Episode
Reviewed:
When You're Right, You're
Right (661)
Writers: Kirby Atkins, Paul McCusker
Director: Dave Arnold
Sound Designer:
Nathan Jones
Music:
Tim Hossman
Theme: Pride
Original
Airdate: 4/17/10
Rating (out of 5):
Episode
Summary
Emily Jones is usually right about everything
from solving mysteries to cooking chili. But when she decides to
try her hand at matchmaking for her brother Barrett, the singing
card she creates may have disastrous consequences. Will Emily
have to face a situation where she could be...wrong?
The Review
Apparently, the
Jones family is all about their chili. Chili with the right amount of
seasoning… trying to get the perfect tortilla chip crunch factor in there...
In fact, I think we learned so much about the Jones' love for chili that we
now have the recipe for the perfect bowl of chili. Other than that, I think
we have a recipe for one very long first scene of
When You're Right, You're
Right.
Consequently, I think the first scene exists mainly to show listeners that Emily
Jones is a very blunt person and likes to have things her way. Yet, perhaps the
scene is so descriptive about the chili-making process that listeners easily
lose interest. The scene feels a bit forced. The listeners don't want to listen to
Emily explain to her father how bad his chili is and what he can do to make it
better. If that were the case, I think we'd tune in to America's Test Kitchen
or some other cooking show. Besides, I'm sure they probably have a really
good chili recipe, too. When you try to tie the opening scene with the rest of
the show, it feels a little out of place… especially since most of the story is
about Matthew and Emily making a birthday card for Barrett's love interest. Who
knew?
As for
the story itself, the plot is so basic it is difficult to get through the story
without feeling that you're in the slow lane and the other episodes are speeding
past you in the fast lane. I think that due to the fact that the plot structure
is weak, listeners get a little lost when trying to figure out the point of the
episode. On the other hand, the slice-of-life feel of the show gives the show a
lot of meaning and keeps you listening regardless of the weaknesses in the
script.
Emily
Jones was described as being a "blunt" person. I tend to believe her character
is borderline disrespectful in that she mutters things that can be taken as
insults and then says "Nothing" when her dad wants to know what she said. It's
rude and she comes across as a snob. However, I like Emily's personality. If the
writers focus on her personality and remove the snobbish behavior, then things will be in good shape. Actress Christina Puccelli contributes to that somewhat
snobbish Emily Jones, but I'm sure she will be able to fine-tune the character
and make her more loveable. As it stands now, it seems that very few fans like
Emily's voice.
I must
say, sound designer Nate Jones did a wonderful job creating the sound effects
featured in the first scene. The sounds of the bubbling chili on the stove, the
slurps of the characters tasting the food, and even the outdoor elements in
certain scenes filled out the episode well. Focus has always been thorough and
strives for audio perfection.
Musically, Tim Hossman used a calm style of music to help listeners cruise
through the story. I feel that he did a pretty good job, though in some places
the music feels like it's a bit too much when it isn't necessary (for example:
in one scene Matthew has an idea and music that sounds like someone having an
idea complements the dialogue). Overall, I like Tim's style of music and hope to
hear from him again in future episodes.
Rating
In conclusion,
When You're Right, You're
Right
teaches a valuable lesson, coupled with a sound design wonder. Chris's wrap
at the end is much more thorough than usual, with plenty of scripture to
drive the theme home. This episode isn't exactly the most memorable, so I
give
When You're Right, You're
Right 3
out of 5 stars.
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