New Questions >> June 25, 2007
Why does Jason Whittaker appear in
The Last Chance Detectives audio dramas? -Submitted
by the Odyssey Scoop Webmaster
Sometimes I feel like I'm talking
to myself when it's not really necessary. And this is one of those
times. I thought it would be interesting to bring this up, since
Jason does appear in the first Last Chance Detectives
audio set, "The Day Ambrosia Stood Still." So why does he
appear in the first LCD mystery case, anyway? The answer is simple.
At the end of the Spring 2004 season, a special two-part mystery
aired with two separate titles:
No Way Out and
No Way In. Both
episodes were focused on the Odyssey gang's frustrated attempts to
find Mr. Whittaker who had mysteriously disappeared from Odyssey.
After the mystery was solved at the end of
No Way In,
someone asked Whit where Jason was as they put closure to the case,
and Mr. Whittaker tells him that Jason had to leave for a business
trip to Mexico. This left an open door for the special Last
Chance Detectives shows that would soon pick up where AIO had
left off for the summer. So with Jason now suddenly on a road trip
and another season of Adventures in Odyssey at an end, a
perfect segue led to the special LCD series. At the end of
No Way In, Chris
gives an exciting sneak peek into the summer ahead with Last
Chance. Now if AIO looks as if it's planning ahead all the time,
it probably is. And that's why Jason so abruptly left the episode
and had the other characters wondering about his absence.
So the next time you listen to
The Last Chance Detectives, think of the team's persistence and
preparation for the future. And if you're new to Last Chance
Detectives, you may want to pick up your very own copies of the
three audio cases: "The Day Ambrosia Stood Still," "Mystery of the
Lost Voices," "The Last Flight of the Dragon Lady," and three DVD
adventures that inspired these dramas. Each is available from Focus
on the Family (website). Find
out what happens to Jason Whittaker outside of the AIO realm.
I've read a lot of
AIO FAQ's and I still don't know who it is that is answering all the
questions. Just what is your name? -Submitted by Steph
What's in a name?
What's in my name? Well, my name rhymes with AY-CUB and my last name
sounds like EYE-SUM. My name's written out on various parts of this
site, though if you click on
Webmaster you can learn a little more about me. I'm the
webmaster, by the way. Any questions?
Why doesn't Pamela
Hayden play Katrina anymore? Will she ever return to the series or
will it always be the 'new' Katrina? -Submitted by Hilary
The 'new' Katrina. Now
we're all just hoping that Pamela Hayden will come back to
Adventures in Odyssey in the near future. We're all wishing that
we could have the old Katrina Shanks Meltsner back. Pamela Hayden is
a well-accomplished actress and has many credits to her name.
However, she will no longer be gracing us with the Katrina Shanks
Meltsner that we have grown to know and love over the years. When
Eugene came back to Odyssey, we were all expecting both Will Ryan
(Eugene) and Pamela Hayden (Katrina) to be available. We got
Eugene back, but now it seems as if we've lost the real Katrina.
Audrey Wasilewski, voice of the 'new' Katrina Meltsner, has done a
wonderful job at imitating Pamela's voice since her appearance. At
first I was a little upset as you are, Hilary, but the longer you
get to know a voice replacement, the more you accept them. Take Paul
Herlinger, for example. Hal Smith played John Avery Whittaker since
the beginning of the show, and when he passed away, fans wanted Whit
to come back to Odyssey. Then in came Paul Herlinger, and most of us
were a little untrusting of the new voice. Yet, as time passed, he
fulfilled the job of being Whit very well. Now, fans trust the new
Whit. Interestingly, Paul Herlinger has been with the program and
appears in more albums than Hal Smith did in his time with the show.
Hal Smith was a wonderful actor, but Paul Herlinger proves to be one
as well.
Characters come and
go. Some stay, and some get replaced with other actors. But
Adventures in Odyssey successfully communicates Christian
messages that build character in listeners around the world. Just
give it some time, Hilary. Though Audrey Wasilewski is here to stay,
the fans are as well. Let's give her a chance. We may be a little
surprised.
I just found your
site and am thrilled. I am so curious about Adventures in
Odyssey. Now, I want to know the name of the actor who plays Jimmy
Barclay once he has become an adolescent and his voice has changed.
I cannot find that information on your site. -Submitted by Julia
Julia,
I'm so glad to to make your acquaintance! I'm also glad to hear that
you're curious about Adventures in Odyssey. It's quite a
program, isn't it? As for Jimmy Barclay's character, a guy named
David Griffin played Jimmy
Barclay for years on the show. David Griffin played Jimmy throughout
the series, and looks like one of the longest-lived child characters
EVER on AIO. That's a mystery because usually characters come and
go, but Jimmy keeps arriving in new episodes every few years. Now we
just need Donna to show up and all will be well. For more
information on Mr. Griffin, click
here.
Are
there any future plans for the Rathbone family to become Christians?
What a miracle... -Submitted by Karen Jurss
It's something that fans have been
wondering about since Bart Rathbone showed up in Odyssey. Will Bart
Rathbone (and his family) ever become Christians? In more recent
days, we've seen that Bart learns a lesson, but he just seems to
push it aside right after learning it. The same goes for both Rodney
and Doris Rathbone as well. So will they ever get saved?
Unfortunately, Walker
Edmiston, voice of Tom Riley and Bart Rathbone, passed
away in 2007. That has left the Adventures in Odyssey team in
a bind. They have several choices, but I'll just give you the
highlights. They could:
-
Find a replacement voice for just
Tom Riley
-
Find a replacement voice for just
Bart Rathbone
-
Find a replacement voice for both
Tom Riley and Bart Rathbone
-
Allow Tom Riley to pass away in
the series, opening up story ideas
-
Allow Tom Riley to disappear from
the series
-
Allow Bart Rathbone (and family)
to move away, or disappear from the series
I'm sure I've left out a few options,
but it looks as though Bart Rathbone will no longer be on the show.
Fans would notice immediately if they tried to replace Bart's
character. If they did, there would be many unhappy fans because
things just wouldn't be the same. As for Rodney and Doris, the
actors are still available (even though Doris was recently replaced
because Pamela Hayden is no
longer with the show). However, if Bart is removed from the series,
it only makes sense that Rodney and Doris be pulled as well. I think
it's time to pull the plug for the Rathbone family. No doubt
Walker Edmiston will be
greatly missed.
Has AIO ever made
an episode that deals with abuse? Either child abuse or other kinds
of abuse? If they haven't, will they? Because that's a really
important issue, and it would make a great episode. -Submitted
by Rose AKA AlexCalandJaredfan
AlexCalandJaredfan,
this is so exciting! I get to send greetings your way and welcome
you to the AIO FAQ section! Rose, you asked about episodes dealing
with child abuse. It's ironic that you should ask that because
Odyssey just produced an episode titled
The Chosen One,
which involves a girl whose mother physically abuses her. So if
you're interested in hearing it, it's now available in
Into the Light. The episode
doesn't focus primarily on the abuse, but it's the closest AIO's
gotten to the topic. An episode dealing more with emotional abuse is
A Model Child,
available in At Home and Abroad.
I'd like to hear a more powerful episode about child abuse, too.
Are there any
Odyssey videos coming out in the future? -Submitted by Connie's
Jogging Suit's Tags
Why hello, Connie's
Jogging Suit's Tags! I have been dying to get in contact with you
ever since I found out Connie wore a green jogging suit, even in the
summer months! I am absolutely shocked that I'm talking to the very
jogging suit tags of Connie Kendall! Oh my word! I've been dying to
ask you this ever since I knew you existed: Does your tag say
"Machine Wash Warm" or "Machine Wash Cold?" "With like colors" or
does it matter? "Tumble dry low," or does that matter either? I
guess since you're on film a lot, you've got to tell Connie how to
wash her wardrobe correctly, and it seems to work. I never see her
with any pasta sauce stains or chocolate stains. You're doing a good
job, Connie's Jogging Suit's Tags!
Since you are a star
in the Odyssey videos, it makes sense that you should ask this
question. Will there be any Odyssey videos in the future? Well, the
"New Series" is the most recent Odyssey video series, and it didn't
prove to be a very popular one. The video team ceased production
after four episodes of the video line, but that doesn't mean that
they won't produce more cartoons in the future. At the moment, AIO
has no plans to release any more Odyssey videos. But don't be
discouraged, Miss. Tags (you are a Miss, right? I've always thought
clothing tags had a feminine gender). You're a star. If any future
episodes of AIO cartooning are released, you'll find them on our
DVD's page. Keep watching!
If there is a place
you can download Family Portraits episodes for your MP3 player, is
there a place where you can download Officer Harley episodes?
-Submitted by Connie's Jogging Suit's Tags
Miss. Tags, the
internet is changing all the time. And it looks as if there's not a
single place on the internet to download "Family Portraits" episodes
or Officer Harley episodes. Your MP3 player will save a little room
for other things now. However, if you want some Odyssey episodes to
keep your MP3 player company and you have a little money to spend,
you may want to order some Odyssey episodes from
SongTouch Adventures in Odyssey page. It contains quite a
few episodes of Odyssey, even though Officer Harley isn't in any of
them. If you like Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, you can
order MP3 downloads of several Radio Theatre productions via the
internet now.
What are the words
to that guy's poem in Best Laid Plans? That's a really good
poem, but I can never remember all the words. -Submitted by Rose
AKA AlexCalandJaredfan
That's a very good question, friend of
Alex Jefferson, Cal Jordan, and Jared DeWhite. I pulled out my
cassette copy of
Best Laid Plans
and went to work to answer this question. And below is the poem you
requested. Yes, it's the poem "that guy" wrote and presented at the
Timothy Center at the end of the episode. So, without further
banter, I present "that guy's" poem.
Untitled Poem,
as presented in "Best Laid Plans"
I was trapped by the invisible walls of my
fate,
Tricked by the idea that I could not escape,
Chained up in a ghetto where my father died,
Fooled into thinking I would never go outside.
Imprisoned by my friends who knew nothing but war,
Shackled to everything that had gone on before.
I would always be here in this dead end life of mine,
My heart turned back by a city limit sign.
Yet,
and yet I now see a way out of my concrete jail,
A new way to soften a heart that's grown stale.
No longer curse in this place for the wealth,
No longer fighting with man or myself.
I understand now what it takes to get real.
If you wanna stand up, you have to learn how to kneel.
I surrender.
My weapons are down at my feet.
'Cause we'll never have freedom
When there's blood on the street.
Why has Eugene come
back, but not Harlow Doyle? -Submitted by Ricky Derocher
Ricky, I think you're
a little confused. Eugene Meltsner came back to Odyssey (with his
new wife, Katrina), and Harlow never left. Harlow has been around,
but not specifically in as many new episodes as Eugene. Personally,
I think that Harlow Doyle's character should be presented with
moderation. If too many episodes include Harlow, fans will get
annoyed. Just as Connie, Eugene, and other characters get
frustrated/annoyed with Harlow's character, so the fans would too.
If AIO overdoses on Harlow, people will not appreciate Harlow for
who he is.
To hear Harlow on the
show after Eugene returns to Odyssey, you may want to check out
The Power of One
and Odyssey Sings!
At the beginning of
the AIO version of Dobson Comes To Town, Chris says that this
is episode 200, but the episode was #167. It doesn't make sense?
-Submitted by Wooton's Slide
Whoa! Whoa! That was
quite a slip. I just slid down Wooton's slide and didn't realize it
could talk. Wooton's Slide, allow me to introduce myself. I am the
webmaster of odysseyscoop.com, and you must be? Oh that's right.
Wooton's Slide. Regardless of what you are, it's nice to make your
acquaintance.
Mr. Slide, you're
absolutely right.
Dobson Comes to Town was the 167th episode to be produced by
Adventures in Odyssey, but Chris does explain that it's the
200th show. The only logical explanation is that Chris must be a
liar! What is the world coming to? Our role model Chris has a
fibbing problem.
Well, actually, no.
Chris was right. In the episode chronology,
Dobson Comes to Town
comes before the real 200th episode (Feud
for Thought). The only answer we can say here is... OOPS! We've
hit a goof!
How is Connie and
Eugene's relationship going? -Submitted by Kelcie
I know you were
waiting for a day when you would see Connie and Eugene walking down
the aisle (er, hear, rather), but such is not the case. In
Plan B: Missing in
Action, Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks finally tied the knot
after a long and "tumultuous" relationship. Their official public
ceremony is held in
For Better or For Worse. It was a crazy ride and a long wait for
fans, and the two part wedding episode proves to be a crazy
adventure.
As for Connie and
Eugene, it looks as though they will have to remain as "just
friends" from here on out. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
Where is Odyssey?
What state is Odyssey in? Or suspected of being in? -Submitted
by Abby, John, Christine
It's just one of those
questions that fans keep asking. Where is Odyssey? Is it in
Illinois? Kansas? Alaska? Under the rug? Abby and John, I'm glad you
asked. It's people just like you that I've created a feature over in
the Misc section called
Where Odyssey Is Not.
As many fans have succeeded at figuring out, Adventures in
Odyssey has mentioned quite a few states throughout the series.
Now, if we look at the context of these states, we see that the road
map to Odyssey is getting shorter and shorter. You won't find,
however, an episode that specifically tells where Odyssey really is.
It takes a process of elimination to figure out where it should be.
How can I contact
Paul McCusker? -Submitted by Claudia
Claudia, everyone
wants to contact Paul McCusker these days. I bet Paul's sitting at
his desk trying to put together his latest book and his phone keeps
ringing. You have to have close connections to chat with Mr.
McCusker. He's got people to see, places to visit, books to write.
Though, if you visit
paulmccusker.com, you may have a little luck on your side.
Does Eugene keep
his glasses on when he's walking in the dark? -Submitted by
Gumby
Eugene definitely keeps his glasses
on when he's walking in the dark. How do I know this for sure? It's
simple. Because it's harder to say at night than it is during the
day. And when you consider the fact that, logically, Eugene needs to
use glasses during the day, thus he sees more clearly. Thus,
wouldn't it make perfect sense that in order to continue seeing
clearly as he sees during the day, that he wear glasses at night? I
imagine that he needs glasses in the dark because, well, DUH!
Besides, Mr. Gumby, or whatever you call yourself, you're familiar
with television. You've starred in a few TV episodes here and there.
Eugene appears in a few of his own, and you can never see his eyes
anyway. His hair conveniently swoops down over his eyes to hide
them. So logically speaking, if his eyes are covered and he's
wearing glasses anyway, then there's something that he knows that
the rest of us don't. Obviously he gets around Odyssey quite well.
Just think back to the days when Eugene rode a bike around Odyssey.
It could only take a strong glasses prescription to help with that.
I should have summed this up in a
one-word answer: Yes. But I didn't. And now you're probably going to
ask me another question about how Eugene is able to even see,
period, after you read this response. Oh, but that's what I'm here
for, I guess: to answer people's questions and step on some toes
along the way. Please, just don't ask about Eugene's toes. That's
just gross.
I was looking in
the Actors & Crew thing and noticed that some of the characters
aren't in there... like Trent DeWhite. Why is that? -Submitted
by Amanda
Funny you should ask.
A lot of actors have photos available on the internet, while others
do not. Some actors and actresses prefer to remain private, while
others like to shine on the 'net. Regardless, it looks like Corey
Padnos, voice of Trent DeWhite, isn't interested in showing his
photo to the world... yet. Maybe someday, huh? Keep checking the
Actors & Crew section. You never know when new photos will arrive.
I was looking at
the Actors & Crew thing and saw that Kyle Massey played the old
Marvin. I was just wondering if Kyle was a Christian? -Submitted
by Amanda
It looks like Amanda
really likes the Actors & Crew section! So do I. It's one of the
sections here that I'm quite fond of. It looked absolutely ghastly
in the beginning years of the site and pretty much required a
redesign, which you're seeing now. Amanda, I'm sure you're probably
aware, but if you're not, I'll just go ahead and tell you. The
Adventures in Odyssey team seeks voices who are talented and can
put a character's part together. Sometimes they find Christian
actors, and other times they find non-Christians to act for them.
Either way, they're doing a good job. The Bible even tells us to be
"in the world and not of it." I think that AIO has done a good job
of seeking accomplished actors and actresses who, at the bottom
line, succeed at putting voices to the script. As Christians, we can
associate with the unsaved and still glorify God in the process. As
we remain separated from the world (distinctly different) as we
interact with them, God's glory can be known.
In answer to your
question, Amanda, I'm not sure if Kyle Massey is a Christian. I
guess that's between Kyle and the Lord. Regardless, the team has
been able to give God the glory with him.
Why isn't Mr.
Whittaker teaching the Bible and telling stories anymore? And why
don't people get in the Imagination Station anymore? -Submitted
by Hannah
The primary focus
during the existence of Adventures in Odyssey has been to
teach children (and families) principles from the Word of God. In
the early days of the series, Mr. Whittaker (voiced by
Hal Smith) brought a very warm
Mr. Whittaker to the show. When Hal Smith passed away, the team was
at a loss. Several years later, the new Whit (voiced by
Paul Herlinger) stepped
into his place and has tried to fit the part that was lost. I do not
blame the actors for not having a focus on the Bible anymore. The
writers have slowly taken the show to a new format over the years.
The show has covered an abundant amount of Bible stories, and the
team is running out of stories to tell. Whether Whit tells a story
or a character takes a ride in the Imagination Station, it doesn't
matter. The Bible is what it is, and a show that has run so constant
and true is running out of stories to tell.
We have, on the other
hand, seen the team take new approaches with Bible stories. They
have re-taught some of them in Kids Radio and BTV styles. We've seen
how the writers have made difficult efforts to continue to bring the
Bible to life.
However, we cannot
deny that the newer version of Mr. Whittaker has been watered down a
bit. In recent days, I believe the writers have tried to present a
story about characters learning lessons on their own instead
of through a sage old man at the end of episodes. That way,
characters are experiencing a more hands-on approach to lessons.
I'll be the first to admit
that I miss the
Imagination Station stories and Whit's godly advice. But that's why
all the albums are on CD now. We can listen to them any time we
want!
Could you please
update the FAQ soon? You haven't since last August. -Submitted
by Trying not to be rude...
Now, you have one of
the most interesting names I've ever encountered at the AIO FAQ
section. You have a multi-syllable, uninviting name. "Trying not to
be rude," it's nice to make your acquaintance anyway. I know you're
"Trying not to be rude..." but I'm not either. And here's your
answer: I update when there's enough questions to answer. Sometimes
I get lazy and I procrastinate. I procrastinated.
How old was Connie
when she almost married Mitch?
-Submitted by Esther
Not old enough. One thing you need to
understand about time in Odyssey is that Connie can celebrate as
many Christmas holidays as she wants, but she kind of skips her
birthday every year. Connie graduated at 18, celebrated a few more
Christmases, and eventually almost married Mitch... at probably age
18. But Christmas was nice. She'd be the first one to tell you.
Connie loves Christmas in Odyssey, especially when she gets to
celebrate them instead of her birthday every year.
I imagine that Connie is in her 20's
at this point, but that has yet to be mentioned.
Does Connie ever
get a pet? -Submitted by Estelle
"Here, Kitty Kitty!" I
stop to wonder if those words spark any memories for you? Connie
doesn't currently have a pet, but in the very early days of Odyssey,
Connie admitted in a letter to her friend Marcy that she had a
Saint Bernard named - what else? - Kitty! Now that's just one of
many trivia tidbits about our beloved main characters that we
sometimes forget. You'll find proof for that in
Promises, Promises.
If you'd like to hear
an episode where Connie gets frustrated at an ugly dog, listen to
Pet Peeves just
for fun.
Will Connie ever
get married? How come everyone's growing up and she seems to still
be 16? -Submitted by Mr. Bobo (Jared's pink teddy)
Mr. Bobo, uh, sir...
it's a pleasure to finally meet you! I've been looking for a chance
to meet you ever since I heard your debut episode. So how about an
autograph? I happen to know this sweet girl who's looking for a
husband at the moment. You're just so huggable and cuddle-able. Who
could pass you up? Maybe she'll be a perfect match for you, Mr.
Bobo?
Then again, maybe not.
Connie's been 16 for years, and I'm sure you've already far bypassed
her age. Connie will get married in the right time. Be patient, but
I don't think it's gonna be you. And if it is, I would certainly be
scared. Give her a few Odyssey albums. There's a lot of teddy bears
in the store, to not borrow a colloquialism.
As to Connie's age,
maybe she should start stop celebrating Christmas and skipping her
birthday? She's really missing out on life. She must feel
intimidated with all her friends and family passing her by in age.
Any Odyssey character would. And please don't go around repeating
her age to everyone. She's already embarrassed enough.
How can Trent be
afraid of a microphone? -Submitted by Hannah
You gotta admit, microphones are
scary looking. Spiders are scary looking. Is there a difference? I
don't think that for Trent there is.
In all reality, there are phobias for
everything. There's the fear of being scared, the fear of being
scared of oneself. There's even a fear of being afraid of fear.
Trust me, Trent can be afraid of a microphone. That's easy.
Watch out! I think there's a spider on
your shoulder!
What episode
does Eugene & Katrina disappear and get married?
-Submitted by Bill
Bill, Eugene and Katrina disappeared
from a time in Odyssey where tension began to build and Novacom
became a pesky weed that couldn't be uprooted. You'll find Eugene
and Katrina Meltsner's spur-of-the-moment wedding in
Plan B: Missing in
Action, and their "officially" crazy ceremony in
For Better or For Worse. We couldn't ask for a better wedding
ceremony. And Brandon did such a good job marrying the two at
Katrina's father's bedside. How romantic!
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
(BEEPS SPEED UP)
(BEEPS SLOW DOWN)
(BEEPS SPEED UP)
(BEE---EEE---EEE---PPP).
Oops. Lost Armitage!
In the new
Adventures in Odyssey series I miss some of the old characters,
such as: Lucy Cunningham Shultz, Richard Maxwell, Edwin Blackgaard,
The Bones of Wrath, and the Israelites. Could you please put them in
the new Adventures in Odyssey episodes? -Submitted by
Charis
Hello, Charis, I'm so
glad that you miss the old Odyssey characters. I do as well, though
they're never coming back. Lucy is long gone, Richard Maxwell
(well, there is a possibility with him, but no rhyme or reason),
Edwin Blackgaard is still around (just not in very many episodes),
the Bones of Wrath are still around but only mentioned, and the
Israelites are far, far away from Odyssey.
So who's left? Jimmy
Barclay is the only kid from the past who has appeared in newer
shows, such as Living
in the Gray, Part. I can see Jimmy coming back every now and
then. I think it's safe to say that we're dying to hear from Donna
and Mary Barclay still.
Sorry, Charis, most of
the old characters are not coming back.
Can you make a list
of the main kids in Adventures in Odyssey? Like once it was
Lucy and then it was Mandy. Can you like put the kids under the
season/year? -Submitted by Amanda (AIO Freak)
So... do people call
you a freak when they see you absorbing Adventures in Odyssey
episodes? I bet you must be so embarrassed. Actually, no, I know
you're not. It's a very trendy name, by the way. Consequently,
Amanda, that sounds like a project that would take a vast amount of
time. It's one of those projects that seems a bit tedious,
un-inspirational, and bland. It's also something I've been wanting
to do ever since the site opened in 2000. It seems to be one of the
only things that is missing from the Scoop. The Scoop's got
everything, but it doesn't have a lot of information about the
characters themselves. I plan on getting around to it, but I'll do
that when I get a round TUIT.
Uh oh. It looks like
I'm out of excuses now.
At the end of every
AIO show, Chris always says something like, "What did you think of
today's show? Why don't you write and tell me about it? My address
is..." [and then gives it, that address that is ingrained into every
AIO listener's brain]. But, does she actually read the letters? If I
want to ask one of the actors a question, do they ever read it or
answer? -Submitted by Esther
Chris does say that a
lot. And, it's sad to say, but Chris doesn't read a majority of the
letters submitted to her. Instead, Focus on the Family
correspondence takes care of the letter writing. The AIO team
actually sifts through every letter individually to see what fans
are saying about the show. That way, they can make decisions about
the events in the Odyssey's citizens' lives. I'm sure Chris has read
many letters from fans, but she is is not physically able to read
them all herself.
FOTF does a good job
with what they've got though. So keep writing. The team reads your
letters!
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