Welcome to the 2001-2002 Review Section. This is your chance to review the latest episode and interact with fans about the newest developments.

A note of about the ratings... All ratings are out of four unless otherwise noted.

Consensus: Thumbs Up (19/22 positive reviews)

The latest episode in the Novacom saga is once again getting very positive reviews. Most enjoyed the latest developments, including finding about the truth about Whit's End Connellsville and bringing Agnes Riley into the storyline. Some enjoyed Bryan Dern, while others thought he was annoying. One thing that listeners noted as odd was the inclusion of clips from years ago in the opening.

Review by howdypardner, age 18
Rating:

Overall, "Box of Miracles" was a pretty good ep. Whit's acting was a little cut-and-pasted, but the one major "gripe" I had with it was the conversation between Whit and the staff psychiatrist at Hillingdale. If a doctor had really told someone outside the immediate family what treatments a patient was getting, he would lose his license faster than you can say Odyssey.

Review by JoyElectric
Rating:

Good show! There was a ton I liked about this: Arthur Dent's causal conversation with Whit as he talks about certain doom for the world—Agnes's return and apparent health, Bryan Dern, new revelations, Jason being part of the action, the laugh out loud ad at the beginning, and Whit's surrender to God at the end. Keep it up!

Review by Deborah, age 25
Rating:

I really don't often given an episode four stars, but Box of Mircles deserves one. From EVERY aspect...the writing, the production, the acting, the music...all was done excellently.

The relationship interactions that took place between the various characters—Whit, Tom, Agnes, Arthur Dent, Jason, Bryan Dern, Mary—all of them were true to their various identities and kept the listener focused on the story as opposed to being distracted by flaws in the many characters that paraded their way across the airwaves. The various story devices—the use of the Novacom commercials (clever, realistic, humorous), the references to past events and times of the characters' lives (Agnes & the "first" Thanksgiving, Whit & Jason's relationship in prayer so similar to other needed times of prayer in Odyssey) all served to seamlessly craft the pieces of an excellent work.

The music was well-done—conveying the emotions of the individual characters and scenes as well as serving to advance the overall story line also contributed to the rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

I also think, rather strongly, that the acting was superb in terms of the characters being "real" and true to form. Bryan Dern, of course, and Agnes, but also the discusscion between Whit and Tom, and Tom's having to make a decision to keep Agnes on the treatment or to listen to Whit and have her taken off it are examples of great acting. Perhaps the most impacting acting came from the man playing Arthur Dent. Even the second time, when I heard the part of the episode where he goes a bit "crazy" on Whit, it still gave me the creeps, realizing yet again that there is so much more evil about Novacom than is presently known or imagined.

Perhaps one of the more unique aspects of Box of Miracles is that it is in and of itself an excellent piece of writing, even without the Novacom story arc as backdrop, much in the same way that several of the shows from the DBD series are terrific shows even without the surroundings of the other shows.

I'm savoring the weeks left...and looking forward to even bigger and better things from the AIO team.

Great job, guys (and girls)! You're doing well and we are much enjoying it! :)

Review by Joel Taylor, age 18
Rating:

Ok you guys, hearing these negative reviews makes me upset. This episode was awesome! The picture is starting to come together. We see that Andromeda is not a group that can be stopped by human intelligence. Mary is not evil, she is only a tool to be used by Andromeda. Things look pretty bleak for Whit and his friends....No, they don't look bleak when we see them depending on God. Bring on the rest of the show!

Review by AIOfan, age 13
Rating:

I am beginning to think that this whole saga is one big joke. Now I'm almost sure of it.

Review by Tianlet, age 16
Rating:

I'm dissappointed. The music has been MUCH better than on previous eps.

Whit seems distracted and isn't acting right. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he doesn't have that *spark* of life. He isn't very lifelike.

Then, too, the argument on the Cryin' Bryan Dern show was rather pitiful. The participants did not disagree very realistically and they don't break into each other's comments quite right.

This is probably really confusing, but this episode (so far) hasn't been very realistic. Even the conversation with Mr. Dent seemed forced and unclear.

I'm sorry, AIO writers, but you can do better, I know you can.

One thing that is really good: Mary is BAD! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Also, Connellsville WE is possibly closing!

Is Jason FINALLY learning? We shall see. Every time it seems as if he is, he does something stupid.

What about Agnes? And Tom? This will be very interesting if she continues in the program.

Then too, where did Arthur Dent dissappear to? I'm going to be listening next week, you betcha!

Review by Jacob Isom (Town Hall)

I don't give it that high of a rating... because well... Whit wasn't that convincing as an actor in this episode.

Review by Erica Clark (Town Hall)

I just want to say that I think it's so cool, that fifteen years running, Odyssey is making its most exciting episodes yet!

Review by Micah, age 20
Rating:

Great storyline, getting very intense. I loved to see the spiritual aspects starting to come into play, that is what makes Odyssey as good as it is!

Review by Eiram, age 14
Rating:

Great ep! I'm having an overdarmatic fit because of it. I knew right from the start that Mary Hopkins was bad...really bad. Low down and dirty. I can't wait for the next weeks ep. Hope it'll be just as good as this week's.

Review by Michael, age 20
Rating:

This was my first Novacom story and I have to admit, I enjoyed it very much. The suspense factor was very well done. I thought it was interesting how it was Jason this time who suggested that Whit ask for spiritual guidence since Jason is usually the one not to consider this avenue. I was very impressed considering what AIO has been doing this past couple years.

Review by Bradford Goodridge, age 11
Rating:

Intresting episode, that's for sure! I mean nobody can control brains, but the story is fiction so I can't argue there. But for fiction, Focus On The Family does a great job of that. But now I don't really trust Arthur Dent much since he's disappeared. And I hope nothing bad happens to Dent or Mrs. Riley. I know that answer...keep listening! :)

Review by Paul Brown
Rating:

The return of the the Bryan Dern show...Whit comes on the show to warn people about the Novabox. And another new storyline—Tom's wife uses the box and is cured of her illness. Whit also finds out that his partner of Whit's End 2 is a Novacom enployee. Whit also tries to e-mail Eugene to have him come back but e-mails come back unsent. Another great show!

Review by DrWhit73, age 29
Rating:

Excellent episode. Loved the way it pulled in some past episodes like "Thank You God" (all the way from 1988) and "The Other Woman." Tied up more loose ends such as where Arthur Dent has been since Plan B.

Review by Alyson, age 12
Rating:

I don't like the new person who took Mitch's place. No one can take his place.

Review by Fletcher
Rating:

"Box of Miracles" has begun a new chapter in the Novacom saga. Back in "Oppurtuinity Knocks" through "Green Eyes and Yellow Tulipw" it was the beginning stage. Through "Chains" to "Strange Boy in a Strange Land" it was the "This isn't what it seems" stage. Through "Grand Opening" through "Plan B" it was the changing stage, where Novacom was trying to get what they wanted and where a few discoveries were made. "Under the Influence" through "The Black Veil" Novacom took action but wasn't succesful. "Twisting Pathway" and "Sheep's Clothing" are where Novacom gets the two vital things that will make there technology work. Now "Box of Miracles" through "Exit" will be the good guys attempts to stop Novacom, and where God really takes action. "Box of Miracles" was a very good episode, I like the way a storyline from six years ago was brought back. It's kind of sad though that Agnus has had this treatment that has made her better, but when the "Novabox" fails she'll be depressed again. I wasn't very surprised about Mary, though I had expected her to be "In the Know" instead of just a pawn in the plan. The new Community Relations representitve is so annoying! I defenitly do not like her. And what about Arthur Dent? Was he captured because of telling Whit information? I can't wait for "The Unraveling!" It looks like it will have 2 storylines. One by Bob Hoose will probably be about Dent's kidnapping, and the other about Mitch, by Kathy Wierenga. I can't wait!

Review by Adam White, age 13
Rating:

I knew it! I knew it! Mary's in cahoots with Andromeda, or at least a pawn. The whole thing about Op Think Tank is a little far-fetched, but this was a pretty good ep.

I think Arthur Dent was kidnapped; he doesn't strike me as one who would bust windows. And hopefully Jason's getting a bit smarter.

Review by Nathan, age 13
Rating:

We're finally beginning to get some new developments. So Mary's Story Shop is owned by Andromeda. I wonder if Whit will buy the new Whit's End. By the way, what is with the organ music played at the beginning of several episodes? Who is the Chairman? Is he a totally new villain or is he someone we have already heard of before? I guess we'll just have to tune in next time for another adventures in Odyssey!

Review by JJP, age 16
Rating:

I'm writing this as I listen to the episode. Don't know if this is a good idea, but oh well...Finally, revalations galore. The NovaBox product (the culmination of Novacom's and Andromeda's Operation Thinktank) is revealed. Also, the hiding place of Arthur Dent (which I am ashamed to say I should have been able to pinpoint, but did not) was revealed, as well as more info about Agnes. Mind control with "wave therapy", though? I'll buy it for now.... Tom's refusal to stop treatment also seemed like a realistic thing for him to do. Sad that he won't listen to his second-closest friend. The use of Novacom's commercials throughout the episode was a great idea. Cryin' Bryan Dern's line about "most educational experience since you dissected frogs in the seventh grade", as well as the rest of his dialogue seemed a tad out of character. Whit's End controlled by Andromeda? Sweet! And the people turning against Whit? Awesome! And now Mr. Dent's disappeared? This will make for an interesting plot! Aside from Bryan Dern, this episode definitely hits the 4 star mark!

Review by Vic Schiavone (Town Hall)

It had all of the things that makes AIO great: Great continuity of plot (who would've thought that Agnes Riley would be one of Novacom's guinea pigs?), an unexpected swerve (Andromeda owning Mary's Story Shop and being part-owner of Whit's End II?), and the spiritual dimension (I thought the scene with Whit & Jason was great when they prayed, realizing that He who is in them is greater than he who is in Andromeda). Many congrats to all involved in production. This one will be hard to top.

Review by Jared Walczak (Town Hall)

Yes, I'd say it's the best since the Plan B shows.

Having Andromeda own Mary's Story Shop wasn't surprising to me. What was more surprising was her being (apparently) oblivious to the fact that it was a problem.

It was great hearing Cryin' Brian Dern again, although after what he said to Whit, I say give him a hankie and send him home. Actually, he was great. (Who here was hoping that the new NovaRep would be someone we know... say Mary Hopkins?)

It was great having Mrs. Riley back on the show. Hearing "Previously on Adventures in Odyssey" have scenes from 6 or so years ago is surprising! And having them refer to a scene from 13 years ago is even more so.

Review by Steev75 (Town Hall)

Regarding plot continuity: This is all the more remarkable given the lapses and loose ends that were common just a couple of seasons ago (did Connie work at Whit's End or at the Timothy Center or both? for example). Since then the writers have gone the second—yes, third—mile to carefully reconcile plot lines with past history.

Whit's prayer in today's ep was great. It reinforces the fact that AIO, for all its superb writing and production, is no ordinary radio drama. Note that Whit refers to the Conellsville Whit's End as a "ministry." No less can be said for Adventures in Odyssey!

Consensus: Thumbs Up (41/43 positive reviews)

"The Unraveling," a show with two plots is getting two kinds of reviews. Though practically all the reviews compliment the show, some are uncertain about the plot twist that ends the show (just as many were uncertain about it's counterpart in "Plan B"). Specifically complimented in the show were (once again) Katie Leigh's acting, the movie conversations with the kids, and the questions that were answered. The show has also gotten more reviews than any other show aside from the first two parts of Plan B.

Review by Matt, age 22
Rating:

This was a great ep. I have felt all along, as have many of us, that Mitch was still alive. In this episode I was expecting him to talk to Connie while she was at the grave site, but was amazed at the way the AIO gang used the good old AREM sound to do it. This was a very well written storyline, one of the best of late, and I think it was great having two stories at once. It’s good to keep us up on what the Novabox is doing to the people in Odyssey without spending a whole episode on it. Another great job done, I can’t wait for the last 4 episodes!

Review by Amy, age 10
Rating:

I love it! It's so sad and relieving. Because Mitch, I know is at least is alive!

Review by Hannah, age 16
Rating:

I loved this show!!! I knew Mitch was alive, I just knew it! I was so excited when Connie found out. It was a great show and answered a lot of questions..even though it left even more unanswered!

Review by AIOfan, age 13
Rating:

HEADS UP KATHY!!! (in big bold letters) I KNEW Mitch was alive *and* that he WASN'T a bad guy! One question I have though is whether the FBI working with Mitch? I mean, Peter Bourland seems to not know where Mitch is...I also loved the kids in it...I was beginning to wonder if Aria Curzon had left AIO.

Review by Beth
Rating:

Hey, does the name Novacom have anything to do with Novocain? (It dulls you to reality...) Loved the ep. So glad Mitch's back.

Review by Novagenius, age 19
Rating:

Really cool...I was wondering why the writers mentioned Justine way back when, but that's so sad! I am sooo glad Mitch is alive!

Review by John Morgan, age 35
Rating:

Wow, what a great episode! I don’t want to go on about you-know-what like everyone else. There was so MUCH to love. First I love to hear Mandy’s voice but can’t help think “corn chip girl” every time I hear it. Second the story is really building and I love the tension.

I wanted to comment on JJP’s quote - "On a side note, it is interesting that Rachel wanted her conversation with AREM to be secret, but left the sound on her computer up at a reasonably loud level anyway" – I am a computer programmer by trade so I use my computer a lot! You can have the sound turned up and not know it. I have been up past 2AM before working, and not wanting to wake the kids I have my office door closed, I go to check my email and get my “new mail sound” and find out just how LOUD my volume is set. My point is, these things happen.

Oh yeah MITCH IS ALIVE! OK, so I couldn’t contain my self!

Review by Alyson, age 12
Rating:

I can't belive it MITCH IS ALIVE! I mean, who breaks down the door and says "Freeze, don't move!" before they kill someone? Mitch might have a twin and he took Mitch's place. Besides we never heard anything about the body! Like I said in the review of Sheep's Clothing "I would arrest Mr. Charels in a heartbeat" even though Mitch is alive. I loved the scenes with Connie and Rachel. Since Mitch is alive Connie and Mitch can get marrired! Where is Mitch? Is he an FBI agent? I don't have a clue. I nearly fainted when I heard Mitch is alive and I started hopping and jumping around as well as screaming my head off. This is like a movie I say where someone dies and comes back to life. That was such an awesome twist to the story. This ep is extremely cool!

Review by DrWhit73, age 29
Rating:

Good episode. Confirmed what I have suspected for a while, that Mitch is alive. Can't wait to hear the last 4 episodes.

Review by Jill, age 12
Rating:

I love this ep! Katie Leigh is such an awesome actress. I enjoyed the scenes between her and Rachel. Poor Justine! I can't wait for next week!

Review by Sally McArthur, age 16
Rating:

I thought that this Odyssey episode was one of the best. It answered a lot of unanswered questions about Novacom and why Mitch worked there. I am so glad that Mitch is alive. When I heard that, I started to jump up and down. I knew Odyssey wouldn't kill him off so suddenly!

Review by Micah, age 20
Rating:

Great ep! Classic Odyssey, cliffhangers everywhere, awesome! I can't help compare this series to the best Odyssey series ever, Darkness Before Dawn. A lot of people are drawing comparisons, but I noticed one in particular that really stood out.

For the first 323 episodes, Odyssey developed its characters and events around the storyline that eventually came to a head in DBD. Virtually every episode had either a small clue, a building of character, or a major plot that all led up to the final saga with Dr. Blackgaard. Episodes like A Bite of Applesauce (73), The Battle (83-84), The Homecoming (159), and many more were devoted directly to the storyline; episodes like Tom For Mayor (286-287) and A Code of Honor (293) set the stage; and a ton of other episodes dropped hints that tied into the main storyline (for example "Not One of Us" [129] where you hear in the background the tv newsguy saying that Glossman was now working for the Webster Development Company). But most of the episodes tied into the main storyline one way or another.

After DBD, you probably noticed, Odyssey turned a corner, and as a result, most of the supporting characters for the Blackgaard saga started dropping off the map (ie Lucy, Sam Johnson, etc...) Other characters that were central to the story (Glossman, Maxwell, etc.) were never heard from again! (Has anyone forgiven Odyssey for leaving Richard Maxwell in a hospital bed?)

The Novacom storyline is completely different. All of the central characters have just been recently introduced (Mr. Charles, Arthur Dent, Mitch, etc.). The little hints the characters drop and the character development has all been internal to the series, unlike DBD which used 323 episodes (many of which built the storyline) to get to the climax.

Now, this series is just as exciting as DBD, but the quesiton in my mind that will make or break this series is what happens to the characters AFTER this series is over? What will happen to Monica and Mary? Will Erica Colburn disappear? What about Mitch and Connie and so many of the other characters that are central to this series?

IMO, if those characters disappear, then this series will be a good adventure but with the same problem that DBD made, but if this is the beginning of those characters roles in Odyssey (at least a few of the main ones), then this series has the potential to be much better than DBD!!

Odyssey: DON'T make the mistake of character dropping that DBD did! DBD could get away with it, since it was the end of a long series, but Novacom series can't because they just introduced the characters!

Review by Sarah, age 16
Rating:

Wow! That was an amazing episode! I can't believe Mitch is alive...this is crazy! I just started listening to Adventures in Odyssey again and I was wondering what happened to all the old characters? Can anyone help me out?

Review by Anna (Town Hall)

I loved this episode! We found out about Justine (which was really sad), the helmets from Novacom, and we also found out that MITCH IS ALIVE! I knew it! I'm so excited!

Review by Mandy (Town Hall)

Woo yeah! I'm so glad Mitch isn't dead! I cried when he "died," then I started jumping around when I found out he was really alive. I can't wait for next week's episode!

Review by Erica Clark (Town Hall)

Awesome! Awesome plot advancement and awesome acting (especially from Katie), just fabulous... They really had me guessing as to whether Mitch was still alive. I really felt going into it that we'd find out today...and I had no clue up until the last few seconds...I was quite worried they weren't... I can't wait til next week, this keeps getting better and better...

That's sooooo sad about Justine...

Review by Cash Cow (Town Hall)
Rating:

It was good. I thought BOX OF MIRACLES was better. But still good episode. I loved the tape with Justine on it. The whole thing with Connie in Maine was great. And the lines with Cal and Alex talking about that movie with that guy who has that thing. Very funny. Rodney stealing birdhouses was funny too.

It may have just been me, but Alex seemed a little over-dramatic when he said, "You can't turn it off!" I was half expecting him to go "AHH!! IT JUST GREW LEGS AND ITS ATTACKING MANDY AND CAL WITH ITS RADIO WAVES RAY GUN!! OH THE HUMANITY!!"

I don't know quite what to think about the line about Mitch being alive. I don't know if I quite believe it, but that's probably because I don't want it to be true. I know it's morbid, but I loved the fact that Mitch died. I thought Mitch was a great character, but it was so unexpected that he was killed. Its one of the first times AIO killed off a main character. But if he's alive then its like AIO went through all that just to have some sappy reunion between Connie and Mitch. Now I know it could be a great scene, but it just takes away something from the saga. Like it would have if Dr. Blackgaard hadn't really died in DBD.

AIO used to make fun of shows that killed off characters just to have them come back. Remember THE MEANING OF SACRIFICE. "Mitch is really alive! He's been in Montana the whole time!! But what about the body?? It was his twin brother!! Mitch has a twin!!! I can't believe it!!"

Now I don't want to jump to conclusions before I hear more. I don't want to be like some people when THE BLACK VEIL aired and they were jumping to the conclusion that AIO was getting into that crazy Buck Rogers stuff, but then later they all realized it was fine.

Anyway, THE UNRAVELING was good. 3 1/2 stars or maybe 3 3/4.

Review by Margaret (Town Hall)

Oh WOW!!! Mitch is alive!!! This is even better than E & K's wedding. Yoohoo!!!

Review by Steve (Town Hall)

VERY excited to hear the latest plot twist! :) Back when he died, I turned to my sister & said "No! They can't do that to us!!!" Oh, what twists & turns!

Review by Anya, age 18
Rating:

Welcome back to vintage Odyssey! I have enjoyed ALL the Novacom saga episodes, but "The Unraveling" was particularly effective and powerful. Two storylines, unfolding side by side, brought humor and suspense to this episode. But each storyline, far from being resolved, left us with a few answers and more burning questions. MITCH LIVES! Our hopes have not been in vain! Kudos to the Odyssey team for coming up with a plausible explanation for Mitch's sudden reappearance. Keep up the great work, Odyssey Team! Only Novacom could persuade Rodney Rathbone to steal birdhouses.

Review by Joel Taylor, age 18
Rating:

It's interesting how these episodes with such a serious theme have such a comical twist. Now we know for sure what everyone has suspected: Mitch is alive. Now we can all move to the edge of our seats and wait out the rest of the saga.

Review by Larsen, age 14
Rating:

Awesome! So Mitch is ALIVE.

It's about time they told us for sure. Whats up with the birdhouses, chips, and pop? And Rodney Acing a test? The fact that the box can't be turned off is totally cool.

I really liked it. It was well written and not too far out. I love the twists and turns! GREAT JOB GUYS! (What about Agnes and Arthur? When do we hear about that?)

Review by JJP, age 16
Rating:

As an episode, this was as not as good as it could have been. In my opinion, it moved too slowly and contained too little info. What it did contain a lot of was detective work leading to an obvious answer (but still no resolution as to why Novacom is encouraging people to buy birdhouses, chips and sodas) and a lot of reminiscing by Connie and Rachel about Mitch. The latter is tolerable, but if you don't want a touching story, don't look here.

Now to discuss the postivies. Finally, AIO get around to revealing that Mitch isn't dead (On a side note, it is interesting that Rachel wanted her conversation with AREM to be secret, but left the sound on her computer up at a reasonably loud level anyway). Finally, though, we get to hear why Mitch did what he did with NOVACOM and as AREM. Another positive was Rodney Rathbone's character. In some of the newer episodes of AIO that I heard, his dialogue seemed totally wrong and out of character. This episode, though, IMO he sounds completely in character and his dialogue is the typical Rodney Rathbone dialogue we heard back in the Album 12 to 28 days.

And perhaps the biggest positive was perhaps the gutsiest move on AIO's part: the recording we hear of the murder scene that motivated Mitch to begin his own investigation. As short as it was, it was very good. Usually we never hear the murder, but here we got enough of a dialogue and implication to make it sound really good.

Thus these positives pushed what I might have rated as a 2 1/2 star episode up by one star in the rating.

Review by Boni, age 14
Rating:

Wow! Mitch is alive!

Review by Art Appreciator, age 18
Rating:

I think it was pretty obvious that Mitch wasn't dead. People don't yell, "Freeze!" when they burst into your hotel room to murder you. And, the writers made special mention of the fact that Connie never saw the body. Mitch is in with the FBI now, and probably Eugene as well.

I was disappointed that the kids were doing all the detective work in this episode. Where are Whit, Jack and Jason?

It should be an exciting final four shows. When it's all said and done, we'll know whether Eugene is coming back, what's the future of Whit's End, if Connie and Mitch are getting married, and we'll probably get a new super-villain, like Blackgaard. Remember, Mr. Charles is not the mastermind, only the chief of security for Andromeda.

My greatest hope for this story is that in the Novabox saga, especially with Agnes Riley, we will see that maintaining your personal freedom is more important than any suffering that freedom may bring.

Review by Kristin Hann, age 16
Rating:

Aha! I knew it, I knew that Mitch wasn't dead! I've just been waiting for them to come out with it. I especialy knew that Mitch was coming back soon because I heard Rodney in this episode, and since the same actor plays both characters I just KNEW that they were going to reveal that he was alive very soon. So anyways, this was an awesome episode, a little frightening for my 8 year old borther, but I completly enjoyed it. The kids are starting to figure out that the Nova stuff is not at all harmless—it's controling people's minds. I think that it's something like brainwashing that tells the people what to do. And the Nova people are going to take over the world! But hey, where's Eugene? They've been using clips from past episodes to make the voices that they had for their wedding for both his and and Katrina's voices. The people aren't gone or anything, are they? I hope that they come back into the picture soon. I just hope that more people aren't going to get killed soon. The Adventures in Odyssey people have done a great job on this story. They have been leading up to this for about two and a half years. It's crazy, but awesome.

Review by JoyElectric
Rating:

For the most part, this one REALLY helped pull some things together. I've been wondering how they were going to pull of this together, but now it seems like there are finally more answers than questions on the show.

More than ever, this saga shows how fantastic Katie Leigh is as Connie. We've heard Connie get annoyed, happy, and other emotions before, but they never had her on such an emotional roller coaster before.

The "kids" part, with Mandy, Alex, and Cal was reall good, too. These kids work real well together, and though Cal's voice has changed, they all sound good. The final scene with the Novabox was REALLY creepy, and of course Rachel's revelation at the end does throw everything up in the air.

I'm going to sound like a ghoul, but I'm not so certain I like the idea of Mitch being alive. We went through 2 episodes of Plan B and some parts of Under the Influence, to where Connie is finally accepting Mitch's death, and now it's kind of like "Oh! Just kidding!" As well, one of the reasons for Mitch's death was that they said they wanted to have the show actually deal with the issue. But, maybe I'm in the minority on this one. ;)

Review by Avid Odyssey Fan, age 16
Rating:

This show was exceptional. The final words of the episode provided a suspenseful ending, yet it brought peace to all the minds of us Mitch fans. I was pleased to hear the warning at the begining even there was only one intense scene. (Justine's death) I am eagerly awaiting next week. I am not sure I will be able to wait that long. The whole part about cola, chips, and birdhouses was pretty silly, but the parts in Maine made up for it. Way to go writers for providing us with yet another story that kept us on the edge of our seats.

Review by Sarah, age 22
Rating:

I only gave it a three because I admit all I was interested in was the Mitch's life part, but WAHOOEY! I KNEW Mitch couldn't be dead! But what a rotten way to end the episode! Now we have to wait to find out more, and hopefully we will actually hear Mitch again before the season finale!

Review by Jonathan, age 13
Rating:

All I can say is...ABOUT TIME!!! I've been waiting to hear those wonderful words since "Plan B: Cross-fire". I wasn't fooled by Odyssey. I can't wait until "Exceptional Circumstances!"

Review by Michael P, age 18
Rating:

This show is a little odd at first, but...I think it actually had a god mix of humor and also sadness. I had never expected the ending especially after hearing Connie at his grave and everything. The whole thing seemed so closed, so final. Way to go Odyssey! I can't wait until the next episode. It almost seems like there isn't enough time to finish the entire Novacom saga. But we shall see....

Review by Bradford, age 11
Rating:

Strangely weird, thats for sure. I hope that Alex, Cal, Mandy, Connie, and Whit can find out more stuff about Novacom & Andromada. And bad news is we have to wait a week. But one more thing...is it possible Mitch could be alive? Vote: 90% No & 10% Yes. This is driving me crazy!

Review by Nathan
Rating:

Hooray! Mitch isn't dead! I hope we hear from him real soon. I was pretty sure that this episode would either reveal that he was alive or thoroughly clinch it that he was gone. I noticed one flaw, however. Mitch's sister pronounced Arem like 'Airem' instead of like R.M. which she ought to have done if she knew so much about his work. I don't know how I'm going to last till next week.

Review by Julie, age 14
Rating:

Great Show! That last scene was exactly what I THOUGHT was going to happen. Nobody would believe me, though. I can't believe that the Christian familes in Odyessy were so quick to buy the Novaboxes after all of Whit's comments against Novacom. They seema little dimwitted, or maybe the novaboxes are making them that way. Who knows?

Review by Fletcher
Rating:

"The Unraveling" is a great episode! Mitch is alive! Yahoo! This episode was very suspensful on Kathy Wierenga's side, and though I liked the other storyline, I thought it was a bit silly. Why would Novacom care about buying bird houses, Greasly chips, and Fizzy Cola? The really sinster part for that storyline is Cal realizing the Novabox can not be turned off. Bravo for the return of Mandy. Not that she's my favorite character, but it seemed she had disappered as so many other Odyssey kids have. Katie Leigh had a great performance as the grieving Connie...again. The person who played Rachel was a pretty good actress, though I agree with some critics that Rachel gave a lot of hints that Mitch was alive before the cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for next week. What will happen with Connie and Mitch? And the Novabox! Ahh, Odyssey leaves you in such suspense!

Review by ExecutorQ
Rating:

Another dead character comes back to life...

Review by Alyson, age 12
Rating:

Mitch is alive, I knew it! It was so great because they fooled me. Will Mitch return? I hope so! They better bring him back soon! THIS EP ROCKS THE HOUSE! P.S. I'm jumpinh and screaming like crazy, so all of the crying was worth nothing.

Review by ben, age 20
Rating:

HA! I was right! I won't wreck the plot for people who haven't listened to it yet, but I told my friends about a certain plot twist that would come about and it came about. Anyway, I think this was a good show based entirely on this one revelation because it corrected something I thought was really gonna drag down the storyline.

Review by trina, age 12
Rating:

Not a bad episode for the Novacom series. Certainly a turn in the plot. I could tell from the "hints" that Rachel dropped that Mitch must be alive.

Review by Paul B
Rating:

Rodney using a Novabox helmet, thinking it will make him smarter and stealing birdhouses. Why are people in Odyssey buying bird houses and chips and soda? Could this be more brainwave stuff through ads on TV? Connie hears the Arem sound on Mitch's sister's computer and learns he's alive. What a clifhanger that is!

Review by Jeremy Sauer, age 13
Rating:

What a surprise that Mitch is alive! I can't wait to learn more about where Mitch is. He's one of my favorite characters. HE'S ALIVE!

Review by Peter, age 28
Rating:

Pretty cool show overall. Lots of intrigue. Only major complaint is that without Chris explaining the spiritual theme at the end, it may not have been easily picked up.

Loved the scene about that movie starring that guy and the girl with the spiky hair. Classic! (Been in those conversations myself.) I liked the way the plot advanced in this one and the way the characters were portrayed. Sounded like kids stumbling on something that's unusual and then acting like kids will. The references back to some of the earlier shows were pretty good as well - nothing illegal this time. :-)

Anyway, I liked it and felt that I came away from this episode with a feeling of something having progressed. I think I need to listen to it again to really hear what's going on.

Looking forward to the last couple of episodes as this is all wrapped up. I hope that after all of the build-up, it doesn't let us down. (Not that I expect that in the least from the writers.)

Consensus: Thumbs Up (23/24 positive reviews)

Reviews for the fourth to last Novacom show are positive, but not quite as overwhelmingly so as the last few. Most enjoyed the twists and turns of the show, including surprises such as Monica's motivation. Also praised were the conversation between Connie and Mitch and the answers given in the show.

Review by Mandy, age 14
Rating:

I thought this episode was awesome! I loved being able to hear Mitch again

Review by Bryn Younger, age 8
Rating:

My favorite scene was when Connie e-mailed Mitch. I was at the studio when they taped that show.

Review by Beth, age 15
Rating:

Review by Julie, age 14
Rating:

Great Show! Looking forward to the next one!

Review by JoyElectric
Rating:

Time to pull out the old episode, "Rights, Wrongs, and Reasons!" Unlike the characters in older Odyssey episodes like Dr. Blackgaard and Phillip Glossman (who were evil, and had only themselves on the mind), the new Odyssey "villains" seem to have a past and are trying to fix that past. The latest revelation from Monica shows her from a different angle (reminds me of Mr. Freeze from Batman, trying to save his dying wife). It adds a ton of depth to her and stops Jason speechless. The other parts that really worked were Agnes and Tom together. I don't think I've hear heard Tom so happy, or so angry at Whit at the same time. As well, hearing Connie went her frustrations at a not-so-dead Mitch also resonated, I think we felt the same way. All over, this was a GREAT show!

Review by Micah, age 20
Rating:

A lot of little hints were dropped by the characters this time. Monica breaking down to Jason and giving him the real reason for her actions I think provides an excellent witnessing oportunity later for Jason. Great clifhanger in the Agnes/Tom saga. When do Eugene/Katrina show up? What about Jared? What happens in the unresolved Erica/Aubrey friendship?

This episode was more of a setup episode than a normal episode, but it did an excellent job in setting up the final three eps. GREAT to hear the spiritual aspects popping out everywhere!

Review by Meka Jinsoku, age 12
Rating:

Great ep, still getting surprised by plot changes. ...Sparky the Happy Giraffe...?

Review by Jill, age 12
Rating:

I really enjoyed this ep. Even though we've almost finished this saga, we're still getting surprised by plot changes, like we were back in "Plan B" and "The Black Veil." Such as Monica having a brother named Duncan.

Review by Sarah, age 16
Rating:

Wow!...Interesting plot...a little confusing..How is it possible that Mitch isn't dead?

Review by JJP, age 16
Rating:

Nothing terribly substantial in this episode. The fact that Mitch was hiding with the FBI was blatantly obvious. We still don't find out why Novacom's Novabox is making people buy chips, soda, and birdhouses, although this is discussed several times. Will Nick begin to suspect that Mitch is alive? Could he become a leak?

Some revelations were made though. Duncan as the quadriplegic experiment was interesting, but I figured out that Monica was his sister long before she arrived in the episode. Finally, Monica explains her motive for working with Andromeda. She's probably going to defect soon. The most surprising revelation, although not terribly surprising, was that the effects of the Novabox don't last, but reverse and leave the person worse off than before. I really would have liked to see a much more dramatic relapse of Agnes Riley, but I suppose the effects must slowly wear off.

The best bit of this episode, in my opinion, was the scene where Whit told Tom about the Novabox. The dialogue of the characters, as well as voice tone and overall reactions on each side was extremely well done and totally in character. Still, that couldn't save this episode.

Overall, not too bad of an episode, but there seemed to be more focus on explanations and one miniature revelation than on any substantial plot or more revelations. This reminded me more of a filler episode than of an actual AIO episode.

Review by Tianlet, age 16
Rating:

This was an excellent episode! The music was "exceptional" (so to speak :) and the plot line was very intense! I'm so happy that Mitch is alive! Agent Bourland is good after all, and Novacom HASN'T won! Hooray!

Review by Paul B
Rating:

Connie gets to talk to Mitch through the happy giraffe IM name. We now learn Mitch is in the Witness Protection Program. I wonder if he's with Jared. Something to think about. And Jason runs into Monica again at her brother's hospital room. Tom's wife is slipping again...the Novabox is wearing off.

Review by DrWhit73, age 29
Rating:

Another good episode. Continued to tie up more loose ends. Enjoyed hearing dialogue between Mitch and Connie again. It will be interesting how long she can keep his existence a secret. Finally showed a connection between Mitch and the FBI.

Review by ExecutorQ, age 17
Rating:

Review by AIOfan, age 13
Rating:

I feel so sorry for Agnes and Tom...I can't believe that he fell for it! Also, I'm not sure if I trust Monica...and Jason better not start doing what he did in Alaska again! Why didn't Duncan (Mathis) and Monica (Stone) have the same last name? Anyways, I can hardly believe that there's only THREE shows left! (But I am glad!) I wonder how Odyssey will ever be the same again. Once again, I am SO happy that Mitch isn't dead!

Review by Sally McArthur, age 16
Rating:

I thought that this was a really good episode. It was so good to hear Mitch's voice again. Now it makes sense why he was kidnapped. I would have never thought that Monica would be helping Nova Com for her brother. I always thought that it was for herself. I wonder if something is going to happen between her and Jason.

Lots of questions are being answered except I still wonder where in the world is Eugene and Katrina. It's like they escaped from the planet or something. I hope we hear from them very soon.

Review by Carolyn, age 15
Rating:

This was such a sad eposide. It was handled very well. It's interesting to know now that Monica has good intentions. Yet another cliff hanger!

Review by Jessica, age 14
Rating:

It was great to hear Mitch back on the air! It was also really interesting to know Monica's motives for the illegal things that she has been doing. However, it will be really sad if Mrs. Riley has to go back to Hillendale again because the radio wave treatment backfired!

Review by JR, age 13
Rating:

Pretty good episode overall. I'm glad we heard back from Mitch (we'd almost HAVE to after hearing he was alive). I thought for sure they'd let us hear Connie's emotional reaction to finding out Mitch was alive, and I was kind of looking forward to that. Connie can be kind of funny when she gets emotional.

I was hoping there would be more that we discovered and found out in this ep. Although we found out little tiny bits, I was hoping for some BIG pieces.

I was also hoping we could hear from either Eugene and Katrina, or even from Jared DeWight! AIO better do a good job of wrapping this thing up in the last 3 episodes.

I feel bad for Tom Riley, having just gotten his wife back, and now she's going back to her usual self, even worse! I hope that Agnes can get some other sort of treatment, recover completely, and become a regular (such as Whit, Eugene, Connie, etc.).

I hope we hear from the Allens again; Jack is one of my favorite characters. I'm disappointed they haven't had him in the past few eps.

I'm glad Monica Stone was in it again. I was kind of afraid that after she was such a big part of the storyline, we wouldn't hear from her again. Good call bringing her back again! You can't just get rid of her like that (like I said, she was a HUGE part of the past story-line).

Review by Fletcher
Rating:

"Exceptional Circumstances" is great! Mitch is back and in the Witness Protection Program. Monica seems to have a reason for all her wrongdoings, helping her brother—Duncan. But the Novabox seems to have failed him and is starting too, sadly, fail Agnes. However we can assume that Monica may be the next off the list, if she's going to talk to Mr. Charles about what the Novabox really does. We know what happened to Justine...

Another twist in the road with the Whit's End Connellsville. Why would the board of "Mary's Story Shop" give into letting Whit own that shop so quickly. How will it help Andromeda? Anyway great ep!

Review by Bradford, age 11
Rating:

Well, I say for everyone that it's about time we hear what really happened to Mitch. But for me I don't want anything bad to happen to the Rileys. (Plus the boys making a camp fire might be the ones running on the cover for Battle Lines) And I wonder if Monica is going to get in trouble with Mr. Charles. And hope things will get better for Whit, Connie, Jason, Mitch, and Mr. & Mrs. Meltsner.

Review by Alyson, age 12
Rating:

When we heared Mitch getting kiddnaped in Plan B: Collision Corse, it was the FBI and he is in the Witness Protection Program. And we heard Mitch's voice when he sent an e-mail. THIS EP IS SO COOL.

Review by Steve, age 30
Rating:

Great ep! I liked the twist and turns and we are beginning to find the rest of the pieces of the puzzle. Great job guys!

Review by Breanne, age 18
Rating:

Listen to it once, and you'll hear a pretty good story. Listen to it again, and you'll hear a lot of little hints, information, etc. that could easily be passed over by a casual listening. Listen carefully! Lots of information lurks in the background!

Consensus: Thumbs Up (20/21 positive reviews)

Reviews for "Expect the Worst" are positive as usual, complementing the action sequences and the prayer montage at the end. Some fans, however, are concerned that with only two Novacom episodes left, there won't be time to answer all the questions.

Review by Deborah, age 25
Rating:

Wow. I'm kind of on "pause"...do you know what I mean?

Soooooo many questions, so few answers! I think I was surprised at how few answers (if any, really) that were addressed in this week's episode. I'm trying to think back to this point in DBD to see how many "answers" we had...It will be interesting, indeed to see how this series comes to it's dramatic conclusion! :)

As for the specifics of the episode itself...it lived up to it's title for Tom in the fact of him finally realizing the bad stuff that the box had done to Agnes--sad, but necessary. It was definitely a needed moment of levity each time the kids appeared...the "meeting" made me chuckle in reminiscence along the lines of Calvin & Hobbes, while the "this is one of those 'kids don't try this at home'" lines was both true and humorous also. I LOVED the prayer weaving...and the fact that Whit (or was it Jack?) said it needed to be kept up "as long as necessary"--I thought it really showed the spirit of prayer--continual! (I Thess. 5:17) Another good cliffhanger, from the standpoint that it COULD be Tom who did it, because we all really don't think he did, but yet it might NOT be Tom, because he's obvious...hmmmm.... :)

All-in-all, I'm going to love and hate to see it come to a conclusion, but am really looking foward to what that conclusion is! :)

Review by Micah, age 20
Rating:

I loved this episode, getting really intense. It's going to be interesting how they finish. I hope they don't do something where five minutes left in the final show they present all this new evidence that we've never heard before that changes all our opinions and concludes in a few seconds kind of deal.

A few things sounded interesting. 1) The only time we see Monica is when she threatens Charles, which makes me think she blew up the tower. 2) Why did Connie pray three times? 3) How on earth are they going to tie things up in two episodes?

Review by Hannah, age 16
Rating:

This was a pretty good episode...a cliff-hanger type, I think. I think the FBI is going too slow though!

Review by Luthien TinuvieI
Rating:

I thought that this episode was exceptional! (What else is new?) ;)

Just some quick comments: I found the bit where Alex, Cal, and Mandy were holding their meeting quite humorous. Very true to "kid meetings."

The prayer meeting that Jack got together was sweet as well, though at first I found Aubrey's prayer a little cheesy at the beginning, namely the part where she said, "well, I am new at this." Didn't ring true for me.

Do I think Tom is guilty? Well, he could be, but I don't think so. Not the way they have it set up.

Review by Emily B, age 15
Rating:

I thought some of the acting was a little stiff, but just a fraction. I think maybe Jared or his dad, Monica, Mr. Charles (or someone Andromeda related) blew up the tower. Maybe Novacom doesn't have anymore use for the tower, or maybe it was more important to incriminate Tom than have the tower for some reason. It seems like only Monica (I don't know though) or Andromeda would have the idea to incriminate Tom by using fertilizer for the bomb. Who would've heard Tom tell Whit about being angry about the tower?

We still don't know what happened to Mr. Charles. I think Andromeda may have caught him or the FBI abducted him like they did to Mitch. I really have no idea. HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY GOING TO FINISH THIS UP IN TWO MORE EPISODES? They better get busy tying up loose ends. If this is a dream, I would be very angry. That would not be cool, but I don't think that is very feasible.

Review by Kayla, age 19
Rating:

I'm still wondering 1) What happened to Mr. Dent; 2) Where are Eugene and Katrina; 3) Why does Monica's brother have a different last name; 4) Who's the Chairman; 5) What did Cal find at the top of the tower; 6) Who was the person running down the hill into the woods; and 7) Where is Jared and his family? The Odyssey writers have definitely outdone themselves this time! I love the part that prayer plays in this week's episode.

Review by David, age 11
Rating:

This ones okay...the only thing I don't like about is that they only give you more questions. I think that maybe when the tower exploded (since it helped work the Novabox) that it sent out the radio waves that will control every person in Odyssey's brain.

Review by Anne, age 14
Rating: