CoralFish107

 

How long have you been a fan of Adventures in Odyssey?

I think I have been an honest-to-goodness "AIO fan" since 2000. I have to credit my friends for actually forcing me to listen (I wasn't really a fan of radio drama at the time....apart for those old Sherlock Holmes radio broadcasts...but that really isn't what I am here to talk about, right?) Anyways, I suppose you could say that I have been a fan for about three years now, and even though I most likely started listening later than most, that's what is so wonderful about Odyssey! It appeals to younger children, and older ones (like myself) and of course, adults. That is really a wonderful ability for a radio drama to have. I now have 15 albums, and am continuing to add to my collection!

 

What is your favorite episode of all time?

I would have to say that my favorite episode is "Gone". I don't think I would be able to offer a specific reason as to why that is, I just feel that it has a certain quality to it, that seems so amazing. the acting is terrific, and the ending is marvelous. It is also, in a way, the ending of an era in Odyssey, the transition from the "old" to the "new" Mr. Whittaker as it were. The episode, to me, has a level of emotion and feeling to it that is outstanding, and genuine. Again, that is a vague answer, but I suppose that is one of the reasons I will probably never be a professional writer!

 

What is your favorite AIO web site?

Oh, the Scoop...definitely. :) Well, actually, if I must admit to it, I have never really perused either the Scoop OR AIOHQ in any great detail, but I must say, I do like the new design. Both sites are really great! (coming from an amateur standpoint, that is).

 

If you could meet one actor, who would you meet and why? 

Most likely Hal Smith. His talent is amazing, and in my opinion, he is more or less a legend in Odyssey and elsewhere. When I heard about his other credits and work, not only for Adventures in Odyssey, I thought it would be a unique experience to meet someone who has been such a big part in the early Odyssey episodes. I think he must have been a truly talented man.

 

Which character do you resemble the most and why?

If you really want to know, I think I most resemble the character of Jack Allen. Of course, I am not that old, and of course I know absolutely nothing about antiques...but nevertheless it is to his overall behavior that I was referring. more specifically his desire to stay out of the limelight, and his desire to prevent conflicts or a "stir" (for lack of a better word). To me, he seems a fairly laid-back character who seems to be content as an observer of the activities of others, and offering occasional advice when requested to do so. He occasionally seems to lack the initiative to take drastic steps or make changes. As this is not a character analysis, but rather a question (to which I answered some time ago), it is not really necessary for me to continue this further, but the above character traits, are things I see in my own behavior at times, and that is most likely why the character of Jack Allen came to mind.

 

Who is your favorite character and why?

Definitely Eugene. Something that stands out in my mind is what someone (and unfortunately I cannot remember whom) said. In whatever they were saying, they briefly mentioned that Eugene had "loads of character" ,and that too me is the best description that I can come up with. He has so many different sides, and through the character of Eugene the listeners get a taste of so many different themes e.g. Comedy, Drama, Love, Salvation, Perseverance, and more. When a character can provide so many different elements to the plot, the result is grand. Therefore, I think it would be truly unfortunate, nay, terrible if Odyssey sees no more of Eugene Meltsner in the episodes to come. And Harlow Doyle? Well....let's say that I haven`t started missing him yet. :)

 

In your opinion, what do I need to change about my website?

Well, as I said earlier, I no expert on the art of web design, so I am going to leave that up to the webmaster and those knowledgeable enough to make intelligent suggestions to decide what the best changes should be. Did that make any sense? Hmmm...I didn't think so!

 

If you could change anything about AIO, what would it be and why? 

Fewer episodes with Wooton (that seems to be the popular refrain these days!) but I fear that the writers may be overusing his character (just a bit). Also, I would probably abolish split episodes (assuming that to make changes, I would be in a position of some authority), and finally I would make sure that there is more continuity in the lives of the kids in Odyssey. it seemed to work for Jimmy Barclay, so I think it would be a fairly good idea. Excluding all the technicalities involving actor/actress availability etc. the children in Odyssey need to remain on the program long enough for the listeners to become familiar with the characters. Without that, I think the show looses some of it's personal qualities.

 

How do you imagine Whit's End and the town of Odyssey?

I think Odyssey is somewhere in Ohio. It just seems right. As for what the town is like? I have a vague idea of it as being a small to mid-size, somewhat antiquated town wit ha fairly small population and one of those older main streets with the newer suburbs branching outward from it. Whit's End (being an older building) I would imagine being somewhere in the busier section of the town, and most definitely on a hill. As to why I think that, I have absolutely no idea....

 

If you had your own AIO site, what would you put on it?

I would have absolutely no idea how to even begin to make an AIO site (for reasons now mentioned twice) , but if by some unexplicable occurrence, I did it would most likely contain essentially the same things that are now available at the Scoop and AIOHQ, maybe in a different format. Sorry, I am not much for ideas in this respect!

 

What is your favorite section of whitsend.org?

Kids Radio. Definitely. After all, you can't top listening to all the latest episodes before they are released! (especially with the new season and all). I only wish that they would update it a bit more, but that is a completely different subject....

 

What is your favorite section of the Odyssey Scoop, my site? 

The contests, (I thought the "Eugene-Speak Contest in particular was quite funny!) and probably secondly the reviews. I know this is not a two part-question ,but they are both great. I find it particularly fun to find out (in the reviews section what 20 or so different people all think of the same episode. I find that interesting. Although, as I mentioned before, I really have not visited enough to become terribly familiar with all the features of this site, but I am sure that they are great!

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