Episode Reviewed:
The
Taming of the Two (528)
Writer: Nathan
Hoobler
Director: Nathan
Hoobler
Production
Engineer: Jonathan
Crowe
Music
Composer: John
Campbell
Original
Airdate: 10/11/03
Rating
(Out of 5 cones): 
|
The
Taming of the Two
[Episode
Info]
Episode
Summary:
Bart Rathbone has a
proposal for Edwin Blackgaard...become the voice of the Electric
Palace! But Edwin would rather pull his toenails out than agree to
such a thing. Where will Bart turn for help?
Theme:
Teamwork
|
“I
don't know nothin' about Shakespeare, 'cept that stuff I found on a cereal
box.”
[Bart
Rathbone]
The
Review
As
the third episode of the new season, The
Taming of the Two took a new twist. There was a bit of fun-to-listen-to
arguing, a little humor, and a more rounded side of Nick Mulligan. I found
this episode to be quite entertaining, and Nathan Hoobler sure did a good
job of pulling this one off.
It's
interesting to point out that this episode was written around an audition,
and the guy who wrote it also made his directorial debut on Adventures in
Odyssey. It's interesting to see how episodes are put together in
regards to the work of directors. In some episodes the acting just isn't
right and that sets off the storyline. However, that isn't the case with
The
Taming of the Two. Nathan Hoobler seems to be very alert of what good
acting is, and when someone messes up, it's probably important to him that
it's done perfectly. I was surprised at how well this episode was done,
considering Nathan hadn't directed before.
When
I heard Malcolm Lear talk for the first time as he entered the Electric
Palace, I reacted negatively. I thought something like, "Oh no... two
Edwin Blackgaard's in Odyssey," but as the episode built up, Malcolm
was quite an astonishing character. He has a bit of an arguing streak, but
that makes the episode all the more exciting. His never-ending arguments
with Edwin Blackgaard were a real hoot, and it was fun to get to know
Edwin's more selfish side.
"I've
been experiencing a decline in thoughts of negativity this season, and
the episode I just heard invites me to recline and listen again."
Seeing
a more human side of Bart Rathbone was a different approach as well. Bart
isn't portrayed as the bad guy in this show and it's good to see that Bart
can be normal at times. I mentioned earlier that we got to see a more
rounded side of Nick Mulligan. He and Xavier made for a nice pairing as
friends in this episode because I was getting the impression that Xavier
would be one of the outcasts of Odyssey; in other words, the one who is just
there, no friends to hang out with. Their renditions of Shakespeare's work
and Whit's guidance made for a nice combination. At the end when he is at a
last resort as he chooses Nick and Xavier to be his commercial voices, I
chuckled at the thought of it. After all, they are sophisticated-like,
aren't they?
The
moral of this episode was rather basic, though an important one. I like the
"Edwin-ized" music that John Campbell tends to use whenever Edwin
shows up in an episode. It gives me the feeling that something humorous will
happen and it's perfect for Harlequin Theatre listening.
I've
been experiencing a decline in thoughts of negativity this season, and the
episode I just heard invites me to recline and listen again.
The
Rating
All
in all, a very good episode. Nathan Hoobler wins again!
I give The
Taming of the Two
4 and 1/2 out of 5 cones.
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