"Two for the Money"
Written By: Broadcast
I'm not even going to try and wonder if Wooton was actually conducting a train at the beginning of today's program.
First and Foremost, I didn't have a major problem with this episode, though, nor did I feel the need to praise it. This episode had a laid back feel, which, made you simply enjoy it for what it was. Overall, it was a nice-slice of life episode.
The first question on everyone's mind prior the episode was who on earth this "Poor Rich Guy" would be? Most fans narrowed it down to either Wooton or Whit, and, pleasantly, both were the poor rich men. It's interesting how Torry Martin tied in the next chapter of Wooton's Power-Boy Secret in this manner. Even more interesting, was the rather stupid question if both he and Whit would eventually go to heaven. As a matter of fact, there was much originality in this episode. However, the biggest highlight of this episode had to be they way they portrayed the moral. Recently, fans have been a little insistent on having a clear theme for every episode. This was one of those episodes where the eventual and absolute goal was to teach a theme, and have the character storylines come 2nd, instead of it being vice-versa (which is what it has recently been). Chris's wrap-up was also quite different, which made me feel silly for not paying attention to the verse she gave—realizing that the verse she was quoting made no sense whatsoever.
I am usually pleased to hear both Marvin and Tamika back on the show. In fact, I'm happy to hear any kid on the show—because, rule #1: The more they appear, the higher chance that they'll be a classic character in the end.
Both Washington children seemed to have grown up way to fast which—and I say this again—is a shame because I feel we didn't hear enough potentially good episodes when they were young. I'm still a little undecided whether I'm a fan of Tamika, however, this does not apply to Marvin. Marvin, I dare say, has become a fantastic Odyssey character. He's very humorous—causing me to chuckle at many of his lines. His cool-sarcastic dialogue is a nice change of pace from the insecure Marvin we first met in "The American Revelation". He's no Jimmy—but is fast to becoming one.
My criticisms for Marvin and Tamika in today's episode can simply be copied and pasted from my other review; "The Business for Busyness". I don't think that the writers are realizing that both Marvin and Tamika have grown up. They're pasting them into silly storylines with the intelligence of two 6-year-olds. Having them run around calling Universal-Press and asking people about camels in the eyes of needles certainly does not fit well with the either of them—considering their age. Even though the verse could've confused anyone their age, it's they way they handled finding the answer that was immature.
Luckily, Grady's misinterpretation of the verse made a lot more sense. He's young enough not to have big enough common sense, and he's extremely new to the Christian Faith. Speaking of which, Grady seems to be Wooton's new sidekick—which helped tie in nicely with "Tuesdays with Wooton". Conveniently, they even finished up the tree house they started back in that episode. The music in this program was also nice. It was fresh and un-used.
In Conclusion, this episode was a nice change of pace from the recent Eugene-centered episodes. It makes an okay addition to the series, and portrays its theme perfectly, yet, obviously.
Oh yes, and I especially enjoyed the mention of Paul Herlinger as Whit in Chris' wrap-up. It's about time he got the spotlight.