Daniel
Pippenger
http://depip2007.blogspot.com
March 25, 2008
How long have you been a fan of Adventures in Odyssey?
In 1995, I
received the number 18 compilation album, "A Time of Discovery," as one of my
presents. I have collected a number of albums since then, primarily from the
series' first ten years.
What is your favorite episode of all time?
"The Battle." This
establishes the major prevailing conflict during the early years of the series:
John Avery Whittaker and friends against Dr. Regis Blackgaard and his cronies.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz is my all-time favorite character on the series, and
this episode is undoubtedly one of her best performances.
What is your favorite AIO web site?
It's actually a
tie between this site and Focus on the Family's "Whit's End." Both provide
in-depth information on some topics more than others.
If you could meet one actor, who would you meet and why?
Of all the cast
members of Adventures in Odyssey, I would like to meet Donald and Genni
Long (Jack Davis and Lucy Cunningham-Schultz). As I mentioned earlier, Lucy is
my favorite character; and Donald and Genni were best friends for so long that
it only seems appropriate that this friendship culminated in a wonderful
marriage. Also, I wrote a letter to Genni Long through Focus on the Family in
1998 while she and her husband were doing their missionary work in Thailand, and
she actually sent a response! With that said, I would like it very much if I
could meet both Donald and Genni in person.
Which character do you resemble the most and why?
Probably Eugene,
because he is very intelligent like me. He's also very talkative and usually
goes in-depth when he tries to explain something.
Who is your favorite character and why?
Lucy! She is the
journalist in the early days of the series and is very outspoken about her
beliefs, fighting to stand up for the truth to the bitter end. She also has had
a number of good episodes such as "Choices," "The Mysterious Stranger," "It
Takes Integrity," and my all-time favorite, "The Battle." It is because of
Lucy's character that Adventures in Odyssey became one of the key reasons
that I am currently pursuing a career in radio or television.
In your opinion, what do I need to change about my website?
I'd say very
little. Probably try adding softer, more vibrant color.
If you could change anything about AIO, what would it be and why?
The one thing that
I never liked about "Adventures in Odyssey" is, most unfortunately, the theme
song. I would make it a little less whimsical, less repetitive, and a lot more
adventurous--like an overture. Such a theme would sound more like what
"Adventures in Odyssey" really is. (My apologies to John Campbell.)
How do you imagine Whit's End and the town of Odyssey?
It's very
difficult to describe because there are so many aspects of Odyssey. Two things
that I do visualize is that the town bell tower is in the middle, and that
Whit's End faces east, toward the sunrise. I would also picture Blackgaard's
Castle (now the Electric Palace) and Whit's End facing each other, emphasizing
the conflict and competition between the two.
If you had your own AIO site, what would you put on it?
I would include
the devotional thoughts and tidbits about each episode, which plot lines are
represented, interesting side notes, and as complete a cast listing as possible
for each episode.
What is your favorite section of
whitsend.org?
The episode
listings. They are shown by year, and you can see the plot lines of each episode
in the order in which they were aired.
What is your favorite section of the Odyssey Scoop, my site?
The cast listings,
because you get to know more about the people who are actively involved with
Adventures in Odyssey (not only the writers and producers, but also the
actors and actresses).
Do you have any comments or questions?
Adventures in
Odyssey has truly been an inspiration in my life, and I hope it will be in
yours because it teaches valuable life lessons with every episode. I hope you
will be encouraged by them as I have.
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