Have you ever heard of The Case of the Mysterious Message, written by Marshal Younger, in which Cal Jordan, Sarah Prachett, Connie and Eugene attempt to discover the secret behind a strange letter? What about The Mystery of the Hooded Horseman, written by John Fornof, where Whit, Sarah Prachett and Jared DeWhite get trapped in the Imagination Station? These books were both released over ten years ago, in May 2002, but haven't seen much life since. Recently the original Odyssey novels, the Kidsboro series and the Passages series have all been re-released as omni-books. The Mysteries in Odyssey series, however, has gone out of print and is currently not available for purchase from Focus on the Family. That's why we've created this new AIO Update poll question for Adventures in Odyssey fans. Do you think the Mysteries in Odyssey book series should finally be re-released? Let us know your opinion when you vote here.
The next Adventures in Odyssey episode review from the AIO Update is A Matter of Obedience from Album 4: The FUN-damentals. In this episode a young Tom Riley and his sister are given the job of taking medicine to a sick woman, but Tom has trouble following his father's specific instructions for the journey. You can read our episode review below. This next editorial from the AIO Update is a little different from the ones we've released in the past. It is called Mistaken for Gandalf. It deals with the similarities that exist between Mr. Whittaker from Adventures in Odyssey and the character Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. If you are familiar with both topics, you may find this editorial an interesting read. After you've done that, don't forget to give it a rating out of 10. You can also submit suggestions for future editorials. We've closed our 14th poll question and tallied the final results. In the poll we asked Adventures in Odyssey fans what their favorite Barclay family vacation episode was. There were five options and the majority of participants agreed that Aloha, Oy! is their favorite one. The three-part episode Aloha, Oy! was first aired in 1994 and can be found on Album 19: Passport to Adventure. It is a classic show and features not only the Barclay family on vacation in Hawaii, but also Lawrence Hodges and the Rathbones who tag along on the trip. In second place in the poll came The Barclay Family Ski Vacation with 27.27% of the votes. This episode has the Barclays going to a cold place instead of a hot one and you'll find it included on Album 7: On Thin Ice. What's interesting to note is that both of these top-rated episodes feature in them the possibility that someone might have a crush on Donna Barclay. In The Barclay Family Ski Vacation, Donna hopes that her ski instructor Robb likes her, and in Aloha, Oy!, the obnoxious bully Rodney Rathbone has a crush on her. Of course, Donna has had other love interests. In Album 13's Modesty is the Best Policy she goes out with Jack Davis. And then in the Album 23 episode Preacher's Kid she almost goes out with Eric Myers. How did Donna's future turn out? Since her last appearance was on Album 31 in the episode It's a Pokenberry Christmas, we have yet to find out. Maybe the Barclay family will show up again in the future. Thanks so much to everyone who voted in our poll. We will be posting a new poll question soon. Meanwhile, you can make your own poll suggestions. As you may know, The Whit's End Podcast has already reported that Album 58: The Ties That Bind will have 14 episodes instead of the usual 12. But there was still some uncertainty as to whether these extra two episodes would only be available digitally for download or if they would also be included on the physical CDs. But today the AIO Update has received word from Focus on the Family that the Album 58 CD set to be released this fall will indeed make room for all 14 of this season's episodes. They also said "the episodes will explore family themes and have a connected story arc." Stay tuned for upcoming Adventures in Odyssey news updates. On today's edition of the Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast, hosts Bob and Jesse interview actor Steve Eastin, the voice of Red Hollard. As you can see from the image to the left, artist Gary Locke has now completed artwork for the character of Red. Red Hollard first appeared on Album 51 and most recently appeared in the four part episode "Sergeant York" on Album 55. Listen as Steve shares stories from his acting life, from his birth in a fatal car accident, to his movie career, to voicing Odyssey's locksmith and handyman. He also talks about his appearances on Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons and much more. Plus, hear a preview of the next episode from the Odyssey Adventure Club, "Like a Good Neighbor." You can listen to the podcast here. Today's Adventures in Odyssey episode review from the AIO Update is of The Prodigal, Jimmy from Album 4: The FUN-damentals. In this episode Jimmy Barclay decides that he has had it with the rules around his house and abandons his chores to spend an afternoon at the arcade. You can read our episode review below. The Odyssey Scoop has just launched a new contest where the winners will receive an Adventures in Odyssey album of their choice. All you have to do is pick the correct door you think the town of Odyssey lies behind. This is a time-sensitive contest and the limited prizes will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can enter even if you live outside the United States. Hurry over to the Odyssey Scoop to find out all the contest details. The AIO Facebook page has announced that the second Candid Conversations with Connie book will be released in 2015. They have also revealed a piece of artwork by Gary Locke which will be featured in this upcoming addition to the series. Last March we reported that Candid Conversations with Connie: Volume 1 was set to be released in October 2014. It will be "a girl's guide to growing up" and feature the character of Connie Kendall answering questions and offering advice. Whitsend.org has launched a new contest where winners will receive the first two volumes of Wooton's Whirled History (A Blend of Bravery and A Mix of Melody Makers), a bag of licorice, and the second devotional book featuring Super Average Boy called Devotions for Super Average Kids. This book deals with texting, cyberbullying, handling homework, the importance of reading, finding a mentor, curfew, confidence, overscheduling, preparing to serve God as an adult, conflict resolution, and more. To enter this contest you need to take Wooton with you on vacation and snap a creative photo of Wooton visiting a local landmark. Only residents of the US can enter. Find out all the details here. |