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.
 

 

More Information


Back to Reviews

Site Map | Legal Stuff | Privacy Policy | Link to Us | Contact

         
©2000-2020 The Odyssey Scoop. Adventures in Odyssey is a registered trademark of Focus on the Family.