Episode Reviewed:
BTV: Behind the Scenes (515)
Writer:
Nathan Hoobler & John Fornof
Director:
Marshal Younger
Production Engineer:
Jonathan Crowe
Original Airdate: 5/03/03
Rating (Out of 5 cones): 
|
BTV: Behind the Scenes
[Episode Info]
Episode Summary: Alex Jefferson turns a microphone on
the BTV crew to see what happens behind the scenes of the popular
show.
Theme:
Unity, working together (Psalm 133, I Corinthians 12)
|
“We’ve
been doing this show for a long time. We know what we’re doing. We’re
professionals.”
[Bernard Walton]
The Review
This is probably one of the most interesting BTV episodes I’ve heard in a
long time. The fact that it was a behind the scenes look at the production
of BTV made it a lot more interesting than actually “watching” (can you call
it that if you’re only listening?) the show. Maybe I’m so pleased with this
episode because Nathan Hoobler wrote it? I’ve heard several Nathan Hoobler
episodes and I think this one takes second place on his list of shows. The
first was The Triangle,
which was adapted into a behind-the-scenes article (read
it here). Interestingly,
BTV: Behind the Scenes was also adapted into a behind-the-scenes
article as well (read it here).
BTV: Behind the Scenes is a very captivating episode. Unity made
for a perfect theme in this show because the characters were not practicing
unity as they taught lessons about unity. As I read in Nathan’s article on
this site, the theme for the episode ended up being unity and worked out
perfectly. Boy, am I pleased that they did the topic of unity!
Speaking of unity, I
thoroughly enjoyed hearing the disorganization of the characters as they
scurried to and fro, trying to get into place and make sure everything was
going exactly as planned. Towards the end when Bernard talked about unity, I
chuckled to myself when I heard whispers going on in the studio, attempting
to put out a fire. I really like how Nathan Hoobler thinks. Maybe I should
tell him to put more odd things on his PalmPilot?
And now we come to a
hard part for me. In recent episodes, Alex Jefferson has become well-known
around Odyssey for his sarcastic behavior and generally nice attitude. He
was introduced in The
Eternal Birthday
and has long changed since then. That’s why I’m so sad to hear him in
BTV: Behind the Scenes. It’s his last appearance. He will not be
returning. That is disturbing news for a fan like me. Alex was my absolute
favorite character in this era, and his departure will leave an empty
microphone on the show, or at least in my brain. Even seeing his cousin Cal
leave the show got to me as well. I don’t like change. I don’t like constant
new characters. I like it the way I like it. Good thing Alex had the
opportunity to say at the end, “This is Alex Jefferson, signing off.” It
puts some closure to a melancholy realization.
Going back to unity for
just a moment, I can just imagine all the unity necessary to put this show
together. Word has it that this show was a tough one to create. The actors
were really put to a test with their parts and the writing of this episode
took more than one person.
Mr. Feldstein was a real hoot. It was obnoxious to listen to him for more
than ten seconds, but I can put up with the guy if I have to. I’m glad that
AIO (or Nathan Hoobler at least) tries to tie people and places from the
past together to make the series look like it connects. I really like it
when AIO does that. It adds more value to the individual episodes themselves
rather than thinking they’re just a one time thing that the characters will
forget about years later.
The Rating
Great music (though not much of it, nor
necessary), sound design was wonderful, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy
this episode.
I give
BTV: Behind the Scenes
5 out of 5 cones.
Back to Reviews
