Review by Matthew, age 14
Rating:

It was great. I have been listening to AiO for 10 years. And I hate to miss an episode. My sister and 3 brothers like it too! Keep making more!

Review by Abigail (aka Fimbrethil), age 16
Rating:

An okay episode... I guess it was nice to have a normal, everyday episode. I liked the part where they are playing air hockey! I particularly liked how Max keeps track of the score! The scene at the end was odd—I don't think Mandy should have been rewarded for her lack of responsibility—but oh well. Waiting on pins and needles for "Pink is not my color!"

Review by Andrea, age 11
Rating:

It was pretty good.

Review by Lyndsay, age 15

Well, I liked this ep! If only, oh only, Max was Jared....I would like it even more... man, I miss him a lot! AIO, bring Jared...please. Oh, and another thing. I loved Whit just bein Whit... this ep was so like the old loveable Odyssey homelife. I loved it...keep it up!

Review by Lauren, age 13
Rating:

It was really good, but as usual, it always ends up they become friends. But I really think they can do better next time.

Review by Michael, age 11
Rating:

I loved it! All right, the pickle house was a bit corny, but I liked the way Max was shown to be a bit sensitive and not just a bully. I'd like to see more shows on how Max and Mandy's friendship grows. This seemed like a good beginning.

Review by Dave
Rating:

Lets just say this show was a little...light. I mean, it had its moments, but it was far too prectiable. Max was a bit nicer and Torry's writing has improved...it just misses its target.

Review by Paul B
Rating:

This new Mandy episode is good. This Max kid kind of reminds me of Jared. If Max has a pickle, look out...you can guarantee it will be messy.

Review by JoyElectric
Rating:

I don't think they've had Mandy carry an episode since "Worst Day Ever," but it works out quite well. Ms. Curzon is a good actress, and it shows again. Max is the perfect pest—he sounds about two years younger than Mandy, is annoying for attention, and doesn't seem to link cause and effect. But he seems to be charming enough to want him back again sometime. As others have said, Whit was great in this show. There was just enough of his way of listening, questioning, and caring for us to remember what made him so unique (and, oddly enough, a bit like Connie has been in her last 2 shows). Hopefully, they can keep this up.

A minor gripe: does every kid who's a bit out of control have a rough family?

It's a good episode, and again it's what made Odyssey what it is today. Extra kudos to Torry Martin on his first non-Wooton episode since 1998!

Review by Bradford G, age 13
Rating:

Not bad. We do know a little more about Mandy, like she's even better then we already knew. This should have been an episode that used the Transmuter. For those of you who may not remember, it was the last invention of Mr. Whittaker's so far to be used by kids, not counting the New Imagination Station. Anyway the Transmuter is the machine that puts you virtualy in the footsteps of someone else, like Jared in the Transmuters debut episode "Another Mans Shoes." It would have been cool if Mandy could have gotten to see how life was for Max at his house. But other then that, this was an okay episode. Nice one A.I.O. team! :0)

Review by Bennett Charles

Well, the story was good. I mean, it sorta reminded me of the old Odyssey adventure...you know, with the Whit giving advice thing. The only thing I didn like was, "Dont you see, I'm biting my tongue."

I really don't like it when Odyssey introduces new kids, such as Spencer...because I know there are at least three or four other kids good enough (Trent, Marvin, Ashley). So, that was another thing I didn't like.
One more thing, I wished it was Rodney playing the part...so it was like a continuation of "Changing Rodney."

So, yeah, not bad AIO. Not the best episode of the season, but it still was pretty good.

Review by Nathan Ehnis, age 15
Rating:

I loved it! it was one of the best eps in a long time.

Review by EugeneFan (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

"Teacher's Pest" was a great episode in my opinion. It was one of the best this season, and also probably the greatest episode by Torry Martin. It had a noticable lesson, it was creative, and finally Whit acts like himself and teaches the kids.

Review by Ferder (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

I'm not sure how it could have been better (it was good) but it just didn't seem all that interesting. An OK slice of life ep.

Review by Arwen (Town Hall)

It was pretty good. It reminded me of myself and a boy who went to my cottage school. He wasn't a bad student, but he and I were rivals. Oh yeah, the school I went to before homeschool had science fairs every year and one time someone actually did a hover craft.

Review by Mandy Straussberg (Town Hall)

I thought it was okay.... definitely not the best. It didn't interest me...I sure hope Spencer isn't a permanent character. Max didn't bug me, but Spencer did..

Review by Thorin Oakenshield (Town Hall)

This was an average ep. In all honesty it didn't really do anything for me. It was rather generic and lacked the charm of the "classic" slice-o'-lifes.

Review by Mellow Boy (Town Hall)

I personally thought that this ep, for what it was (a half-hour AIO ep) was really good.

Review by James M (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

It was ok. I liked Mandy. Whit gave good advice. Mandy is sweet. Max doesn't sound like the coolest voice, but he can be trouble. Spencer can be annoying. I did like it. I was hoping to hear from Liz, but oh well. Good lessons on cooperation and loving enemies and helping others even when you don't like them or want to. And Chris telling kids not to do this is always good.

Review by Richard Maxwell (Town Hall)

All in all a good episode. The pickles popping was a funny idea. Makes me wanna try it.

Review by Arthur Dent (Town Hall)

Teacher's Pest felt very old school. I loved it. I liked the part where Whit tells Mandy that Max may be more insecure than he appears. Reminds me of the episode with Jack and Isaac...

What was wrong with it? What's wrong with "average" episodes? Average means neither exceptionally good nor bad. Right in the middle. Without "average" everyday episodes, you wouldn't have the exceptional ones. AIO was going to end after DBD, but it didn't. I certainly don't think it's going to end now.

Review by Galadriel (Town Hall)

This was awesome! What's wrong with old school?! Clever dialogue, and really entertaining new characters! And finally, Whit is back where he belongs!

While school-related eps are usually disappointing, this was definitely a winner. Even Ms. Sweeney was well done: annoying but not overdoing it, unlike our wonderful bird-watching-lady from "Silver Lining"! I really hope that Max is here to stay.

532: Pink Is Not My Color

Episode Information

Consensus: Thumbs Up (27/32 positive reviews)

Connie's reaction to seeing Mitch again was positive, but a little uncertain. The same could be said of fan's reaction to "Pink Is Not My Color." Most reviewers like the show, but had some questions or problems with the show. Most agree that the opening scene where Connie surprises Mitch and the ending clips are well-done.

Uncertain characterizes the reactions to Bourland as a father. Many liked seeing the expansion of the emotional range of the character, while others thought it was awkward. While it was universally agreed that Connie's maturity was nicely illustrated, many felt that Mitch shouldn't have acted the way he did.

Some fans thought the Mike storyline was a little too slow, while others thought that the moment where Mike performs better at a basketball game when her dad arrives was too convenient. Still, some fans liked this part of the story and noted that the theme wasn't similar to another Odyssey show.

Review by Emily Witt, age 14
Rating:

Awesome episode! Well written, well acted, well produced. The storyline was well developed. I absolutly can't wait for the next two episodes, seeing a certain significance in their title.

Review by JoyElectric
Rating:

Good show again! The opening with Connie calling Mitch was quite fun, and especially telling was Connie's comment that she planned for it to go different when they met. Ah, welcome to real life.

Seeing a little of the Bourland's life was interesting. It wasn't too hard to guess that he'd be that distant from his family, considering the amount of time he spent in Odyssey. His relationship with Mike (How terrible for people to misjudge your gender by your name!) is telling as well. But, I thought that Mike's instant "success" in playing basketball was a bit much when her dad showed up.

Again Connie shows her way with kids. She does a great job as a big sister (often to people who don't have one), and her way of talking to Mike so soon after they met was quite impressive.

A good show, but obviously one that is leading somewhere...

Review by Jonathan P, age 15
Rating:

This was pretty good, but not as good as "Silver Lining." I liked the storyline with Mitch. It seems the right time to have this episode.

I was concerned with Mike's dad telling her that he could never love another girl as much as he loved her. This would not go down well with another little girl.

Review by Kit, age 22
Rating:

"Pink" was a classically good episode combining a slice of life family time (family! As in two parents and a child! As in actually interactions! Strange concept, AIO) with a parallel story-arc advancement. The acting was quite convincing. Mike was excellent and a different enough sounding voice that I would have liked hearing her as an Odyssey kid. The interaction both between her and her parents and between her mom and dad were very well-done and touched on an issue that AIO has largely overlooked—that of parents seeming to prefer boys over girls. With 531 episodes behind it, there's few topics that haven't been addressed. Congrats, AIO team for finding one!

I also loved Connie in this episode, she sounds mature without loosing her slightly ditzy cuteness. She sounds far past her hair dying experience. The Connie/Mitch story line is advancing well and the lines about Andromeda made me smile. Perhaps we're not through with them, after all!

My major issue with this episode was the feel. This entire season seems to have a tired feel to it. I can't place just what the problem is—the sound is great, the writing excellent, and the casts seem mostly comprised of mostly regulars and yet it feels all-around worn. Maybe they all switched to decaf? Whatever it is, I hope it clears up by "Something Blue." Which raises many expectations by the title...

Oh, one other note. Omitting the preview clips that usually play during the music seemed to fit well with this episode. It almost went better with no expectations (hints!) as to what would happen. Most of the time I love those clips but for some episodes they're better left off. Great choice. :-)

Review by Dave
Rating:

The writing was okay, but we've heard all these "family situations" heaps before! The music was good, and the Connie and Mitch storyline was good...but, I may say, the only real highlight of this episode was the clips for next weeks show...sounds like Father Gilbert! I just can't wait, and the only thing that'll spoil it will be Connie and Mitch's unheard-of relationship. Another not-original episode, with no humor or great drama, but still barely passable.

Review by Alyson, age 14
Rating:

Excellent! It's great to hear from Mitch again. I hope nothing bad happens to him.

Review by Robert Holm, age 11
Rating:

Connie and Joanne are still on the road. and Connie stops by Mitch's house and finds him very busy. When they get to Detective Bourland, they meet his daughter Michaela (Mike). They go to a basketball game. She seems down. Her father then shows up and she dives for the ball and hurts her wrist. Later she tells Connie that her Father didn't like her and he always wanted a boy. Connie thinks she misunderstood. Mike's father then sets her straight. Now, Mike and her father understand each other better.

Review by Paul B
Rating:

Connie calls Mitch on the phone but he got a knock on the door and Connie was there. That was a great moment. Mitch and Connie's relationship is up in the air right now. Have to wait and see how this road trip ends.
Great show!

Review by Marlyse

Pink Is Not My Color is basically another one of those "Kid-Who-Feels-Like-Parents-Don't-Love-Them-But-They-Actually-Do-And-After-An-Accident-Of-Some-Sort-Everyone-Gets-Emotional-And-All-Problems-Are-Solved" episode, very nicely done.

I was wondering when Mitch and Connie would finally meet up. How can all this culmination of Mitch having to ignore Connie with no explanation and Connie saying that it's okay and just brushing it off (being the sacrificial friend that Mitch needs her to be) come to a complete, all ends met, dramatic conclusion in the two episodes of "Something Blue?" Can the Connie/Mitch relationship last any longer? Eugene and Katrina's was nicely sprinkled throughout the different sagas of Odyssey and so we didn't really get tired of it, but a concentration of romance...maybe their saturating our brains with it so that we can go for as long as possible without it when it's over. After Connie gets married, there's no one else to marry off except Jason and it will take a long time for him to find someone with all his travels.

I personally don't think that there's anyone better for Connie in the world than Mitch. Who knows what will happen? The scenes from the next show had such an air of extreme intensity, anything could happen, ANYTHING!!!!

What I want to happen "Something Blue":
- Connie and Mitch to settle their relationship with getting married or something else...
- Joanne does something with whatever it is that she's supposed to give to the Smithsonian. (Why would she go on this road trip if nothing exciting happened to it?)

Also, never, ever throw a hammer to someone. It is very dangerous!!! I'm surprised at Odyssey for encouraging that!

Review by Andrea, age 11
Rating:

This is really good. It is about a girl named Michaela (Mike). She plays basketball because she thinks that's what her dad wants. She even gave up ballet for him. Then they have a long talk (her dad and Mike), and well... you'll have to listen.

Review by Bradford G, age 13
Rating:

This has been one of the most touching episodes all season, along with "Black Clouds." I sure hope Connie and Mitch don't break up. And from what I heard on the clip for next week's episode, it all turns out well for Connie and Mitch. Oh and I'm sure glad Mike and her Dad (Agent Bourland) have worked things out and have an even greater relationship. Good Job A.I.O. team! :-)

Review by EugeneFan (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

I thought that this was another very good episode. It had a good lesson that fit into the story, the plot was interesting and not predictable, and it made me want to know what happens. I loved this episode and am looking forward to next week's!

Review by AREM (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Awesome episode, it's giving me the feeling that Andromeda is somewhere around. Good episode, very well done. Surprise beginning with Mitch. Bourland's family was realistic to real families with dads in the FBI or dads with too busy of a job. Where was the scripture reading? Wonderful episode. Looks like next week's episode, "Something Blue, part 1," will feature Mitch and Bourland on their important case, and a new bad guy, by the sounds of it, or is that Charles and he just sounds a bit different? Well, Kathy and some new writer wrote it. Overall, awesome episode.

Review by James M (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Great ep. It shows a good rep of girls wanting to please fathers who have no son and when dads are too busy. And Connie and Mitch having to deal with being apart. Setting up for next week (Connie and the FBI "widow" and a bad guy). Wonder if talk of a wedding will come out. Mike was cool. The parents I guess want to make sure she's out of trouble, but soon she will be able to stay home alone and babysit herself. Good interaction with them and Mrs. Bourland and I enjoyed also them mentioning putting away bad guys. Is it Andromeda or someone else? We will find out next week. Anyways great ep!

Review by Laurie (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

This was an excellent episode. I really liked Agent Bourland's family. Connie was also very mature in her dealings with Mike and also Mitch. I think she is finally starting to mature.

Review by Mandy Straussberg (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

I LOVED the episode. By far, the best this season. The Mike/Peter story was really, really sweet. I loved the resolution. It was a really fun story.

Review by Ferder (Town Hall)

While it was quite a well-written ep, I found the Peter/Mike storyline just a little to sappy. That's the second road trip ep about a girl with low self-estem. When are we going to hear about some boys? (preferably cool boys that aren't always moping and saying that their parents are either dead, or don't love them).

Still the Connie/Mitch story is slowly moving along, and I am wondering how it will all turn out.

Review by Bennett Charles (Town Hall)

The ep was pretty good. It wasn't great, but it was still good enough. The thing with Bourland and Mike could've been better if Bourland wanted/tried to get Mike to be boyish. And Connie finds out about it and starts yelling at Bourland for being so stupid. I just think it would've been a better story.

Overall, it's a good episode. Theres nothing much to complain about. Nice job Odyssey.

Review by Andy G Harvey (Town Hall)

Excellent episode! Especially for a post-story line ep...they are harder to do...check it some of Odyssey's worst eps were right after huge storylines such as Darkness before Dawn and Daring Deeds, Sinister Schemes.

Review by DrBlackgaard (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

This episode wasn't too bad. Not exactly a classic or top 10 epiosde...But I didn't hate it.

It was rather interesting to see Agent Bourland (the tough, unemotional, character from the FBI) in a family setting.

Connie obviously has some growing up to do. Once again I have to say that I'm glad she's not my girlfriend. Still, perhaps it's good that she is that way. It may make some good storylines in the future, and if everything moved along too smoothly, and everyone involved acted as like perfect Christians who had every move memorized, it would be not only unrealistic, but boring.

One concern I had was that Connie seems to be leading the relationship on, kind of dragging Mitch along towards marriage when Mitch is obviously busy with other things, and when Connie probably isn't ready for it herself. Also, she doesn't seem to have much concern at all for God in the relationship.

Anyway, just some thoughts; perhaps some of those issues will be adiquately delt with in future episodes.

All in all, a pretty nice episode...

Review by guppiegirl (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

My overall view was it was one of the best episodes so far (if not the best). In the begining, I wasn't really impressed with Connie, but she got better through the episode. I felt bad for her though when Mitch changed the dinner plan and then kept looking at his watch during their dinner. So basically I thought Mitch needed to grow up a little too!

Review by hawkeye (Town Hall)

Over all, I liked this weeks episode a lot. However, one thing concerned me in it, and I truely hope this is made issue of in future episodes and corrected, however, I am saddened it wasnt made more issue of in this episode. I am also saddened this was missed by others

What am I referring to? Connie's behavior, yes, but also Mitch's and Bourland's. Connie's expectations at the start of the episode were high. The man who proclaimed his love for her, whom had asked for her hand in marriage, she was going to see. But upon arrival, he left for work. Now he didnt just leave for work, but he left and then stayed at work and the next day went to work and worked late.... Bourland likewise worked long hours.

Connie's expectations in the beginning were NOT too high, they were perfectly where they should have been. Mitch had professed his love for Connie, thus he made it clear she was important to him, yet his actions said his job were more important.

Is not the priority supposed to be, of every Christian, GOD first, family second, THEN job?

But, Connie slowly lowered her expectations. Surely, the man who proclaimed his love for her had higher priorities than her. When Connie told Mitch to go, it wasn't a statement of understanding, but a test of their relationship. Mitch failed. If Mitch truely loved her, he would have stayed (and ceased looking at his watch) because he valued her.

Yes, Connie isnt family to Mitch, yet, but, if Connie and Mitch are to marry, is this, the engagement, not the time to be reordering his priorities to set Connie above job, yet below God?

Connie actually HAS matured a lot in this episode compared to previous ones. She had her priorities somewhat straight going to Mitch, but as she had no assurance through the ordeal, she became unsure. Connie gave up her will, to be with Mitch, so he could keep his higher priority: job. On her part, that was a great sacrifice, and a sign of her maturity, but on Mitch's part, it was a sign of lack of maturity. Connie gave up her will in an effort to make the relationship work, which, on her part she was right. That is an essectial part of marriage, but Mitch didnt do anything for the relationship.

This is my main qualm with this episode, and I hope this is not left unaddressed in the following episodes.

Review by RichardMaxwell (Town Hall)

I have to say it was an excellent episode. It showed us another dimension of Agent Bourland, as a family man.

Review by Jared (Town Hall)

I generally enjoyed the episode. A few things, as mentioned by others above, seemed a little strange (Mike's better basketball playing when her dad made it to the game, the almost immediate injury and a handful of other minor things throughout), but it was, for the most part, an interesting episode.

Review by Arwen (Town Hall)

I didn't like how Mitch's time is too occupied with the FBI. I think next ep might be sad. It also seemed strange to hear Bourland as a father figure. He doesn't seem like the type. I'm not that crazy about him.

Review by MXracer (Town Hall)

The episode wasn't too great or too bad. It was fun to listen to once or twice, but that would be it.

533: Something Blue, Part 1

Episode Information

Consensus: Thumbs Up (20/32 positive reviews)

Reaction to the first episode of the two-part season finale is possibly the most mixed in recent Odyssey history. And the kind of response given generally depends on what people thought of the final scene of the show. Many fans loved Connie's response and their reviews had the feeling of "It's about time!" Others didn't like her answer and thought the whole thing felt very sudden. Nearly all of the debate in the reviews is whether or not Connie and Mitch are really ready for this step. Most are looking to next week to decide whether they like the show or not.

Often mentioned positives are the humor of the Connie dinner scene and scene with the antique dealer. Often mentioned negatives are Connie's whiney-ness and Mitch not having enough time for Connie.

Review by Josh, age 18
Rating:

I thought this episode was nicely done! I really don't expect Connie and Mitch to get married this soon...without Eugene!?! And it's also Odyssey tradition to really extend something like this to make it more interesting. :-) To be honest, I wasn't expecting a whole lot, but today's show proved me wrong!

Review by Kelsy
Rating:

Connie and Mitch married?!? Awesome!

Review by Joey Carr, age 13
Rating:

I loved this episode. I can't wait for the second part.

Review by Stacia, age 21

ACK! NO! I used to be such a huge fan of Connie and Mitch, but he is so focused on himself and his career right now. They can't get married! How can they possibly have a healthy relationship when Mitch is making the FBI his priority over everything else. And we can't lose Connie to Budapest—she is the sparkle in that show. By the way, what's up with the lack of Whit this season? I miss him.

Review by Dave
Rating:

She did it again. Kathy Wierenga made Mitch pop the questions for the season final second time in a row! I'm really against that...

The teaser at the end of last week's show gave me far too high expectations on the action in this show. There was only a little at the beginning which wasn't very good.

But, on the positive side, it had some very funny moments. The moment in Mitch's house was good, especially when he prayed to protect us. But why would Connie sneak into Mitch's house for no real good reason? It seemed to be put there for laughs, though it was funny. Another good thing about this show was the clips at the end. It will be so great to hear for George Barclay again and also Whit! But the reason we're going to hear from them is anything but good...what is Odyssey coming too?

Review by Paul B
Rating:

Mitch is moving to some place called Budapest if he pass all his test. He asked Connie to marry him and she said yes. Have to see how that works out. Sounds like Pastor Barclay has come back to Odyssey to marry them. Wonder what other Barclay family members will be there? Great show! Looking forward to part two.

Review by Prince Rilian, age 18
Rating:

Good Points: For starters, the opening scene was quite nice, adding a bit of action—or at least pseudo-action—to what was otherwise another ho-hum episode of the Connie/Mitch romance saga. Intuitively, you knew it was just a training exercise (I don't think Chris would have been quite bubbly if one of the main characters was just fatally wounded), but still, it was bright spot.

The rhyming theme was funny, though perhaps gone a little too far. Nice bit of humor.

For some reason, I really liked the voice of the Smithsonian antique expert—it fit the character perfectly. The voice also sounds right for a scheming Andromeda executive. Perhaps we'll hear more of him.

Lastly, the possibility of hearing Mitch's Budapest adventures is promising.

Bad points: Actually, I have only a single point but it is weighty enough to stand alone. The Mitch/Connie proposal scene was completely ridiculous in my opinion.

Mitch: "Connie, even though this is probably the biggest decision we'll ever make in our lives other than trusting Christ, I think I'll just off-handedly say with a chuckle: we need to get married."
Connie: "Yes! Yes! Yes! I've spent about five seconds thinking about it, and I accept!"
Mitch: "Whoops, there goes my cell phone, gotta run. I guess we'll just have to drag this out for another episode."

Is it just me, or did they get married on the spur of the moment? Yes, they've been talking and talking about it for months, but the decision seemed very short and not exactly sweet. But what do I know—they love each other, right? It's not like they have to discuss it with their parents or anything, right?

Final note: didn't Mitch sound uncannily like Barney the Dinosaur's theme song? "I love you, you love me..."

Overall: Not as bad as "Seeing Red" but definitely could be better.

Review by Rose
Rating:

Great episode! It was exciting, funny (especially:"Betty Crocker meets Dr. Seuss"), and the last 5 minutes took me completely by surprise!

Finally, Connie and Mitch are getting married! Writers, please don't let them back out at the last second! Oh, I can't wait for the next show....

Review by Robyn J, age 15
Rating:

I thought this was going to be a great episode, until I found out that the fight was just part of the FBI training.

Connie and Mitch absolutely cannot get married. Connie belongs in Odyssey, as she's always been, and Mitch belongs somewhere else. Budapest would be fine.

I think that the twelve thousand Philip paid Joanne is counterfeit, and he's just going to run away or something. Either that or he's really, really stupid.

I didn't really like this episode at all. I think it was a mistake to bring the character of Mitch into the show, unless it was just as AREM.

Review by Andrea, age 11
Rating:

Awesome! A lot about Mitch and Connie! You should hear it!

Review by Lyndsay
Rating:

BRAVO! This ep was awesome. Not predictable at all! New suspense! Oh, man, I loved it. I think it might be the best this season! I really loved the "dinner" Connie cooked with all the rhyming stuff. I think it was great! And I can't wait until the next ep!

My new favorite quote:
Mitch: "I think we should get married.
Conne: "To each other?"

Review by AREM
Rating:

This ep was sooo awesome. You will really enjoy it. Mitch proposes to Connie and, yeah, it is a really good ep. Keep up the good work and I can't wait till next week!

Review by Ming, age 13
Rating:

YES! YES! YES! Connie and Mitch are going to get married! I love this! It's so cool! I just hope that Odyssey doesn't throw a surprise at us. YES!

Review by Alyson, age 14
Rating:

YES! Connie and Mitch are finally getting married! :-)

Review by ProfFrink, age 18
Rating:

I don't really know what to say. I could possibly be the first person to hear this show. I stayed up till 4am (which is midnight in Colorado) so that I could listen to it as soon as they posted it on the web.

Altogether a pretty good episode, though a little to unrealistic. I don't think that Connie's job should be to simply support Mitch, I think she needs to let him know how she feels and he needs to make that a factor in his decisions. I'm still not so sure that they will actually get married though. Could this really be the end of Connie? If she moves to Budapest then she will obviously be off the show. I just don't know what to think. I guess we'll just have to wait until next week to find out.

Review by Eugene Fan (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Wow! This episode completely amazed me. Connie and Mitch, after dating for about a year, are getting married in less than a week! I was happy, shocked, and a little sad all at once. I was very glad that they were getting married (something I've been wanting them to do for months), and I anxiously await their wedding next week, which I still cannot believe is happening. Although, I am extremely happy they are doing this, this will also change the show in a negative way. Connie Kendall, who has worked at Whit's End since the show's beginning, will suddenly disappear from the show completely. Almost like Eugene, except Connie and Mitch will not be hiding from anyone. Now, at least we will get to hear more from Nick and Aubrey, but it won't be the same as Connie and Eugene. I'm very happy for what happened, yet very sad as well. But I give this episode 5 out of 5.

Review by James M (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Very good. Connie and Mitch...are they ready? That can be debated. Connie had some funny lines again, like repeating twelve thousand dollars. It was cool that the compass sold for so much and hopefully next week they will be able to keep it. They fooled us last week in preview...there was no real bad guy, but it worked better. The Bourlands were still cool. Connie and Mitch are great together. Is Katie Leigh leaving AIO? Taking a break? And that's how they are "getting rid" of Connie for a while? Well, some may think they are not ready, 3 days. Wow. Great. And next week George Barclay will be there preaching at the wedding. I saw that coming. I guess it will be in Odyssey with Whit there. Anyways, great ep. Bravo.

Review by Thorin Oakenshield (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Hmm, my mind is still reeling from this ep! For some reason our radio wasn't working right and we missed about five minutes in the middle. The connection went out and picked up right as Connie said yes to marrying Mitch! My mom was literally speachless....I still am not sure that Connie's mature enough to get married. I give it three and a half stars 'cause though it was good, but I don't feel generuos enough to give four.

Review by howdypardner (Town Hall)

I sure hope the next ep ends when Connie wakes up! What has Odyssey sunk to?! Connie is nowhere near mature enough for marriage. For one thing, she hasn't been to college yet—what about that trust fund Whit set up for her? She has no housekeeping skills and knows next to nothing about healthy communication.

And what does Whit think of all this? I would hope he would disagree with her marrying Mitch (whom, I must confess, I've never liked...but I don't especially care for Connie either). Odyssey is turning into a soap opera—having one character get married before X has to leave or Y dies is one thing (Joanne and Jack), two was pushing it (Eugene and Katrina), but three is just too much.

Review by samitude (Town Hall)

I liked the story and I'm glad that Connie and Mitch are getting married. I just wish that someone on Odyssey would have a normal wedding. You know where you plan for months, send out invitations, get married in the church, have a wonderful reception and then go on your honeymoon. Is that too much to ask? Jason and Tasha are going to have a private wedding at Whit's End then that doesn't work out so they decide to go to the Justice of the Peace. Of course that whole engagement ended which I'm glad it did. It wouldn't have been a good thing. Eugene and Katrina get married by a hosptial bed and just say "I do." I guess Jack and Joanne had a normal wedding, but that's it. Now Connie can't even have a nice, normal wedding in Odyssey. Probably the only people that will be there will be the Bourlands, Whit, Connie's mom, George Barclay, and the bride and groom. Her dad probably won't be able to come.

Review by Laurie (Town Hall)

This episode was ok. If Connie and Mitch do get married, I think Connie is making a mistake. She answered with her heart, not her head. Why didn't she pray about it first, or talk to her mother or Whit? Or even Joanne?

Review by trina (Town Hall)

I'm still thinking this one through. While I think it's the best thing for Connie's character, seeing that she's gotten so emotionally involved with Mitch that at this point she can't go back, I also think this might be bad for Odyssey. I agree that Connie may not be mature enough for marriage, but I have a little secret for all of you:

Connie Kenall is a fictional character. She can go from being mature to being not mature depending on... well... if the sky is blue. Maybe being a wife would bring out some of the more mature bits of her character.

Also, Laurie, you must remember that Connie and Mitch had previously talked to her mother, and even Whit about thier relationship. Although it may seem otherwise, this decision was not totally spur-of-the-moment.

Review by Arwen (Town Hall)

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I did not like the ending to this ep. I've "known" Connie for eleven years. She absolutely CANNOT get married! And then go away for TWO years! I'm sorry. I'm still in total shock.

Review by Tsion (Town Hall)

...I'm not sure they'll get married. Personally, I have mixed feelings about it.

First, while it sounds really nice to have Connie talk to the people she cares about about this, I view as a bit unnecessary. She already has talked to them about it, and while at the time it was pretty much a "rethink this" response, Connie's world has changed quite a bit since then. She's been out on her own, and this relationship with Mitch is pretty much running independently, which by the time someone reaches engagement, is how it often happens. Connie's an adult, and she's probably past the stage where she needs to get everyone's approval. Beyond that, everyone in Odyssey pretty much does approve of Mitch, so that's not much of a question either.

On the other hand, I have to agree with those who say that this would really change the dynamics of the show. I can't imagine a Whit's End without Connie for very long (even the Applesauce incident was really awkward, though it made for a great storyline). Connie in Budapest is just a bizarre thought, though the Sri Lanka thing has possibilities if it pans out.

My thinking is that Connie's world has gotten a little bit bigger over the years. After everything she's been through, the question becomes, what would it be like for her to return to Whit's End? Could she really do it and be happy, considering the direction her life has taken? I think these are a few of the questions that the writers are having to address, and it isn't easy.

Still, the whole thing about Connie concluding that she needed to support Mitch because Joanne wanted to support the people in Sri Lanka seemed a little far-fetched to me. I mean, I hope the decision to marry Mitch is based on more than just that, but so far we've been given no indication otherwise. Joanne's caution to make sure that it's really God's calling was an excellent line, but unless that's addressed in the next episode, it seems like a red herring, or at least a throwaway line. And I'm really hoping it isn't either. I can't imagine something that important being reduced to a disclaimer.

Review by Carolita (Town Hall)

Ok, this is not good. They can't get married now...it's...it's.....preposterous!

Ok...now for the good parts of the story... I like the dinner they had, that was a definite plus to the story.

Hmm..looks like that's the only part I really liked.

Review by Gandalf (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

I'm saving my full review for next week, but I just have a few comments:

1) I desperately hope Connie and Mitch don't get married. Sure, they're not real people, but AIO was started to teach children. What kind of example are we teaching them when two of the most popular characters make an single immature, unthought through decision about something that will affect their lives forever?

Also, I've grown up with Connie. I was very happy that Eugene and Katrina got married when they did because I was familiar with them both. I "knew" them and would have been very happy for them if they were real. I can't say that about Mitch and Connie. I absolutely despise Mitch. A lot of times AIO has done an episode with Connie that just hit me when I needed it. She probably would have been one of my best friends if she were actually real. I would be very upset if Connie gets married in a stuper of emotion like this. I'll also be very upset if Connie ever marries Mitch, but with the proper writing and time it could be almost good.

2) I have officially decided AIO is now in the category of Soap Opera. I'm tired of characters dying, then coming back to life, international intrigues that wouldn't ever happen in real life, pathetic romances that go on forever and then end suddenly, etc. etc. etc. In all seriousness, there is absolutely no difference in AIO and Days of Our Lives anymore except the characters in AIO don't bed hop. Even the Christianity in AIO has started to blur. I'm not very impressed.

3) Based on 1 and 2, if Connie and Mitch do get married next week, I will probably not be an Odyssey fan anymore. Sure, I'll listen to the show when it's convenient and I'll probably pick up an album every once in awhile, but I won't make it a priority in my life or even go out of my way anymore to make sure I listen to every episode. I'll miss it and of course I'll continue to listen to all my old episodes (mostly albums 1-35) but I will no longer be participating in this forum, the online AIO community, or even using it as an ice breaker when meeting new people. It will be a very sad day if it happens.

I give this part of the episode about 1/2 a star out of 5. Thats being generous. Perhaps my opinion of this episode will change next week so please don't quote me quite yet, okay?

Review by Jared (Town Hall)

Putting aside concerns about what the events of this episode will mean for the show, Something Blue was an enjoyable episode. Put into context, it's ... intriguing.

I certainly won't go as far as Gandalf on this one. If Connie and Mitch get married, it's not the end of everything. But it strikes me as a little premature. Not even so much in the amount of time—they've known each other for a good while now—but more in the area of whether or not they are truly ready, regardless of how long they've known each other.

Several have commented that they dislike the marriage idea because they don't like Mitch. I beg to differ here. I don't like Connie.

Now, that's not exactly true. I think Connie's a very good and extremely important character. I just don't think she's a character well suited, at least at this point, for marriage. Like him or not, Mitch is a more stable character. And while that may be a strange thing to say for someone who seems to pick up and leave on a moment's notice, who will have had four homes in certainly less than half as many years, who has done things more than a little strange too many times to count...but I think it's true.

Mitch is impulsive, yes, but for him, it seems to be goal-driven. He's motivated to get ahead in the FBI, so he jumps at the chance to go to Budapest. Impulsive because he's already decided what he wants to do with his life and when a door opened up, he didn't hesitate.

On the other hand, there's Connie. The one who makes house entries bordering on the—well, no; completely on the—illegal side. The one who in a sudden burst of inspiration makes a meal based entirely on ending rhymes. One who decides to go on a long trip on a whim without telling a soul yet expects the welcome mat to be out for her when she arrives. And etceteras.

Looking on the practical side, Mitch is ready for marriage. Connie still seems like she needs to sit in the kitchen and learn a little from her mother. (Contrary to popular belief, flame broiled works on burgers, not green beans.)

I'm not trying to disparage the character here. On the contrary, it's a fun one that has had people interested for a decade and a half. But for all practical purposes, she still is the same type of person. Granted, she's different than she was pre-salvation and all that; that should be obvious. But despite her advancing age, she's still the same person she's been for all these years. Excitable, foolhardy, a little on the inept side (I am being generous), quick to take offense (definitely more so these days, actually), and, above all, infinitely dangerous to be around.

In short, she's not really ready to just get married and head off to Hungary, in my opinion.

Like others, I'm also not impressed with the immediate nature of this upcoming marriage. Certainly the circumstances play a part, but they seem to make a better case for an engaged couple with all the issues worked out just setting the date a little sooner because of the looming deadline, not for tossing aside the fact that they've been barely getting along, haven't seen each other much for months and still have all sorts of unresolved problems, or so it would seem.

There's a case to be made for a ready couple doing this so they don't have to wait two years and endure the separation. But can anyone honestly say that Connie and Mitch are a ready couple?

I also am concerned about the apparent squandering of the trust fund Whit set up for her college education. Now, I know it's not squandering in the truest since of the word—she didn't go out and splurge, wasting it all. It's still there and Whit could, if he so chose, revoke it and use it himself, or she could perhaps use it to put herself through college once she returns to the states in two years, but I cannot help but thinking things along the line of "what a waste."

And what a snub of Mr. Whittaker, even if inadvertent. He sets this up, she seemingly keeps putting off using it... And now it seems that the opportunity has basically passed her by. He put that together for her and she basically ignored it. ...

To those concerned that this means the end of Connie Kendall, I can't say with one hundred percent certainty that if this little marriage goes through, that won't be a way to "get rid of her" due to Katie Leigh moving on, but I doubt that Katie is doing such and, barring losing her, I cannot see any possible reason the writers would have to push Connie aside.

Allow me to introduce one of the marvels of radio drama: no matter where Connie is, she'll be originating from a studio in California. If she does go to Hungary, I guess we'll just hear a few episodes featuring people who speak "Budapestese." Of course, Connie will likely not be able to speak with any such people, needing to master the quirks of English before moving on to Magyar, but those are minor details. Right?

I realize that the above was more commentary on the situations and issues brought up by the latest episode rather than a review, but what is there to say about the episode itself? It was well-written, well produced, surprising and funny. All the ingredients of a good episode, at least on the surface.

Now, we just need to decide, as fans, whether to be aghast or jubilant. Hopefully, part two will answer a few questions and, just perhaps, set a few minds at ease.

Review by Mandy Straussberg (Town Hall)
Rating: (out of five)

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good episode. But Connie was really whiney—moreso than usual.

It had a lot of good scenes. I especially enjoyed the "Dr. Suess meets Betty Crocker" meal, and Connie's description of how it went.

As for the engagment, I've always been a huge fan of the Connie/Mitch development, but, for some reason, it just doesn't seem right. First of all, I don't think it's really going to happen. (Feel free to laugh at me next week if I'm wrong. ) It's just too...convenient, I guess. And as my friend said last night, (not an Odyssey fan... she just happened to be over here when I was listening) the proposal wasn't romantic at all.

So, as much as I hoped they'd get married, I don't think they will this time, and I almost hope they don't—this time, anyway.

534: Something Blue, Part 2

Episode Information

Consensus: Thumbs Up (25/38 positive reviews)

Just like the first half, "Something Blue, Part 2" is generating a very wide range of opinions. In fact, it is perhaps the most diversely reviewed show since AIOHQ started accepting submissions more than three years ago. Though there were other factors, reviews by and large depended on what listeners thought of the Mitch and Connie relationship (and not just in this episode). Many listeners who wanted them to get married thought the episode was horrible. Others who were unsure thought it was unfair to say that they were going to get married and then call it off at the last minute. Some thought Mitch acted like a jerk in the show.

Still, many reviewers liked (or loved) the episode. (Currently, 70% of the reviews on the Town Hall rate it at four stars or above.) Some were simply glad to get rid of Mitch and end the relationship storyline. Others, however, liked the show for its own sake, calling it an excellent episode. Fans noted the great scenes between Connie and Whit, and Connie and June. Another high point was the maturity of Connie throughout the show. And everyone agreed that it was great to hear from George Barclay again.