Shepard, Bethany Shepard, Ben Shepard, Ellen Shepard

Notes:
 
580: Tales of a Small-Town Thug

Essential Facts:
Writer: Marshal Younger
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Nathan Jones
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 12/03/05
Scripture reference: Proverbs 14:15
Theme: Responding to criticism

Plot:
When a former Bones of Rath gang member writes a scathing book about Odyssey, everyone at Whit's End is bent out of shape. Liz does her best to stop being "bossy," while Eugene hunts for a thankless job so he can learn humility. Connie, meanwhile, concocts a unique scheme to counter the book.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Connie Kendall, Whit, Eugene Meltsner, Mandy Straussberg, Liz Horton, Trent DeWhite, Turner Ward

Notes:
 
581: A Christmas Conundrum

Essential Facts:
Writer: Kathy Buchanan
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 12/10/05
Scripture reference:
Theme: The meaning of giving

Plot:
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Odyssey... especially with all the mixed-up wish lists going around! Everyone is unsure on which presents to get their friends | meaning everyone's in for a surprise when the gifts are opened!
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Whit, Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, Tom Riley, Bart Rathbone, Grady McKay

Notes:
 
582: Silent Night

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof
Director: Bob Hoose
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 12/17/05
Scripture reference:
Theme: Selflessness

 Plot:
At home by himself on Christmas Eve, Whit remembers holidays past that were often difficult -- but still treasured family memories.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page (Jump to: AIOHQ reviews)

Characters:
Whit, Connie Kendall, Tom Riley, Bernard Walton, Lester, Jana Whittaker-Dowd, *Jenny Whittaker, *Jason Whittaker, *Jerry Whittaker, Maude Walton

Notes:
This episode included a number of performances by actors and chracters who hadn't been heard on the show in a long time. It was Jana Whittaker-Dowd's first appearance (and Natalie O'Hare's first appearance as Jenny Whittaker) since 213: The Mortal Coil, Part 2. Jerry was last heard in 352: Memories of Jerry. Maude Walton (heard in the background on the Bernard's phone call) was heard previously only in 107: Bad Luck.

 
583: The Champ of the Camp

Essential Facts:
Writer: Kathy Buchanan & Nathan Hoobler
Director: Bob Hoose
Production Engineer: Bob Luttrell
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 01/28/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: Winning isn't everything

 Plot:
Who would've guessed that Connie Kendall used to be called "the Avenger," feared by the other kids for her devious pranks? Connie narrates the story of her last year at summer camp before coming to Odyssey, about how she started losing the annual "prank war" | but gained a friend.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, *Marcy, *Hope, *Miss Belford, *Mr. Sherman

Notes:
 
584: Dead Ends

Essential Facts:
Writer: Marshal Younger
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 02/04/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: God's provision

 Plot:
Searching for his father has only lead Eugene to dead ends, as he confides to Whit. He decides to visit his foster home (and talk to his foster parents) in search of any other clue. Meanwhile, Whit investigates the fax that Leonard sent to the Missions Board.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, Whit, Martin, Maddie Burnette, Frank Burnette, Leonard Meltsner

Notes:
 
585: The Poor Rich Guy

Essential Facts:
Writer: Torry Martin
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 02/11/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: Bible study

Plot:
Will Whit go to Heaven? Marvin and Tamika aren't so sure after reading a verse about a "rich man." Their friend Grady thinks the Bible is confusing too. It may take a comic book hero and some Egyptian polar bears to straighten them out.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Wooton Bassett, Grady McKay, Whit, Marvin Washington, Tamika Washington

Notes:
 
586: A Cheater Cheated

Essential Facts:
Writer: Nathan Hoobler
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 02/18/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: The Golden Rule

Plot:
Bart Rathbone wants to make the Electric Palace a "respectable establishment"? Only a report on Bryan Dern's radio show -- revealing Bart's bad business practices -- could lead to such a change. Bart even tries letting Eugene coach him on respecting his customers. But can his friendliness last?
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Bart Rathbone, Mr. Tanner, Bryan Dern, Rodney Rathbone, Whit, Eugene Meltsner, Tom Riley, Sister Mary Cathleen

Notes:
 
587: Bringing Up Dads

Essential Facts:
Writer: Bob Hoose
Director: Bob Hoose
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 02/25/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: Respect for parents

Plot:
With his daughter now a pre-teen, Ed Washington is having a hard time connecting with Tamika. Her friends make fun of Ed's outrageous stunts, which only embarrasses Tamika. Can the father and daughter find a way to relate?
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Tamika Washington, Ed Washington, Gwen Kablonski, Elaine Washington, Harvey Kablonski, Andrews sisters

Notes:
 
588: Broken-Armed and Dangerous

Essential Facts:
Writer: Kathy Buchanan
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Bob Luttrell
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 03/04/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: Guilt

 Plot:
An accident at Whit's End leaves Connie with a broken arm... and Eugene is sure he's responsible. To make amends, Eugene follows her around for days, trying to help her with every possible task. Meanwhile, when Whit's latest invention mysteriously breaks, where will the blame fall?
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Dr. Pittske, Marvin Washington, Tamika Washington, Edith Sutton, Alice McGibbens, Officer Stew Burke

Notes:
 
589: The Impossible

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Nathan Jones
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 03/11/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: With God, all things are possible

Plot:
When a prototype invention of Whit's shows a new method of teaching, Jason presents it to officials in India. Itfs a great ministry opportunity and the officials are willing to use it...if the new technology is ready in just 3 weeks! Will it be possible for Whit and the gang to meet the deadline?
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Jason Whittaker, Marvin Washington, Connie Kendall, Whit, Eugene Meltsner

Notes:
 
590: Three O'Clock Call

Essential Facts:
Writer: Bob Hoose
Director: Bob Hoose
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 04/15/06
Scripture reference: Deuteronomy 1:31
Theme: God as father

 Plot:
Grady is having difficulty: you can't see God, so how can people say He's the perfect father? The boy is also getting strange calls on his birthday\could it be his long-absent dad? Grady learns that God truly does work in mysterious ways.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Whit, Grady McKay, Mrs. McKay, Guy Kauffman, Jennifer, Sam McKay

Notes:
 
591: Switch

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 04/22/06
Scripture reference: Matthew 25:14-29
Theme: Managing money

Plot:
It's not fair, Marvin and Tamika say. Parenting looks like a cinch to them; how come their desires for DVDs or a new dress never win out over buying detergent?  Mr. and Mrs. Washington agree to "be kids" for a few days\leaving the younger family members to learn how finances really work.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
 Ed Washington, Elaine Washington, Marvin Washington, Tamika Washington, Whit, Mr. Jenkins

Notes:
 
592: Now More Than Ever

Essential Facts:
Writer: John Fornof & Kathy Buchanan
Director: John Fornof
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Camp.bell
Original Air Date: 04/29/06
Scripture reference:
Theme: Being there for a friend

Plot:
When Liz notices that usually-cheery Mandy seems depressed, she determines to find out why. A boyfriend crush? Test anxiety? Liz goes the extra mile to care for her friend, and discovers that shefll have to stick by Mandy now more than ever.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
 Whit, Liz Horton, Mandy Straussberg, David Straussberg, Stephen Straussberg, Rachel Straussberg

Notes:
 
593: Around the Block

Essential Facts:
Writer: Nathan Hoobler
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 05/06/06
Scripture reference: Romans 5:3-4
Theme: Persistence

 Plot:
Writing a book on her life isn't as easy as Connie thought. Eugene gives "Ms. Kendall" a variety of ways to overcome writerfs block, with hilarious (and unproductive) results. Connie must decide if she'll follow God's leading to write.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
 Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Marvin Washington

Notes:
 
594: A Time for Action, Part 1

Essential Facts:
Writer: Nathan Hoobler
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Glenn Montjoy
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 05/13/06
Scripture reference: Daniel 4:35
Theme: Taking action

 Plot:
New twists emerge in Eugene's search for his father. Though he never doubts that prayer matters, Eugene is determined to act on any lead. A forgotten relative, a spy agency in Chicago and a tragic accident are all part of the deepening plot.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Grady McKay, Mrs. McKay, Maddie Burnette, Diane

Notes:
 
595: A Time for Action, Part 2

Essential Facts:
Writer: Nathan Hoobler
Director: Marshal Younger
Production Engineer: Jonathan Crowe
Music: John Campbell
Original Air Date: 05/13/06
Scripture reference: Daniel 4:35
Theme: Taking action

 Plot:
Closer than ever to their goal, Eugene and Whit scour their clues -- and multiple cities -- in an effort to find any connection to Leonard Meltsner. But the most crucial piece to their puzzle lies where they least expect it.
Album:
Reviews:
The Town of Odyssey review page

Characters:
Eugene Meltsner, Whit, Grady McKay, Mrs. McKay, Don Winters, PJ, Leonard Meltsner

Notes:
 
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